In order to interpret historical writings, the reader must not employ their modern understanding of the world, but must strive to grasp the mindset of the original audience. To assist the twentieth-century New Testament reader in understanding the literal meaning of the New Testament is the goal of this collection of essays. The Social World of Jesus and the Gospels provides the reader with a set of possible scenarios for reading the New Testament: How did first-century persons think about themselves and others? Did they think Jesus was a charismatic leader? Why did they call God 'father'? Were they concerned with their gender roles?The eight essays in this collection were previously published in books and journals generally not available to many readers. Carefully selected and edited, this collection will be both an introduction and an invaluable source of reference to Bruce Malina's thought.

IntroductionPart 1: The Question of Reading1. Reading Theory PerspectivesPart 2: The Question of First-Century Mediterranean Persons2. First-Century Mediterranean Persons 3. A Social Psychological Model of Self 4. Mary - Woman of the MediterraneanPart 3: The Question of Significant Roles in the First-Century Mediterranean5. Was Jesus a Charismatic Leader? 6. Patron and Client: The Analogy Behind Synoptic TheologyPart 4: The Question of Time as First-Century Mediterranean Value7. Christ and Time: Swiss or MediterraneanPart 5: The Question of the Received View8. The Received View and What It Cannot Do