Suzanne Watts Henderson

Historical introductions to the New Testament typically devote careful attention to its ancient context, exploring these texts against the backdrop of Jewish and Hellenistic thought. But biblical scholars have been slower to appreciate the pluralistic setting in which students of all ages read the New Testament today. Students today bring to the study of the New Testament an increasing sense that its message, while dominant in the Western world for millennia, is now just one voice among many religious (and philosophical) options. In this book, students encounter the New Testament in relation to the wider landscape of sacred traditions--both ancient and contemporary. What is more, they will reflect on the ways in which both writers and interpreters adopt, adapt, and elaborate on common views and practices in their own cultural settings. Rather than a repository of doctrinal beliefs, the New Testament emerges as a lively conversation partner in the human quest for meaning and purpose. Several features distinguish The New Testament Conversation from other introductions to the New Testament. The book combines standard historical and literary scholarship on New Testament writings--presented in the body of the work--with selected excerpts from non-Christian traditions. In addition, students will encounter diverse interpretations of selected New Testament passages across time and place. Finally, this book presents historical, literary, and theological questions as mutually illuminating, rather than oppositional. This book describes the New Testament's contents as inherently religious responses to the realities of the Roman world--both in occupied Palestine and beyond. Jesus appears in these texts as a savior who is apocalyptic prophet, messianic figure, and community organizer. As a divinely-sanctioned agent of God's coming reign, Jesus elicits allegiance to a divine, rather than human, ruler in ways that carry both religious and socio-political implications. Thus, more than other books, this textbook highlights the communal context and implications of each writing.

A Palestinian theologian from Bethlehem and a New Testament scholar from the United States explore the meaning of the crucifixion in light of both first and twenty-first century Palestinian contexts. Together, their insights coalesce around themes that expose the divine power of the cross both for Jesus's first followers and for contemporary readers alike.

Exploring the interrelated topics of Christology and discipleship within the apocalyptic context of Mark's Gospel, Henderson focuses on six passages: Mark 1:16–20; 3:13--15; 4:1–34; 6:7–13; 6:32–44; 6:45–52. Together, these passages indicate that the disciples failed to understand not just Jesus' messianic identity per se but the apocalyptic nature of his messiahship, as well as its implications for their own participation in God's coming reign. The implications of this for Mark's gospel as a whole are to situate Mark's Christological claims within the broader context of the apocalyptic 'gospel of God'. This lends coherence to Mark's bifocal interest in miracle and passion. It also illuminates the relationship between Mark's Jesus and his followers as those who carry forward his own mission: to demonstrate the coming kingdom of God, which is fully assured if not yet fully in view.

Exploring the interrelated topics of Christology and discipleship within the apocalyptic context of Mark's Gospel, Henderson focuses on six passages: Mark 1:16–20; 3:13--15; 4:1–34; 6:7–13; 6:32–44; 6:45–52. Together, these passages indicate that the disciples failed to understand not just Jesus' messianic identity per se but the apocalyptic nature of his messiahship, as well as its implications for their own participation in God's coming reign. The implications of this for Mark's gospel as a whole are to situate Mark's Christological claims within the broader context of the apocalyptic 'gospel of God'. This lends coherence to Mark's bifocal interest in miracle and passion. It also illuminates the relationship between Mark's Jesus and his followers as those who carry forward his own mission: to demonstrate the coming kingdom of God, which is fully assured if not yet fully in view.