Part I The one volume commentary I turn to the most. Neither ultra liberal or ultra conservative while also striking a balance between quality scholarship yet readability. Also includes commentaries on the Apocrypha and I Enoch.

For the mainline Christian, at a less advanced level, this is an ideal choice. Some of the commentaries are mini classics, e.g. Paul Meyer's treatment of Romans. Also, includes commentaries on the Apocryphal books. For the evangelical, the "New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition" is of high quality.

An equal rival to the People's NT Commentary, above. Harvey distills the insights of current NT scholarship to provide an informative treatment of each NT book, but without the complexities of technical scholarly discussion.

For developing "hermeneutical" skills on how to interpret the various books of the Bible (and better use the commentaries above), this is one of the better treatments for the NT student. Gordon Fee handles the NT writings in a very adept way with invaluable discussion. Another option is the popular "Grasping God's Word" by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays

For the mainline reader, this is a highly rated NT intro. Ehrman writes in a lively and engaging style that makes the book a joy to read and provides valuable perspective. This also comes in a more concise version "A Brief Introduction to the New Testament" for the more beginning student.

The list of NT introductions is seemingly endless but this remains another quality option. Some find it uneven but I recommend having several NT Intros to use in conjunction with each other. Conservatives may opt for "An Introduction to the New Testament" by Carson and Moo or the more provocative "An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation" by David DeSilva.

Misc. and More... OK, you've read the NT writings, but what is the theological significance of what they mean? A quality NT theology will help you in the process. Marshall is recommended here because he recognizes the diverse contribution to the whole from each group of NT writings. He is coming out soon with a concise version more suited for the beginning student.

Tom Wright is, no doubt, one of the pioneering NT scholars of our day. Though he often writes for the scholar, he also popularizes his work for the general student. This is a good start to better understand the implications of Jesus' ministry within his original Jewish context.

For a balanced and very informed treatment of the history of research into the historical Jesus, this is a good start that shouldn't be too overwhelming for the general reader. You will gain much insight into viewing Jesus within his cultural context and also better understand the issues currently raging about the historical Jesus.

If you like Blomberg's treament of the gospels (above) then you'll want this sequel volume that deals with the rest of the NT. This is an informative, readable treatment ideal for the evangelical student.

This is a very user-friendly book for the general reader wishing to learn more about Paul, his letters and his theology. Written in a very fun yet informative manner. Includes discussion about the culture Paul lived in, letter writing in antiquity and much more. A great read with Gorman above.

For another valuable, readable presentation of Paul's contribution to the NT, this is also recommended. Wright is a proponent of the New Perspective of Paul and you'll gain much helpful insight in understanding Paul in his original context.

The best dictionary for the mainline Christian. Conservatives may opt for the "New Bible Dictionary" by Wood, Millard, Packer, and Wiseman or the "Holman Bible Dictionary".

From time to time you'll want to do an important word study. This is an abridgment of the stalwart 3 volume NIDNTT but preserves the most important discussion from the original. And at a very reasonable price!

An older, now classic work to accomplish the task above. This is recommended because Bruce writes history well and in a highly understandable manner for the general reader.

This is a now classic, updated mid-level work that is highly recommended and will go a long way in providing important information about the cultural background of the NT world. Covers the Greek, Roman, and Jewish political, social, religious, and philosophical backgrounds necessary for a good historical understanding of the New Testament.

Another great introduction for the evolving student, providing a social-sciences understanding of the value system of the NT world. Contrasts side by side, how a modern American would view certain cultural values vs. someone from the Mediterranean world of the Bible.

A very good summary of the Greco-Roman backdrop of the NT. Very accessible for the general reader and maybe a great place to start before tackling Meeks above.