Judea under Greek and Roman Rule (Essentials of Biblical Studies)

This volume provides a reconstruction of the history of Judea and its neighboring regions from 334 BCE, when Alexander's eastward conquests brought Judea into the Greek empire, through 135 CE, when Hadrian re-founded Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina and banished Jews from the city limits -- a formative period both for early Judaism and the Christian movement. This history unfolds against a backdrop of international politics that constrained developments within Judea, including wars between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires for control of Palestine, internal wars that led to the decline of the Seleucid empire, and the eastward expansion and consolidation of Roman rule. Judea under Greek and Roman Rule focuses on the Hellenizing Reform that precipitated the Maccabean Revolt, the establishment of an independent kingdom under the Hasmonean Dynasty, the rule of Herod and transition to Roman rule, the circumstances that precipitated two devastating revolts against Roman domination, and constructive responses (both literary and practical) within Judaism to both revolts and the consequences.

History

DeSilva, David A.

World

Oxford University Press

Ancient Civilizations

Judea Under Greek And Roman Rule

Jews have sometimes been reluctant to claim Jesus as one of their own; Christians have often been reluctant to acknowledge the degree to which Jesus' message and mission were at home amidst, and shaped by, the Judaism(s) of the Second Temple Period. In The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude David deSilva introduces readers to the ancient Jewish writings known as the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha and examines their formative impact on the teachings and mission of Jesus and his half-brothers, James and Jude. Knowledge of this literature, deSilva argues, helps to bridge the perceived gap between Jesus and Judaism when Judaism is understood only in terms of the Hebrew Bible (or ''Old Testament''), and not as a living, growing body of faith and practice. Where our understanding of early Judaism is limited to the religion reflected in the Hebrew Bible, Jesus will appear more as an outsider speaking ''against'' Judaism and introducing more that is novel. Where our understanding of early Judaism is also informed by the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, we will see Jesus and his half-brothers speaking and interacting more fully within Judaism. By engaging critical issues in this comparative study, deSilva produces a portrait of Jesus that is fully at home in Roman Judea and Galilee, and perhaps an explanation for why these extra-biblical Jewish texts continued to be preserved in Christian circles.

The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude: What Earliest Christianity Learned from the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Fourth Maccabees is a superbly crafted oration that presents a case for the Jewish way of life couched almost entirely in terms of Greek ethical ideals. Using an expansion upon previous scriptural narratives as an opportunity for philosophical exposition, its author delights in the Torah, the Law of Moses, as the divinely given path to becoming our best selves now. Moreover, drawing upon Greek logic tradition, he develops an elaborate rationalisation of that law based upon the promise of eternal life with God. In this collection of essays spanning two decades of study, David deSilva examines the formative training that produced such an author, the rhetorical craft present in his work, and the author's creative use of both Jewish and Greek literary resources. Finally, he demonstrates the book's enduring message and legacy in the Christian church, from theological influence on Origen to textual relations within Codex Sinaiticus.

Fourth Maccabees and the Promotion of the Jewish Philosophy: Rhetoric, Intertexture, and Reception

James Clarke

Five Views on the Gospel presents five different perspectives on the question "What is the gospel?" Presenting a variety of contemporary and tradition-based perspectives, each contributor answers key questions about the nature of the gospel. Questions contributors address include: <ul> <li>What is the gospel?</li> <li>What is the context for understanding the New Testament teaching about the gospel?</li> <li>What are the primary biblical texts that you believe express the gospel and how do you understand them?</li> <li>What are people called to do with the gospel and what are the benefits promised by the gospel?</li> <li>How can the definition and proclamation of the gospel be contextualized and made relevant today?</li> <li>What example of an inadequate gospel and a false gospel can you offer?</li> <li>What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel?</li> </ul> The CounterPoints format provides a unique opportunity for each contributor to set forth their own understanding of the gospel, to interact with competing perspectives, and for the editors to sum up points of agreement and disagreement and a path forward in the debate. <ul> <li>Positions and Contributors include:</li> <li>Reformation Gospel (Michael Horton)</li> <li>King Jesus Gospel (Scot McKnight)</li> <li>Wesleyan Gospel (David A. deSilva)</li> <li>Asian Pentecostal Gospel (Julie C. Ma)</li> <li>Liberation Theology Gospel (Shively T. J. Smith)</li> </ul> The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Five Views on the Gospel (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)

Religion & Spirituality

MCKNIGHT, SCOT

Horton, Michael

Ma, Julie C.

Smith, Shively T.J

Christian Books & Bibles

Zondervan Academic

The emotionally evocative power of the book of Revelation has been often noted and experienced by interpreters, but until now it has never been systematically explored. The strange visions of the book of Revelation provide some of the most difficult passages of the New Testament, yet Christians have long been fascinated by its power and provocative pronouncements. David deSilva analyzes how the book argues and persuades us to see the world through the eyes of John, and suggests that the study of ancient rhetoric is particularly valuable in understanding the book of Revelation. deSilva interprets the book of Revelation as a rhetorical and communicative strategy to persuade a particular audience for specific goals. Throughout this analysis, he pursues John's construction of his own authority, John's use of emotion and logic, and his attempt to shape the formation of the reader. Despite the complexities of Revelation, deSilva has produced a remarkably clear text sure to cause readers to rethink their view of Revelation.

Seeing Things John's Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation

Reference

Words, Language & Grammar

Westminster/John Knox Press

Great mystery surrounds questions about the afterlife. What is afterlife? When and how does it happen? What happens to me when I die? The sessions in this study will provide a thoughtful and theological look at heaven, hell, the kingdom on earth and in heaven, final judgment, purgatory, and more. See other studies in the 20/30: Bible Study for Young Adults Series.

Afterlife: Finding Hope Beyond Death (20/30 Bible Study for Young Adults)

ABINGDON PRESS *

The Planning Kit is design to provided you with everything to review the study. To implement it for your church you need only to purchase a Participant Book for each study participant. You receive one each of the Participant Book, Leader Guide, and DVD. Explore the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith. Participants find a deeper conversation with the writers of the New Testament and a renewal of our commitment to be shaped — personally and communally — by the story of Jesus. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience. In the weekly video segments, listen as scholars fascinate you with facts and information that opens new understanding and enlightenment for your group. In the second video, sit in on a table conversation between guest scholars and debate key issues in the text. Participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the New Testament as an integral part of the Christian Bible and a renewed discovery of our identity in God and God's vision for all things. This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Sessions: <ol>
<li>Jesus Calls Us Into God's Redemption Story</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to a Transformed Life</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to Minister to a Hostile World</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to Complex Communities of Faith</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to Serve One Another</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to a New Relationship With Tradition</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to Live in Light of His Coming Again</li> <li>Jesus Calls Us to Experience the Gifts of His Dying and Rising</li> </ol>

Invitation to the New Testament: Planning Kit: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study

Powery, Emerson B.

Untold stories of the Bible

Publications International

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Books by DeSilva, David A.