Backgrounds of Early Christianity

by Everett Ferguson

Having long served as a standard introduction to the world of the early church, Everett Ferguson's Backgrounds of Early Christianity has been expanded and updated in this third edition. 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.

Genres: History, Church History, Christianity, Christian, Theology, Reference, Nonfiction

672 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This textbook, geared toward university or seminary level education, is a broad and helpful overview of the political, historical, cultural, and religious backdrop of the New Testament. If the topic is unfamiliar to you, then this is much more than an adequate introduction. Even if you are fairly well read on all or most of the areas that are covered, it is an invaluable summary.

The book as a whole can be quite daunting, so my suggestion would be to read the sections that you find most interesting or where you find your knowledge is most lacking.

The inclusion of lengthy bibliographies at the ends of the sections is a great resource for further study.

[Martha Anne Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the past few years, I have used Everett Ferguson's Backgrounds of Early Christianity as a general reference for my studies of Margaret Fuller and the American Transcendentalist movement. I finally decided to read the textbook from cover to cover. Quite a reading experience! The book provides a wealth of information on the Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultural background to Christianity, examining the philosophical and religious backgrounds that are so important to the Transcendentalists, but also examining political and social history. Although not pleasure reading, I have learned a great deal from this book, for my scholarship and for my own religious understanding.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long textbook-style book, but SO worth reading for any student of the Bible. It will give you fresh eyes to see different parts of the New Testament the way its original audiences would have heard it, and that is invaluable for any modern-day believer (especially in our Western cultures). As the author explained in the introduction, this book is more about the whole culture behind early Christianity - so it included not only the broad history of the previous few centuries, but also Greek and Roman religions, philosophies, and cultural heritage; Jewish culture and writings; and even a brief chapter at the end about society's response to early Christianity.

Although it is actually used as a textbook for seminary level education, I found it eminently readable and accessible for the non-scholar. Each chapter was broken down into much smaller sections, generally ten pages or less, that made it easy to read just a few portions at a time. And there was a generous number of pictures scattered throughout of artifacts, inscriptions, and locations, which greatly added to the content. Other extras which greatly enhanced the book (besides the pictures) included references to relevant Scripture passages, cross references throughout the book itself, and a wealth of bibliographies after each section for further information. My only complaint was that it needed more commas, as I often had to re-read a sentence several times to determine where the thought breaks should be.

Whether you are just dipping your toes in this topic, or have already been studying for many years, I would consider this book a top-notch introduction or summary of the history and culture leading up and into the beginnings of Christianity. Its clearly very thoroughly researched, excellently written, and I'm sure it will prove to be an invaluable resource in the future!

[Hunter Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-own for any Christian. You *will* understand the NT better after reading this book. Jesus' world comes to life in these pages. From Greco-Roman history to Jewish debates on the Sabbath, Ferguson leaves no stone unturned (literal stones - there are fascinating descriptions of archeological discoveries). I see myself regularly returning to this book.

[Ben Sibley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful, mainly as a reference book.

[Bruce Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everett Ferguson has a command of the ancient sources and a thoroughness that makes his study a high water mark. Nothing better exists.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everett Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Third Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1987. 620 pp. $34.11

Backgrounds of Early Christianity, is an important work in the area of New Testament culture and practices. Everett Ferguson currently serves as Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Abilene Christina University and has authored many books dealing with early backgrounds of Christianity. His purpose in writing this volume was to give a textbook to students that deals with the many facets of culture surrounding early Christianity. Everett has produced a professionally written and researched textbook that should be a useful tool for both scholars and laypeople.
The book is composed of an introduction followed by six chapters dealing with the important topics surrounding the background of early Christianity. Ferguson’s introduction deals with the perspective of parallels some see between Christianity and philosophy. Chapters one and two deal with the political history, societal norms, and culture from about 330 B.C. to A.D. 330. Chapters three and four walks through the Hellenistic-Roman religions and philosophies of this foundational period. Chapter five deals with Judaism, while chapter six ends with a look at Christianity from its opponents and adherents.
Ferguson did an excellent job in four ways preparing this textbook. First, the book is researched well. His bibliographies grant an individual wanting to study a topic further plenty of choices to consider. Second, for a textbook it is easy, almost enjoyable to read given the nature of the subject matter. Third, Ferguson has written in a way that is accessible for all. Making this a good resource for scholars and lay people to access for quick reference on a topic. Fourth, the pictures and tables are appropriate in that there are not too many to overwhelm you or draw you away from the text.
In summary, Backgrounds of Early Christianity is an excellent resource for anyone looking to research the textbooks titled topic. This resource serves the church in two ways. First, it is accessible to both scholar’s and laypersons in giving an understanding to these backgrounds. Second, it allows the reader the opportunity to think through these topics and how they would interact with Christianity.

[Jeremy Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backgrounds of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson is a really informative book. It also happens to pretty much be a textbook. I would place this above other textbooks though. It is a bit of a thick book and one that is maybe best used as a reference, but I also felt that this actually would be somewhat accessible and maybe even more useful than some textbooks out there. Maybe this is just because I really enjoy history, but I found it very interesting to get a picture of the historical background of early Christianity.

As I said the book is very informative. It takes you through the history from Persia up to the time of Christ under the Roman empire. It looks at the social, religious, and philosophical background of Greece and Rome and does similar, but not as extensive treatments to Judaism and a little bit about Christianity near the end.

Parts that I found particularly interesting were where Ferguson looked at the attitudes that the Greek and Romans had towards the Jewish people and towards Christians. While there is a tendency to highlight the negative attitudes, things were actually a bit more diverse than that. I found that very interesting to learn about. I also enjoyed his treatment of Judaism as I found that section a bit more applicable to the background of early Christianity overall.

On the down side, the book is a bit of a long read and is presented in a very textbook style format. Ferguson also gets a bit too bogged down in Greek and Roman religion and philosophy for probably most people, despite only treating it very introductory. These parts really slowed the book down for me and I didn't felt like they added that much to my understanding of early Christianity. There was a little and some possible connections, but not as much as some of the other sections.

Overall, I enjoyed Backgrounds of Early Christianity. It is a textbook and is a bit of a hard book to approach, particularly to read all of it from front to back, but I do feel like there is a lot of helpful information in the book. I am not a huge fan of books that feel like a textbook, and I have purged a good number of these type of books that I had from undergraduate and graduate school, but this is one I think I'll be holding onto.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource. It’s hard to imagine how one man can do so much detailed research on so many topics. But, however he did it, I’m grateful! I used this to prepare for a PhD entrance exam for NT studies, and it covered absolutely everything I need to know on the topic backgrounds (and probably much more than necessary). Plus, it already has made me feel much more informed on the specific debates surrounding backgrounds to NT and its application in exegesis.

Highly recommend getting this resource on Logos instead of the physical copy. With Logos’ AI tools, it makes note taking so much faster. I would summarize a section using the AI tool, paste it into my note taking app (Obsidian), then read the section of the book while editing the summaries based on what I thought was most important in that section. It ended up being mostly highlights and bolding, since the summary was so good. I would also highlight and extrapolate on all the areas where he discusses direct overlap with Christianity.

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough, organized, and insightful exploration of the Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds to the New Testament and the first generations of Christians. Lots of primary source quotes (some quite lengthy), and plenty of pictures of artifacts, locations, and inscriptions. Ferguson is also good about citing specific verses on which the topic under discussion may have some bearing. Having to read the book for a class meant that I had to rush through large portions of it faster than I would have liked, but it will definitely be a reference work that I consult repeatedly in the future. The last chapter also functions as a fitting conclusion to such a grand survey of history and culture, explaining the obstacles and advantages Christianity initially faced and concluding with a few paragraphs on the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. Wonderfully done.

[Jambean8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qualified 4. Depending on the purpose for reading the book the rating changes. It's written like a very accessible text book. It's clearly scholarly in its subject matter, thoroughness and analysis of the very large amount of factors that surrounded the first centuries of Christianity. However, the readability was very easy for a non-academic to digest, if they can get through the sheer volume of information. The information was broken into smaller digestible chunks by topic, almost small articles within the chapters. I found it enjoyable and very informative, but could only take it bits of it at a time.

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful for what it is, but not for what some might want it to be. This is a REFERENCE book, in the PROPER sense. A sort of historical dictionary on the historical/cultural/economic/poltiical/philsoohpical background of the early Christian context. Each topic is more or less merely touched upon, usually only to the extent of a paragraph or two. And in that sense, it finds itself somewhat outdated, as today simply looking up these things on google or chat GPT might give you more information on them. But the helpful thing that this book may do for some is to collect for them a sort of topical curriculum of that whcih would be helpful for them to know.

[Maryeet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not easy to get through, and sometimes I really didn’t understand it or enjoy reading it 😇😅🥹😭 BUT it was helpful (sometimes) in gaining a better understanding of the historical context for Early Christianity

[Jared Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding resource providing an excellent background on all aspects of religious, philosophical and political life at the time of the New Testament. Also includes a lengthy bibliography on every single topic addressed. Great reference work to serve as a basis for further research.

[Tyler Eason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reference book on a lot of aspects of life, culture, and customs of the period surrounding the NT.

[Bfleegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and highly detailed book on New Testament backgrounds.

[Zeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with Helpful Historical Information

Any serious student of the New Testament will find gold nuggets throughout. To the teacher of the New Testament, an essential resource.

[Kristen Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative work of history. Using it as research for the historical fiction half of a writing project.

[William Alderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read around 450 pages of the book. Great introduction to New Testament backgrounds.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring. Only read sections on Greek and Roman religion and gods and how that relates to ancient writings

[Philip Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read portions of this book. It has great detail but will probably put most readers to sleep. This is history written in a way to turn me off history. I will use this as a reference only.

[MeiMeiSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nowadays we are able to go to church and sit down comfortably to attend our mass. But to remember our former christian brothers and sisters who had to confront much adversities in order to reach God's gospels with their stern faith, we are very lucky that we just have to go to our church on Sundays without compacting the paganism which was strongly advocated in those days of Greek and Roman culture, with the Roman emperors' strong deprecation on the idea of Christianity.
As I am still reading the book, I have been instigated with such an idea that God's concept on the creation has been so profound that knowledge is a must to be obtained by Humanity. Humanity live and thrive with the tool called knowledge and the creation was consummated by the tool that was God's finger. Knowledge has been evolving in a variety of forms through the historical course. During the initial spreading of Christianity, knowledge was based on the greek philosophical idea that it affected the whole Greek and Roman culture by it deeply rooted cultural belief in the Greek and Roman deities. Those deities represented the paranormal knowledge from the nature or the cosmology that was dedicated to the thought that God's pillar of knowledge had been embedded inside the natural phenomenon. Humane psychology was a must in involving the attaining of knowledge.
God's iginition to blow the whole thing up as his creation has been regarded as the Big Band by the Phycists. This is a phenomenon of involving the knowledge with ones' minor pillar of knowledge granted from God by the regulation the humanity must have the knowledge in the creation. In the greek and Roman world, deities were personalized to be sublimes of natural phenomenon that humanity had been depending onto it. Pillar of knowledge was sublime of God's wisdom the Word is representing the wholeness of various culture, no matter whose the culture is, everyone is created by God.
A single drop of water can cleanse the impurities but the vast ocean cannot even cleanse. This is the miracle embedded inside God's wisdom that his creation was supported by the pillar of his wisdom which only requires a mild touch and inside the water drop, it tells that the creation was in such a state without much dualism or multiplying but only the monism as the core of all the creation. Afterwards, it has a mystery that dualism had taken the role in the vast sea of creation such that mistakes began to rule.
We, like Aristotle, have to be confined in such a circular atmosphere of the creation that fate bagan to ordain all of us to obey the fate.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me months to get through. While it has a wealth of information, it's basically a textbook, and it reads that way, which makes it easy to put down and pick it up later - but also difficult to wade through.

It covers all aspects of the several hundred years around the first century Christians, giving background on society and culture, other religions, and the philosophy of the day. All in all, a worthwhile read, but you've really got to want to get through it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a required text for my Paganism class but I loved it! Many of the later sources are from the bible and it made me understand the roots of christainity and Judism. (wasn't awsome enough to make me get up early for church!)

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

So essential to add books like these to your diet if you really want to be able to digest the scriptures and remove some ambiguity and see it as it is, true and alive and set in real time and space. Great book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference book

[Jeff Noble]

Backgrounds of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson (?)

[William M. M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vast compendium of knowledge that never gets dull. Really puts you in the first century world.

[R. Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as it gets in a one-volume background to the NT.

[Jon R. Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful and accessible background studies for early Christian works.