The New Testament is considered scriptural canon for Latter-day Saints, alongside the Old Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. This article compiles scholarly and devotional insights about the second half of the Bible, addressing themes such as history, theology, and revelation. It features interviews with scholars like N. T. Wright, Thomas Wayment, Amy-Jill Levine, Camille Fronk Olson, S. Kent Brown, Eric Huntsman, Terryl Givens, and many others.
N. T. Wright is one of today’s most influential biblical scholars. His one-volume introduction to the New Testament illuminates the history, theology, and literature of the first Christians. Co-authored with Michael F. Bird, the book is accessible to lay readers and scholars alike. In this interview, N. T. Wright discusses The New Testament in Its World, gives tips for understanding the Apostle Paul, explains why the Bible isn’t a guide for getting into heaven, and more.
The Gospels repeatedly designate Jesus as a rabbi. For some, the term adds an extra layer of depth to the historical Jesus. But it’s not that simple for everyone. For example, calling Jesus a rabbi associates him with Judaism. It also reinforces his role as a historical figure. Both implications go against the grain of certain ideologies. In this interview, Mary Magdalene author Bruce Chilton explains more—and reflects on reactions to his book, Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography.
The Pharisees are often portrayed as bad people that serve as foils for the New Testament Jesus. Indeed, the Gospels depict them in an especially bad light. But history suggests that common narratives may be flawed—and that religious stereotypes are unfair to contemporary Jews. In this interview, Jewish scholar Amy-Jill Levine discusses why many historians think that the Pharisees are misunderstood.
The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament includes several women with a hint of sexual scandal. When combined with the wicked men in the Savior’s ancestry, it teaches several subtle lessons—including how Matthew may have prepared his audience for the virgin birth. In this interview, Camille Fronk Olson explains what we can learn from the women in the lineage of Jesus.
The siege of Jerusalem of 70 CE was the decisive event of the First Jewish–Roman War. Culminating in the destruction of the city and of the temple, the revolt and subsequent war were a tragedy that impacted the future of Judaism and Christianity as well as the New Testament. This interview with Jared W. Ludlow discusses the First Jewish Revolt.
The stories of women in the New Testament are well known. At least that’s the way it seems. We know about Mary, the mother of Jesus—and Mary Magdalene. We’re also familiar with the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery. But in reality, we know very little about these biblical women. In this interview, BYU’s Camille Fronk Olson discusses her career and then explains what we do and don’t know about female New Testament figures.
The Gospel of John is unique in the New Testament. For example, the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke largely tell the same stories. John, on the other hand, introduces readers to unique events from the Savior’s life—and seems to do so with a theological purpose. In this interview, Eric Huntsman explains that themes of “encounter and discipleship” in the Gospel of John have real-life application for Christians today.
Latter-day Saints and mainstream Christians differ in how they understand the natures of God and of Jesus Christ. For instance, the Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon doesn’t always align with the Savior in the Bible. But those differences might not be as extreme as is often assumed. In this interview, BYU’s Jason Combs discusses efforts by early Christians to understand the nature of Jesus Christ as both human and divine.
The account of Mary Magdalene in the Bible is only the beginning of her story, according to fictional accounts like The Davinci Code. But legend has a way of overshadowing history. In the case of Mary Magdalene, asking only if she was married to Jesus overlooks her contributions. In this interview, biographer Bruce Chilton tells the story of Jesus’ most pivotal female follower.