S. Scott Bartchy

Early Christian Care for the Poor

History & Biography

“Drawing on the most recent analyses of ancient economies in the Roman world, Richardson richly rewards his readers as he invites them to take a fresh look in that context at the evidence for overlooked continuity in the early Christians’ responses to the needy poor in their midst, from Jesus of Nazareth to Cyprian of Carthage. Their innovative practice of village morality in urban contexts raises important questions about contemporary Christian practices. Strongly recommended.”

Jesus, Paul, and Power

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Patronage in Early Christianity

History & Biography

“Once you've read this excellent book, you may wonder why long ago no one called your attention to this subject, so critically important for understanding the interpersonal challenges faced by the developing Christian movement. Without the knowledge about patronage and benefaction that Wheatley makes so accessible, students of both the New Testament and early Christian history miss perceiving the depth of Jesus' dynamic reversal of social values and the subsequent struggles of his followers to follow him.”

Paul and Patronage

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Joshua Rice successfully constructs three models of ancient patronage as contexts for understanding power dynamics in 1 Corinthians. Rejecting conclusions that Paul was either an insecure power monger or a liberal egalitarian, Rice illuminates the dilemma Paul faced as he sought to resocialize his converts into non-dominating relationships with each other. If he acted that way himself, how could he retain authority as their leader? Read this excellent book for an astute and nuanced analysis.”

River of God

Evangelism & Missions

“Rightly and urgently calling the separation between social action and evangelism to be both unbiblical and absurd, the sixteen contributors to this encyclopedic book reward the reader with an astonishing wealth of biblical insight, theological wisdom, and critically analyzed field experiences. I rejoice in the mature perspectives presented in this engaging book and strongly recommend it to everyone who cares about the future of the kind of 'wholistic' ministry taught and practiced by Jesus himself.”

Slaves in the New Testament

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“With a profound mastery of the ancient sources in context, impressive dialogue with the rich diversity of modern scholarship, and compelling creativity in bringing this knowledge to his analysis of the New Testament, Harrill here presents fresh and persuasive contextualization in slave rhetoric of such passages as Romans 7, 2 Corinthians 10, Luke 16, 1 Timothy 1, and the Domestic Codes both in the New Testament and early Christian 'handbooks.' He challenges the reader to think like an ancient Roman and with Paul and other ancient writers to regard slavery as 'good to think with.' In addition, he helpfully extends these insights into recent discussions of Christian martyrdom and the use of the New Testament in the American slave controversy. Harrill has raised knowledge of ancient slavery and its stereotypical rhetorical uses by early Christians to a new and very productive hermeneutical level. This is a book to be savored slowly, for there is much to digest.”

The Social World of Luke-Acts

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This enormously useful volume presents a 'world' of information and theoretical perspectives that have become indispensable for contextual exegesis of Luke-Acts. The authors of this fascinating and well-planned book are seasoned and trustworthy guides into the world inhabited by Luke and his first readers. These provocative articles provide the commentary reader of Luke-Acts with mighty tools for creating first-century scenarios that reveal significantly new dimensions of Luke's cutting edges.”