The New Testament: Introducing the Way of Discipleship PDF
Preview The New Testament: Introducing the Way of Discipleship
The New Testament— / Introducing the Way of Discipleship The New Testament— Introducing the Way of Discipleship Wes Howard-Brook and Sharon H. Ringe Editors 0RBIS BOOKS Maryknoll, New York 10545 Founded in 1970, Orbis Books endeavors to publish works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit, and challenge the conscience. The publishing arm of the Mary- knoll Fathers &C Brothers, Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of the Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. The books published reflect the views of their authors and do not represent the official position of the Maryknoll Society. To learn more about Maryknoll and Orbis Books, please visit our website at www.maryknoll.org. Copyright © 2002 Orbis Books Published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York, 10545-0308. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any informa¬ tion storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the pub¬ lisher. Queries regarding rights and permissions should be addressed to: Orbis Books, P.O. Box 308, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-0308. Manufactured in the United States of America Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The New Testament : introducing the way of discipleship / Wes Howard-Brook and Sharon H. Ringe, editors, p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 1-57075-418-7 (pbk.) 1. Christian life—Biblical teaching. 2. Christianity and justice—Biblical teaching. 3. Bible. N.T.—Criticism, interpretation, etc. I. Howard-Brook, Wes. II. Ringe, Sharon H. BS2545.C48 N48 2002 225.6T—dc21 2002000852 Contents Introduction / ix 1. The New World Order The Historical Context of New Testament History and Literature Richard A. Horsley 1 Imperial Domination, Client Rulers, and Popular Renewal Movements in Palestine 1 Religion and Power in the Roman Imperial Order in the Greek Cities 8 Resources for Further Study 15 2. Matthew’s Gospel The Disciples’ Call to Justice Michael H. Crosby, O.F.M.Cap. 16 Who Is the “Matthew” of Matthew’s Gospel? 16 The Setting of Matthew’s Gospel 17 The Structure of Matthew’s Gospel 20 What Is the Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel? 22 Who I? the Model Disciple in Matthew? 35 Notes 38 Resources for Further Study 39 3. Mark’s Gospel Invitation to Discipleship Ched Myers Context and Interpretation of the Gospel 41 Structure of the Gospel 45 Story Lines of Mark 51 The Gospel in an Episode: A Reading of Mark 5:21-43 36 Resources for Further Study 60 v vi CONTENTS 4. Luke’s Gospel “Good News to the Poor” for the Non-Poor Sharon H. Ringe 62 Introduction 62 Structure of Luke’s Gospel 66 Getting Down to Specifics 68 Conclusion 78 Resources for Further Study 79 5. John’s Gospel’s Call to Be Reborn of God Wes Howard-Brook 80 “In the Beginning” 81 “Authority to Become Children of God” 83 “Not Born of the Will of the Flesh,” Part 1: Nicodemus 84 “Not Born of the Will of the Flesh,” Part 2: The One Born Blind 88 “Not Born of the Will of a Man”: Living Water in Samaria 89 “Not Born of Blood(s)”: Confronting Death with the Power of Resurrection 91 The Conspiracy to Be Church 92 The Passion according to John 96 Resurrection 98 Living John’s Gospel Today 99 Postscript: The Johannine Letters 100 Resources for Further Study 102 6. Acts of the Apostles Also Known as Acts of the Holy Spirit Justo L. GonzAlez 103 Acts and the Gospel of Luke 103 Reading Acts Today: Luke’s Agenda and Ours 104 How Subversion Has Been Subverted 107 Subversive Humor 108 Insiders and Outsiders: The Election of Matthias 109 Insiders and Outsiders: The Outpouring of the Spirit 111 Subversive Sharing 112 A Message for the People 112 CONTENTS Vll Justice beyond What Was Intended 114 A God Who Speaks at the Margins 115 The Subversion of Paul 116 Economic Subversion 117 An Imperfect Government 119 No Final Word 120 7. Paul’s Letters God’s Justice against JEmpire Neil Elliott 122 The “Gospel” of Empire 123 Negotiating the Currents of Imperialism 124 The Apocalypse of the Crucified Messiah 126 The God of the Have-Nots 128 A Political and Material Reading of Paul’s Theology 131 Living in Solidarity with the Oppressed 133 Removing the Refuge of Religion 138 The Obedience of the Nations 140 Paul’s Legacy 143 Resources for Further Study 145 8. Deutero-Pauline Letters Colossians, Ephesians, and the Pastoral Epistles A. Katherine Grieb 148 Introduction to the Writings as a Group: Authorship, Dating, and Reception 148 The Letter to the Colossians 1-52 The Letter to the Ephesians 156 The Letters to Timothy and Titus 161 So Now What? Recommendations for Interpreting the Deutero-Pauline Epistles 164 Resources for Further Study 166 9. Catholic Epistles Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude A. Katherine Grieb _ 168 Introduction to the Writings as a Group 168 The Letter to the Hebrews 169 viii CONTENTS The Letter of James 176 The First Letter of Peter 179 The Second Letter of Peter and the Letter of Jude 182 Resources for Further Study 186 10. Revelation Claiming the Victory Jesus Won over Empire Wes Howard-Brook 188 Blueprint for the End? 188 What Is “Apocalyptic” Literature? 189 “John to the Seven Ekklesiai That Are in Asia ...” 193 Scrolls, Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls: Revelation’s “Plot” 196 Where Do You Live? Babylon or New Jerusalem? 203 Resources for Further Study 206 About the Contributors 207 Index 209
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