Jesus followers in the Roman Empire
By Paul B. Duff
When Jesus began teaching about the kingdom of God in first-century Palestine, he likely envisioned reaching his fellow Jews rather than launching a movement that would transform the ancient world. Yet within decades, his message had spread far beyond its rural Jewish origins to flourish in the bustling cities of the Roman Empire, attracting countless non-Jewish believers who would eventually become the majority.
Paul B. Duff guides readers through this remarkable transformation, exploring how a localized spiritual movement evolved into a diverse religious phenomenon that transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries. This accessible examination traces the journey from Jesus's original teachings to the end of the first century, revealing the complex social and cultural forces that shaped early Christian communities.
Rather than focusing solely on theological developments, Duff illuminates the lived experiences of these early believers as they navigated questions of identity, community, and practice within Roman society. The narrative examines how Christ-followers grappled with fundamental issues including relationships with non-believers, family structures, social hierarchies, and cultural practices that conflicted with their newfound faith.
For readers seeking to understand the roots of Christian spirituality and the dynamics of religious transformation, this work offers valuable insights into how spiritual movements adapt and grow across cultural divides. The book provides a foundation for understanding how early believers forged their identity while remaining engaged with the broader world around them.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore 11.51 early Christianity
- ✓ Explore Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions -- Judaism
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions, judaism
- ✓ Explore Judaism
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2017
- Publisher
- William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
- ISBN-13
- 9780802868787
- ISBN-10
- 0802868789
- Pages
- 263
- Language
- EN
