The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts

by Joel B. Green; Lee Martin McDonald

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2013

Overview

This volume addresses the most important issues related to the study of New Testament writings. Two respected senior scholars have brought together a team of distinguished specialists to introduce the Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman backgrounds necessary for understanding the New Testament and the early church. The book includes 75 photographs, 15 maps, numerous tables and charts, illustrations, and bibliographies. Students of the New Testament will value this comprehensive textbook and reference volume on the New Testament world.

Key Features

• Historically accurate photographs and maps
• Learning tools such as tables and charts
• Visually appealing introduction to the New Testament
• Introduction to Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman history

Contents

Top Highlights

“In antiquity it was not illegal to write in a pseudonymous name, but the practice was generally despised.” (Page 371)

“The name ‘Pharisee’ appears to go back to the Hebrew pāraš and may mean ‘one who is separate.’” (Page 218)

“All pseudonymous literature may not necessarily be painted with the same brush; although some of it was undoubtedly intended to deceive readers, it may be that some ancient writers considered it acceptable to attribute their writings to one who had inspired them.” (Page 370)

“Historians estimate that as many as twelve million people were enslaved in the Roman Empire (16–20 percent of the entire population of at least sixty million) during the first century of our era (see Harris, ‘Slave Trade,’ 117–40; Joshel, Slavery, 7–9).” (Page 170)

“Antiochus decreed that the Jews of Judea cease practicing their religion and become fully cooperating, Hellenistic citizens of the Seleucid Empire.” (Page 40)

Endorsements

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, emeritus professor of New Testament language, literature, and theology and Honorary Professorial Fellow, New College, University of Edinburgh

The depth and breadth of The World of the New Testament will 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, associate professor of the practice of Bible and Christian formation director, Doctor of Theology program, Duke Divinity School

Product Details

• Title: The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts
• Authors: Joel B. Green, Lee Martin McDonald
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 672
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Jews › History--586 B.C.-70 A.D; Jews › Palestine--Social life and customs--To 70 A.D; Judaism › History--Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210 A.D; Civilization, Greco-Roman › Social aspects; Bible. N.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Church history › Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600; Palestine › History--To 70 A.D; Greece › History--146 B.C.-323 A.D; Rome › History--Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D; Bible. N.T. › History of Biblical events
• ISBNs: 9781441249791, 9780801039621, 9780801098611, 1441249796, 0801039622, 0801098610
• Resource ID: LLS:WRLDNWTSTMNTCLT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:54:04Z

About the Authors

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics, the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Introducing the New Testament, and Commentaries on Luke and 1 Peter. He is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation.

Lee Martin McDonald (PhD, University of Edinburgh), before his retirement, was professor of New Testament studies and president of Acadia Divinity College. He is the author or coauthor of several books.