Seven Events that Shaped the New Testament World Book Review

The following is a review of  the book  Seven Events that Shaped the New Testament World, by Warren Carter PhD, published by Baker Academic, Grand Rapids MI (2013)  (Baker Publishing Group, 2014). The book is a historical work, in the area of the New Testament and early Christianity. It encompasses a broad spectrum of history covering seven hundred years outlined in the seven events. Carter identifies as pivotal to setting the backdrop to the New Testament and early Christianity. His purpose in writing the book is to position the reader. Into the context of the New Testament and nascent Christianity and  improve the readers knowledge of the beginnings of the Christian movement and the New Testament (Carter, 2013, p. xvii).

Outline and Themes

Carter has selected the following events, as way to provide a basis for understanding. The cultural, historical and social factors, which had a significant impact on the New Testament and the early Christianity movement (Carter, 2013, p. xvii). These are the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC; the translating of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek in 250 BCE; the rededication of the Temple in 164BC; the Roman conquest of Judea in 64BC;the crucifixion of Jesus in 30CE; the writing of the New Testament texts 50-150 BCE; and the closing of the New Testament canon in 397 CE (Carter, 2013, pp. xvi-xxi). The conquests of Alexander the Great, although three hundred years before Christ. Had consequences vitally important to the social, cultural and linguistic environment of the first century which produced the New Testament and early Christianity. These conquests resulted in the spread of the Greek language and culture and the founding of cities. Connected by road and sea lanes, which created cultural, political and economic hubs, such as the seven cities referred to in Rev 22.2 (Carter, 2013, p. 11; The Bible NRSV, 1989). 

This enabled interaction between different cultures including the exchange of philosophical and religious ideas. Themes that are seen in the New Testament where many of Paul’s dialogues take place in cities. Such as the dialogue with Greek philosophers in Athens found in Acts 17 (Carter, 2013, p. 13) (The Bible NRSV, 1989). The importance of linguistic domination and cultural interaction continue. As Carter relates the struggle of the Jewish people to negotiate their environment, while maintaining their unique identity. These themes develop in the proceeding chapters which discuss with the translation of the Septuagint Greek version of the Old Testament and the rededication of the Temple. These chapters describe situations in which there were positive and negative interactions with gentiles. Which Carter uses to illustrate the way in which the Judeans come to see the unfolding of God’s purpose through the ages. The Positive aspect of these interactions is seen in the translation of the Septuagint.

The outcome, of which leads both Jews and gentiles to see that the God of Israel was the one true God of all, seen in Gal.3:28 (The Bible NRSV, 1989). The negative aspects of these interactions are seen in the persecutions, which they suffered under Antiochus, during the Maccabean period. Leading many, to look to God for deliverance in a future age of just rule accompanied by the resurrection of the righteous. As Carter notes, 2 Maccabees 7 is one of the first well developed treatments of resurrection. (2013, p. 53). This negative interaction continues with the conquest of Judea in 64BCE. By the Romans who ruled through a puppet King Herod the Great (Carter, 2013, p. 53). As Carter states, this is a situation, where some resort to violence, some acquiesce, while others await deliverance. Some believing it will come with the arrival of the messiah. This expectation is seen in the Psalms of Solomon where God will fulfil  his purpose in the Messiah ( 2013, p. 77). 

It was with this messianic expectation, in a politically volatile first century environment; amid Jewish hopes of redemption from Roman rule (Carter, 2013, p. 78). Which set the scene, for the ministry of Jesus and his eventual crucifixion in 30CE. Which according to Carter, was for being a rebel who was seen as a real political threat to the Romans and their puppet rulers. Through his pronouncements about the coming kingdom of God (2013, p. 96). These were the first century events, which saw the development of the primitive Jesus movement and its proselytization by Paul and the other Apostles. To the cities of the Roman empire using the Greek language over roads and maritime links, brought about by Alexander’s conquests (2013, p.11). This process culminated in the writing of the New Testament. As well as beginning  the long and complex evolution of the New Testament canon, which was finally closed in 397CE (Carter, 2013, p. 134). 

Strengths of the book

Carter’s book is well illustrated and makes extensive use of both historical sources such as Tacitus, Josephus, Suetonius, Plutarch and scriptural sources to support his arguments. Carter’s use of the intertestamental books and other extra biblical Judaic literature including the Apocrypha provides valuable insights into the development of many fundamental doctrines of Christianity. Including the martyrdom of the righteous for the sins of the unjust, eschatology-the end times outlook, resurrection and messianic hopes (Carter, 2013, pp. 51-54). For instance, Carter compares the sacrifice of the martyrs in 4 Maccabees 17:22 to the sacrifice of Jesus to atone not only for Israel, but that of the whole world as seen in Gal 3:25 (Carter, 2013, p. 101). Carter further develops these theological themes, noting that despite there being general no agreement regarding the nature of the Messiah. 

Jesus followers came to see Jesus as the focus of God’s purposes, in the same way as God choose Israel for a covenant relationship (Carter, 2013, p. 60). The early Jesus’ believers arrived at this conclusion by interpreting the scripture from a Jesus perspective in the light of current events. For example, the son of man in Daniel 7:13-14 RSV is identified in the Gospels ( Mark8:38;14:62;Matt.24:30) as the one who God would appoint as ruler over all (Carter, 2013, p. 36; The Bible NRSV, 1989).

The last chapter on the closing of New Testament canon, addresses some much-neglected facts. Including lack of a New Testament during the early period of Christianity. The present canon did not suddenly appear, being written over a period of 50CE to around 130 CE starting with the writings of Paul (Carter, 2013, p. 133). For a time, different sects such as the Marcionites  having their own canon (Carter, 2013, p. 145). The present, canon was closed in 397CE. It was selected using several criteria including, apostolic authority, age and theological outlook (Carter, 2013, p. 134). However, there is no definitive answer as to why some writings were rejected and others accepted (Carter, 2013, p. 149).

Some Weaknesses of the book

I feel the early parts of the book go into too much detail on the biographical and personal characteristics of Alexander the Great. As well as some aspects of Greek culture which are overly detailed, considering the subject of the book. I feel this is also true in the of the treatment  of crucifixion, in the chapter discussing the crucifixion of Jesus. The end of the chapter on the writing of the Old Testament scripture contains numerous  references to the New Testament. I feel the overall flow of the book would be improved. If it was located at the start of chapter on writing the New Testament. I would have liked to see Carter expand on the topic of the Messiah. Carter notes the term does not denote divinity; however, he does not elaborate on the topic (Carter, 2013, p. 60). 

Conclusion

I feel this is a great introductory book for anyone investigating the New Testament and early Christianity. The seven events Carter has chosen, provide, the reader with a clear picture of the social, historical and linguistic context of the first century. In which the New Testament and early Christianity arose.  Carter successfully demonstrates that revelation is a complex process unfolding through the interaction of different cultures and aspirations within specific socio-cultural and historical contexts. By showing that the chosen events were the necessary precursor to the first century events which led to the formation of early Christianity. Carter successfully, achieves his aim of positioning the reader. Into the context of the New Testament and nascent Christianity,  improving the readers knowledge of the beginnings of the Christian movement and the New Testament (Carter, 2013, p. xvii). 

References

Abingdon Press. (2021). Authors. Retrieved from Abingdon Press: https://www.abingdonpress.com/authors/warren_carter/

Baker Publishing Group. (2014). Warren Carter. Retrieved from Baker Publishing Group: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/contact

Carter, W. (2013). Seven Events that shaped the New Testament World. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.

The Holy Bible NRSV. (1989). Division of Christian Education Churches of Christ in the United of America.