An Introduction to the New Testament focuses on what used to be called "special introduction" -- historical questions dealing with authorship, date, sources, purpose, destination, and so forth -- in contrast to recent texts that concentrate more on literary form, rhetorical criticism, and historical parallels. The authors do not minimize these other topics; rather, they insist those subjects are better given extended treatment in courses on exegesis. By refocusing on the essentials, An Introduction to the New Testament ensures that the New Testament books will be accurately understood from their historical settings; and it allows other concerns to be introduced when appropriate. The authors also include a brief outline of each New Testament document, providing a rationale when necessary for the choices they have made. They provide a brief account of current studies on each book, and indicate something of the theological contribution each document makes to the canon of Scripture. Drawing on the core knowledge contained in An Introduction to the New Testament, a new generation of scholars will gain a better grasp of the Word of God.