Product Description

Within the flurry of scholarship on Paul in recent years, an area of significant interest has been the study of Paul within his particular context, the Greco-Roman world. This landmark handbook, written by distinguished Pauline scholars, is the first and only single volume to offer lucid and insightful examinations of Paul and his world. Each chapter explores a particular social convention, literary or rhetorical topos, social practice, or cultural mores of the world in which Paul and his audiences were at home. In addition, the sections use carefully chosen examples to demonstrate how particular features of Greco-Roman culture shed light on Paul’s letters and on his readers’ possible perception of them.

Product Details

From the Publisher
A landmark handbook written by distinguished Pauline scholars, that offers a lucid and insightful portrait of Paul within the context of his Greco-Roman world.

From the Inside Flap
"This excellent volume would be a significant acquisition for Christian congregational libraries…. Richly documented volume… This book is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand more fully the Pauline letters. It is scholarly but accessible. I recommend it highly for Christian libraries." –Church & Synagogue Libraries, November/December 2004

Customer Reviews

A well-rounded compilation
Compiled and edited by J. Paul Samley (Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins, Boston University), Paul In The Greco-Roman World: A Handbook is an impressively erudite, scholarly, 704-page anthology of in-depth studies by learned academicians examining the apostle Paul within the context of the Greco-Roman world in which he lived. Examining social conventions of Paul's world, as well as literary and rhetorical topics, insight on how Paul's cultural background affected his famous letters, relevant social practices and cultural mores, and so much more, Paul In The Greco-Roman World is a well-rounded compilation which is very highly recommended for Christian Religious History studies reading lists and reference collections.