Customer Reviews

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

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As a person just starting my own exploration of the early history of the Christian Church, I found this book an absolute joy to read. Mr. Jeffers is a historical author of the highest order.

As a history major in college, I found that the greatest historians were the ones who could pull together complex themes, ideas, and stories into an approachable tome. Mr. Jeffers has done all that and more. He kindly places New Testament references in the body of his text to highlight the point he is referring to.

The effect of his writing is to give the New Testament a more "three dimensional" feel. No longer is Paul's admonition in I Corinthians 16:15-18 simply about treating a fellow named Stephanas with more respect. It is about the Church showing more appreciation for all their patron - Stephanas - has done for them. This guy wasn't just an average schmoe; he was the money guy who opened his house up for the organization.

When Paul writes to the Philippians that they are citizens of Heaven living in a foreign country, the people he is writing to know EXACTLY what he is talking about. They know the benefits of Roman citizenship (which they have been denied), and the hardships of living as foreigners inside Rome. Gems like these are laced all througout the book

Jeffers also does a tremendous job at explaining Roman governance. I now understand that the Roman Senate wasn't anything other than a group of really really rich guys who pulled the strings of the government that they set up.

It was especially gratifying to read about how certain societal customs became the undoing of the Republic, and the key to the emergence of the Empire. In fact, if I could offer any advice to a reader, I might suggest reading Appendix A right after the first chapter.

It is Appendix A that connects the dots in all that I have read. Jeffers explains (in broad terms) the rise of the Republic, the Republic as conqueror, the fall of the Republic, and the Rise of the Caesar. It was, to me, the most gripping part of the book. So many of the names, wars, events, and legends that I had bouncing around my head like pin balls, came together in one unified story. It was thoroughly enlightening.

I can tell you that The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament will be a reference book for me as long as I live.

This is an excellent book. I recommend it for every Christian, and for those interested in the roots of Christian history. Basically, the author gives us a glimpse of life in the first century. From the four voluntary associations in roman culture to what a person would experience in daily life to how religion was understood in ancient times, this book gives great insight into understanding key concepts and he relates those concepts to Scripture, showing how certain passages reflect a particular theme in society. This is not a theology book, but a book to educate people about the environment that the Scriptures were written in. The author also describes some common fallacies modern people have about life in those times. For example, he explains how the catacombs were not secret Christian meeting places and that the romans had profound respect for the dead (in general). But that Christians organized as burial associations. He also shows the patron-client relationship in culture and how some of that type of relationship is expressed in Scripture. And perhaps one of the best features of the book is a detailed history of the major cities in Biblical times and notable facts about them. All in all, this book is good reading. I recommend it highly.

To understand the biblical world is important if we want to be more familiar with our Bible. But the problem is often, if not all, books about New Testament Background is not written for Christians in general. Most of them are dry or very dry to read. This one is a rare exception. You will be driven to read it from start to finish as soon as possible because EVERY chapter is ranged from good to very good, from interesting to very interesting.

If you want to have the most encyclopedic book about New Testament World what you must buy is Backgrounds of Early Christianity, 3rd ed. by Everett Ferguson. But for the rest of us, this book is the best option.

Upon reading the New Testament it is obvious how much of the events of Jesus and his followers intersect with the Greco-Roman world of their day. However, I didn't realize just how much until I read THE GRECO-ROMAN WORLD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT ERA by James Jeffers.

Prof. Jeffers covers just about every area of life in New Testament times, including trade, work, burial practices, government, the family and slavery as well as some neglected areas such as travel and systems of measurement. Prof. Jeffers then provides examples from the New Testament to illustrate his points. For example, Roman society was highly stratified. The rich not only saw themselves as morally and legally superior to everyone else, but were contemptuous of the poor. This puts much of the New Testament's discussion of the rich, which at first glance appears rather envious, in a new light.

The book assumes minimal-knowledge of Greco-Roman history, so it may be used both as introductory work for beginners and a refresher course for more advanced students. It contains many helpful charts and photographs.

This is the most wonderful book to supplement and tie ancient Roman and Greek culture to the roots of the early Christian church. I have used it to give my middle school students a greater understanding not only of the New Testament Scriptures, but a cohesive picture of the ancient world as the forces of government ebbed and flowed into the lives of the early Christians and Jews.

This book is a must for anyone that truly wants to understand the world of the first-century and its impact on the social, economic, political and history of the New Testament. I teach Bible classes, and during the course of my classes I will be using excerpts from this book. It's easy to read and follow. Do yourself a favor and purchase this work. It's well worth the cost.

I bought this for a class, so, its a requirement. However, I am enjoying this book so much that I plan on reading it through once again. It is an easy, yet informative and well researched book.

I found this book to be exactly what I was looking for - a general overview and background of the society and culture at-large into which Christ was born and the early Church developed - to give a reference point for the audiences of the New Testament scriptures. It provides a foundation for further in-depth study.

James Jeffers provides a fantastic addition to any library. After purchasing this book I had some concerns that I may be in for what would be a necessary, but boring disquisition. Imagine my surprise when the information provided in this book was concise and readable.

This is a very informative book that gives you a peek of what it must have been like during the early centuries.