Description
The writing of John Gresham Machen (1881–1937) was characterized by clarity of thought, depth of scholarship, and an evident passion for the message of the Bible. It is a mark of his peculiar gifts that none of these features is lacking in these chapters of New Testament Introduction, which forms a valuable part of Machen’s witness to the integrity, magnificence, and plenitude of the writings that constitute the New Testament.
In plain yet graphic fashion, the New Testament is introduced here without its message being relegated to a position of secondary importance. The groundwork of history and geography, biography, and interpretation, is covered thoroughly, and yet in a manner uncluttered by references to innumerable scholars, and in a warmly vibrant style. Those beginning to study the New Testament will find this an invaluable guide, while mature students will discover it to be stimulating and penetrating to an unusual degree. This is a popular work in the best sense, and may be used for both private and group study.
Table of Contents
Introduction 9
The Historical Background of Christianity
1. The New Testament 13
2. The Roman Background of Christianity 20
3. The Greek Background of Christianity 27
4. The Jewish Background of Christianity: 1. Palestinian Judaism 33
5. The Jewish Background of Christianity: 2. The Judaism of the Dispersion 39
6. The Messiah 44
The Early History of Christianity
7. The Book of The Acts 51
8. The Cross and the Resurrection as the Foundation of Apostolic Preaching 57
9. The Beginnings of the Christian Church 63
10. The First Persecution 69
11. The First Gentile Converts 74
12. The Conversion of Paul 78
13. The Church at Antioch 84
Christianity Established Among the Gentiles
14. The Gospel to the Gentiles 91
15. The Council at Jerusalem 97
16. The Gospel Carried into Europe 103
The Principles and Practice of the Gospel
17. Encouragement for New Converts 115
18. The Conflict with the Judaizers 122
19. Problems of a Gentile Church 131
20. The Apostle and his Ministry 138
21. The Gospel of Salvation 147
22. Paul’s Journey to Rome 154
23. The Supremacy of Christ 159
24. The Church of Christ 167
25. Christ and his Followers 173
26. Training New Leaders 180
The Presentation and Defence of Christianity
27. A Presentation of Jesus to Jewish Christians 191
28. A Graphic Sketch of the Life of Jesus 198
29. A Greek Historian’s Account of Jesus 205
30. The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple 215
31. The Jesus of the Gospels 226
32. A Document of the Jerusalem Church 233
33. Jesus the Fulfilment of the Old Testament 242
34. Christian Fortitude 249
35. The Christian’s Attitude towards Error and Immorality 256
36. The Life of the Children of God 264
37. The Messages of the Living Christ 270
38. A Vision of the Fina Triumph 280
39. Review 285
The Apostolic Church and the Church of Today
40. The Church and the World 293
41. The Christian Message 305
42. The Word and the Sacraments 311
43. Prayer 319
44. The Congregation 330
45. The Relief of the Needy 338
46. Organizing for Service 347
47. A Mission for the World 354
48. The Christian Ideal of Personal Morality 359
49. Christianity and Human Relationships 366
50. The Christian Use of the Intellect 373
51. The Christian Hope and the Present Possession 379
52. Retrospect: The First Christian Century 385
Product Details
Title: The New Testament: An Introduction to its Literature and History
Author: J. Gresham Machen
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Pages: 392
Binding: Hardcover Cloth-bound
Size: 22.0 x 14.2 x 2.8 cm
ISBN: 9780851512402