Chapter 2 Reading Guide

The Greco-Roman World of Early Christianity
  1. What would be the problems with beginning a study of the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew, its first book?
  1. Why is an understanding of the Greco-Roman world important for the study of the New Testament?
  1. What is meant by the term “Greco-Roman world”?
  1. What do the terms “pagan” and “gentile” mean?
  1. Who is Apollonius of Tyana, and how is he relevant for understanding the New Testament narratives about Jesus?
  1. What are the basic differences between religion today and religion in the Greco-Roman world?
  1. What were the prominent features of Greco-Roman religions? How and why did people practice religion in that world?
  1. Describe the different tiers of gods involved in divine pyramid of Greco-Roman religion.
  1. How did pagans communicate with their gods?
  1. In what ways did the state involve itself in the practice of pagan religions?
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