Early Christ Groups and Greco-Roman Associations
Organizational Models and Social Practices
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
Over the past two and a half decades there has been an increasing interest in how the data from the associations--known primarily from inscriptions and papyri--can help scholars better understand the development of Christ groups in the first and second centuries. Richard Ascough's work has been at the forefront of promoting the associations and applying insights from inscriptions and papyri to understanding early Christian texts. This book collects together his most important contributions to the scholarly trajectory as it developed over a two-decade period. A fresh introduction orients the sixteen previously published articles and essays, which are arranged into three sections; the first dealing with associations as a model for Christ groups, the second focused on how associations and Christ groups interacted over recruitment, and the third on two key elements of group life: meals and memorializing the dead.
Endorsements (4)
“Early Christ Groups and Greco-Roman Associations is a superb collection of essays that cover a broad range of aspects of ancient clubs and associations, and which shows how knowledge of their practices illumines our understanding of Pauline and other early Christ groups. This is an essential primer for the study of the social context of early Christianity.”
“Since the late 1990s, Richard Ascough has been a leader in the burgeoning study of early Christ groups in the context of Greco-Roman associations. At last, many of his notable contributions have been assembled within this book. These stimulating independent essays flow almost as chapters of a single monograph. Ascough fruitfully positions the practices of Christ groups in relation to other urban groups of the Roman world. This is a powerful and captivating presentation.”
“This collection of otherwise-scattered pieces demonstrates further just how important Ascough’s contributions have been with respect to the comparative study of groups and associations in the ancient world. Much is to be gained from repeated consultation of these essays.”
“Ascough, one of the protagonists of research on Greco-Roman associations, inspires in his essays with a wealth of sources and innovative ideas. Readers will be able to follow milestones in a line of inquiry that has provided new insights into the history of early Christianity on a broad basis and promises further substantial results for the future.”
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