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RLST 152: Introduction to the New Testament History and Literature

Lecture 03 - The Greco-Roman World. Knowledge of historical context is crucial to understanding the New Testament. Alexander the Great, in his conquests, spread Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world. This would shape the structure of city-states, which would share characteristically Greek institutions, such as the gymnasium and the boule. This would also give rise to religious syncretism, that is, the mixing of different religions. The rise of the Romans would continue this trend of universalization of Greek ideals and religious tolerance, as well as implement the social structure of the Roman household. The Pax Romana, and the vast infrastructures of the Roman Empire, would facilitate the rapid spread of Christianity. (from oyc.yale.edu)

Lecture 03 - The Greco-Roman World

Time Lecture Chapters
[00:00:00] 1. Alexander the Great and Hellenization
[00:08:29] 2. The Greek City-State
[00:18:46] 3. Religious Syncretism
[00:22:28] 4. The Roman Household and Social Structure
[00:34:45] 5. The Rise of Julius Caesar and Octavian
[00:40:07] 6. The Pax Romana

References
Lecture 3 - The Greco-Roman World
Instructor: Professor Dale B. Martin. Handout: Greco-Roman World [PDF]. Transcript [html]. Audio [mp3]. Download Video [mov].

Go to the Course Home or watch other lectures:

Lecture 01 - Introduction: Why Study the New Testament?
Lecture 02 - From Stories to Canon
Lecture 03 - The Greco-Roman World
Lecture 04 - Judaism in the First Century
Lecture 05 - The New Testament as History
Lecture 06 - The Gospel of Mark
Lecture 07 - The Gospel of Matthew
Lecture 08 - The Gospel of Thomas
Lecture 09 - The Gospel of Luke
Lecture 10 - The Acts of the Apostles
Lecture 11 - Johannine Christianity: The Gospel
Lecture 12 - Johannine Christianity: The Letters
Lecture 13 - The Historical Jesus
Lecture 14 - Paul as Missionary
Lecture 15 - Paul as Pastor
Lecture 16 - Paul as Jewish Theologian
Lecture 17 - Paul's Disciples
Lecture 18 - Arguing with Paul?
Lecture 19 - The "Household" Paul: The Pastorals
Lecture 20 - The "Anti-household" Paul: Thecla
Lecture 21 - Interpreting Scripture: Hebrews
Lecture 22 - Interpreting Scripture: Medieval Interpretations
Lecture 23 - Apocalyptic and Resistance
Lecture 24 - Apocalyptic and Accommodation
Lecture 25 - Ecclesiastical Institutions: Unity, Martyrs, and Bishops
Lecture 26 - The "Afterlife" of the New Testament and Postmodern Interpretation