Second Temple Judaism in Scholarly Perspective: Advancing Recent Developments

These essays by world-leaders in the field of Second Temple Judaism build on the ground-breaking T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism (T&T Clark, 2020), exploring the specific ways in which the discipline can be carried forward following the publication of this major work. Using the Encyclopedia as a departure point for considering developments in methodology, historical and textual studies, and interdisciplinary approaches the contributors to this volume begin each study with a clear statement about the methodological issues at work in their chapter, and how these can contribute to the ongoing scholarly discourse. The topics covered include archaeology, synagogues, the New Testament as Second Temple literature, marriage practices, group dynamics, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and reception history. The volume concludes with a postlude and response by John J. Collins.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures List of Abbreviations: Primary Sources List of Abbreviations: Secondary Sources Introduction – Loren T. Stuckenbruck, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich and Daniel M. Gurtner, Gateway Seminary, USA 1. Biblical Texts and Archaeology: Partners in Meaning – Andrea Berlin, Boston University, USA 2. Synagogues at the Intersection of Text and Archaeology: The Genesis and Framework of Second Temple Judaism – Anders Runesson, University of Oslo, Norway 3. Archaeology and Written Evidence: The Problem of the Bar Kokhba Revolt – Michael Owen Wise, University of Northwestern–St. Paul, USA 4. Studying the Sacred Literature of Second Temple Judaism: Beyond “Reception History” –Molly M. Zahn, Yale Divinity School, USA 5. Group Dynamics and Ritual in the Dead Sea Scrolls – Jutta Jokiranta, University of Helsinki, Finland 6. First Century Jewish Betrothal Practices: Judean Desert Contracts, the Gospel of Matthew, and Rabbis in Dialogue – Daniel M. Gurtner, Gateway Seminary, USA 7. Jesus Traditions and Paul's Epistles as Sources for Second Temple Judaism – Menachem Kister, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 8. Johannine Messianic Portrait of Jesus as Witness to the Reception of Moses in Second Temple Judaism – Serge Ruzer, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 9. Prayer, Paideia, and Performance: Synergistic Ways of Textualizing Revelation in Second Temple Judaism – Judith H. Newman, University of Toronto, Canada 10. 1 Enoch and the New Testament – Cana Werman, University of the Negev, Israel 11. What is Needed to Advance the Study of Second Temple Judaism? – John J. Collins, Yale Divinity School, USA Contributors Bibliography Index of Ancient Sources Index of Modern Authors Index of Subjects

About the Author :
Daniel M. Gurtner is Professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary, USA. Loren T. Stuckenbruck is Professor New Testament at Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany.

Review :
In this important volume, Gurtner and Stuckenbruck have assembled a star-studded lineup of scholars of Second Temple Judaism. The editors' hope for a “generative” project has been realized fully. These articles explore critical aspects of ancient Judaism and raise provocative questions for future research. Anyone interested in the study of ancient Judaism will want to read and engage this terrific collection. Second Temple Judaism in Scholarly Perspective is a landmark volume that redefines the field through bold interdisciplinary synthesis. By integrating textual, archaeological, and ritual analysis, it moves beyond traditional boundaries to offer a more dynamic, contextually grounded understanding of Jewish life in the Second Temple period. This collection sets a new benchmark for future research and will be essential reading for scholars of early Judaism and Christian origins. This outstanding collection of essays undertakes a “forward-looking” agenda that aims to inspire and generate future research. The essays by eminent scholars broaden our knowledge and perspectives notably by integrating archeology and New Testament texts into the study of Second Temple Judaism and by introducing the application of reception, social-psychological, ritual, performance, and “lived religion” approaches. The concluding essay by John Collins sets forth desiderata for future study. A brilliant collection of papers by major scholars in the field of Second Temple Judaism: the volume questions common assumptions and categories, pleads for a better integration of the archaeological and textual evidence, explores the contribution of works that have not been much used for the study of Second Temple Judaism, such as the second-century documents from the Judean desert and New Testament writings, and indicates promising avenues for future research.