The book offers an in-depth analysis of crucifixion in the Graeco-Roman world, exploring its historical use as a method of execution among various cultures, including barbarian societies, the Roman Empire, and Jewish communities. Dr. Hengel delves into the societal perceptions of crucifixion and examines its metaphorical and philosophical implications, providing a comprehensive survey that sheds light on its significance in ancient times.
The Origin of Christology and the History of Jewish-Hellenistic Religion
The book explores the significant evolution of Christology between Jesus' crucifixion and St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, suggesting that this period saw more theological development regarding the title "Son of God" than the subsequent seven centuries of patristic dogma. It offers a detailed survey of the key events and ideas that shaped early Christian beliefs during this transformative time.
Exploring key aspects of early Christian belief, this volume features three interrelated studies by Professor Hengel. It delves into the significance of Jesus as the Son of God, the historical and theological implications of crucifixion, and the concept of atonement. These essays provide valuable insights into the formative years of Christianity, highlighting the evolution of its core doctrines following Jesus' crucifixion. Through thorough analysis, Hengel offers a comprehensive introduction to this pivotal period in Christian history.
Examining Jesus' radical departure from contemporary Jewish customs, the book delves into the nature of discipleship through historical analysis. Professor Hengel contrasts Jesus with various discipleship models, including Cynic, Rabbinic, and Zealot traditions, ultimately positioning Jesus closer to the Maccabean-Zealot leaders. His call for total commitment and unique authority over the Law highlight his distinctive role. Hengel's extensive knowledge of first-century Jewish and Hellenistic contexts provides profound insights into Jesus' ministry and his unparalleled invitation to discipleship.
The book offers a scholarly analysis of the Fourth Gospel's origins and authorship, exploring its connection to the early Christian community. Through meticulous research, it identifies a key figure who witnessed Jesus' death in Jerusalem, shedding light on the historical context and implications of the text. The examination combines detective work with theological insights, providing a deeper understanding of the Gospel's significance within its community.
Exploring the Christian perspective on wealth and material possessions, this book poses critical questions about the relationship between faith and materialism. It examines whether modern believers have become desensitized to the ideals of early Christians and debates the necessity of renouncing possessions to fully embrace Christian teachings. Through this inquiry, it challenges readers to reflect on their values and the implications of their attachment to wealth.
Focusing on the impact of Hellenization in Palestine during the New Testament period, this study challenges the traditional distinction between Hellenistic and Palestinian Judaism. It presents new evidence, much of which is published for the first time, suggesting that Hellenization was pervasive, rendering these terms vague and ineffective. The implications for New Testament scholarship are significant, prompting a reevaluation of established understandings within the context of Jewish and Hellenistic influences.
Focusing on the historicity of early Christian writings, this book provides a thorough examination of key questions surrounding the New Testament. It serves as both a refreshing resource for seasoned readers of European New Testament scholarship and an accessible introduction for newcomers. The author's impressive command of ancient literature enhances the clarity and depth of the discussion, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the intersection of history and theology.
Asks how the term 'gospel' came to be used both for proclamation and narrative, and why the church in forming the canon of scripture chose to include four different and sometimes contradictory accounts of the life of Jesus.
In a comprehensive and detailed survey on its remarkably widespread employment in the Roman empire, Dr. Hengel examines the way in which "the most vile death of the cross" was regarded in the Greek-speaking world and particularly in Roman-occupied Palestine. His conclusions bring out more starkly than ever the offensiveness of the Christian Jesus not only died an unspeakably cruel death, he underwent the most contemptible abasement that could be imagined. So repugnant was the gruesome reality, that a natural tendency prevails to blunt, remove, or deomesticate its scandalous impact. Yet any discussion of a "theology of the cross" must be preceded by adequate comprehension of both the nature and extent of this scandal.