We previously discussed the concept of brotherhood in earliest Christianity (1 2 3). We saw that conversion involved a transfer of one's fundamental identity. Individuals who were compelled by the message about Israel's God and His Son effectively betrayed their families, their peoples, and their gods and in the process gained a new family, a … Continue reading Brothers and Neighbors in Early Christianity part 4
See also. The question How should we interpret ἀδελφός in the New Testament? comes to a head in Jesus' parable of the Sheep and the Goats. As the parable is popularly conceived, Jesus teaches his followers to work for justice among the marginalized of the world. He outlines a radical vision of the Last Judgement: … Continue reading The Sheep and Goats: Brothers and Neighbors in Early Christianity part 3
Last time we saw that the cohesion and unity of the faith community was of primary importance in earliest Christianity. A "brotherly love" shared among believers ensured not only the survival of the marginalized apocalyptic communities, it protected the integrity and allure of Christian witness among the nations. "By this everyone will know that you … Continue reading In Defense of Brotherly love: Brothers and Neighbors in Early Christianity part 2
As I argued previously, one of the implications of the historical-apocalyptic approach to the New Testament is that Jesus' ethical commands are understood as historically contingent. I tried to demonstrate, for instance, that Jesus' teachings on violence were built upon his eschatological outlook. He believed God would soon flood Israel and the nations with a … Continue reading Brothers and Neighbors in Early Christianity (part 1)
The History and Reception of the New Testament
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Scribes of the Kingdom 