Yes, I read reference and text books when I can make it happen. Do you? If so, you'll probably be happy as I am to explore the library reference shelves.
This text was
written as a resource for Christian pastoral preparation and was used heavily in a seminary class I took. It took me five years or so, but I finally finished reading it in full, hand in hand with simultaneously rereading each book of the New Testament as needed to best understand the content.
As with other similar handbooks, this
resource examines each New Testament book separately. DeSilva uses the
socio-rhetorical interpretation model of exegesis aiming to explore how the
words and texts spoke within and to their original contexts. Four chapters
precede the examination of each New Testament writing: the New Testament as
Pastoral Response; The Environment of Early Christianity-Essential Landmarks;
The Cultural and Social World of the Early Church-Purity, Honor, Patronage, and
Kinship; and The Four Gospels and the One Jesus-Critical Issues in the Study of
the Gospels. Each chapter focusing on a book of the New Testament ends with
a section relating the New Testament book to ministry formation. Photos, maps,
footnotes, and four indices all add value to this learning resource.
This textbook has already been
and will likely continue to be one solid resource from which I draw as I
continue to learn, teach, and serve in various aspects of ministry.
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