Paul's writings are laced with vivid images from the bustling New Testament world. To understand these metaphors, David J. Williams delves into that Greco-Roman world and uses ancient sources to explore a wide variety of topics such as architecture, law, commerce, health care, and education. Williams studies this world in chapters with titles such as "Life in the City," "Family Life," "Slavery and Freedom," "Citizens and Courts of Law," "Travel," and "Warfare and Soldiering."

Paul's metaphors, set apart in bold type, are examined in the light of this background information and restored to...