Introduction to the New Testament, Vol. 1: History, Culture, and Religion of the Hellenistic Age (2nd edition) (Paperback)

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Review

"…[A]n authoritative , detailed analysis of the environment of the New Testament from Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire." -- James M. Robinson, The Claremont Graduate School

Product Description

Among the striking features that distinguish this comprehensive two-volume work, now complete in its second edition, from other books of similar title are its wide historical scope, its tretment of early Christian literature in the chronological sequence, and the inclusion of over sixty noncanonical Christian documents.

Volume 2, after considering problems related to the interpretation of early Christian writings - transmission, canon, text, form criticism, literary criticism, and narrative and rhetorical criticism - unfolds the story of the early Christian communities and their literature from John the Baptist and Jesus to Justin Martyr, Valentinus, and Polycarp.

This narrative has been written in a readable, nontechnical style, supplemented by current bibliographies for each selection that include listings of the best editions of original texts as well as the most accessible English translations. An essential work for students, teachers, and clergy, this set will also appeal to the educated layperson looking for a scholary treatment of the New Testament and its background in the world of Jewish and Greco-Roman antiquity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 409 pages
• Publisher: Walter de Gruyter; 2 edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3110146924
• ISBN-13: 978-3110146929
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #733,111 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History, Culture and Religion of the Hellenistic Age, April 29, 2001

By	J. Lindner (Gem Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Helmut Koester's History, Culture and Religion of the Hellenistic Age is Volume One to his Introduction to the New Testament. It is intended to provide an introduction, but the reader will come away with much more than that. This review covers only the first volume.

Koester covers a wide range of topics pertaining to the ancient world including political, religious, intellectual, and technological histories and seems to demonstrate thorough knowledge of each. His intention is to provide a linear transition between Old and New Testaments and place the entire Bible into its proper historical context. Many religious groups including the Maccabees, Pharisees, and Samaritans are placed in perspective to the greater world in which the interacted. The reader will fully understand what the political and intellectual world was like during the time Christianity was being established.

Koester's unique way of identifying chapters and subparts makes for quick and easy internal cross reference, though his alpha-numeric style is similar to a government regulation or corporate standard operating procedure.

Though his knowledge of his subject matter is unquestionable, Koester does demonstrate several weaknesses that readers must accommodate. He has a strong pro-Hellenistic bias, particularly evident in Chapter 3 when he claims Galen's books are "the last truly great medical works from the ancient times" or how the "Roman period and beyond" were a "decline of scholarship and science." Koester's work is occasionally detailed to the point of tediousness. His chapters on the many religious cults and philosophies do not appear to be written for the casual reader. The level of detail demonstrates his knowledge but come across as somewhat confusing. He also dwells exclusively in the world of political and intellectual leaders, the common people are not described in any convincing detail. This is peculiar because the focus of the Bible, particularly the New Testament is upon the ordinary people who often get caught up in the intrigues and realities of the Roman world.

A final weakness is in his presentation style. He provides no notes to any sources throughout the book. He lists bibliographies for each chapter, but does not differentiate between his work and that of others.

Yet this is still a valuable book that can teach much of the world of the New Testament. Christianity and the New Testament did not evolve in a vacuum, and Koester does much to help the reader fully appreciate what the world in which they did emerge in was like.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Critical Methods Champion, December 23, 2000

By	Peter H. Day (HereorThere, USA) - See all my reviews

Well, much to Laura Nasarallah's schagrin I am off and running with H.Koester's book. Mr. Koester is one of the stalwart figures of the Historical Critical hermeuntic and he proves it here with a text of stunning scope and good accuracy. Although he fails on a few points, the overall introduction that he provides is invaluable to students of the field and a wonderful primer on the method. Overall I think that any one with an interest in antquity or biblical investigation beyond the confines of Sunday morning will greatly enjoy this text. But one thing, make sure you have plenty of caffiene ready.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative; a must read!, September 25, 2006

By	David J. Vargas (OC Coastal, CA (USA)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a religiously observant Jew, I found this book to be an excellent read. It details the background and culture of the Hellenistic age. Though it does not get into many details of the syncretism of Hellenistic ideas with direct comparisons to the "New Testament" a person who is well read in the NT will see the parallels immediately. If you want to understand the language and contexts in which the NT was written, this book will help you understand the likes of the diatribe, gymnasia, and the like.

Though I found his treatment lacking on the Jewish side - obviously with biases from a German-scholar's standpoint - it was still overall a good summary. I would recommend "The Jews in the Time of Jesus" by Wylen or "How to Read the Bible" by Brettler for a better liberal scholar's work on 2nd Temple Judaism. If you're looking for more conservative Jewish views, a search for counter-missionary organizations can provide what you are looking for.

I assume many mainstream traditional Christians may shy away from this book since it is a liberal theological approach to their scriptures, but I know of no other easy-to-read book that will detail the Greek language, culture and religion as well. Though it does not give as many details as more focused books can on more precise subjects, this is an excellent beginning book for the curious.

Absolutely essential for any person who studies comparative religions!