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Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period: A Guide for New Testament Students (Christian Classics Bible Studies) Paperback – July 5, 2002

by Larry R. Helyer (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 33 ratings
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From the crisis of the Babylonian exile to the rise of rabbinic Judaism--a span of over six hundred years--the Jewish people produced a wealth of literature that lies outside the Hebrew Bible. Today it goes under names such as apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, Josephus and Philo, apocalyptic literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Mishnah and targums. But line by line, scroll by scroll, it represents the history and theology, the hopes and prayers of a living and diverse Judaism. It is an engrossing subject in and of itself, but for students of the New Testament it offers an invaluable context for understanding the words and actions of Jesus as well as the conversion and thinking of Paul. Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period is an introduction to this literature and places it within its historical context. Riding the explosive growth of knowledge of this period, Larry R. Helyer guides students to the heart of the matter. What were the pressures and realities, the questions and dreams that nurtured and provoked these written expressions? And how does this literature throw light on the text of the New Testament and origins of Christianity?

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  1. Print length
    528 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    IVP Academic
  4. Publication date
    July 5, 2002
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0830826785
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0830826780
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

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"In this comprehensive and well-informed volume, Larry Helyer provides an exemplary introduction to the world of Second Temple Judaism, its history and its literature. What is distinctive about Helyer's work is his deliberate reading of this material with the New Testament in mind. In so doing he is able to show how deeply Jewish the New Testament is and how knowledge of this material can enrich our reading of the New Testament. This book is impressive not only for the high quality of its scholarship but also for its exceptional clarity and judiciousness. Especially commendable are Helyer's positive attitude to things Jewish and his adamant rejection of anti-Semitism. Highly recommended!" -- Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

"There are many useful books on Second Temple Jewish literature, for which reason I nearly passed this book by. But once I began actually examining it, I recognized the thoroughness of Larry Helyer's acquaintance with the sources and how carefully he has prepared this book with New Testament students in mind. I believe it will provide an excellent resource for those who want access to the most important materials for New Testament study." -- Craig S. Keener, Professor of New Testament, Palmer Seminary

"The literature of Second Temple Judaism is so vast that few college or seminary students ever receive a decent introduction to it at all. Here, in one volume, are references to judicious samplings from every major corpus, complete with introduction and background, and detailed explanation of relevance for New Testament studies. A wonderful gift for students and professors alike. Perhaps many will now actually teach, and teach substantially, on the topic!" -- Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

Review

"The literature of Second Temple Judaism is so vast that few college or seminary students ever receive a decent introduction to it at all. Here, in one volume, are references to judicious samplings from every major corpus, complete with introduction and background, and detailed explanation of relevance for New Testament studies. A wonderful gift for students and professors alike. Perhaps many will now actually teach, and teach substantially, on the topic!"

-- Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ IVP Academic; 0 edition (July 5, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 528 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0830826785
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0830826780
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.8 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

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Larry R. Helyer

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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
33 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

X. Fossor
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2022
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Want to understand the mindset of the New Testament writers? Read this book. Honestly, there is no better way to enter into the cultural milieu that informed the NT writers. For example, one can't (I think) gain a full(er) understanding of Jude's Epistle without understanding where he drew so many of his examples (e.g., The Testament/Assumption of Moses or, even more importantly, 1 Enoch). Similarly, the writer of "Hebrews" is better understood if one has been exposed to what the Qumran community thought (e.g., regarding Melchizedek; comparing what Apollos (?) wrote about him as compared to what DSS 11QMel says). In other words, the NT authors (and for that matter, the OT ones) didn't write in a vacuum; they wrote using the cultural touchpoints of their day. If readers of the Bible want a deeper, more mature understanding of it, readers have to do more than "read Scripture at face value." Here's an example. If today I said that everyone is talking about the Hail Mary bomb that a QB threw in yesterday's NFL game virtually everyone would understand what I was talking about. Now fast forward 500, 100, 1500 years and tell me the everyday reader reading my statement would have an idea of what I was talking about if that reader has no understanding of the cultural setting I wrote from.

That's why this book is a must for the serious Bible reader/studier.

Bottom Line, this is a well-written, excellently-organized intro for non-scholars to Second Temple literature.

5 stars.
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Gumby
5.0 out of 5 stars ... the shipping was prompt and the product arrived in excellent condition. Thank you
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2016
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Received the product as expected (as ordered) and the shipping was prompt and the product arrived in excellent condition. Thank you. Very comprehensive book with lots of information.
2 people found this helpful
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Robert Mullin
5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020
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No complaints,satisfied.
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sojotheo
5.0 out of 5 stars An indispensable tool for New Testament Studies!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2016
Larry R. Helyer (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary) is Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana. Helyer has published numerous articles and reviews and has authored several books, including, Yesterday, Today and Forever: The Continuing Relevance of the Old Testament (Sheffield, 2004), The Witness of Jesus, Paul and John: An Exploration in Biblical Theology (IVP, 2008), and The Life and Witness of Peter (IVP, 2012). Still, it is within the present volume, Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period: A Guide for New Testament Students (IVP, 2002), that Helyer has offered the reader his most notable investment and contribution to the study of the New Testament.

Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period begins with a brief introduction outlining the history and importance of the Second Temple period for NT studies. While the information in this section may be considered foundational for the incoming reader, it is quite brief and could easily be ignored without consequence. However, the content that follows this section exhibits a much different story. Helyer systematically introduces the reader to the wealth of literature produced between the Babylonian exile and the rise of rabbinic Judaism. It is here that Helyer examines literary works generally categorized within groups such as the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Josephus, Philo, Dead Sea Scrolls, Mishnah, Targums, etc. Within each of the sections, the reader is carefully guided through various literary pieces, including information such as genre, sources, purpose, date, composition, structure and outline, content and characteristics, as well as a section devoted to the significance of the particular book to NT studies.

The examination of literature in this volume is impressive and includes such works as Tobit, Enoch, 2 Enoch, 4 Ezra, Thanksgiving Hymns, Damascus Document, Testament of Moses, Jubilees, and much, much more. Each major section of the book ends with helpful discussion questions for small groups or personal reflection, as well as a select bibliography for further study. One of the most impressive aspects of this volume is the sheer number of footnotes that accompany each section. This volume is both comprehensive and well-informed in its examination and research, and Helyer’s familiarity with the literature and context is evident with the turn of every page. Additionally, while the thoroughness of this volume will be enough to warrant its inclusion in your library, the readability will guarantee that it is met with equally good use.

If you are someone with even a remote interest in the study of the New Testament, Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period: A Guide for New Testament Students by Larry R. Helyer is an indispensable resource. I recommend a cover-to-cover read the first time around for familiarization with the content, and then the consultation of the various indexes for future reference. Regardless, this will be a volume you will use often. It comes highly recommended!

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
4 people found this helpful
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Shane
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Survey of Intertestamental Jewish Literature
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2013
I have to admit when I first got this book I thought it was going to be one of those massive (500+ pages!) dry textbooks I can hardly finish. I was pleasantly surprised! Helyer's writing style is clear, engaging, and smooth. I haven't read much about Jewish literature of the 2nd Temple period, so I'm glad to own this book as a resource. I'm sure I'll consult it quite a bit in my NT studies, especially since there's a Scripture index in the back as well as a topical index.

In case you were wondering, Helyer discusses most of the important Jewish writings, including those found in the Apocrypha, the Pseudepigrapha, and the Dead Sea Scrolls; he also interacts in detail with Philo, Josephus, and the Mishna (along with others). He typically gives the dating of each work, the outline, the main contents, and what it has to do with our studies of the NT. The structure is helpful and easy to read/reference.

I do wish there was a summary chart of each Jewish writing (dating, main themes, etc.) in the appendix so one could have a quick-reference guide. However, the book is valuable as is. It's a very long introductory survey, but it is one I'm glad to own. In fact, Helyer's work has led me to start reading some of these Jewish writings themselves (i.e. I've already read Susanna, Ben Sira, and parts of Tobit). I do recommend this book.
5 people found this helpful
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Digger N' Picker
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent place to start
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2003
Larry Helyer does an excellent job of introducing most of the relevent literature of the Second Temple period and its general influence on the writers of the New Testament and the Early Church. Excellent review or introduction depending on your background. I think this should be mandatory reading for every pastor and bible student. Well written with many chapter breaks to keep the organization of this large volume. This is the context of the New Testament that most Christians are not even aware exists. I have already recommended this texts to many people.
15 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Ashtree
5.0 out of 5 stars Just... wonderful!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2007
Verified Purchase
I love this book.

The (Christian) author claims to be writing from an Evangelical standpoint, but the book never gets 'preachy', and the scholarship is never less than meticulous.

Aimed at students of the New Testament, this book is refreshingly readable. It will gently take you by the hand and lead you through the fascinating and sometimes bizarre landscape of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the writers Philo and Josephus, and a wide range of other apocryphal and pseudepigraphical books.

While the book can be just picked up and read from cover to cover, to get the most benefit I would suggest you treat it like a sort of college course. This will involve buying several other books (Like Josephus, Philo, the Dead Sea Scrolls, etc - most of which are cheaply available on Amazon.)

The author provides numerous quotes from all the works in question, but suggests sections from the original writings as pre-reading for each chapter. This is how I've been using the book, and it's been a wonderful experience.

The book doesn't shy away from the 'proper' scholarly terms for stuff. You'll occasionally encounter expressions like 'Sitz im Leben' or 'Vorlage', but the author (bless him!!) always provides a plain English translation of the theological terms when he uses them.

I really can't recommend this book highly enough for anyone looking for a good and thorough introduction to the writings and ideas underlying the books of the New Testament.
12 people found this helpful
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