The World of the New Testament: Encountering Texts in Context

The World of the New Testament is a concise, up-to-date textbook on the historical, literary, social, and religious world(s) in which the New Testament writings were produced. A study tool for students of biblical studies, theology, and religious studies, the volume gives an overview of pertinent information needed to understand the various worldviews of New Testament writings, as well as guidance and resources for more in-depth study.

This collaborative work synthesizes into individual chapters the work of experts in their respective fields. Each chapter of the book is designed to stand alone, allowing for individual use. Alternatively, the book can be read in its entirety for a comprehensive understanding. In a classroom setting, instructors may choose to assign the entire textbook for reading or utilize it as a resource to prepare seminar sessions introducing students to the world of New Testament writings.

Tobias Nicklas is a professor of New Testament studies and director of the Centre for Advanced Studies "Beyond Canon" at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He is research associate in the Department of New Testament at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, and adjunct ordinary professor at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.