From a historical perspective, the New Testament takes on a more storied and approachable view. What were people thinking about the emerging body of Christ and its leaders? How did they view the teachings of Peter, Paul, and the others?

From his seat at Gorden Conwell and experience in missions and in the classroom, Schnabel knows how to pull together a book of theology that is readable and usable in the classroom.

A good addition to current textbooks on NT theology. Recommended for preachers, teachers, and the curious student of the NT.

Plus, I'd recommend it for students of religion who wonder what the fuss is about when Christians start quoting their scriptures or for those who consider themselves scholars but think it's time to leave Jesus and his teachings behind. This book might surprise you!

Eckhard J. Schnabel's "New Testament Theology" is a refreshing and insightful exploration of the theological landscape of the New Testament, marked by 3 distinctive features that set it apart from other works in the field.

The first noteworthy aspect of Schnabel's approach is his focused exploration of Jesus as the Messiah and his profound significance for the early Christian community. By placing Jesus at the center of the theological discussion, Schnabel highlights the foundational role of Christology in shaping the New Testament's overarching narrative. This emphasis not only aligns with the core of Christian belief but also provides readers with a coherent understanding of how the figure of Jesus influenced the theological perspectives of the early church.

The second distinctive feature of Schnabel's work lies in his commitment to describing the theology of the New Testament within its historical context. Acknowledging the real-life circumstances, ecclesiological challenges, and cultural dynamics faced by the original authors and readers, Schnabel brings a historical depth to his analysis. This contextual approach adds layers of richness to the theological discussions, allowing readers to appreciate the relevance of New Testament teachings in the specific socio-cultural and missiological settings of the early Christian communities. Sure one may wish for more exegesis as to why he came to a certain conclusion here and there but that goes for any theology of the New Testament.

Schnabel's commitment to historical context is not merely an academic exercise but a homage to the reality that the New Testament was written by real people dealing with real issues. By delving into the ecclesiological, cultural, and missiological dimensions of the New Testament writings, Schnabel provides readers with a more authentic and nuanced understanding of the theological concerns addressed by the biblical authors.

Of course thirdly, one expected and will appreciate Schnabel's consideration of the ecclesiological aspects of the New Testament contributing to a missiological understanding of the role of the church in mission. By examining the formation and practices of the early Christian communities, he provides insights into how the church served as a central agent in the mission, emphasizing the communal and relational aspects of spreading the Christian message.