Early Christian Families in Context

Typical studies of marriage and family in the early Christian period focus on very limited evidence found in Scripture. This interdisciplinary book offers a broader, richer picture of the first Christian families by drawing together research by experts ranging from archaeologists to ancient historians.By exploring the nature of households in the ancient Greco-Roman world, the contributors assemble a new understanding of ancient Christian families that is both compelling and instructive. Divided into six parts, the book covers key aspects of ancient family life, from meals and child-rearing to women's roles and the lives of slaves. Three concluding chapters explore the implications of all this information for theological education today.Contributors: David L. BalchSuzanne DixonJ. Albert HarrillRoss S. KraemerChristian LaesPeter LampeAmy-Jill LevineMargaret Y. MacDonaldDale MartinEric M. MeyersMargaret M. MitchellCarolyn OsiekBeryl RawsonRichard SallerTimothy F. SedgwickMonika TrumperAndrew Wallace-Hadrill