The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (IVP Bible Background Commentary Set)

My favorite is when the preacher explains some facet of First Century life that shifts and quickens your grasp of a familiar passage. Quick trade secret? This book is probably where the preacher got that cultural nugget.It's impossible to read 2,000-year-old texts with the perspective of the original audience. This reference work restores much of the missing knowledge that adds a subtle but powerful depth when reading the New Testament—especially the offhand bits of cultural fluency that folks probably didn't think much of: The way the Roman government worked. The subtleties of synagogue life. The shared assumptions and opinions that were seldom written down because they were simply in the First Century air.If there's another secret, it's that collecting and organizing all of the knowledge behind a project like this was hard, slow work with dense Greek and Latin and probably German sources. This is the kind of resource that makes me think we have riches that centuries of believers could only dream of.

The book is falling apart. I received the book and it went on the shelf with all the rest. I have never had a book do this. Soon I'll be with two halfs and rubberbands to hold the pages. The material is fine but why purchase something that won't hold together long enough to finish let alone keep as a reference. If you are wondering, I did not over extend or otherwise abuse the book. Download the material but dont purchase the hard cover. This publisher is low quality, I get to experiance buyers remorse everytime I open the book to read Craig Keener's thorough work...

This commentary is a great reference that helps to clarify some of the cultural issues of Biblical times that are so different or alien from what we experience in our own lives today. I have found it to be a valuable resource in my personal Bible study. The author's introduction is very clear about the purpose of the book: not to interpret the scriptures per se, but to inform about the cultural norms of ancient times. I appreciate the distinction and feel, in the parts I have used to date, that he achieves this goal.

This books has been a tremendous help with understanding historical background information of New Testament scriptures. Great scholarly work without overwhelming scholarly language. The average bible student will find this book beneficial !

Dr. Keener has done extensive research to produce this volume. I am greatly indebted to him for this excellent resource. As a bible teacher myself I am extremely aware of the grave problem that exists in the area of bible interpretation. Most come to the bible today for personal devotions or to find answers, and while this is of course fine and legitimate the problem is that we bring our 21st century thought and culture with us when doing so. What must be remembered is that the bible was written first TO an ancient people, and while it has been preserved for us, the culture, customs, and even usages and definitions for certain words are different then are our present. This volume is extremely helpful in gaining the proper context and therefore a proper interpretation of what the bible is actually saying.

In conjunction with the OT IVP, it helps you do a very good analysis of the cultural and historical culture

I valued the book in its first edition, but the Kindle edition is even better. It's very easy to navigate and find the passage you're looking for. Five stars!

I could not understand why pseudographical writings were cited so much. A lot of times he does let the Bible interpret itself and he is to be commended for that.

Haven’t looked at the book in great detail yet, but had a quick skim through and it looks very comprehensive. Looking forward to using it.

Illuminates the passage with detailed contextual information but leaves the interpretation to you.

Excellent and detailed book. Really enjoy studying with this text

All those little nuggets I've always wanted to know

A useful resource giving more essential background information