Widely used as a textbook since its publication in 1987, this work provides an analytical and systematic introduction to the Roman, Greek, and Jewish political, social, literary, and religious backgrounds necessary for a historical understanding of the New Testament and the early church. Now Everett Ferguson has thoroughly revised Backgrounds of Early Christianity, completely updating the bibliographies, rewriting and adding sections, and incorporating many of the critical suggestions received from professors who have used his book. As a result, the book will in from today's students even better than before.