For Historical Perspective
Knowing the world from which our Bible came is an invaluable aid to understanding Jesus and this life to which we are called. See where the journey may lead!
Online
That The World May Know with Ray Vander Laan (volumes may be purchased)
Books
The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird
The Bible as History by Dr Werner Keller and Joachim Rohork
The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament
An Introduction to the New Testament by D.A. Carson and Douglas Moo
The New Testament and the People of God by N.T.Wright