Judaism and Christianity in First-Century Rome - Paperback

by Karl P. Donfried (Editor), Peter Richardson (Editor)

Rome, as the center of the first-century world, was home to numerous ethnic groups, among which were both Jews and Christians. The dealings of the Roman government with these two groups, and their dealings with each other, are the focus of this engaging book. Peter Richardson shows that inscriptions expand considerably our knowledge about synagogues in Rome. L. Michael White discusses what the archeological epigraphic evidence reveals about the synagogue and society of Ostia. Graydon F. Snyder explores the them of inculturation, looking closely at the level of interaction of Jews with non-Jews in Rome and of Christians with Roman culture. Leonard Victor Rutgers examines the inconsistent nature of Rome's legal policies toward the Jews. Rudolf Braendle and Ekkehard W. Stegemann detail the formation of the first Christian congregations already present. James S. Jeffers describes the family life of Jews and Christians in Rome. Carolyn Osiek discusses, from an insightful and unique perspective, the social character of Roman Christianity. James C. Walters considers the evolving relations between Christians and non-Christian Jews in Rome and how their interactions were affected by Roman intervention. William L. Lane traces the continuities and discontinuities in Roman Christianity in the period from Nero to Nerva. Finally, Chrys C. Caragounis, finding clues in Romans and '1 Clement', challenges much of the consensus concerning the social situation of Roman Christianity. Based on the latest biblical and historical scholarship and archaeological evidence, this volume will be a valuable resource for students of first-century Judaism and Christianity.

Author Biography

Karl P. Donfried is the Elizabeth A. Woodson Professor of Religion and Biblical Literature, at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts.