Early Christian Thought in its Jewish Context

Examines the continuity between early Christianity and Judaism - the focus of much controversy.

John M. G. Barclay (Edited by), John Philip McMurdo Sweet (Edited by)

9780521462853, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 June 1996

316 pages, 1 b/w illus.
23.6 x 15.7 x 2.3 cm, 0.55 kg

"...a well-planned collection reflecting an attempt to cover the major topics of early Christianity in its relation to Judaism. This collection...is highly valuable." Martin Olsthoorn, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

The theme of this volume is that of continuity and discontinuity between early Christianity and its Jewish parent. The formation of Christian thought in the context of its Jewish beginnings is the focus of much debate and controversy. These essays cover the historical and social background of Palestine and the Diaspora; the main components of the New Testament canon and early non-canonical writings, examining their relationship to the Jewish tradition; and central themes including monotheism and Christology, apocalyptism, ethics, and martyrdom. The concise treatments, with their helpful bibliographies, by an international team of experts will be of interest and value to teachers and undergraduate students of the New Testament and Christian origins. It puts an alternative complexion on the relationship between Judaism and the convictions of the early Christians, and will stimulate discussion.

List of contributors
Preface
List of works by Morna D. Hooker
List of abbreviations
1. Introductory essay C. F. D. Moule
Part I. The Social Context of Early Christianity: 2. The Jews of Judaea and Galilee Andrew Chester
3. The Jews of the Diaspora John Barclay
Part II. Some Early Christian Sources: 4. Jesus N. T. Wright
5. Matthew Ivor Jones
6. Mark David R. Catchpole
7. Luke - acts C. K. Barrett
8. John D. Moody Smith
9. Paul E. P. Sanders
10. Deutero - Pauline letters James D. G. Dunn
11. Hebrews Marie E. Isaacs
12. Revelation John Sweet
13. Other early Christian writings: Didache, Ignatius, Barnabas, Justin Martyr Graham Stanton
Part III. Some Early Christian Themes: 14. 'In accordance with the Scriptures' Peder Borgen
15. Land, sanctuary and worship William Horbury
16. Monotheism and christology Marinus de Jonge
17. Apocalyptic, God and the world Christopher Rowland
18. Atonement and martyrdom Kenneth Grayston
19. Halakhah and ethics in the Jesus tradition Markus Bockmuehl
Index of names
Index of subjects
Index of texts.

Subject Areas: The Early Church [HRCC1]