Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments (IVP Bible Dictionary)
Overview
The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century.
The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments offers a summa of New Testament studies. Designed to bring students, teachers, pastors and general readers up to date and up to speed, this one-of-a-kind reference volume presents more information than any other single work—dealing exclusively with the theology, literature, background and scholarship of the later New Testament and the apostolic church.
In-depth, comprehensive articles focus on theological themes, methods of interpretation, background topics and various other subjects specifically related to the study of New Testament theology and literature. Expert contributors include Darrell Bock, George R. Beasley-Murray, I. Howard Marshall, Ben Witherington III and James D. G. Dunn. Wide-ranging articles range from the books of James and Jude to household codes, from the Roman emperor cult to gnosticism and docetism, questions of canon to second-century church leaders like Ignatius and Polycarp.
The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments takes its place alongside the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels and Dictionary of Paul and His Letters in presenting mature evangelical scholarship—committed to the authority of Scripture, utilizing the best of critical methods, and maintaining a dialogue with contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the church.
- Over 240 in-depth articles covering the neglected portions of the New Testament
- Material from the apostolic fathers and second-century church leaders
- Hundreds of cross-references, extensive bibliographies, and subject and Scripture indexes
- Many topics not found even in multivolume Bible encyclopedias
- Encyclopedia-length articles on subjects related to New Testament literature and theology
- Contributions from over 100 evangelical scholars from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia
Top Highlights
“Yet 1 Peter strikes a more even balance than Paul between the teaching and example of Jesus on the one hand and his death and resurrection on the other. More than any other NT letter, 1 Peter completes or extends the testimony of the four Gospels, especially Mark. It does so in three respects: first, it gives the reader a sense of living in a world where Jesus is no longer or not yet visible; second, it accents Christian discipleship as a journey in Jesus’ footsteps to the cross and beyond the cross to heaven; finally, the victory over ‘unclean spirits’ (see Spirits) that began in Jesus’ ministry continues in 1 Peter in his resurrection and ascension, assuring his disciples of vindication against their oppressors when he becomes visible once again.” (Page 921)
“As we have argued, the purpose of Hebrews is to strengthen, encourage and exhort the weary members of a house church to respond courageously to the prospect of renewed suffering in view of the gifts and resources God has lavished upon them. The plan of the homily complements its practical purpose. The finality of God’s revelation in his Son is set forth in moving language (Heb 1:1–4). The transcendent dignity of the Son is superior both to the angels (Heb 1:5–14) and to Moses (Heb 3:1–6). Within this setting the writer warns his auditors against indifference to the gospel message they have heard (Heb 2:1–4) or blatant unbelief (Heb 3:7–4:13).” (Page 453)
“The third section reiterates the themes of the second, with particular attention to congregations ruled by the older members, or ‘elders.’” (Page 918)
Written by a broad range of contributors, the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments covers a wide range of topics, not only on the rest of the New Testament but also on the early second-century church. The articles are of consistently high quality, with superb bibliographies that should cause them to be the first place one turns for most of the topics covered in this excellent volume.
—Gordon D. Fee, Regent College
This volume is a worthy companion to the two previous ones. Its deep, detailed and rigorous coverage of every topic one can think of in the later New Testament is enhanced by taking the discussion forward well into the second century. A book no serious student will want to be without.
—N. T. Wright, canon theologian, Westminster Abbey
The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments continues in the formidable tradition pioneered by the DJG and DPL, covering Acts, Hebrews, James and Jude, the letters attributed to Peter and John, and Revelation. The articles are weighty, written on the whole by people who are experts in the respective areas. . . . This volume extends the treatment of the various topics into the middle of the second century, by including treatment of the respective themes by the apostolic fathers. . . . This initiative informatively sets the later New Testament writings in the ongoing historical trajectory of reflection on the gospel and apostolic teaching.
—Max Turner, London Bible College
This volume provides an excellent reference tool. . . . Numerous articles offer constructive help and contain very useful up-to-date bibliographies. I gladly commend this volume to students of the subject.
—Anthony C. Thiselton, University of Nottingham
The coverage of this dictionary embraces not only the remaining books of the New Testament but also includes the apostolic fathers and other related topics. The volume will thus provide assistance to pastors and students alike in understanding the broader historical context of early Christianity and its literature. Both IVP and the editors of the volume are to be congratulated on producing such a helpful dictionary.
—Bruce M. Metzger, Princeton Theological Seminary
Ralph P. Martin (Ph.D.) is distinguished scholar in residence at Fuller Theological Seminary and previously at the Graduate School of Theology of Azusa Pacific University. He was formerly professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and associate professor in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield. He is the author of numerous studies and commentaries on the New Testament, including Worship in the Early Church, the volume on Philippians in The Tyndale New Testament Commentary series, and James and 2 Corinthians in the Word Biblical Commentary, for which he also serves as New Testament editor.
Peter H. Davids is a self-employed professor and scholar in Stafford, Texas. He has taught biblical studies at Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia) and Canadian Theological Seminary (Regina, Saskatchewan), and he continues to teach in theological schools in Europe. He is the author of The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude in the Pillar New Testament Commentary and The Epistle of James in the New International Greek Testament Commentary.>
