Daily Life in the New Testament (Daily Life Through History Series)

by James W. Ermatinger

Overview

Explore the social and material culture of ancient Palestine during the era of the biblical New Testament. Who was the messiah prophesied by the Jews? What were the rites of passage in pre-messianic Judiasm? How did the rituals, parables, holidays, and labor practices mentioned in the New Testament relate to the daily life of the average citizen of the day? This lively volume explores the social history of ancient Palestine at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean world, and the emergence of major monotheistic faiths during the time of Christ and the early centuries of the Common era.

Narrative chapter topics include pre-Messianic Judaism; political and religious groups ; peasant life and agriculture; Roman occupation; work and labor; and Greek, Latin, and Persian influences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313341762
Publisher:	Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/30/2008
Series:	Greenwood Press Daily Life Through History Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

JAMES W. ERMATINGER is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA. He is author of Daily Life of Christians in Ancient Rome (Greenwood 2007), The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (2004) and Economic Reforms of Diocletian (1996), as well as other articles on late Roman history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     ix
Introduction     xi
Chronology     xxv
Geographical and Historical Overview     1
Daily Life of Geographical Groups in Palestine     19
Nonreligious Influences: Language, Art, and Hellenistic Culture     31
Pre-Messianic Judaism: Worship and Temple Practices     43
Expectations of the Messiah     57
Trades and Professions     75
Rural Life and Urban Life     87
Family Life and Living Conditions     103
Roman Occupation     117
Conclusion     127
Glossary     137
Bibliography     139
Index     145

Editorial Reviews

This book gives useful insights to better understand the people and events describe in the New Testament and the religious traditions that have become integral to present-day Christianity and Judaism….Features include a glossary, a bibliography, and thumbnail sketches throughout the text of historical figures such as Paul, Babatha, Caiaphas, Josephus, Augustus, and Herod.” —ARBA

“. . . an appealing book . . . . Daily Life in the New Testament is recommended for any library's general collection. . . . It provides a brief, up-to-date, and scholarly overview of the socio-historical setting of the area where Christianity and Judaism claim their heritage.” —Reference & User Services Quarterly

From the Publisher