Reference works
Background studies
Arnold, Clinton E., ed. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. Vol. 1: Matthew Mark Luke. John ActsRomans-Philemon Also published in smaller paperbacks. Matthew Mark Luke John
Barrett, C.K. The New Testament Background: Selected Documents. Rev. ed. San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 1995. Amazon.
Beale, G.K., and D.A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007. Amazon
Boring, M. Eugene, Klaus Berger, and Carsten Colpe, eds. Hellenistic Commentary to the New Testament. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995. A collection of quotes from Greco-Roman literature that may have relevance to various texts in the New Testament.
Evans, Craig A., ed. The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary. 3 vols. Colorado Springs: Victor, 2003-2005. Vol. 1 on Google. Vol. 2 on Google.
Evans, Craig A., and Stanley E. Porter. Dictionary of New Testament Background. InterVarsity, 2000. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0830817808
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. 2nd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2014. Does not footnote the sources. Amazon.
Other
Hudson, Robert, ed. The Christian Writer's Manual of Style. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
Snodgrass, Klyne. Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008. 846 pages. Amazon
Vymeister, Nancy Jean. Quality Research Papers: For Students of Religion and Theology. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2020. Amazon.