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by David J. Downs (Author), Beverly Roberts Gaventa (Foreword by)
The monetary fund that the apostle Paul organized among his Gentile congregations for the Jewish-Christian community in Jerusalem was clearly an important endeavor to Paul; discussion of it occupies several prominent passages in his letters. In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints.
Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul's fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.Author Biography
David J. Downs is associate professor of New Testament studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the author of Alms: Charity, Reward, and Atonement in Early Christianity.
Number of Pages: 222
Dimensions: 0.6 x 8.9 x 6 IN
Publication Date: May 07, 2016
