Book The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament pdf

Read The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener

This page provides an in-depth look at one of the most respected resources for understanding the cultural and historical world of the Bible. By exploring the features, authorship, and practical utility of this volume, readers can determine how this commentary fits into their personal study or academic research.

An Essential Tool for Understanding Cultural Context

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament serves a very specific and vital purpose in the world of biblical studies. While many commentaries focus on theological interpretation or linguistic analysis of the Greek text, Craig S. Keener’s work focuses almost exclusively on the "world" of the New Testament. It answers the questions that modern readers often don’t know to ask: What were the social expectations of a wedding in Galilee? How did Roman law affect Paul’s travels? What did a specific Jewish idiom mean to a first-century ear?

This book is organized in a verse-by-verse format, making it incredibly easy to use alongside any Bible translation. Instead of wading through pages of introductory theory, a reader can look up a specific passage—such as the Sermon on the Mount or the letters to the seven churches in Revelation—and immediately find the historical and cultural data relevant to those specific verses. It bridges the two-thousand-year gap between the contemporary reader and the ancient Mediterranean world.

Why Historical Background Matters

Reading the New Testament without understanding its background is often like listening to one side of a telephone conversation. You can hear the words, but you might miss the nuance, the tension, or the specific point being addressed. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament provides the "other side" of that conversation. It covers aspects of life such as honor and shame cultures, ancient medical practices, political structures, and religious tensions between various Jewish and Pagan groups.

By providing this data, Keener helps readers avoid the common pitfall of "anachronism"—the mistake of projecting modern Western values and ideas onto ancient Eastern texts. Whether it is explaining the significance of a woman’s head covering in Corinth or the financial implications of a "talent" in a parable, the commentary provides the facts necessary for a more accurate and grounded reading of the text.

About the Author: Craig S. Keener

Craig S. Keener is widely considered one of the foremost scholars in New Testament background studies. He serves as the F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and has authored dozens of books, including massive, multi-volume commentaries that are staples in academic libraries. Keener is known for his exhaustive research; his work is often characterized by thousands of citations from primary ancient sources, ranging from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the works of Roman historians like Tacitus and Suetonius.

What makes Keener the ideal author for The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament is his ability to distill immense amounts of scholarly data into clear, accessible prose. He has spent decades immersed in ancient literature, yet he maintains a commitment to serving the general reader. His expertise ensures that the information provided in this commentary is not just interesting, but historically rigorous and trustworthy.

How to Engage With This Resource

Many readers find that this commentary is not necessarily a book to be read from cover to cover in one sitting, although doing so provides a fascinating chronological history of the first century. Instead, it is most frequently used as a reference volume. When a passage in the New Testament feels confusing or "foreign," readers turn to Keener to find the cultural key that unlocks the meaning. It is a common fixture on the desks of pastors preparing sermons, students writing papers, and laypeople who want to go deeper in their personal devotions.

Because it is a single-volume resource, it is portable and concise. While it doesn't replace a full theological commentary, it provides the essential foundation upon which all good interpretation must be built. For those looking to obtain or read this work, it is widely available through major book retailers and academic distributors in both physical and digital formats.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament FAQ

1. Does this commentary include the actual text of the Bible?

   No, it does not include the full biblical text. It is designed to be used alongside your preferred Bible translation, providing verse-by-verse notes that explain the background of the scripture you are reading.

2. Is this book written for scholars or for regular readers?

   The beauty of this volume is that it serves both. While it is based on high-level scholarship and primary source research, it is written in plain English without heavy academic jargon, making it accessible to any interested reader.

3. Does the commentary take a specific denominational stance?

   The book is primarily historical and cultural rather than dogmatic. It focuses on the facts of the ancient world that are generally agreed upon by historians, making it a valuable tool for readers across various Christian traditions and even secular historians.

4. What is the difference between this and a standard study Bible?

   A study Bible often covers a wide range of topics, including theology, cross-references, and application. This commentary is much more specialized and thorough regarding the historical, social, and cultural settings of the New Testament era.

5. Can this book be used for small group studies?

   Absolutely. It is an excellent resource for small group leaders who want to provide extra depth to their discussions by explaining the "why" behind certain ancient customs or events mentioned in the text.