Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins: Diversity, Continuity, and Transformation

Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins: Diversity, Continuity, and Transformation. By George W. E. Nickelsburg. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003. xxii and 284 pages. Paper. $23.00.

George Nickelsburg, a leading scholar of early Jewish literature, applies his detailed know ledge of that literature to describe the indebtedness of New Testament writers to it and, at the same time, to line out what marks them off from it.

After a brief general introduction Nickelsburg orients the reader to what significance the Hebrew Scriptures and tradition had in Judaism and how both were interpreted. He then turns to the status and use of the Torah in a righteous life in Judaism, the understanding of how God effects salvation, the agents of God's actions (king, priest, and prophet among humans; angelic or heavenly figures), Wisdom, Son of Man in Enoch, and the suffering and exalted righteous ones. The final three chapters discuss eschatological visions. "Contexts and Settings" (geography, Judaism and Hellenism, Temple, synagogue, and Jewish sects) and a final chapter that gives his summary of the preceding chapters. He stresses the variety and diversity in first-century Judaism and summarizes the way in which early Christianity diverged from its Jewish matrix.

This illuminating, stimulating book deserves wide reading by clergy and laity. It is accessible to readers who come without specialized knowledge of Judaism. At the same time, the notes and bibliography will lead interested readers to additional resources. It certainly will lead to revisions in the way most of us describe early Judaism and react to it. Nickelsburg is a sure guide, a skilled writer, and an outstanding communicator, characteristics that lead to an outstanding book.

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