Overview

How did the New Testament come to be? The ancient writings that comprise the New Testament are critical for understanding the life, teachings, and impact of Jesus of Nazareth, all of which are central to Christianity. But how were these texts circulated, collected, and given their canonical status? Is the New Testament a trustworthy source for learning about Jesus and the early church? New Testament scholars Charles L. Quarles and L. Scott Kellum address the most pressing questions regarding the study of New Testament texts, their transmission, and their collection into the canon, such as these: What happened to the original manuscripts of the New Testament? With all the variants, can we still speak of inspiration and inerrancy? What is New Testament textual criticism and why is it important? How do most scholars decide between the readings of different manuscripts? What are the competing views on canon? Did the apostles recognize contemporaneous books as Scripture? Did the early councils decide the canon? 40 Questions About the Text and Canon of the New Testament uses a question-and-answer format so readers can pursue the issues that interest them most, with additional resources at 40questions.net.

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Reviews

Opening with the deceptively simple question, 'What is the New Testament?, ' Quarles and Kellum reveal a network of interrelated issues underlying their initial query. Their helpful volume wisely guides readers through this network to expose the interrelations between transmission, the study of New Testament manuscripts, textual criticism, and the New Testament canon. Whether for enriching personal study, apologetic encounters, or initial scholarly research, 40 Questions About the Text and Canon of the New Testament is as accessible as it is precise in its presentation of each question. A recommended tool! --Darian Lockett Associate Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University (2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM) With this outstanding book, Quarles and Kellum provide an excellent resource that introduces and carefully addresses a wide range of crucial (and sometimes controversial) questions about the text and canon of Scripture. This work is extremely informative, well-ordered, and clear--combining the rare qualities of being easy and enjoyable to read while also overflowing with relevant information and scholarship. This book is sure to be highly valued in the classroom and beyond for years to come. --John C. Peckham Professor of Theology and Christian Philosophy, Andrews University (2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM) What is the New Testament? In this carefully researched volume Charles Quarles and Scott Kellum offer an unusually rich and balanced exploration by means of forty key questions on text and canon. Familiar and less familiar lines of inquiry are pursued: Has the text of the New Testament been preserved? Do the differences between the manuscripts really matter? What led the early Christians to recognize contemporaneous writings as Scripture? A particular strength of the book - that will prove valuable for both students and teachers of the Bible - is the serious engagement with a wide range of scholarship and scholarly views. The reader interested in the latest updates on textual criticism, the main positions on the canon formation process, and arguments for the self-authenticating nature of the Scripture canon is here offered a first class guide.--Tomas Bokedal Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, NLA University College, Norway, and Lecturer in New Testament, University of Aberdeen, UK. (2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM) Questions about how and why a relatively small body of writings became part of the New Testament and how they were preserved over the centuries remain common among students, pastors, scholars, and lay readers alike. These subjects can often seem daunting and difficult to navigate and there is no shortage of opinions. Thankfully, Quarles and Kellum have produced an accessible resource that provides a clear and straightforward treatment of a broad range of issues relating to the origin of the canon and its preservation throughout church history. I highly recommend this unique volume to those interested in discovering the rich history behind the biblical text.--Benjamin P. Laird Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, john W. Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty University (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM) With accuracy, vigor, and wit, Quarles and Kellum survey the key issues in common language. Their content is academic, but their prose is accessible. Whether pastor or layperson, student or professor, a broad range of readers will benefit from this volume, which offers a timely and engaging journey through the key issues with lively examples. I highly recommend this book to both the novice and advanced reader.--Christian Askeland Senior Researcher, Museum of the Bible (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM) With this book, Southeastern professors Chuck Quarles and Scott Kellum invite you on one of the greatest adventures of your life--encountering the text and canon of the New Testament. No special skills are necessary. If you can read, you can understand everything that is said in this excellent book. This is perhaps the best general overview of text and canon available today and is destined to become a classic. For years I have studied the New Testament using the principles found in this book. I cannot recommend it enough.--David Alan Black Senior Professor of New Testament and Greek (retired), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM) 40 Questions About the Text and Canon of the New Testament is just the book that students and laity need (and several Bible scholars, too!). In a very helpful way, authors Charles Quarles and Scott Kellum address 20 questions about the Greek text of the New Testament and another 20 questions about the formation and recognition of the New Testament canon, that is, the 27 writings that the early church came to regard as inspired and authoritative. Clearly laid out and beautifully written, this important book is a must read for all who have questions about the origin of Christian Scripture.--Craig A. Evans John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins, Houston Theological Seminary (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Charles L. Quarles (Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as research professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is the author of Matthew in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is currently Senior Professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS. He is a co-author of The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament. He has also written Acts in the Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament; and Preaching the Farewell Discourse.

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