Includes bibliographical references.

Print version record.

Cover -- Contents -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- Assessing the Potential of Archaeological Discoveries For The Interpretation of New Testament Texts -- The City in Roman Egypt -- Epigraphy and the Study of Polis and Ekklēsia in the Greco-Roman World -- Gaia, Polis, and Ekklēsia at the Miletus Market Gate -- Coinage and Colonial Identity -- The Polis and the Poor -- Methodological Considerations in Using Epigraphic Evidence to Determine the Socioeconomic Context of the Early Christians -- Urban Portraits of the "Barbarians" on the Fringes of the Roman Empire -- Contributors -- Index of Primary Texts -- Index of Modern Authors.

A fresh look at early urban churches This collection of essays examines the urban context of early Christian churches in the first-century Roman world. A city-by-city investigation of the early churches in the New Testament clarifies the challenges, threats, and opportunities that urban living provided for early Christians. Readers will come away with a better understanding of how scholars assemble an accurate picture of the cities in which the first Christians flourished. Features: Analysis of urban evidence of the inscriptions, papyri, archaeological remains, coins, and iconographyDiscussion of how to use different types of evidence responsibly Outline of what constitutes proper methodological use for establishing a nuanced, informed portrait of ancient urban life.