In the years since the initial publication of The Jewish Annotated New Testament (JANT) in 2011, interest among scholars and general readers in the Jewish roots of the early Jesus movement and the ongoing influence that Jewish thought and experience have had on Christian history has only grown. In that time, JANT has established itself as an essential resource for anyone, of any faith or none, interested in the New Testament and the world from which it emerged. This third edition incorporates the newly released New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of the New Testament. In addition, the annotations and essays have been thoroughly revised and greatly expanded, and ten new essays have been added, covering topics such as sin, purity, and Judas Iscariot. At a time when dialogue between Christianity and Judaism, its "older brother," is increasingly important, JANT is both enlightening and necessary for all those interested in the wider view of the New Testament, inter-religious dialogue, and cooperation between these formative faith movements in Western and world culture.

The intention for publishing The Jewish Annotated New Testament, according to its editors, Amy-Jill Levine and Mark Zvi Brettler is to recognize the growing understanding between Jewish and Christian traditions, and to help further that understanding. The editors of this volume, both distinguished New Testament scholars, had two key reasons for creating this "Jewish Annotated New Testament." First they wanted Christian readers to learn more about the Judaic origins of Christianity and the context surrounding the life of Jesus. Second, they wanted to introduce Jewish readers to what is unquestionably one of the canonical texts in Western Civilization, whether they believe in it or not. On the whole, this volume does a fairly good job of serving these purposes. Many of the glosses found in the text are geared at linking the ideas and events of the gospels to their background in the history of Judaism. Each of the books of The New Testament is accompanied by a brief introductory essay. There are also a number of shorter sidebar essays positioned within each book to help to explain specific passages at greater length. Finally the end of the book contains a number of essays by leading experts on the bible and Jewish history on a broad range of relevant topics. Those who are involved in interfaith dialogue will recognize that this book will be a classic reference work for anyone seriously interested in Judaism in the first century.