The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts
A Comprehensive Resource on the New Testament World"Green and McDonald have designed a work comprising numerous topics essential for engaging the historical context of the New Testament and earliest Christianity, and they have assembled a good team of experienced and emergent scholars, who give concise and informed discussions of these topics. The result is a valuable volume, especially for students and general readers but also for scholars who want to catch up on any of the topics included."--Larry W. Hurtado, New College, University of Edinburgh"This excellent book contains a wealth of information concerning the various contexts (e.g., Jewish, Hellenistic, historical, geographical, literary, sociological) in which the New Testament emerged. Since a knowledge of these contexts is supremely important for the interpreter, a comprehensive yet detailed overview is very welcome indeed. Here is a handy reference volume, produced by leading scholars, that every serious interpreter will be glad to have."--Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary"The depth and breadth ofThe World of the New Testamentwill make it a standard work for libraries and the bookshelves of both pastors and scholars across a wide range of traditions. Here in one judiciously edited volume, readers will find ready access to information about Hellenistic philosophy, Jewish history, Jewish and Greco-Roman customs, and much more. The abundance of illustrations, maps, and diagrams brings the material to life. This will prove to be an invaluable resource for years to come."--Susan Eastman, Duke Divinity School"The World of the New Testamentassembles many of today's most competent scholars on the ancient world to address in readable language key points for the entire range of ancient sources and history. If I were teaching a New Testament backgrounds course this semester, this is the textbook I would use."--Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary"This fine collection of essays will surely become a standard introduction to the world behind the New Testament. Not only will these studies break fresh ground for more advanced research, but together they construct a richly textured context that will produce a more wakeful study of the church's Scripture."--Robert W. Wall, Seattle Pacific University