Great overview of the New Testament. Gundry looks at many different issues and gives little tidbits that help in understanding the Bible.Survey of the New Testament, A (4th Edition)

My class uses it as the main textbook. Overall, it's a good book. A big chunk in each chapter discusses the contents of each book in the New Testament, which is NOT what we want. But it's worth reading.

I am using this book for a college course and I have found this book very interesting. I am not a big reader by any means. However, I have enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history behind the New Testament writers. It gives me a new perspective when I read my bible and a greater understanding of what's going on in within each of the books of the bible. This is a keeper for future reference and to use in my personal studies.

Very good presentation of various viewpoints. Pictorial and written illustrations are outstanding. Occasionally the author's personal viewpoint is presented as an undisputed fact.

I believe that Robert Gundry has written the best introduction to the New Testament for several reasons:

1. easy to read, but not lacking in content
2. not intimidating, yet still academic
3. wonderful pictures! :)

I read the 3rd edition when I was in college. However, I like the 4th edition much better. Compared to other surveys... this one is an over-all superb treatment of the New Testament. There are plenty of illustrations, maps, timelines, and charts. The fourth edition has updated bibliographies, maps, pictures, and pronuciations of important terms. This introduction will help the reader to enter into the context of the New Testament and will strengthen your knowledge of the situations and circumstances of the original biblical author.

I recommend this book to the common man on the street... as well as the student who is able to give his time and energy to the study of the wonderful world of the New Testament.

I also recommend reading:
Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible
Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Theology for the Community of God
The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?