The Narrow Path Ministries

Can anyone recommend a good reference type book that looks at the culture, customs etc of Biblical times?

Thanks,
Erich <><

Hi Erich,

Erich,

Here are some you can check out at Amazon:

1. "Backgrounds of Early Christianity" by Everett Ferguson. He seems to be highly regarded as an early church historian.

2. "Handbook of Biblical Social Values" by Pilch and Malina.

3. "Honor, Kinship, Patronage, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture" by David DeSilva.

There are many interesting books available from those doing what is referred to as biblical social archaeology.

Manners and Customs of Bible Times-by Ralph Gower.

It's pretty introductory and surface level, rather than a really deep study, but I have enjoyed it a lot.

The Temple - Its Ministry and Service-by Alfred Edersheim, D. D., Ph. D.

The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah-by Alfred Edersheim, D. D., Ph. D.

I have only referenced the Edersheim books breifly, but they are supposed to be classics. You can get them free for E-Sword.




God bless,

Hi, Erich,

A few other good resources:

IVP's Dictionary of New Testament Background

A sizable collection of scholarly but generally moderate articles.

http://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Testam ... F8&s=books


Civilizations of the Ancient Near East by Jack Sasson

A sizable collection of scholarly articles.

http://www.amazon.com/Civilizations-Anc ... F8&s=books


Hellenistic Commentary to the New Testament by Boring, Berger, and Colpe

Coordinates brief selections from primary sources (e.g., ancient Greek writers) with New Testament passages. The material is organized in order of the biblical verse(s) being addressed.

http://www.amazon.com/Hellenistic-Comme ... F8&s=books


New Testament Background by C. K. Barrett

A cheaper option that presents selections from primary sources, organized by topic. The revised/expanded edition is preferable.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Testament-Bac ... F8&s=books


Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament by Julius Scott

Gives an overview of Second Temple Judaism.

http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Background ... F8&s=books

Shalom,
Emmet

Thanks everyone for all the great info!

Erich <><

I enjoyed:

Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls,
James Charlesworth, editor

and bought but still haven't finished:

Beyond the Essene Hypothesis:
The Parting of the Ways between Qumran and Enochic Judaism
by Gabriele Boccaccini

of special interest to me has been:

One God, One Lord:
Early Christian Devotion and Ancient Jewish Monotheism
by Larry W. Hurtado
(still working on this one too)....

These books aren't about biblical culture, per se,
but are closer to what Josephus called "sects"...
or what we might call the "denominations"
of the NT and pre-NT era.
Rick