Originally published in 1952, this book discusses the relevant historical facts and the main theories of the different theological schools on the literature of the New Testament. The opening chapters of the book are concerned with the background of Christianity, the Canon of the New Testament, the Pre-Literary Period, the Earliest Written Sources, and the Synoptic Problem. These are followed by chapters dealing whenever possible with the authorship, recipients, date and place of composition, sources, purpose, contents, characteristics and historical value of each of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. There is also an introductory chapter on Paul's Epistles.