The Judaean Poor and the Fourth Gospel (Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series, Series Number 136) - Hardcover

Ling, Timothy J. M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521857228 ISBN 13: 9780521857222

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006

Synopsis

Judaean society in the first century did not conform to the stereotypical 'Mediterranean honour culture', in that it lacked a significant gentile population and was dominated by a powerful religious elite. Timothy Ling argues that this demands a new social-scientific approach to the Gospel and Letters of John that moves away from the accepted 'sectarian' interpretation. He attributes their distinctiveness instead to their roots in Jesus' Judaean ministry, as contrasted with the Galilean ministry that has attracted much recent study. In particular, Ling contends that the numerous references to 'the poor' in the New Testament can be better understood in the context of the 'alternative' ideologies found among pietistic religious groups practising asceticism, renunciation, and other forms of 'virtuoso religion' in first-century Judaea. In doing so, he mounts a convincing challenge to the current dominant reading of the Gospel of John as a product of early Christian sectarianism.

About this title

Book Description:

Who were the 'poor' of the Gospel of John? Ling argues that they are best understood in the context of the ascetic, 'alternative' religious groups that flourished in first-century Judaea. In his view this Judaean focus rather than an early Christian 'sectarian' agenda accounts for the distinctiveness of John's text.

About the Author:

Timothy J. M. Ling is Ministry Development Officer for The Board of Ministry and Training, Canterbury Diocese of the Church of England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0521857228
• ISBN 13: 9780521857222
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 264