Essential Resources to Take Your New Testament Study to the Next Level
Have you been wanting to take your New Testament study to the next level but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone. Studying the New Testament deeply can feel overwhelming without the right tools. That’s why today, at Whiskey and the Writings, I’m excited to share the specific resources that have shaped the way I read and think about the New Testament. These books and tools transformed my personal and professional ministry study—and they can do the same for you.
Why Good Resources Matter in New Testament Study
Over the years, I’ve realized that serious Bible study isn’t just about reading devotionally—though that matters. It’s about entering the ancient world, wrestling with the original languages, understanding the author’s intent, and being honest about manuscript differences and historical context.
The resources I’m sharing today have been with me for years, helping me build a deeper love for the Scriptures. If you’re ready to take the New Testament seriously, these are the books that need to be on your shelf—or at least bookmarked digitally.
Some of these are available in both print and digital formats. I personally love physical books (especially clothbound, lay-flat editions), but for quick study and hyperlinking, I often use the digital versions more. Either way, what matters is having access to the best tools for the job.
Primary Resources for New Testament Study
1. NET Bible, Full Notes Edition
Your Gateway to Translation Transparency
I’ve been singing the praises of the NET Bible (New English Translation) Full Notes Edition since I launched this channel—and for good reason.
Unlike typical study Bibles that sprinkle a few notes in the margins, the NET Full Notes Edition gives you every single note the translators made during their work.
That means you don’t just read the finished translation—you actually get to see their behind-the-scenes thought process:
Why they chose a specific Greek word
What manuscript variations existed
How different ancient traditions affected translation decisions
The layout looks completely different than a standard study Bible. Instead of lots of text with a few notes, the NET flips the model: small sections of Scripture with massive amounts of footnotes underneath. If you’re ready to move beyond devotional reading and start seriously grappling with the text, this is the place to start.
Best of all: the NET Bible is free to access online via Bible Hub, Bible Gateway, or its own NET app. Hyperlinks make it easy to pop open a footnote instantly. The print version is still worth having though—sometimes there’s nothing like flipping through the sheer weight of scholarship yourself.
2. The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird
Understanding the Big Picture of the Early Church
The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird is one of the most beautiful and rich volumes I own.
When it launched, I bought it immediately—and I was blown away.
This resource covers:
When the New Testament books were written
Who wrote them (and the scholarly debates around authorship)
What major themes shaped the early church
How literary forms like biography and epistle impact our reading
The production quality is phenomenal. It’s hardbound (yes, lay-flat binding!) with thick, fancy-feeling paper, gorgeous maps, photos, and sidebars full of context and insights.
Unique Feature: Wright and Bird included real email questions they’ve received over the years, with their responses. It makes the book feel like an ongoing conversation between scholar and seeker.
If I’m preparing a lecture, a sermon, or just wanting to understand the big picture of a New Testament book, this is the first volume I pull off the shelf.
3. IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig Keener
Discovering the Cultural Context Behind the Text
You can’t fully understand the New Testament without understanding the world around it—and that’s where Craig Keener’s Bible Background Commentary shines.
This book helps answer critical questions like:
What political tensions existed in first-century Rome?
What cultural practices shaped early Christian behavior?
How did Greco-Roman paganism influence language and imagery?
Organized by book, chapter, and verse, Keener’s commentary gives historical, cultural, and religious background information without overwhelming you. It’s incredibly practical—you can look up a verse you’re studying and immediately see background notes that make the passage come alive.
Think of it this way:
If someone 2,000 years from now was trying to understand our world, they’d need to know who was president, what laws existed, what pop culture trends mattered. Keener’s work does that for the New Testament world.
Tip: If you buy the digital version, make sure the hyperlinks work properly. Otherwise, the print edition is well worth it.
4. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (Second Edition, IVP Press)
Deep Diving into Paul’s Thought and Theology
If you’re studying the New Testament, you’re studying Paul—there’s no way around it. Paul wrote (or is attributed with) about a third of the New Testament, and his influence is everywhere.
The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters—edited by Scott McKnight, Nijay Gupta, and Lynn Cohick—is one of the most impressive volumes you can own for understanding Paul’s writings.
Here’s how it works:
Organized by major topics (Justification, Freedom, Politics, the Role of Women, Eschatology, and many more)
Each entry is an in-depth article written by a top scholar in that area
Every article concludes with a detailed bibliography so you can research even further
Why it matters:
When Paul discusses concepts like “justification by faith,” “household codes,” or “freedom in Christ,” those ideas are layered with theological, cultural, and historical nuance. This dictionary gives you access to the best scholarship so you can wrestle with Paul’s thought with depth and integrity.
It’s big, it’s heavy, and it’s brilliant. I have both a print version (because nerd flex) and a digital version through Logos software for quick access.
Building Your New Testament Study Library
If you’re serious about taking your New Testament study deeper, these four resources provide a rock-solid foundation:
• Primary Text Insight: NET Bible Full Notes Edition
• Historical and Contextual Overview: The New Testament in Its World
• Cultural Background: IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament
• Focused Study on Paul: Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
Each of these tools brings a different angle to your study, moving you beyond surface-level readings into rich, informed engagement with Scripture. Whether you’re teaching, writing, or simply growing in your personal faith, these resources will serve you for years to come.
