An Introduction to the New Testament (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Steffens, Henrich Wisner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1440037418 ISBN 13: 9781440037412

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

How scholars trace the roots of the New Testament

This study surveys how authorship, dating, and the formation of the canon were mapped by early scholars and later critics. It explains the kinds of evidence used and the debates that shaped our understanding of the text.

From examining how ancient manuscripts, church usage, and patristic writings influenced what was accepted as scripture, to weighing the impact of later editorial work, this book offers a clear, evidence‑based look at how the New Testament came together. It highlights the tension between traditional attributions and modern critical findings, laying out the historical methods behind the canon’s making.

The work traces how dates for key writings were established, how perspectives on authorship evolved, and how these factors affected the canon’s formation. It also situates major works like Hebrews and the Johannine writings within broader scholarly debates of its time, while outlining the indirect evidence researchers rely on today.

• Learn how dates of N.T. writings are estimated and why those dates matter
• See how scholars assess authorship and how that changes the perceived authority of texts
• Understand the role of external evidence in shaping canonicity
• Explore the historical context and the evolution of critical methods

Ideal for readers of biblical scholarship, history of religion, and theology who want a grounded, methodical look at how the New Testament came to be.

The Origins of the New Testament: How scholars trace authorship, dating, and the formation of the canon

About this title

Product Description

Even the mere outline, which alone is pos sible in the narrowly prescribed space, might be made fairly complete if technical terminology, abbreviation, and the presuppositions admissible among experts were allowable. But to be easy and readable in a tenth of the space required and, at the same time, convey a true impression, is difficult. One must watch and pray not to tell half-truths. Nor can one, even so, be content merely to revamp for a different circle what is familiar to scholars in the great treatises. I have not been deterred from presenting views which are peculiar to myself when these seemed best to set forth the results toward which critical science is tending, by the consciousness that adequate presentation of my reasons is precluded. Scholars will recognise what is new. If valuable, they will adopt it; if disapproved, they will bring it into the arena of debate, where opportunity will be given for completer discussion. In the writings which name their authors, independent study has led me to results more conservative than those of leading critics.
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.

Forgotten Books' Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the aged text. Read books online for free at www.forgottenbooks.org

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440037418
• ISBN 13: 9781440037412
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 311