The New Testament is a major part of the Christian Biblical Canon and one of the most influential works in history. Exploring first century Christiany, The New Testament is a key text in many areas of study, but without an awareness of the historical, cultural, social and intellectual context of Early Christianity, it can be difficult for modern day readers to fully understand what the authors were trying to say, and how the first readers of The New Testament would have understood these ideas. The Routledge Guidebook to The New Testament offers a nonpartisan introduction to The New Testament examining: * The social and historical context in which the New Testament was written * The primary text, supporting students in close analysis from a range of consensus postions * The contemporary reception and ongoing influence of The New Testament