Early Christ Groups and Greco-Roman Associations

“Early Christ Groups and Greco-Roman Associations is a superb collection of essays that cover a broad range of aspects of ancient clubs and associations, and which shows how knowledge of their practices illumines our understanding of Pauline and other early Christ groups. This is an essential primer for the study of the social context of early Christianity.”


—John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto





“Since the late 1990s, Richard Ascough has been a leader in the burgeoning study of early Christ groups in the context of Greco-Roman associations. At last, many of his notable contributions have been assembled within this book. These stimulating independent essays flow almost as chapters of a single monograph. Ascough fruitfully positions the practices of Christ groups in relation to other urban groups of the Roman world. This is a powerful and captivating presentation.”


—Bruce Longenecker, Baylor University





“This collection of otherwise-scattered pieces demonstrates further just how important Ascough’s contributions have been with respect to the comparative study of groups and associations in the ancient world. Much is to be gained from repeated consultation of these essays.”


—Philip A. Harland, York University





“Ascough, one of the protagonists of research on Greco-Roman associations, inspires in his essays with a wealth of sources and innovative ideas. Readers will be able to follow milestones in a line of inquiry that has provided new insights into the history of early Christianity on a broad basis and promises further substantial results for the future.”


—Markus Oehler, University of Vienna