The New Testament: Its Background and Message Paperback – July 1, 2003

This is one of the best New Testament introductory tools I own. It gives terrific historical, biblical-theological, and literary insight into each of the books. While this book is written for the lay person, it has such terrific insights that are not as easily found in accessible material. My go-to whenever I begin a new study, terrific for the new student or the scholar.

Black's revision of Thomas D. Lea's classic introduction to the New Testament was one of two books that were required reading for an online course that I took at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. The other book, An Introduction to the New Testament by D.A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, is much more academic than The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Lea's The New Testament covers different types of literature found in the New Testament and their cultural, historical, political, and religious backgrounds. Although the book is designed for seminarians, I would recommend it to any layperson who wants a systematic introduction of the New Testament. It should be noted that both of the authors come from Baptist backgrounds.

This is a wonderful cross reference book and per book history. Helps anyone to understand scripture easier.

It was interesting to see how and why the Pharisees and Sadducee developed the way they did. I can understand better why they had issues with Jesus. The book looked at each of the New Testament books in regard to their author, date of writing, overview of text and an outline. There were chapters dedicated to Jesus and some to Paul. One of the things I like best about the book was that it was not one sided. The author did not claim that his understanding was the only correct one. The author did mention alternative views on the subject matter and helped us to arrive at the best possible solution. Some of the understandings were taken from those who took over from the Apostles. The author lists about 30 references at the end of each chapter. This book is over 600 pages and to sum it up is a bit challenging. I believe that the author gave us a fair and presentation of the material. The book did not seem to be to liberal or conservative, but well balanced.

I bought this book for a class at Liberty University. I was surprised at the easy to read writing style. This is one of my favorite books from my Master's in Theology program. I graduated in 2013 and still use it from time to time. I recommend this for anyone--you don't have to be in seminary to benefit from this book.

I brought this book for a seminary class but after I read it I had to buy a few more as gifts to other ministers. Lea & Black not only revealed some good background information for biblical students but provided information which I often use to help me in my sermons and personal studies. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feel the need to look behind the scriptures.

I found it helpful. Seems to do a good job of avoiding biases. Would be a helpful commentary to keep on hand for quick descriptions of and reasons for various interpretations held through history, combined with summaries and outlines of each NT book.

I've used this book for two seminary courses and found it to be an excellent reference tool. Not for the deep theological debates or studies necessarily, but an easy to read reference tool for the average person who wants to know more background about the New Testament. The book is well organized which has been helpful on our open book quizes! Would recommend for any library.