Studying the New Testament through Inscriptions

Book excerpt: Studying the New Testament through Inscriptions is an intuitive introduction to inscriptions from the Greco-Roman world. Inscriptions can help contextualize certain events associated with the New Testament in a way that many widely circulated literary texts do not. This book both introduces inscriptions and demonstrates sound methodological use of them in the study of the New Testament. Through five case studies, it highlights the largely unrecognized ability of inscriptions to shed light on early Christian history, practice, and the leadership structure of early Christian churches, as well as to solve certain New Testament exegetical impasses. Key points and features: • No other book like this on the marketthis is the first of its kind! • A practical and much-needed tool for graduate students, seminarians, and pastors • Showcases five detailed case studies, designed to show students exactly how to use inscriptions • Includes 20+ black and white photos • Three appendices provide additional information for those who want to learn more