This volume addresses the most important issues related to the study of New Testament writings. Two respected senior scholars have brought together a team of distinguished specialists to introduce the Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman backgrounds necessary for understanding the New Testament and the early church. Contributors include renowned scholars such as Craig Keener, Marianne Meye Thompson, David deSilva, Lynn Cohick, Ben Witherington III, Craig Evans, James D. G. Dunn, Douglas Moo, David Aune, and Stanley Porter. The book includes seventy-five photographs, fifteen maps, numerous tables and charts, illustrations, and bibliographies. All students of the New Testament will value this reliable, up-to-date, comprehensive textbook and reference volume on the New Testament world.