History of Early Christianity

Religion, Culture, Identity

Markus Öhler

translated by Jason Valdez

This comprehensive textbook presents the history of early Christianity from its beginnings to the time of the Second Judean Revolt against the backdrop of the social and historical developments of the early imperial period. Markus Öhler offers a thorough overview of the historical, social, and religious contexts of the Jesus movement in Judea and the various forms of Christian communities and traditions in the Greco-Roman world. From this foundation Öhler reconstructs the origins and trajectory of the Jesus movement, beginning with the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and the events immediately after his death. Attention is given to the different forms of early Christianity in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria as well as the developments in Syrian Antioch. Special emphasis is placed on the presentation of the ministry of Paul of Tarsus and the social structure of the assemblies of Christ-believers founded by him. An item of central importance for the reconstruction of further developments is the ongoing debate about the significance of the Torah for Christian identity formation. The increasing confrontations with forms of state power are dealt with as well as the further processes of change within early Christianity up to 135 CE. Thus, a coherent overall picture emerges, which is suitable both as an introduction to the history of early Christianity and as a stimulus for further research.

“Markus Öhler’s History of Early Christianity is a comprehensive and accessible guide to the fascinating beginning of one of the world’s most influential religions. It escorts readers on an illuminating journey through the cultural, social, and religious landscapes of the ancient world, examining key figures, events, and ideas that shaped the development of Christian history. Drawing upon the latest research and scholarship, Öhler explores in detail the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, the writings of the apostles, and the rise of early Christian communities. With this volume, students, scholars, or simply those interested in Christian origins will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and theological debates that characterized the early Christian movement and the complex relationships between Christianity and the political and social structures of the ancient world.”

CLARE K. ROTHSCHILD, Professor of Scripture Studies, Lewis University

ISBN 978-1-4813-1395-7

$49.99 | Paperback

370 pages

6 x 9

April 15, 2024

“Markus Öhler’s History of Early Christianity portrays the history of the origins of the early Christian movement in a balanced, multifaceted-yet-focused manner. Based on the most recent research, it presents the actors and settings as well as the socioreligious milieus and contexts of Christ-believers around the Mediterranean area. By offering historical lines of events up to 135 CE, Öhler has outstandingly succeeded in composing an account that will have an effect on New Testament studies far beyond the classroom.”

ISBN 978-1-4813-1938-6

$39.99 | Hardback

160 pages

5.5 x 8.5

April 15, 2024

Ideal Disciples

A Commentary on Matthew’s Beatitudes Daniel Daley

Happiness and human flourishing were common topics among philosophers in the ancient world, from Aristotle to Seneca and beyond. Although Bible readers often think about Jesus’ primary role as the savior of his people, he also taught a unique vision for a thriving and fulfilled life, a vision that continues to guide and challenge followers of Jesus as they navigate a complex, morally fraught world.

In Ideal Disciples, Daniel Daley argues that Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount serves as an ideal starting point for understanding Jesus’ vision for discipleship. Matthew’s beatitudes might be the topic of more reflection, discussion, teaching, and writing than any other passage in the Bible. Often seen as a summation of the heart of Jesus, the beatitudes are a richly textured, layered, and penetrating passport into Christ-oriented dispositions, requiring consideration by readers of the Gospel and constant reappraisal by careful interpreters. Ideal Disciples argues that Jesus’ beatitudes demonstrate a faithful but innovative engagement with antecedent traditions and a stirring, universal call to discipleship for those willing to commit to Jesus’ unique vision. Matthew’s writer takes linguistic cues from both Judaism and the Greco-Roman world, and the message of the beatitudes can be situated squarely within Jewish wisdom and apocalyptic traditions.

By serving as instruction for Jesus’ ideal disciples, the beatitudes speak not only to Matthew’s goals for the first Gospel’s first readers, but also into the lives of readers throughout the centuries and into the present day. The beatitudes are a counterintuitive and countercultural introduction to Christlikeness, and readers of the beatitudes are asked to consider what they reveal about Jesus’ vision of a fully flourishing life for his followers.

DANIEL DALEY is Fellow in the Department of Biblical Studies at Australian Catholic University and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. He is also the author of God’s Will and Testament: Inheritance in the Gospel of Matthew and Jewish Tradition

Contents

Introduction

Part One: Understanding the Matthean Beatitudes

1 Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew’s Structure

2 The Character of Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew

3 Translating μακάριος

4 Reading Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew Part Two: Commentary on Jesus’ Beatitudes

1 Matthew 5:3

2 Matthew 5:4

3 Matthew 5:5

4 Matthew 5:6

5 Matthew 5:7

6 Matthew 5:8

7 Matthew 5:9

8 Matthew 5:10

9 Matthew 5:11-12

Conclusion

JOY L. VAUGHAN is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Asbury University.

Contents

Foreword - Ben Witherington III

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: Reading through Multicultural and Genre-Specific Lenses

1 Demythologizing the Demythologizers: The Need to Hear Multicultural Voices

2 When Two Worlds Meet: The Hope of a Multicultural Approach

3 History or Hysteria?: Reading the Gospels and Acts with Genre Criticism

Part Two: Characteristics of Spirit Possession in Biblical and Multicultural Perspectives

4 Spirits Make Me Sick!: Spirit Possession and Illness

5 Spirits Make Me Violent and Strong!: Spirit Possession, Violent Acts, and Extraordinary Strength

6 Spirits Make Me Speak!: Spirit Possession, Vocalic Alterations, Demonic Speech, and Oracular Activity

7 A Vision of Transcultural Phenomena: Summary, Implications, and Conclusions