Digital Logos Edition
C.H. Spurgeon once said, “This would be the first step in apostasy; men first forget the true, and then adore the false.” In this three-volume set, B.J. Oropeza offers a thorough examination of the subject of apostasy in the New Testament. His approach is four-fold. First, to identify the author, audience, and apostates or potential apostates. Next, to examine the perceived nature of apostasy within the communities.Third, to address the perceived consequences of apostasy. And finally, to compare the perspectives on apostasy of the New Testament writers and their communities. Oropeza concludes that the earliest followers of Christ did not all believe and teach the same on the issue of apostasy.
For more on apostasy, check out Finding Faith, Losing Faith: Stories of Conversion and Apostasy.
Professor B.J. Oropeza’s three-volume work on perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament is certain to become the standard in the field for years to come . . . it is thoroughly exegetical, without attempting to promote established theological agendas.
—Don Garlington, author of Studies in the New Perspective on Paul
Professor Oropeza provides readers with a stimulating study of apostasy in early Christian communities. It is an important (and much neglected) topic and warrants a careful, detailed study. What I especially like about Oropeza’s approach is his skillful integration of exegesis, biblical theology, and historical and social contexts . . . Readers will come across a number of interpretive gems.
—Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada
B.J. Oropeza is professor of biblical studies at Azusa Pacific University. He is the current founder and chair of the Intertextuality in the New Testament sessions for the Society of Biblical Literature. Among his many publications are Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives in Honor of James D.G. Dunn, and Paul and Apostasy: Eschatology, Perseverance and Falling away in the Corinthian Congregation.