DESCRIPTION
Having long served as a standard introduction to the world of the early church, Everett Ferguson's
Backgrounds of Early Christianity has been expanded and updated in this third edition. The book explores and unpacks the Roman, Greek, and Jewish political, social, religious, and philosophical backgrounds necessary for a good historical understanding of the New Testament and the early church. New to this edition are revisions of Ferguson's original material, updated bibliographies, and fresh discussions of first-century social life, of Gnosticism, and of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other Jewish literature.
REVIEWS
Currents in Theology and Mission
"The text is excellent — rich and amazingly detailed. A standard textbook, it would also be a good addition to a parish library."
Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"This book provides a good introduction for students to the historical, cultural and religious environment of the New Testament."