Divinity, religious studies, history, and other scholars present 17 contributions addressing the literary, archaeological, epigraphic, and theoretical issues relating to the familial roles of women, men, children, and slaves in the ancient Roman, Jewish, and Christian worlds. Annotation (c) Book New

Homosexuality is one of the most hotly debated issues in the church today. This book arises directly out of the current discussion of what the Bible says about the morality of homosexual acts and relationships. Taking up the question from both sides of the debate, twelve biblical scholars, psychologists, and theologians debate the meaning of the scriptural passages on homosexuality -- from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians -- in light of contemporary scientific and exegetical evidence. Balanced and well reasoned, this volume will help readers constructively engage this pressing,...

Homosexuality is one of the most hotly debated issues in the church today. This book arises directly out of the current discussion of what the Bible says about the morality of homosexual acts and relationships. Taking up the question from both sides of the debate, twelve biblical scholars, psychologists, and theologians debate the meaning of the scriptural passages on homosexuality -- from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians -- in light of contemporary scientific and exegetical evidence. Balanced and well reasoned, this volume will help readers constructively engage this pressing,...

This stimulating collection of essays by prominent scholars honors Carolyn Osiek. The essays reflect her career and attempt to pay tribute to both the unity and the diversity of her accomplishments. The authors interpret early Christians in their social world and women in early Christianity, with interpretations spanning the New Testament and early church documents. The editors have brought together an international group of scholars. The book includes both a comprehensive bibliography of Osiek's work as well as a brief introduction by the editors reflecting on their experiences with her...

David L. Balch argues that Luke-Acts participates in the ethnic, economic, and political debates of the first century CE. Cities and peoples are to receive immigrating foreigners (Act. 10.28); the proud urban rich are to humble themselves and become one community with the poor. Imperial Rome's expanding to include diverse peoples was the driving force that drove conflicts around ethnic inclusion and exclusion in Rome itself, but also in Athens and Jerusalem. Luke's biography of Jesus narrates him as founder who fulfilled Isaiah's prophecies and changed Moses' laws by receiving foreigners (Luk...