The first volume in a two-part introduction to the New Testament, this work traces the life of Jesus and the growth of the church after his death and resurrection, through an examination of the various New Testament books. In doing so, the author paints a vivid picture of the social and political life of Palestine at the time. She also outlines the teaching and preaching methods used by Jesus and the apostles, and illustrates the connections between New Testament and Old Testament teaching and the relevance of both to the lives of people today.