Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels

When readers are separated from the social world of the author, miscommunication occurs. Historical methods of Biblical interpretation have been helpful in narrowing the gap between the modern reader and ancient authors but have concentrated only on distinctive events and ideas. The social-scientific approach employed in this commentary focuses on social phenomena that have persisted for centuries.The authors build on their earlier social-scientific works and enhance the highly successful commentary model they developed in their social-scientific commentaries. "At long last a commentary for the general reader (and the scholar) that illumines the cultural scripts, the dominant values, and the behavioral cues of everyday bibical life!" --John H. Elliott, University of San Francisco "Necessary reading for anyone who seeks to understand the New Testament as did those who first heard it in a cultural world vastly different than ours." --Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union "Each page sparkles with fresh and satisfying insights; readers quickly gain confidence of being informed visitors to the ancient and strange world of Jesus." --Jerome H. Neyrey, University of Notre Dame