Suffering in Ancient Worldview - Luke, Seneca and 4 Maccabees in Dialogue

Suffering in Ancient Worldview investigates representative Christian, Roman Stoic and Jewish perspectives on the nature, problem and purpose of suffering. Tabb presents a close reading of Acts, Seneca''s essays and letters and 4 Maccabees, highlighting how each author understands suffering vis-a-vis God, humanity, the world''s problem and its solution, and the future. Tabb''s study offers a pivotal definition for suffering in the 1st century and concludes by creatively situating these ancient authors in dialogue with each other. Tabb shows that, despite their different religious and cultural positions, these ancient authors each expect and accept suffering as a present reality that is governed by divine providence, however defined. Luke, Seneca and the author of 4 Maccabees each affirm that suffering is not humanity''s fundamental problem. Rather, suffering functions as a cipher for other things to be displayed. For Seneca, suffering provides an opportunity for one to learn and show virtue. The author of 4 Maccabees presents the nation''s suffering as retribution for sin, while the martyrs'' virtuous suffering leads to Israel''s salvation. For Luke, the Lord Jesus suffers to accomplish salvation and restoration for the world marred by sin and suffering, and the suffering of his followers is instrumental for Christian mission.>

List of contents

Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Suffering in Seneca's Writings: Exegesis
2. Suffering in Seneca's Worldview: Synthensis
3. Suffering in 4 Maccabees: Exegesis
4. Suffering in the Worldview of 4 Maccabees
5. Suffering in Acts: Exegesis
6. Suffering in Luke's Worldview: Synthesis
7. An Ancient Conversation about Suffering
Bibliography
Index

About the author

Brian J. Tabb (PhD, London School of Theology) is President and Professor of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, USA. He is also General Editor of Themelios.

Product details

• Authors: Brian Tabb, Brian J Tabb, Brian J. Tabb, Brian J. (Bethlehem College and Seminary Tabb, Dr Brian J. (Bethlehem College and Seminary Tabb
• Assisted by: Chris Keith (Editor)
• Publisher: T. & T. Clark Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 20.04.2017
• EAN: 9780567672414
• ISBN: 978-0-567-67241-4
• No. of pages: 256
• Series: Library of New Testament Studi; Library of New Testament Studi; Criminal Practice Series; The Library of New Testament Studies
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Practical theology; Latin, LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical, RELIGION / Christianity / General, Christianity, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, New Testaments, Biblical exegesis & hermeneutics