The New Testament in Context: A Literary and Theological Textbook

The New Testament in Context is the fruit of a scholarly life teaching the New Testament to undergraduate students. George Shillington, now Emeritus Professor at Canadian Mennonite University, has written a textbook on the New Testament which stresses the varying social, rhetorical and theological contexts of these twenty-seven texts. He introduces the book by emphasizing the importance of "context" for reading "texts". The discussion then moves onto a description of the socio-rhetorical and theological approach, illustrated by exploring a text from one of Paul's letters. The usefulness of a socio-rhetorical reading is often limited by neglecting to recognize the theological aspect of a text. Shillington's textbook addresses this tendency by never losing sight of the theological dimension. The discussion is then broadened out to explore the larger context of the New Testament world within which the various documents were written. In addition to leading the students into the texture of the texts, Shillington encourages them to engage in interpretation, e.g. for writing an exegetical essay on a given text. Terms of reference are defined along the way, and different schools of thought on given subjects are brought to light. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further research on the particular material.

Table of Contents:
1. "No Text is an Island: Laying Claim to the New Testament" 2. "The Mainland: Macro-Context" 3. "Two Principal Figures: Jesus and Paul" 4. "New Testament Literature: An Overview" 5. "One in Three: The Synoptic Gospels" 6. "Jesus Reconfigured Theologically: The Johannine Writings" 7. "Second Volume of a Two-part Work: The Acts of the Apostles" 8. "Urban Centres of Paul's Missionary Letters" 9. "Paul's Thought in Mission: The Seven Undisputed Letters of Paul" 10. "Pauline Thought in Transition: Other Letters under Paul's Name" 11. "Post-Pauline Trajectories: Five Catholic Epistles" 12. "View from an Island: The Apocalypse of John" Bibliography Appendices Index

About the Author :
V. George Shillington is Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Theological Studies at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg. Publications (books): An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts (T & T Clark, 2007); On A Journey with God, (Springfield Publications, 2003), Reading the Sacred Text (T & T. Clark, 2002); 2 Corinthians (Herald Press, 1998). He has taught introductory courses to the New Testament for over thirty years, both at an undergraduate and a seminary level.

Review :
"A comprehensive and refreshing new introduction that invites readers to explore the texture of the New Testament by bringing both its contents and context to life. Attention to the historical, literary, religious and cultural context is balanced by a thorough and engaging approach to the New Testament literature itself. This book will become a staple in Introduction to New Testament courses - including my own - in universities, seminaries, and divinity schools." - Professor Adele Reinhartz, Classics and Religious Studies Department, University of Ottawa, Canada "Professor Shillington's The New Testament in Context is remarkable for the attention it gives to the many dimensions of the historical context in which the New Testament documents were written. Without neglecting in the least the content of these documents, the author provides his readers with extensive discussions of their political, geographic, economic, religious and philosophical background. The careful reader will be well positioned to grasp the message of these texts in their original, first-century, setting." - Stephen Westerholm, Professor of Early Christianity, Department of Religious Studies, McMaster University, USA "George Shillington offers the student a clear and coherent introduction. His knowledge of the material and lucid style will help students understand the consensus interpretations of the many texts that make up the New Testament." - Mark Nanos, Soebbing Visiting Scholar at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, USA "Shillington...covers a wide range of topics...and successfully introduces students to many of the methods that scholars use to evaluate textual validity." Expository Times, May 2010