Roman Army and the New Testament

The Roman Army and the New Testament provides a comprehensive discussion of the military in early Roman Palestine, challenging assumptions and revealing a diverse mix of men serving in social roles beyond combat. It offers a verse-by-verse commentary on relevant passages across the New Testament, demonstrating the significance of these historical issues for biblical scholarship and military enthusiasts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Roman Empire has been a rich field of study for New Testament scholars, but the military aspect has been conspicuously neglected, leading many academics to rely on popular wisdom. However, The Roman Army and the New Testament offers a comprehensive exploration of issues that are often taken for granted. Who served in the military of early Roman Palestine? Why did men join the Roman army, seemingly at odds with their own interests as subject peoples? What roles did soldiers serve beyond combat? How did civilians interact with and perceive soldiers? These questions are answered through a meticulous analysis of ancient literature, inscriptions, papyri, and archaeological findings, providing a detailed portrait of soldier-civilian interactions in early Roman Palestine. Contrary to common assumptions, Judaea and Galilee were not teeming with Roman legionaries engaged in cruelty. Instead, a diverse mix of men from Palestine and neighboring regions served as soldiers in various social roles, including infrastructure construction, dispute mediation, and bodyguarding officials like tax collectors. Readers will discover a range of complex attitudes civilians held toward men of Roman violence throughout the Roman East.

The significance of these historical issues for biblical scholarship is underscored through a verse-by-verse commentary on relevant passages that spans the entire New Testament, from the Slaughter of the Innocents in Matthew's nativity to the climactic battle with the Great Beast in Revelation. Biblical scholars, seminaries, and military enthusiasts alike will find much to learn about the Roman army in both the New Testament and early Roman Palestine.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978704046