Establishment Violence in Philo and Luke deals with nonconformity to the Jewish Torah and violent counter reactions as discussed in the works of Philo of Alexandria and narrated in the Lukan Acts of the Apostles. The author works with several social science models in vogue in recent research, but especially applies a model of establishment violence (or vigilantism) as worked out by H.J. Rosenbaum and P.C. Sederberg (1976). The study contains five chapters, focusing on three often neglected texts from Philo, and the texts of the Lukan Acts concerning Stephen and Paul in Jerusalem.

The author of the present work wants to throw new light on the intended readers of 1 Peter by investigating what it could possibly mean that they were to live as Strangers in the Light. It is argued that the author of 1 Peter considers his readers as living a life influenced by social circumstances very much comparable to those of the Diaspora proselytes to Judaism. Hence similar discussions in Jewish Diaspora works can illuminate his descriptions and exhortations. Among these Diaspora works, the works of Philo of Alexandria should be drawn into the discussions in a much more comprehensive...

Guidebook par excellence to a significant ancient Jewish scholar

A contemporary of both Jesus and the apostle Paul, Philo was a prolific Jewish theologian, philosopher, and politician -- a fascinating, somewhat enigmatic figure -- who lived his entire life in Alexandria, Egypt. His many books are important sources for our understanding of ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the philosophical currents of that time.

Reading Philo is an excellent introductory guide to Philo's work and significance. The contributors -- all well-known experts on Philo of...