Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament
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| Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament |
This books was published in 1918 by T. & T. Clark in Edinburgh. It is a landmark scholarly work that analyzes the origins, structure, and literary character of the New Testament writings, situating them within their historical and cultural context.
📖 Key Publication Facts
- Author: James Moffatt (1870–1944), Scottish theologian and biblical scholar.
- Title: An Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament.
- Publication Date: 1918.
- Publisher: T. & T. Clark, Edinburgh.
- Length: Approximately 659 pages.
Content Overview
Moffatt’s work is not a devotional commentary but a critical introduction aimed at scholars and students. It covers:
- Synoptic Problem: Analysis of the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- Arrangement of NT writings: How the texts were compiled and ordered.
- Literary background: Jewish, Hellenistic, and early Christian influences.
- Authorship debates: Questions of Pauline letters, Johannine tradition, and disputed epistles.
- Circulation of writings: How manuscripts were copied, shared, and canonized.
- Literary forms: Homilies, letters, apocalyptic texts, and pastoral writings.
- Individual book studies: Detailed examinations of Ephesians, Hebrews, James, Peter, and Johannine writings.
CONTENTS
Preface to the Third Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Historical Tables
Abbreviations
Prolegomena
I. Collection of NT Writings into a Canon: Method and Materials of NT Introduction
II. Arrangement of NT Writings
III. Literary Background of the NT
IV. Structure and Composition of the NT
V. Some Literary Forms in the NT
VI. The Circulation of the NT Writings
VII. Some Literary Characteristics of the NT Writings
Chapter I — The Correspondence of Paul
- (A) With Thessalonika (1 and 2 Thessalonians)
- (B) With Galatia (Galatians)
- (C) With Corinth (1 and 2 Corinthians)
- (D) With Rome (Romans)
- (E) With Colosse (Colossians)
- (F) With Philemon
- (G) With Philippi (Philippians)
Chapter II — The Historical Literature
- (A) The Synoptic Problem
- (B) Gospel of Mark
- (C) Gospel of Matthew
- (D) Writings of Luke (Gospel and Acts)
Chapter III — Homilies and Pastorals
- (A) The First Epistle of Peter
- Jude
- 2 Peter
- (B) Ephesians
- Epistles to Timotheus and Titus
- (C) Hebrews
- James
- (D) Two Letters of John the Presbyter (2 and 3 John)
Chapter IV — The Apocalypse of John
Chapter V — Johannine Literature
- (A) The Fourth Gospel
- (B) A Johannine Tract (1 John)
- (C) The Johannine Tradition
Appendix
Scholarly Significance
- Historical-critical method: Moffatt applies modern literary and historical criticism to the New Testament, moving beyond purely theological readings.
- Influence: His work shaped early 20th‑century biblical scholarship and remains a reference point for studies in textual criticism and canon formation.