Law and Ethics in Early Judaism and the New Testament
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of history's most pivotal spiritual transitions, examining how ancient Jewish communities understood divine law and how early Christians navigated their relationship with inherited religious traditions. Stephen Westerholm guides readers through the complex landscape of Second Temple Judaism, where devout believers sought to align their lives with Torah while different religious groups developed varying interpretations of God's commandments.
The work illuminates the spiritual challenges faced by Jesus and his first followers as they encountered fundamental questions about divine revelation and religious authority. Rather than simply abandoning their Jewish heritage, these early believers grappled with understanding how their new spiritual insights related to centuries of established religious wisdom.
Westerholm's analysis spans both Jewish and Christian perspectives, offering particular attention to Gospel teachings and Pauline writings. The book addresses contemporary scholarly debates about Paul's relationship with Judaism and explores how Jesus' teachings were preserved and transmitted among his earliest communities.
For readers interested in understanding the roots of Christian spirituality and the evolution of religious thought, this volume provides valuable insights into how spiritual communities navigate change while honoring tradition. The work demonstrates how ancient believers wrestled with questions of divine guidance, religious interpretation, and spiritual authority that continue to resonate with seekers today.
Through careful examination of historical sources and religious texts, Westerholm reveals the profound spiritual conversations that shaped both Judaism and early Christianity.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~12 hours)
📄 Length: 448 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Judaism, history, to 70 a.d.
- ✓ Explore Judaism, relations, christianity
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Relation to the Old Testament
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Judaism
