The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity

by Jeffers, James S.

• ISBN13: 9780830815890
• ISBN10: 0830815899
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-10-01
• Publisher: Ivp Academic

Summary

What was life like for first-century Christians?Imagine a modest-sized Roman home of a well-to-do Christian household wedged into a thickly settled quarter of Corinth. In the lingering light of a summer evening, men, women and children, merchants, working poor and slaves, a mix of races and backgrounds have assembled in the dimly lit main room are are spilling into the central courtyard. This odd assortment of gathered believers--some thirty in number--are attentive as the newly arrived and travel-weary emissary from Paul reads from the papyrus scroll he has brought from their apostolic mentor.But if you were to be transported to this scene you would perhaps be overwhelmed by a flood of unexpected difference. The voice of the reader recedes as through open windows the din and clamor of the city assault your ears. Hooves clunk and cart wheels grind and echo from the street while drivers shout, vendors call and neighbors gather and converse. And later, as you accompany a family through darkened and dangerous streets to their third-story tenement apartment, you might try to mask your shock at the cramped and unsafe conditions.InThe Greco-Roman World of the New Testament EraJames Jeffers provides an informative and scenic tour of daily life during the time of Jesus and the apostles. He affords "you-are-there" glimpses of everything from legal codes to dinner foods, from social hierarchy to apartment living, from education to family dynamics. His eye-opening book will advance your understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity and enrich your reading and application of the Bible.

Author Biography

James S. Jeffers is associate professor in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University and teaches ancient history at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	9	(10)
List of Maps	10	(1)
List of Tables	10	(1)
Preface	11	(3)
Historical Background to the New Testament Era	14	(5)
Life & Death in the First Century	19	(29)
The City in the Greco-Roman World	48	(23)
Influences on Christian Organization	71	(18)
Religion in the Greco-Roman World	89	(21)
Governing of the Provinces & Palestine	110	(32)
Tools of Governance: Finances, Law & the Military	142	(38)
Social Class & Status in the Empire	180	(17)
Citizenship	197	(14)
The Jews in the Cities	211	(9)
Slavery	220	(17)
The Family, Women & Education	237	(22)
Provinces & Cities of the New Testament Era	259	(34)
Appendix A: A Summary of Greco-Roman History	293	(28)
Appendix B: Chronology of Events	321	(3)
Maps	324	(6)
Notes	330	(9)
Subject Index	339	(4)
Scripture Index	343