Description
Book SynopsisAn analysis of the earliest extant documents of Christianity - the letters of Paul - to describe the tensions and texture of life of the first urban Christians. This edition features an introduction examining the evolution of New Testament scholarship over the last two decades of the 20th century.
Trade Review"Those with any historical bent will be intrigued by the way a story usually overlaid with thick layers of theological speculation is unraveled. . . . And those who simply have an interest in how groups form in an era . . . will be fascinated by this case study of one particular community that has ramifications for understanding all other communities."—Robert McAfee Brown,
New York Times Book Review"Meeks' book has much to recommend it and it certainly is a step towards a deeper appreciation of the early urban christians."—W.R. Domeris, University of Cape Town, Journal of Theology for Southern Africa
"Highly informed and very readable."—E. Earle Ellis, Reformed Review
"A milestone in the Pauline studies, [it] is an engrossing study—comprehensive in scope, meticulous in its detail and suave in its prose style. One of the best on the Pauline world."—Dharam Singh, Journal of Religious Studies
"Convincing and illuminating."—D. Kyrtatis, Journal of Roman Studies
Co-winner of the 1986 Annual Award for Excellence given by the American Academy of Religion
Co-winner of the 1984 Best Book on the New Testament given by the Biblical Archaeology Review Publication Award
