This book gives a clearly written, authoritative introduction to social-scientific criticism of the New Testament, including:

the rise of this method

its practitioners and the focal points of their work

how the method is applied to the interpretation of the biblical text

the presuppositions and procedures of the method.Also included are four appendices, a glossary of terms, and full bibliographies. Intended as a basic introduction for students and general readers, the book will be of interest also to exegetical veterans.