Paul and Economics
A Handbook
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2017
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Publisher's Description
The social context of Paul’s mission and congregations has been the study of intense investigation for decades, but only in recent years have questions of economic realities and the relationship between rich and poor come to the forefront. In Paul and Economics, leading scholars address a variety of topics in contemporary discussion, including an overview of the Roman economy; the economic profile of Paul and of his communities, and stratification within them; architectural considerations regarding where they met; food and drink, idol meat, and the Lord’s Supper; material conditions of urban poverty; patronage; slavery; travel; gender and status; the collection for Jerusalem; and the role of Marxist theory and the question of political economy in Paul scholarship.
Endorsements (5)
“A must-read work for anyone interested in Paul, early Christianity, and economic realities. This collection raises the bar for its combination of sophisticated economic theory, detailed textual analysis, and examination of economic context. At the same time, contributors are careful to situate their work in their current contexts of late capitalism and its recurrent crises. All of this enables a profound shift in our understanding of the agent—Paul—who decisively shaped Christianity itself.”
“We owe editors Pickett and Blanton our thanks for assembling such a distinguished international team to discuss such an important and relevant topic. This collection should resonate in Pauline scholarship for some time to come.”
“The economic crisis of 2008 reminded scholars that we must understand the New Testament in the social and economic framework of antiquity. All those who are interested in these socioeconomic questions will find in this book a solid orientation on the state of research, as well as innovative ideas pertaining to the work and theology of Paul. The contributions represent a plurality of methodic and theoretical approaches. But all are useful for those who are interested in the social message of the bible for our days in order to preserve and to promote justice and humanity in our societies.”
“Paul and Economics is an important, even indispensable, contribution to the many ways that the Roman economy impinged on Paul, his mission, and his churches. Blanton and Pickett have selected a stellar group of scholars from various disciplines who use clear and often new methodologies, provide full documentation of the evidence, engage previous scholarship on their topics, and invite readers to pursue topics of their choice through the copious notes and select bibliographies. Pickett’s introduction to the volume is an especially helpful analysis of each of the following essays and gives the volume cohesion. In short, Paul and Economics is highly recommended and will immediately be an invaluable resource for those who want to set Paul and his churches more fully in the social context of the early Roman Empire.”
“Congratulations on this timely, important book. An incredibly strong collection of authors whose essays engage significant topics. Overall a great addition to our understanding of those times.”
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