Backgrounds of Early Christianity now in its 3rd edition has long served as the standard introduction to the world of the early church. with 95 mostly new and improved photographs, the book explores and unpacks the Roman, Greek, and Jewish political, social, religious, and philosophical backgrounds necessary for a good historical understanding of the New Testament and the early church. New to this edition are revisions of Ferguson's original material, updated bibliographies, and fresh discussions of first-century social life, of Gnosticism, and of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other Jewish literature. A perennial best-seller and foundational text for all students, it makes a critical addition to any Churhc History of New Testament library.
