The Literature and History of New Testament Times

"The Literature and History of New Testament Times" by J. Gresham Machen is a detailed look into the world when the New Testament was written, placing early Christianity within its historical setting of the early 1900s. It examines the impact of Roman, Greek, and Jewish cultures on the rising Christian church and its beliefs, arguing that understanding these influences is key to understanding the New Testament itself. The author stresses the importance of Bible history when developing the understanding and teaching of Christianity, warning that ignoring its historical context weakens the essence. Instead of simply reading it as a religious text, the author proposes exploration of the historical circumstances in the New Testament writings, to showcase their importance and divine power within the church.