The Origins of Christianity and the New Testament

by Denova, Rebecca I.

• ISBN13: 9781119759621
• ISBN10: 1119759625
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-07-21
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Author Biography

REBECCA I. DENOVA is Senior Lecturer Emeritus in the Early History of Christianity at the University of Pittsburgh, where she has taught in the Department of Religious Studies for more than 25 years. Her area of expertise is in the historical exploration of the origins of Christianity within Hellenistic Judaism.

Dr Denova has travelled widely in the Mediterranean Basin, exploring archaeological sites as part of her research of the ancient world. She is the author of several books including Greek and Roman Religions.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Preface ix

I Studying the Historical Jesus 1

II The History of Israel 17

Excursus I Introduction to the Gospels 45

III The Gospel of Mark (The Apocalyptic Jesus) 51

IV The Gospel of Matthew (“The New Moses”) 71

V The Gospel of Luke (The Compassionate Jesus) 93

VI The Acts of the Apostles 109

VII The Gospel of John (“The Stranger from Heaven”) 129

Excursus II Historical Anomalies in the Trial(s) and Crucifixion in the Gospels 143

Excursus III Jesus and Women in the Gospels 153

VIII Paul, the “Apostle to the Gentiles” 161

IX Paul and the First Christians 181

Excursus IV Women in the Pauline Communities 197

X Other New Testament Documents 201

XI The Book of Revelation 213

Epilog 231

Excursus V The Legacy of Jewish–Christian Relations 235

Glossary 239

Index 259