"Keener succeeds in being informative and, this reviewer thinks, more than fair in trying not to impose his views on the texts. . . . Keener, as he promised, wrote a 'popular' rather than a scholarly book. Keener's scholarly credentials are strong and his book is a God-send to busy pastors. As already indicated, it is of great help to Bible students who do not have access to a theological library."
-- Southwestern Journal of Theology
"So far as this reviewer can discern, Keener knows his ancient sources and knows the best recent ideas on how to interpret them. . . . Teachers, pastors and students of the Bible will find it immensely helpful; I will probably include it in my next revised list of eight to twelve books recommended for a 'Basic Home Christian Library.'"
-- Presbyterion
"A fine tool for personal Bible study. It analyzes the historical-cultural background of every passage of the New Testament in clear, non-technical language, making it especially useful for those without expertise in Greek or ancient history. Unlike a typical commentary, which interprets the meaning of each text, Keener's book offers insights which enable readers to study individual texts with greater personal involvement and practical gain. The author, an evangelical Protestant, is remarkably balanced and unbiased in his analysis, making this quite suitable for Catholic use--a valuable supplement to a good concordance, commentary, and Bible dictionary."
-- The Bulletin of Applied Biblical Studies, The Franciscan University of Steubenville
"An excellent resource for pastors and teachers. The impressive volume contains a verse-by-verse look at cultural, religious, and social issues that come into play in the New Testament context. This is background information that most pastors' libraries will not contain, which makes it a vital tool for serious Bible study and preaching."
-- The Communicator
"Whether you preach sermons, teach Sunday school, lead a small group, or read the Bible for personal study, your understanding of God's word can be deepened and enriched by learning more about the context of each passage from this valuable book."
-- PRISM Magazine
"This is a splendid book to have next to your Bible. . . . A fascinating Bible study resource."
-- Good News
"A few hours with this volume will rapidly convince one that Craig Keener . . . is a rising star among evangelical New Testament scholars. . . . Written simply and clearly, though meticulously researched, this book will be a valuable acquisition for every thoughtful student, pastor, and teacher who tries to understand the original setting for any passage in the New Testament. . . . Carefully researched and judiciously written from an orthodox Christian perspective to provide dependable information without overt theological bias. I heartily recommend it."
-- Enrichment
"This in-depth study is based on ten years of research by Keener. . . . It provides at least some cultural background for nearly every verse in the New Testament. . . . You need to have it in your theological library."
-- A.M.E. Zion Quarterly Review
"In recent years scholars have provided Bible translations and study helps of various kinds, but one major resource has been lacking. Where could busy ministers and laypersons go to find the background for 'what was going on in Bible days'? . . . A resource tool is finally available, providing the background for every passage in the New Testament. . . . The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament condenses over ten years of careful research into a resource tool that is at its readers' fingertips. . . . [Keener's] earlier books, which tackle issues like New Testament teachings on divorce, women's roles, and slavery, are heavily documented; but The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament is readable and should be accessible to all students of the Bible. . . . Otherwise unavailable information brings various texts alive."
-- The Baptist Informer
"Uncovers cultural backgrounds and provides historical perspective for nearly every verse in the New Testament."
-- The Mennonite
