Papyri and the Social World of the New Testament

Sabine R. Huebner explores the lives of non-elite people in Roman Egypt through papyrological evidence, providing insights into their daily concerns, difficulties, and experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Sabine R. Huebner delves into the captivating world of the protagonists of the New Testament and the early Christians, utilizing the abundant papyrological evidence from Roman Egypt. This remarkable exploration provides us with unparalleled insights into the daily lives of the non-elite population, akin to neighboring Judaea-Palestine.

Let us delve into the concerns and difficulties faced by a carpenter's family or a shepherd tending to his flocks. How did the average man or woman navigate a Roman census? What challenges did women encounter in a patriarchal society, both in private and public realms, and within the early Church?

Given the flight of Jesus' family into Egypt, we must explore the mobility of the lower classes, their understanding of geography, and the associated costs and dangers of travel. This volume offers a deeper understanding of the structural, social, and cultural contexts in which figures from the New Testament lived.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Huebner sheds light on the lives of ordinary individuals, shedding new light on the rich tapestry of the early Christian community. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the historical and cultural backdrop of the New Testament era.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 155 x 227 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108455701