ABSTRACT
In order to interpret historical writings, the reader must not employ their modern understanding of the world, but must strive to grasp the mindset of the original audience. To assist the twentieth-century New Testament reader in understanding the literal meaning of the New Testament is the goal of this collection of essays. The Social World of Jesus and the Gospels provides the reader with a set of possible scenarios for reading the New Testament: How did first-century persons think about themselves and others? Did they think Jesus was a charismatic leader? Why did they call God 'father'? Were they concerned with their gender roles?
The eight essays in this collection were previously published in books and journals generally not available to many readers. Carefully selected and edited, this collection will be both an introduction and an invaluable source of reference to Bruce Malina's thought.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |2 pages
Part I THE QUESTION OF READING
part |2 pages
Part II THE QUESTION OF FIRST-CENTURY MEDITERRANEAN PERSONS
part |2 pages
Part III THE QUESTION OF SIGNIFICANT ROLES IN THE FIRST-CENTURY MEDITERRANEAN
part |2 pages
Part IV THE QUESTION OF TIME AS FIRST-CENTURY MEDITERRANEAN VALUE
part |2 pages
Part V THE QUESTION OF THE RECEIVED VIEW