Description
Book SynopsisIn Jesus the Oracle, Annelies Gisela Moeser reads Jesus’ journey from Capernaum to Jerusalem in Mark’s gospel through the cultural context of 2nd-3rd century Roman Egypt. Moeser provides a rich description of the Egyptian practice of oracles, including processional oracles, to build a model with which to read Mark. This prism brings attention to descriptions of Jesus’ supernatural knowledge and wisdom, e.g., in the story of the Rich Man (Mk 10:17-22). In contrast to Clement of Alexandria’s homily on the Rich Man which counseled detachment from possessions, this reading from a non-elite perspective considers Jesus’ advice to be more radical. This model of processional oracles highlights the importance of access to the divine, including by non-elite crowds, by persons with disabilities (for example, in comparing Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) with Gemellus Horion of Karanis (a town in Egypt)), and by children. Traditional Egyptian religion upheld the existing socio-political regime. However, Jesus’ procession and proclamation of the basileia (reign) of G*d subverts the Roman world order and that of their local, elite allies.
Trade ReviewMark’s Gospel. Roman Egypt. Second-Third Century. Oracular Culture. Working with these elements, Annelies Gisela Moeser constructs the possible reception of Mark’s Gospel in second-third century, Roman Egypt from the perspective of oracular culture. Sensitive to the dynamics of cultural-imperial society, social status, and gender, Moeser’s creative method and rich reading provide insight into both Mark’s Gospel and a somewhat elusive sphere and era of the early Jesus movement.
-- Warren Carter, Phillips Theological Seminary
Table of ContentsList of Figures and Tables
Acknowledgments
Chapter One: Constructing Markan Audiences
Chapter Two: Readings of Mark by Clement of Alexandria and Richard Horsley
Chapter Three: Oracles in Egypt
Chapter Four: Processional Oracles and Reading Mark
Chapter Five: Jesus the Oracle in the House in Capernaum
Chapter Six: Jesus the Oracle from Capernaum to Jerusalem
Chapter Seven: Conclusion
Bibliography
Selected Primary Sources
Selected List of Papyri, Ostraca, Inscriptions, Coins, and Images
