The text would have been strengthened by the addition of discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a summary glossary as an appendix. These additions would help provide more pedagogical structure for laity teaching in the church and adjunct instructors working with university students. The text is attractive, and its photos include ancient artifacts and the ruins of biblical sites, which are expected, but also more than a few scenes of churches today in ancient places. All through the text the focus on the church in witness, worship, and mission is highlighted, and in this the text definitely meets its goal of focusing on "What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About."