Overview

Much attention has been paid to the words of the earliest Christian texts, yet Larry Hurtado argues that an even more telling story is being overlooked - that of the physical texts themselves. Well known for his nimble scholarship, Hurtado combines his comprehensive knowledge of Christian origins with an archivist's eye to make sense of these earliest objects of the faith. Hurtado introduces readers to the staurogram, possibly the first representation of the cross, the nomina sacra, a textual abbreviation system, and the puzzling early Christian preference for book-like texts over scrolls. Intended for intellectually engaged readers as well as New Testament scholars and students, ""The Earliest Christian Artifacts"" introduces the distinctive features of early Christian manuscripts, illustrating their relevance for wider inquiry into the ancient history of Christianity.

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9780802828958

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Reviews

Journal for the Study of the New Testament -This affordable volume will be extremely useful as a basic introduction to the character of manuscripts in early Christianity.-E. A. Judge -- Macquarie University -A landmark study, clearly explained, cautious, yet intriguing. Why the experimental, indeed pioneering, exploitation of the book form (actually more awkward than dignified rolls)? Why try out punctuation and spacing? Why the novel signal for words given divine meaning? Why convert the word 'cross' itself into the earliest image of Christ? The many unknown Egyptian scribes prove more independent, yet more of a common mind, than had earlier been thought.-Currents in Theology and Mission -This clearly written, interesting book illuminates an otherwise overlooked source for early Christian culture and faith.-Choice -Although covering a technical subject, the book's prose is very accessible and clear. Essential.-Expository Times -Anyone interested in earliest Christianity will learn new things here, and at a remarkably low cost.-

Journal for the Study of the New Testament This affordable volume will be extremely useful as a basic introduction to the character of manuscripts in early Christianity. E. A. Judge Macquarie University A landmark study, clearly explained, cautious, yet intriguing. Why the experimental, indeed pioneering, exploitation of the book form (actually more awkward than dignified rolls)? Why try out punctuation and spacing? Why the novel signal for words given divine meaning? Why convert the word 'cross' itself into the earliest image of Christ? The many unknown Egyptian scribes prove more independent, yet more of a common mind, than had earlier been thought. Currents in Theology and Mission This clearly written, interesting book illuminates an otherwise overlooked source for early Christian culture and faith. Choice Although covering a technical subject, the book's prose is very accessible and clear. Essential. Expository Times Anyone interested in earliest Christianity will learn new things here, and at a remarkably low cost. Journal for the Study of the New Testament -This affordable volume will be extremely useful as a basic introduction to the character of manuscripts in early Christianity.- E. A. Judge -- Macquarie University -A landmark study, clearly explained, cautious, yet intriguing. Why the experimental, indeed pioneering, exploitation of the book form (actually more awkward than dignified rolls)? Why try out punctuation and spacing? Why the novel signal for words given divine meaning? Why convert the word 'cross' itself into the earliest image of Christ? The many unknown Egyptian scribes prove more independent, yet more of a common mind, than had earlier been thought.- Currents in Theology and Mission -This clearly written, interesting book illuminates an otherwise overlooked source for early Christian culture and faith.- Choice -Although covering a technical subject, the book's prose is very accessible and clear. Essential.- Expository Times -Anyone interested in earliest Christianity will learn new things here, and at a remarkably low cost.- Journal for the Study of the New Testament This affordable volume will be extremely useful as a basic introduction to the character of manuscripts in early Christianity. E. A. Judge Macquarie University A landmark study, clearly explained, cautious, yet intriguing. Why the experimental, indeed pioneering, exploitation of the book form (actually more awkward than dignified rolls)? Why try out punctuation and spacing? Why the novel signal for words given divine meaning? Why convert the word 'cross' itself into the earliest image of Christ? The many unknown Egyptian scribes prove more independent, yet more of a common mind, than had earlier been thought. Currents in Theology and Mission This clearly written, interesting book illuminates an otherwise overlooked source for early Christian culture and faith. Choice Although covering a technical subject, the book's prose is very accessible and clear. Essential. Expository Times Anyone interested in earliest Christianity will learn new things here, and at a remarkably low cost.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament This affordable volume will be extremely useful as a basic introduction to the character of manuscripts in early Christianity. E. A. Judge Macquarie University A landmark study, clearly explained, cautious, yet intriguing. Why the experimental, indeed pioneering, exploitation of the book form (actually more awkward than dignified rolls)? Why try out punctuation and spacing? Why the novel signal for words given divine meaning? Why convert the word 'cross' itself into the earliest image of Christ? The many unknown Egyptian scribes prove more independent, yet more of a common mind, than had earlier been thought. Currents in Theology and Mission This clearly written, interesting book illuminates an otherwise overlooked source for early Christian culture and faith. Choice Although covering a technical subject, the book's prose is very accessible and clear. Essential. Expository Times Anyone interested in earliest Christianity will learn new things here, and at a remarkably low cost.

Author Information

Larry W Hurtado is Professor of New Testament Language, Literature and Theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

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