An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts

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Introducing the Gospels and Acts involves immersing oneself in the first-century Mediterranean context of these New Testament writings. Alicia D. Myers guides readers through the Gospels and Acts, exploring the world of Jesus of Nazareth and the early believers who shared stories inspired by him. The book offers overviews of the context and key passages in each canonical work while also introducing the Apocryphal Gospels and Acts to illustrate the broader landscape of early Christian literature. After establishing the literary context, Myers provides historical background before delving into a specific contextual theme for each work. These themes encompass the politics and history of Roman Palestine, expressions of Second Temple Judaism, concepts of identity and human worth in the Roman world, hospitality, Hellenistic philosophies, and the canonization process of the New Testament. Rather than avoiding the complexities of the Gospels and Acts, Myers encourages readers to engage deeply with these texts, embracing the strangeness and unexpected familiarity of the Roman world. This approach reveals the ongoing relevance of these writings today and fosters responsible reading practices for the future.