Engaging the Christian Scriptures – An Introduction to the Bible

Andrew E. Arterbury (PhD, Baylor University) is professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas.W. H. Bellinger Jr. (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of religion emeritus at Baylor University.Derek S. Dodson (PhD, Baylor University) is senior lecturer in religion at Baylor University.

• Contents1. Places to BeginWhy Read the Bible?How Did We Get the Bible?How Shall We Read the Bible?Suggested ReadingPart One: The Old Testament2. PentateuchThe Old Testament WorldPrimeval HistoryAncestral StoriesThe Composition of the PentateuchExodus and CovenantSojourn in the WildernessTheological Reflection: Creation and CovenantSuggested Reading3. Former and Latter ProphetsHistorical and Social Contexts of the ProphetsSettlement in the LandMovement to MonarchyThe Latter ProphetsExile and BeyondTheological Reflection: Crises of Monarchy and ExileSuggested Reading4. WritingsThe Context of the WritingsThe PsalmsThe Wisdom BooksDanielThe Five ScrollsTheological Reflection: Faith and CultureSuggested ReadingPart Two: The New Testament5. Between the TestamentsSociohistorical DevelopmentsJewish Beliefs and Religious Practices in AntiquityGreek and Roman Beliefs and Religious Practices in AntiquitySuggested Reading6. The Gospels and the Acts of the ApostlesThe World of the GospelsThe Genre and Literary Tradition of the GospelThe Gospel according to MarkThe Gospel according to MatthewThe Gospel according to LukeThe Gospel according to JohnThe Acts of the ApostlesTheological Reflection: Unity and DiversitySuggested Reading7. Paul and the Pauline TraditionPaul's Life, Ministry, and LettersThe First Letter of Paul to the ThessaloniansThe Letter of Paul to the GalatiansThe First Letter of Paul to the CorinthiansThe Second Letter of Paul to the CorinthiansThe Letter of Paul to the RomansThe Letter of Paul to the PhilippiansThe Letter of Paul to PhilemonThe Pauline TraditionTheological Reflection: The Contours of Paul's TheologySuggested Reading8. The General Letters and RevelationThe World of Early ChristiansThe Letter to the HebrewsThe Letter of JamesThe First Letter of PeterThe Second Letter of Peter and the Letter of JudeThe Johannine LettersThe Revelation to JohnTheological Reflection: A Fitting ConclusionSuggested ReadingConclusion: Overarching Story of the Christian ScripturesGlossaryIndexes