New Testament Basics: Things We Thought We Knew provides an introduction to the New Testament as it surveys vital information that guides the student’s thinking in the study of the New Testament books. This information is both basic and essential to an accurate understanding of New Testament Scriptures.

With a Premium subscription, you will also receive Ray C. Stedman’s teaching commentary related to this section of the Bible. Click here to see a sample chapter.

Materials

Group Exercises

To introduce students to survey information related to the New Testament.
To help develop critical and practical aptitudes in understanding the Bible.
To provide scholarly information that will foster a better understanding of the historical and biblical context of the New Testament.

I learned a tremendous amount of the New Testament and about the time frame/culture in which Jesus Christ lived.
— Dana
An excellent course!
— Russell
I appreciate the length of the course.
— Liliarosa
Interesting Course. Relevant historical and cultural background to understanding the books of NT.
— Harold
I learned a lot that I didn’t know.
— Terry
Very good
— Perckson
This course will help me understand the historical setting of the New Testament. I will read it (again) with better insight and knowledge. I never knew the various religious options. This course was very interesting.
— Dannita
EXCELLENT!!!
— Jon
An interesting course on the history of the general area that was described in the New Testament.
— Edward
Great refresher course! :)
— Amanda
I'm not sure the quizzes are really more than history quizzes, I was looking for more depth of reasoning regarding the epistles. Good information though.
— Evan
This was definitely one of the better courses I have taken.
— Monica
An interesting and stimulating topic that encourages further study. The introduction to the religious climate of the first century of the New Testament was very interesting and helps to understand much of the Gospels and Epistles.
— Stephen
Excellent information. The historical information enhanced my understanding.
— Stephanie
Very much educating and fit its title.
— Solus
The amount of work this class requires is fair and described accurately. I just didn't think the title necessarily matches with the course content.
— Pamela
Overall, good. I was, however, frustrated with some of the quiz questions and their reliance on small details.
— Donna
Interesting overview of the history of the NT.
— Dana
Great overview
— Kay
This gave me basic background information.
— Phyllis
Loved the background information.
— Denise
Very good introduction to the new testament. The reading section from Ray Stedmans book is very helpful.
— Spyder
The course is well explained in many issues that help me to have better understanding of New Testament that would affect my relationship with Christ also with people within and out side of church.
— Seong
I was really surprised to find out how much I didn't know about the New Testament. In all the years of my salvation, I never considered or investigated the Historical background of the New Testament.
— Clara
The course is presented in a systematic way which provide me the insights on the historical background of the old and new testament. The historical background of the different sects and religions available that time are fascinating. They provide a clearer picture has in how challenging it would be to spread the Gospels to the rest of the world. Would definitely introduce this course to those who would like to draw closer to God to appreciate the Word of God.
— Daniel
Good overview of what was happening culturally during the period between the Old and New Testaments, as well during the time of Christ, the first century AD.
— Gregg