Judaism and Christianity in First-Century Rome

Rating:
Summary: Scholarly articles develop historical context
Review: The book consists of a several scholarly articles from various authors concerned with aspects of Judaism and Christianity in the city of Rome during the first century. Each article can be read independently of the others but are grouped into three categories (archeological & epigraphic, social-historical, and developmental studies) which form parts I, II, and III of the book.

Un-translated Greek words and phrases are occasionally used throughout some articles and a few untranslated German sentences are quoted here and there. Thus the authors assume a scholarly background for their audience. However, even in those articles where this occurs the main gist of the ideas can be ascertained by those unfamiliar with Greek (though a rudimentary understanding would be helpful). The occasional untranslated German sentence (perhaps three or four in the whole book) are not essential and thus should not be a deterrent to those who don't read German. Some articles also assume familiarity with the early Christian writings of I Clement and The Shepherd of Hermas. But again, the articles making this assumption can still be understood by those unfamiliar with those works.

The book cannot be considered "spiritual." The articles are of a historical nature and are written for those interested in understanding the context in which Christianity developed in the city of Rome during the first-century. It could easily be read by a non-Christian historian interested in the influences upon and by Judaism and Christianity during this era in Rome.

I found the articles "Jewish and Christian Families in First Century Rome" and "Social Perspectives on Roman Christianity during the Formative Years from Nero to Nerva: Romans, Hebrews, 1 Clement" particularly interesting. They provide an understanding of the life-context of the members of the early Roman church and gives perspective to Paul's letter to the Romans.