Correctly interpreting the Bible is paramount to understanding the Word of God. As Christians, we do not want to read our 21st-century worldview INTO the Scriptures, but rather to take OUT OF the Scriptures what the author meant by the words that he used. The guaranteed way of arriving a correct understanding of God's Words is to have an accurate knowledge of the historical setting, cultural background, and of the people, governments, and religious leaders, as well as the place and time of the New Testament writings. Only with the background, setting, and context can you grasp the author's intended meaning to his original readers and how that meaning can then apply to us. Marshall gives you what you need for deeper and richer Bible study. Dr. Lee M. Fields writes, "'Deep' study is no guarantee that mature faith will result, but shallow study guarantees that immaturity continues." Marshall has just made a deeper subject matter in his THE NEW TESTAMENT: Its Background, Setting & Content, far easier to understand.