"Drawing on several decades of effective classroom teaching, Powell has produced the quintessential 'user-friendly' introduction to the New Testament. He has put student and teacher alike in his debt." Mikeal C. Parsons, Baylor UniversityThis engaging and up-to-date New Testament introduction has been carefully designed for classroom use in church-related and secular settings. Unlike some other introductions to critically informed scholarship for a wider audience, this volume is balanced and faith-friendly: Powell presents disputed and controversial issues fairly, neither dictating conclusions nor privileging skepticism over faith-based perspectives. A recognized expert in New Testament scholarly literature, he nevertheless writes in a lively and lucid style that communicates well to undergraduates. Chapters appear in the book in canonical order but are designed for assignment in any order. Besides helpful teaching aids like sidebars, maps, tables, charts, glossary, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading, this full-colour textbook also includes beautiful artwork illustrating the reception of the New Testament through various times and cultures.A companion Web site will feature a wealth of additional resources for students and instructors. The student portion will include chapter summaries, chapter objectives, study questions, flash cards, extra sidebars and charts, self quizzes, and bibliographies. The instructor portion will include PowerPoint chapter outlines, discussion prompts, pedagogical suggestions, and a test/quiz bank.