The New Testament: A Critical Introduction

This introductory text encourages readers to take a close, objective look at the New Testament. Striking just the right balance in presentation and information for students new to this subject, Freed prepares students to form their own analyses through his literary-critical approach and the pertinent insights he provides on the cultural and historical contexts of each passage. Incorporation of new scholarship and a variety of perspectives on controversial topics make this text and the process of studying the New Testament fresh and informed.

Introduction: The Settings of the New Testament. PART A: EAST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: PALESTINE AND SYRIA. History and Government under the Greeks (334-63 BCE). From Alexander the Great to the Maccabean Rebellion (334-168 BCE). The Maccabean Interruption. History and Government under the Romans (63 BCE to beyond New Testament Times). Herod the Great (37-4 BCE), His Sons, and Prefects of Judes (4 BCE- 41 CE). Agrippa I and Procurators of Palestine (41-66). War of the Jews against Rome (66-73). Peoples and Languages. Schools and Education. Social and Economic Conditions. Graeco-Roman Religions. Religion of the Jews. Early Hebrew Religion. Holy Days. Apocalyptic Eschatology, Messianic Expectation, and the Kingdom of God. Wisdom. Religious Groups. Institutions for Worship. PART B: NORTH OF THE MEDITTERANEAN: ASIA MINOR, GREECE, AND ROME. Roman Emperors and Roman Provinces. Roman Law. Peoples and Languages. Schools and Education. Social and Economic Conditions. Christians and the Cities, Social Classes, and Citizenship. Roman Religion and Philosophy. Stoicism. Epicureanism and Cynicism. Middle Platonism and Newpythagoreanism. Mystery Religions, Gnosticism, and Magic. Diaspora Judaism. Philo of Alexandria. Jewish Women and Men. Summary.