Judaism Before Jesus: The Ideas and Events That Shaped the New Testament World - Softcover

Tomasino, Anthony J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830827307 ISBN 13: 9780830827305

Publisher: IVP Academic, 2003

Synopsis

Introduces the history, literature and ideas of Judaism in the era before Christ, from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah to the Herods, and even up to Masada. Fills in the "missing story" between the Old and New Testaments. Expands understanding of the New Testament world highlighting the ideas, subplots and characters that shaped the world of Jesus and the first Christians. Informed by the best of recent scholarship. Includes bibliographics for further reading. Features maps, glossary, time line and other helps.

About this title

Review

"Judaism Before Jesus is an incisive, well-written introduction to a period crucial to understanding not only the New Testament but the entire Bible, since this is the time of the formation of the Old Testament canon. Tomasino skillfully guides the reader through the maze of sometimes confusing events and literary and material culture of these years, accurately reflecting scholarly consensus while leaving no doubts about his own views. He often shows where scholars have not yet figured things out, a critical requirement of any honest treatment. This is one of the very best overviews of Judaism in the time of Jesus that I know. I plan to use it in my own teaching. But Judaism Before Jesus is not just for students. Tomasino strikes that difficult balance between substance and presentation that all authors explaining their specialties pursue yet few accomplish. This book is just a great read."--Michael O. Wise, Northwestern College

"Anthony Tomasino's Judaism Before Jesus delivers what it promises. This book is the introduction to the world of the New Testament that beginning students can read and understand. It will make an excellent textbook for any New Testament course. I recommend it enthusiastically."--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College

"In Judaism Before Jesus, Anthony Tomasino offers beginning students and general readers a lucid and lively introduction to the Jewish background of the New Testament. In his preface he says, 'This book has been written for readers who wouldn't know an apocalypse from an apostrophe, or a Hyrcanus from a hurricane. It's an introduction for the uninitiated.' In my opinion, he hits a home run. Here is a skillful digest of a huge amount of information presented in engaging prose. Readers will appreciate his anticipation of basic questions and issues that arise in reading the New Testament, a feature often neglected by scholars. A glossary and pronunciation guide enhances the usefulness of this text. Especially commendable is Tomasino's sensitive treatment of the relationship between Christians and Jews. I highly recommend this book. "--Larry R. Helyer, Taylor University

From the Publisher

An accessible, informative and entertaining retelling of the story of intertestamental Judaism, for Christian laypeople.

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0830827307
• ISBN 13: 9780830827305
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 345