The New Testament in Its World

I am recommending this book because of its breadth and depth. At 960 pages long it covers a wide range of many different topics but part II is particularly helpful but it explores the history, literature, and ideas of the first century—both Jewish and Graeco-Roman—if you want an in-depth study to open up the New Testament world, this is what you need. It isn’t short but it is accessible and well worth reading for anyone who is serious about getting into the world of the New Testament. 

A one-stop shopping introductory textbook that covers every angle. I use it for MA students who can only take one semester of New Testament studies, but it is designed for upper-division undergraduates as well. This multi-color work is filled with stunning photography, helpful charts and diagrams, fascinating sidebars, goals for reading each chapter and questions for review. Oxford-based Wright may be the world’s leading New Testament scholar and Bird is a prolific Australian with a great sense of humor. Both are good friends and Christians with integrity.