A cultural and anthropological interpretation of Mark and Matthew which examines their contribution to the formation of early Christian identity, world-view and ethos.
John Riches studies the notions of sacred space and ethnicity in the Gospel narratives. He shows how early Christian group identity emerged through a dynamic process of reshaping traditional Jewish symbols and motifs associated with descent, kinship and territory. Ideas about descent from Abraham and the return from exile to Mount Zion are interwoven into early Christian traditions about Jesus and in the process...
A cultural and anthropological interpretation of Mark and Matthew which examines their contribution to the formation of early Christian identity, worl...
In his letters, the apostle Paul commonly refers to his fellow believers as "adelfoi," as his "brothers and sisters." Here, Reidar Aasgaard offers the first in-depth, and by far the most profound, analysis of this sibling vocabulary in the Pauline epistles.
Aasgaard researches family and sibling relationships in the Graeco-Roman and Jewish context and discusses the relevant texts on siblingship in Paul's letters. He argues that sibling terminology is both central and charged with meaning for Paul. When the apostle speaks of the Christians as siblings, he employs contemporary notions...
In his letters, the apostle Paul commonly refers to his fellow believers as "adelfoi," as his "brothers and sisters." Here, Reidar Aasgaard offers the...
This social history of earliest Christianity radically re-evaluates both the methods and models of other studies. Justin Meggitt draws on the most recent research in classical studies on the economy and society of the Roman Empire. He examines the economic experiences of the Pauline churches, and locates Paul and the members of his communities within the context of the first century Roman economy. He explores their experiences of employment, nutrition and housing. He uncovers and describes the unique responses that they made to such a harsh environment. And he questions whether, from the...
This social history of earliest Christianity radically re-evaluates both the methods and models of other studies. Justin Meggitt draws on the most ...
The Gospel of Thomas is one of the most debated early Christian writings. Discovered as a Coptic translation in the Nag Hammadi Library, its date, message and relation to the canonical gospels have been the subject of much divisive argument. This book offers new perspectives on the gospel and demonstrates the various ways in which it sheds light on the ideological and social history of early Christianity.Expert scholars go to the heart of current issues in Thomasine studies, such as the role of oral and written traditions in the composition of the gospel, Thomas' relationship with the...
The Gospel of Thomas is one of the most debated early Christian writings. Discovered as a Coptic translation in the Nag Hammadi Library, its date, ...
In this meticulously researched and compelling study, David Sim reconstructs the social setting of the Matthean community at the time the Gospel was written and traces its full history.Dr Sim argues that the Matthean community should be located in Antioch towards the latter part of the first century. He acknowledges the dispute within the early Christian movement and its importance. He defines more accurately the distinctive perspectives of the two streams of thought and their respective relationships to Judaism. A new and important work in Matthean studies.
In this meticulously researched and compelling study, David Sim reconstructs the social setting of the Matthean community at the time the Gospel wa...
In this ground-breaking study of Paul, Dr Adams focuses on Paul's understanding and use of cosmological concepts, such as 'world' and 'creation'.Adams brings to bear the most recently developed disciplines, including 'critical linguistics', to the interpretation of Pauline texts, showing up, for example, the differing perspectives on the world of 1 Corinthians and Romans.He examines Paul's historical and social context and illuminates the whole cosmological project of Pauline Christianity.
In this ground-breaking study of Paul, Dr Adams focuses on Paul's understanding and use of cosmological concepts, such as 'world' and 'creation'.Ad...
This is a uniquely well-informed and comprehensive guide to the world of religion in the Graeco-Roman environment of early Christianity. Drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship, the volume paints a carefully nuanced portrait of the Christians' religious context. Besides describing ordinary domestic and civic religion and popular belief (including astrology, divination and 'magic'), there is extended discussion of mystery cults, ruler and emperor cults, the religious dimensions of philosophy, and Gnosticism. A valuable textbook for advanced students, as well as an authoritative reference...
This is a uniquely well-informed and comprehensive guide to the world of religion in the Graeco-Roman environment of early Christianity. Drawing on...
