GRACE BIBLE COLLEGE

READING REPORT

In partial fulfilment of the requirement of the course

SYNOPTIC GOSPEL
NT 203

I declare that this assignment is my unaided work. I have not copied it from any
person, article, book, website, or other form of storage. Every idea or phrase that is
not owned has been duly acknowledged.

Submitted to:
Miss Christina N. Goungaihlun

Submitted by:
Kap Khual Thang Shoute
Bachelor of Theology - III
Registration No. 1585 /2021
21st, December 2023
INTRODUCTION
This book “Into the World of the New Testament: Greco-Roman and
Jewish Texts and Context” by Daniel Lynwood Smith which consist of 257 pages.
This book dig into a rich historical and cultural background of the New Testament,
exploring the Greco-Roman and Jewish texts that shaped its context. The Author
examines the interplay between these diverse influences, shedding light on the
cultural in which the New Testament emerged. Also, the Author divides the book into
well - structured sections, each dedicated to unraveling specific aspects of the socio -
religious landscape of the time, which we will be seeing in this reading report.
During the Twentieth first century, readers who approach the New Testament
for the first time can emphasize with the Ethiopian Eunuch. But as the texts
translation was challenging but in the other way, the text is easy to understand. And
the New Testament has been read and interpreted throughout the intervening
centuries. Also, sometimes we need to explored the words and phrases in both the
original Greek and contemporary English. Some readers may be tempted to think that
it is an easy question that the Gospel message is simple, for like - to say that we are
sorry for our sins and we may get to heaven. Which leaves a big question that Is this
the whole point of Christianity? The answer to this question must take into account of
various “Kingdom” that Jesus first-century hearer along with their ancestors had
experienced. Which, there are also a length of eschatological prophecy and the author
announce the arrival of God’s Kingdom as a dominion that comprises all of creation.
With the Context that the New Testament writings suddenly have a broader range of
possible meaning. The New Testament, therefore, offers various portraits of Rome.
In Revelation, Rome is depicted as the enemy, in most unflattering terms. This
enmity does not sum up early Christian views of Rome, however, Paul, for example,
encourages submission to governing authorities (Rom. 13:1-7). And according to all
three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus famously tells his opponents that they should give to
Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s. So, when did John the
Baptist receive the word of God? As Luke provide the year, the fifteenth year of
Emperor Tiberius’s reign, which started around 14 C.E. He also then adds other
contextual details that allow the reader to locate the setting more thoroughly. All four
canonical gospels describe John as an individual who baptizes in the Jordan River and
who preaches about a coming figure who will be superior to John. But when others
gathered around John, for they were extremely delighted to hear his words, which

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even Herod feared that John’s powers of human persuasion might lead to a revolt, for
the people seems to be ready to do everything John advised. The Judian wilderness
was inhospitable to human settlement, but as a symbolic place, it throbbed with
meaning. Since the most distant ancestral past, the Jews have had three philosophies:
one of the Essenes, one of the Sadducees, and a third that went by the name of the
Pharisees. According to this, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes are not simply
sects of second temple Judaism, they are described as philosophical schools.
However, there are Jews who observed as much of the Torah as was possible in which
they married other Jews, preserving their ethnic identity. But, thus, the Jews remained
Jews, no matter where they lived. And still, the question remains, whether living in
Palestine or in the Diaspora, whether living in the second temple period or earlier or
later. Because to be a Jews means to be a members of the chosen people of God.
In a shame culture, on the other hand, members are more motivated by shame
and more preoccupied with outsider evaluation. As the New Testament writing
recognize that the cross is something more than a charm to be worn around the neck.
A crucified savior did not serve as a helpful recruiting tool for early Christians. Paul
understand the brutal meaning of crucifixion, yet Paul is also convinced that the
crucifixion of Jesus has given a brand new meaning to the cross.
Critical Evaluation:
Through the reading of this book “Into the World of the New Testament:
Greco-Roman and Jewish Texts and Context” by Daniel Lynwood Smith, his work
stand out for its scholarly rigor and interdisciplinary approach. We can also see that
his adept handling of both Greco-Roman and Jewish sources, which enables us the
readers to appreciate the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped the New
Testament. He also organizes and facilitates a systematic exploration of different
facets, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers. In his book, one
strength lies in his ability to balance depth and accessibility. While engaging with
complex ideas, he present them in a manner that remains comprehensible to readers
with varying levels of familarity with the subject matter. But one thing is that this
book is challenging and his focus on Greco-Roman and Jewish are commandable,
some may even argue for a more explicit discussion of other relevant cultural
influences. And this book gives more details on the culture and which was very
interesting and also about the New Testament backgrounds, its texts and contexts.
How the culture works during the early century were also easier to understand. So,

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this book is good for us and others to know if we are to look and research for the
Greco-Roman and Jewish texts and context.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, this book “Into the World of the New Testament: Greco-Roman
and Jewish Texts and Context” by Daniel Lynwood Smith, is a commendable work
that enriches our understanding of the New Testament cultural terms. He creates a
valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the multifaceted
origins of the New Testament. This book gives an easy way to understand the biblical
texts within the historical and cultural context.