Introducing the New Testament, Third Revised Edition

I have read few Christian books. Of those, this is that best that I've read and I recommend it for Christians, agnostics and others. It begins with an introduction about how the New Testament came to be written and collected (and what language it was written in). Then each book of the New Testament is given a separate chapter. The books which seem so disparate are drawn together in the final chapter. Hunter's english is superb and the whole book is eminently readable. Also, his background knowledge is top bracket. Further, his aim is to help the reader to understand all parts of the New Testament (which, let's face it, is a literary mess) and he does this with care and patience. He goes to the trouble of rewriting in paraphrase some of the difficult letters. It is not a book of dogma, and Hunter doesn't attempt to hide the inconsistencies in the New Testament. After reading Hunter's book, I even feel as if I understand Revelation!