The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament

Nashville: B&H, 2009. Pp. xxi + 954. Hardcover. $59.99. ISBN 0805443657. Patrick J. Hartin Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington This introduction to the writings of the New Testament is the work of three scholars, Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum, and Charles L. Quarles. Although each author initially was responsible for writing a specific chapter, no author claims a particular chapter as his own, since each chapter is the result of their discussions, suggestions, and collaboration (xxi). While there are numerous introductions to the New Testament, each has a particular aim and interest that it intends to address. The same is true for this introduction. The authors wish to provide an evangelical perspective on the New Testament writings for college and seminary students. Their aim is to provide an up-to-date survey of the state of scholarship on the individual books of the New Testament as evaluated from their evangelical theological background. This is an impressive study of almost one thousand pages in length. The authors examine all current issues and viewpoints of scholarship regarding the individual writings. They always give a fair presentation to the different voices that are examined in depth. [Full Review]