Judaism before Jesus: The Events And Ideas That Shaped The New Testament World - Softcover

Tomasino, Anthony J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0851117872 ISBN 13: 9780851117874

Publisher: IVP, 2003

Synopsis

In turning the page from Malachi to Matthew in the Bible, we skip over a lot of history. Anthony Tomasino tells the story of intertestamental Judaism in an accessible, informative and entertaining book specifically designed for Christian laypeople.

About this title

About the Author

Tomasino (Ph.D., University of Chicago) is ordained as a minister in the United Methodist church. He currently serves as Director of the Biblical Studies Program and associate professor of Bible, Old Testament and Hebrew studies at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. A scholar of ancient Judaism, he is also the author of Written Upon the Heart: The Ten Commandments for Christians Today.

Review

"Judaism Before Jesus is an incisive, well-written introduction to a period crucial to understanding not only the New Testament but the entire Bible, since this is the time of the formation of the Old Testament canon. Tomasino skillfully guides the reader through the maze of sometimes confusing events and literary and material culture of these years, accurately reflecting scholarly consensus while leaving no doubts about his own views. He often shows where scholars have not yet figured things out, a critical requirement of any honest treatment. This is one of the very best overviews of Judaism in the time of Jesus that I know. I plan to use it in my own teaching. But Judaism Before Jesus is not just for students. Tomasino strikes that difficult balance between substance and presentation that all authors explaining their specialties pursue yet few accomplish. This book is just a great read." (Michael O. Wise, Northwestern College)

"In Judaism Before Jesus, Anthony Tomasino offers beginning students and general readers a lucid and lively introduction to the Jewish background of the New Testament. In his preface he says, 'This book has been written for readers who wouldn't know an apocalypse from an apostrophe, or a Hyrcanus from a hurricane. It's an introduction for the uninitiated.' In my opinion, he hits a home run. Here is a skillful digest of a huge amount of information presented in engaging prose. Readers will appreciate his anticipation of basic questions and issues that arise in reading the New Testament, a feature often neglected by scholars. A glossary and pronunciation guide enhances the usefulness of this text. Especially commendable is Tomasino's sensitive treatment of the relationship between Christians and Jews. I highly recommend this book. " (Larry R. Helyer, Taylor University)

"Anthony Tomasino's Judaism Before Jesus delivers what it promises. This book is the introduction to the world of the New Testament that beginning students can read and understand. It will make an excellent textbook for any New Testament course. I recommend it enthusiastically." (Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College)

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0851117872
• ISBN 13: 9780851117874
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304