Epigraphik und Neues Testament

Abstract

The present volume is the result of the efforts of epigraphist and NT exegetes gathered for a conference at the University of Vienna in February 2014. The purpose of the conference was to bring together “two often separate worlds.” As the editors (two NT scholars and one epigraphist) note, NT scholars avoid epigraphy for one of three reasons. First, the amount of epigraphy is too numerous and difficult to handle. Second, the benefits of research in the parallel texts do not match the effort. Third, the relevant information from already-translated material is “enough.” The contention of the editors is that NT scholars and epigraphers alike may have missed key insights. The nine essays, seven in German and two in English, set about the task of proposing ways forward in this difficult subject.Walter Ameling begins the volume with a general overview of some of the history and problems faced by those who have sought a relationship between the NT and inscriptions. Ameling provides a fascinating and singular example from John 19:19, illustrating how the NT can help understand epigraphy. Peter Arzt-Grabner begins his essay with some of the benefits and challenges of exegeting inscriptions. He offers seven criteria for evaluating this material: (1) the inscription must be from the historical context of the NT; (2) the dating of the material must be within close proximity to the proposed parallel; (3) parallels are stronger with geographical proximity; (4) parallels are stronger with shared cultural and social conditions; (5) parallels must have similar semantic ranges and text types; (6) shared historical and social preconditions heighten parallels; (7) parallels only show a range of possibilities, not a single and final understanding of the texts in question. Thomas Corsten’s essay explores the use of onomastics for the study of the NT. The essay traces the development of “name-giving” and concludes that Christian names did not become prevalent until well after the fourth century. Before this time, the individual names of Christians were synonymous with pagan onomastics. Hans Taeuber provides an illuminating analysis of graffiti found in Ephesus to show that Christians were not a “hidden, persecuted minority” but played a role in the social complex of their city. Eva Ebel analyzes the symbiotic relationship of politics and religion in the Roman Empire. Ebel shows how the inscriptional evidence suggests that emperors would refer to themselves with divine titles. The essay concludes with a mirror reading of the inscriptional evidence against the backdrop of the NT’s “Son of God” references. Richard S. Ascough offers a proper understanding of τόπος inscriptions and Christian presence in public settings. The essay provides a helpful discussion concerning the reciprocal relationship between the NT and inscriptions. Ascough notes that the direction of influence changes the questions that the interpreter pursues, and therefore the reader must humbly approach inscriptional parallels. Imre Peres showcases his expertise in funerary inscriptions. He offers an eschatological reading of Greek funeral inscriptions and argues that this information is critical for NT interpretation. John S. Kloppenborg uses the inscription evidence to illuminate how membership worked in the ancient world. The essay explores how early Christian gatherings financed Eucharist meals (1 Cor 11:17–34). Markus Öhler concludes the collection of essays with an examination of how confessional inscriptions aid in understanding the social world of the NT. Specifically focusing on sin, confession, and atonement, Öhler offers a fresh reading of 1 John 1:5–2:2 and 5:14–21.After considering the current volume, I would agree that detailed and laborious study of these two worlds is a necessary step forward in the study of both the NT and inscriptions. These essays offer the reader an indispensable service in collecting the info thus far made available. Eager researchers will find the indexes particularly helpful. The essays will also excite those who are looking for a niche in the growing field of NT backgrounds and epigraphy. However, it is to be seen whether the task will remain too daunting and inscriptions too numerous for most NT scholars. Strangers to epigraphy might do well to read some of the work of Adolf Deissmann, as he is a forerunner to the book’s subject matter and is quoted often throughout the volume.