The World of the New Testament

“Green and McDonald have designed a work comprising numerous topics essential for engaging the historical context of the New Testament and earliest Christianity, and they have assembled a good team of experienced and emergent scholars, who give concise and informed discussions of these topics. The result is a valuable volume, especially for students and general readers but also for scholars who want to catch up on any of the topics included.”—Larry W. Hurtado, emeritus professor of New Testament language, literature, and theology and Honorary Professorial Fellow, New College, University of Edinburgh

“This excellent book contains a wealth of information concerning the various contexts (e.g., Jewish, Hellenistic, historical, geographical, literary, sociological) in which the New Testament emerged. Since a knowledge of these contexts is supremely important for the interpreter, a comprehensive yet detailed overview is very welcome indeed. Here is a handy reference volume, produced by leading scholars, that every serious interpreter will be glad to have.”—Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

“The depth and breadth of The World of the New Testament will make it a standard work for libraries and the bookshelves of both pastors and scholars across a wide range of traditions. Here in one judiciously edited volume, readers will find ready access to information about Hellenistic philosophy, Jewish history, Jewish and Greco-Roman customs, and much more. The abundance of illustrations, maps, and diagrams brings the material to life. This will prove to be an invaluable resource for years to come.”—Susan Eastman, associate professor of the practice of Bible and Christian formation director, Doctor of Theology program, Duke Divinity School

“A number of books illumine either ancient Judaism or the non-Jewish Greco-Roman world, but only a few competently address both. The World of the New Testament assembles many of today’s most competent scholars on the ancient world to address in readable language key points for the entire range of ancient sources and history. If I were teaching a New Testament backgrounds course this semester, this is the textbook I would use.”—Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

“This fine collection of essays will surely become a standard introduction to the world behind the New Testament. The various institutions, practices, groups, writings, and beliefs of both Second Temple Judaism(s) and Roman Hellenism are fluently and carefully covered, with notes and bibliographies added to extend each essay. Not only will these studies break fresh ground for more advanced research, but together they construct a richly textured context that will produce a more wakeful study of the church’s Scripture.”—Robert W. Wall, The Paul T. Walls Professor of Scripture and Wesleyan Studies, Seattle Pacific University