In Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Ferguson 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. Written for the beginning student with little or no knowledge of classics, the Hellenistic age, or post-biblical Judaism, the book provides conveniently arranged introductory material which will make possible more intelligent use of commentaries and reference works and prepare the student for independent study in the sources.