This book is a scholarly, stimulating and highly illustrated reconstruction of the world of the New Testament that draws on the discoveries of archeologists, sociologists and historians to present a vivin insight into the different communities in which the first Christian writers lived and for which they wrote. Successive parts draw the relathionships between the Old Testament and the New, and describe the diversity of outlook and practice among the churches and communities, with a final discussion on the tendencies and movements towards unity. In this illuminating account the New Testament writings become part of a truly living world.