“Written for Our Discipline and Use”

The Construction of Christian and Jewish Identities in Late Ancient Bible Interpretation

Contributions by Anneliese Felber Contributions by RB ter Haar Romeny Contributions by Constanza Cordoni Contributions by Elisabeth Birnbaum Contributions by Predrag Bukovec Contributions by Marc Hirshman Contributions by Günter Stemberger Contributions by Harald Buchinger Contributions by Gerhard Langer Contributions by Agnethe Siquans Edited by Agnethe Siquans Series edited by Agnethe Siquans Series edited by Thomas R. Karmann Series edited by Susanne Plietzsch Series edited by Hans-Ulrich Weidemann

Book cover: “Written for Our Discipline and Use”

Extent: 205 pages

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Subjects: Biblical Studies, Jewish Studies, Religious Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(February 2021)

ISBN: 9783525522196

6.3 x 9.25 inches

Price: $150.00

In stock

In Christian and Jewish Bible interpretation in late antiquity, polemics and demarcation are evident, as are similarities and mutual references.


Patristic and rabbinic biblical interpretations are significant contributions to the identity construction of late antique Christian and Jewish groups. The contributions in this conference volume illuminate the reception of biblical texts, themes and figures in patristic and rabbinic writings from the 2nd to the 8th century. They reveal processes of mutual demarcation, which are sometimes extremely polemical, sometimes only implicit and indirectly accessible. The correct interpretation of Scripture is claimed for one’s own “we”, while at the same time distinguishing it from the “others”. Nevertheless, similarities and mutual positive references are clearly recognizable. Especially the often so polemical Christian interpretation is from the beginning rooted in the Jewish tradition and based on it. But also the rabbinic interpretation shows traces of the controversy with Christianity.

  • Contributions by Anneliese Felber
  • Contributions by RB ter Haar Romeny
  • Contributions by Constanza Cordoni
  • Contributions by Elisabeth Birnbaum
  • Contributions by Predrag Bukovec
  • Contributions by Marc Hirshman
  • Contributions by Günter Stemberger
  • Contributions by Harald Buchinger
  • Contributions by Gerhard Langer
  • Contributions by Agnethe Siquans
  • Edited by Agnethe Siquans
  • Series edited by Agnethe Siquans
  • Series edited by Thomas R. Karmann
  • Series edited by Susanne Plietzsch
  • Series edited by Hans-Ulrich Weidemann

"This volume examines the complexities of mutual contact, polemic, and group identity in the biblical exegesis of late antique Christianity and Judaism. . . . This compelling collection excels at showing the nebulous nature of identity and the dynamic and sometimes surprising forces that contribute to its formation. It will be of interest to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in late antiquity." Lee, Kristi, Church History, July 28, 2023
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