Characters From the Gospels by 
Choosing the Better Part? : women in the Gospel of Luke by
Because the Gospel of Luke includes more stories about women than any other Gospel, many find it is the most helpful in the search for equality for women in the Church today. However, feminist interpreters have discovered that Luke's portrait of women is ambiguous at best and hazardous at worst. Choosing the Better Part? focuses on the sayings of Jesus and on the passages in the Gospel of Luke in which women figure as characters. It suggests that these stories be reinterpreted and reconsidered from a feminist perspective, so that readers may know how to choose the better part" toward equality and inclusivity. While there certainly are women disciples in Luke and Acts, their role is presented by the third evangelist as clearly different from that of the men. They are portrayed primarily as silent and passive. Their ministry is carried out behind- the-scenes, supporting the more visible, public ministries of the male disciples. This commentary shows that there is more than one way to read the biblical tradition and that it matters vitally how one reads it.Choosing the Better Part? examines a number of possible approaches to the texts (critical, literary, and narrative) and uncovers their presuppositions and their consequences helping both women and men, particularly those who preach and teach the Scriptures, to do so in a way that will promote a Church of equal disciples, where gender differences no longer dictate ministerial roles. Reid has written this work not as the definitive interpretation of the Lukan stories of women, but as an aid in critical biblical study, coupled with reflection on experiences of the global community and reliance on the Spirit to "choose the better part" to bring fullness of life for al. Barbara E. Reid, OP, holds a PhD in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and is assistant professor of New Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her scholarly interests center on Luke- Acts,Paul, and feminist interpretation of Scripture. Her most recent articles appeared in Biblical Research, The Bible Today, and New Theology Review. "
The Crowds in the Gospel of Matthew by
This volume identifies the crowds in the Gospel of Matthew and explains their character and function. It argues that a proper appreciation of the role of the crowds is essential to an understanding of salvation history within the gospel.
Encountering Jesus: character studies in the Gospel of John by
Applying a comprehensive theory of character to the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema provides a fresh analysis of the characters and their responses to Jesus. While the majority of scholars view most Johannine characters as "flat," Bennema demonstrates that many are complex, developing, and "round." John's broad array of characters correspond to people and their choices in real life in any culture and time. This book highlights how John's Gospel seeks to challenge its readers about where they stand in relation to Jesus.
Encounters with Jesus: uncover the ancient culture, discover hidden meanings by
Do you sometimes feel like an "untouchable"? Have you ever been ashamed to say, "You don't know what I've done, how unethical I've been, how many bad decisions I've made, how many times I've shaken my fist at God"? If so, you're not alone. Thankfully, author Gary M. Burge has a message for you, and others like you: Jesus wants to encounter you, just as you are. When Burge re-examined Jesus' biblical encounters with people - being careful to view them in their unique historical context - he emerged with fresh, powerful insights about how Jesus interacted with people then, and still does today "One of the more surprising features of Jesus' ministry was his willingness to have personal encounters with people," he writes. "In fact, what is unique about the gospels are the unexpected stories that detailed Jesus' regular interruptions." These "interruptions" came in the form of people from all walks of life - young, old, rich, poor, sick, healthy, riddled with sin, or saddled by self-righteousness. "No situation or condition will impede Jesus' approach," Burge writes. "All are welcome." Encounters With Jesus is a book that will be read, re-read, and recommended to friends and family alike because its message is sorely needed today: "Jesus took time for people who thought they were invisible...this is a relief to those of us who are imperfect."
Gospel Characters: the personalities around Jesus by 
Gospel Women: studies of the named women in the gospels by
There have been many studies of the women in the Gospels, but this is a new kind of book on the subject. Rather than offering a general overview of the Gospel women or focusing on a single theme, Richard Bauckham studies in great depth both the individual women who appear in the Gospels and the specific passages in which they appear. This unique approach reveals that there is much more to be known about such women than previous studies have assumed. Employing historical and literary readings of the biblical texts, Bauckham successfully captures the particularity of each woman he studies. An opening look at the Old Testament book of Ruth introduces the possibilities of reading Scripture from a woman's perspective. Other studies examine the women found in Matthew's genealogies, the prophet Anna, Mary of Clopas, Joanna, Salome, and the women featured in the Gospel resurrection narrative. A number of these women have never been the subject of deep theological enquiry. Unlike most recent books, Bauckham's work is not dominated by a feminist agenda. It does not presume in advance that the Gospel texts support patriarchal oppression, but it does venture some of the new and surprising possibilities that arise when the texts are read from the perspective of their female characters. Astute, sensitive to issues of gender, and written by one of today's leading theologians, Gospel Women will be of interest to a wide range of readers.
The Hidden Women of the Gospels by 
In the Company of Jesus: characters in Mark's gospel by
Elizabeth Malbon tracks the way in which the characters other than Jesus are portrayed in the Gospel of Mark, employing a literary approach that reveals their contributions to the Gospel story. After outlining the four elements of narrative criticism, Malbon explores each of the characters and shows how their interaction advances the narrative.
The Literary Construction of the Other in the Acts of the Apostles by
The Literary Construction of the Other in the Acts of the Apostles explores the beginnings of the Christian Church, showing how early believers united and created a self-identity through delimiting the Other. Mitzi Smith shows how the creation and subjugation of the Other was crucial for the expansion of Christianity by the Apostles. Mitzi Smith employs Jonathon Smith's theory of otherness as a framework for analysing Luke's literary and discursive construction of character in Acts. In order to define the Self we define the Other, using opposition as a form of definition and subjugation. Furthermore, Jonathon Smith argues that the project of otherness is more about proximity than alterity; the other that is most like us is the most threatening. Both Luke and many others have written accounts of Jesus's deeds; Luke's project of otherness was motivated by the need to promote his account as the most accurate. Projects of otherness are linguistic or discursive, evaluative, hierarchical, and essentially political and economic. Mitzi Smith provides a new way to understand Christian identity; allowing people to understand the Other in terms of themselves.
Bandits, Prophets, and Messiahs: popular movements in the time of Jesus by
A brilliant portrait of Jewish culture in the first century rediscovers the common people in the time of Jesus, and contains a fresh evaluation of Jesus' relation to this complex society.
The Concept of the Messiah in the Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity by
In this title, Shirley Lucass examines the history of the concept of messiah in biblical, and post-biblical traditions. For 2000 years, Judaism and Christianity have been at odds with one another. The problem at the heart of the division is the concept of messiah. Shirley Lucass looks directly at the concept of messiah from an historical perspective and examines its roots in ancient Jewish literature, and its development within the Christian tradition, aiming not only to trace the biblical and extra-biblical developments of the concept, but to outline a platform for religious dialogue. Lucass begins with a survey of methodological approaches, and then moves on to consider the origins of the messiah concept in ancient near eastern kingship, the 'anointed' in the Second Temple period and the messiah as outlined in the New Testament and in post 70 CE Messianism. Lucass contends that the New Testament concept of messiah is not inconsistent with, nor incompatible with the Jewish antecedent traditions, and it is this conclusion which enables her to present a valuable chapter on the implications of this study for inter-religious dialogue. The Library of Second Temple Studies is a premier book series that offers cutting-edge work for a readership of scholars, teachers, postgraduate students and advanced undergraduates in the field of Second Temple studies. All the many and diverse aspects of Second Temple study are represented and promoted, including innovative work from historical perspectives, studies using social-scientific and literary theory, and developing theological, cultural and contextual approaches.
Early Christian Ethics in Interaction with Jewish and Greco-Roman Contexts by
In Early Christian Ethics in Interaction with Jewish and Greco-Roman Contexts experts from various fields analyze the process of transformation of early Christian ethics because of the ongoing interaction with Jewish, Greco-Roman and Christian traditions.
Early Christianity and Hellenistic Judaism by
These studies break new ground in the exploration of early Christianity and Judaism towards the end of the Second Temple period.Professor Borgen introduces fresh perspectives on many central issues in the complexity of Judaism both within Palestine and in the Diaspora. He also examines the variety of tendencies which existed within Christianity as it emerged within Judaism and spread out into other nations.An invaluable study for all scholars, teachers and students of the New Testament in general and of Judaica, Classics and Hellenism
Greeks, Romans, Jews: currents of culture and belief in the New Testament world by 
Herod : king of the Jews and friend of the Romans by
Peter Richardson's biographical study of Herod (73-4 BCE) offers insight into the personality of the man who served as the most prominent member of the substantial Herodian family and whose rule shaped the world in which the Christian faith arose. Richardson reveals Herod to be far more complex and important than is generally perceived and demonstrates that an understanding of Herod holds great value for comprehending the relationship between Judea and Rome.
History, Culture, and Religion of the Hellenistic Age by
While the first American edition of this book, published more than a decade ago, was a revised translation of the German book, Einführung in das Neue Testament, this second edition of the first volume of the Introduction to the New Testament is no longer dependent upon a previously published German work. The author hopes that for the student of the New Testament it is a useful introduction into the many complex aspects of the political, cultural, and religious developments that characterized the world in which early Christianity arose and by which the New Testament and other early Christian writings were shaped.
History and Literature of Early Christianity by
This work has established itself as a classical text in the field of New Testament studies. Written in a readable, non-technical style, it has become an indispensable textbook and reference for teachers, students, clergy, and the educated layperson interested in a scholarly treatment of the New Testament and its background in the Judaic and Greco-Roman world.
Jewish Cult and Hellenistic Culture by
This is a collection of 12 essays, written since 1997, on themes related to Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Judaism. They include a review essay on recent scholarship on Hellenistic Judaism, a discussion of the question of anti-Semitism in antiquity, a study of the Hellenistic reform in Jerusalem, several studies of individual texts and an essay on the circumstances that led to the first Jewish revolt against Rome.
The Jewish Dialogue with Greece and Rome: studies in cultural and social interaction by
Twenty-seven interdisciplinary essays on aspects of Judaism in the Greco-Roman world, exemplifying a wide range of techniques, by a well-known scholar. Three are previously unpublished, including a reappraisal of the Judaism and Hellenism debate and a study of the Sardis synagogue. The books overall coherence derives from the authors long-standing interests in the analysis of texts as documents of cultural and religious interaction, and in how Jewish communities were woven into the social fabric of Greek cities in the Hellenistic and Roman East. The four sections are: Greeks and Jews, Josephus, The Jewish Diaspora and Epigraphy, and finally Beyond the Greeks and Romans, essays which extend into Christian literature and on to the nineteenth century reception of the Judaism/Hellenism dichotomy. Scholars and students from a wide variety of backgrounds will benefit.This publication has also been published in paperback, please click here for details."
The Jews in the Time of Jesus by
"The teachings of Jesus, his life story, his relationships, the things that were said of him by early Christians - all are best understood against the backdrop of Jesus' own time and place. Understanding Jewish life in the first century will help us better understand Jesus' mission and how it relates to our own religious concerns today." "The Jews in the Time of Jesus is ideal for classroom use and for anyone who is interested in understanding the Jewish roots of Christianity."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Jews under Roman Rule from Pompey to Diocletian : from Pompey to Diocletian: a study in political relations by
This volume traces Judaism's constantly shifting political, religious and geographical boundaries under Roman rule from Pompey to Diocletian. It also examines the galvanizing forces that shaped and defined Judaism.
The New Testament Era: the world of the Bible from 500 B.C. to A.D. 100 by
This volume by an internationally know New Testament scholar and historian offers a concise history of the complex and often obscure period, from the Jewish exile to the completion of the New Testament writings and the onset of the age of martyrs, which was of such crucial significance for Judaism and Christianity. The author's attention is concentrated on the political, social and religious factors in this period.Beginning with the period in which Judea was under Persian rule, from which much of the religion and cultural heritage of Judaism derives, the author goes on to describe the process of hellenization that occurred after the conquest of Alexander the Great when Persian rule came to an end.The major portion of the book is devoted to the New Testament era proper, when Palestine was under Roman domination. Finally, the author traces the events which led to the ultimate divorce of Christianity and Judaism.
New Testament Survey by
First published in 1953 and revised in 1961, Merrill Tenney's comprehensive survey has served to introduce the general reader, student, and teacher to the world and message of the New Testament. Written in a clear, nontechnical style, New Testament Survey begins with a survey of the social, political, economic, and religious background of the New Testament, and then goes on to examine the various groups of New Testament books, which are considered in their historical settings. The book concludes with a penetrating study of the New Testament canon. Undertaken at the request of Dr. Tenney, and prepared with his full approval, this 1985 revision by Walter M. Dunnett includes an entirely new chapter on the Jewish background of the New Testament, plus several new short sections, including materials on the Gospels and the canon of the New Testament. The bibliography has been enlarged and updated, and many of the book's numerous illustrations, maps, and charts are new. Great care has been exercised to retain the spirit and quality of the original work, ensuring that the book will remain a standard in the years to come.
Roman Imperial Texts: a sourcebook by
A selection of the most important sources for the cultural and political context of the early Roman Empire and the New Testament writings, Roman Imperial Texts includes freshly translated public speeches, official inscriptions, annals, essays, poems, and documents of veiled protest from the Empire's subject peoples --all introduced by Mark Reasoner.
Seven Events That Shaped the New Testament World by
This useful, concise introduction to the worlds around the New Testament focuses on seven key moments in the centuries before and after Jesus. It enlightens readers about the beginnings of the Christian movement, showing how religious, political, and economic factors were interwoven in the fabric of the New Testament world. Leading New Testament scholar Warren Carter has a record of providing student-friendly texts. This introduction offers a "big picture" focus and is logically and memorably organized around seven events, which Carter uses as launching pads to discuss larger cultural dynamics and sociohistorical realities that were in some way significant for followers of Jesus and the New Testament. Photos and maps are included.
Travel, Geography and Culture in Ancient Greece and the near East by
This collection of essays looks beyond the focus of existing works on ancient travel and its documentation, to examine its social and cultural implications. For travel (and the reasons behind it) offers a window on to many features of ancient societies - sense of place, perceptions of space, administration, relations with foreign powers, engagement with other cultures, and representation of homelands. Also of import is the study of ancient geographical knowledge, as well as ancient travel writing (an increasingly popular genre today), its popularity and purpose. All of the papers presented here show that ancient travel was considerably more widespread than is often assumed.