Integrating the historical and social data it locates the ancient Judeans and the Jesus Movement in their respective matrices. The Stegemanns deal with such issues as: conflict between the messianic communitites and the rest of Judaism, religious pluralism social stratification, group composition, gender division, ancient economics, and urban/rural distinction. This volume offers both an introduction to these social issues, as well as fresh insights and analysis, and includes: Integration of social history, social-scientific analyses, and theological analyses Focus on the role of women in the Jesus Movement and early churches Maps, charts, and diagrams

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