Recommendations for book to accompany New Testament reading?

[Melinda in VT]

I'm looking for a book to read along with the non-Gospel sections of the New Testament. Not a devotional, but a book that adds information about the history, culture, and language of the early church. Any suggestions?

I'm currently reading The Last Week by Borg and Crossan, and I'm enjoying the additional insights it's providing.

[6packofun]

or Halley's Bible Handbook. There are many Bible commentaries in one volume that would be good, too! The MacArthur Bible Commentary and there is one from Zondervan... :001_smile:

[RebeccaC]

When my dad taught OT and NT survey he had his students use Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=0950&event=ESRCN&item_code=&product_redirect=1

Each year Zondervan would give him a new copy and one year he gave us that copy for our home school.

[Tami]

How about Victor's Journey Through the Bible (http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=63480&event=CF). It is a WONDERFUl resource for cultural and historical background. Plus, it has photos on almost every page!

[Melinda in VT]

Thanks for the recommendations. These look interesting.

I'd love additional suggestions, especially for books that focus specifically on Acts or the letters of Paul. (I have to admit, Paul makes me more than a little irritated, and I'm hoping if I understand him better I will appreciate him more.:o)

[Tami]

have you looked at the Acts study (http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=0109165&netp_id=250142&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details)by Christian Liberty Press? This will only set you back $6.99 or so.

You may also want to check out "Oneplace.com" and look up the audio teachings on Acts by Jay Vernon McGee or others. Jon Courson also has an excellent exposition of Acts. (http://www.joncourson.com/teaching/teachings.asp?book=acts)

Blessings on your search. Feel free to e-mail me if I can answer further. I have studied Acts on my own (last year) and our church is currently studying this book - I'd be glad to give you specific feedback on any questions you may have.

[VaKim]

This is an excellent book:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=422360&netp_id=351117&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details

He goes through the book of Acts, fitting each of Paul's letters in where they were actually written and explaining all the way through. You can see the TOC and a sample at CBD.