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

James S. Jeffers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1999

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.

In James 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (October 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830815899
• ISBN-13: 978-0830815890
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem for the Ages August 7, 2001

By Mark Sharp

Format:Paperback

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.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book May 25, 2001

By Neil

Format:Paperback

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book about wonderful world August 2, 2006

By Ongkowidjojo

Format:Paperback

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.