James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Early Jesus Traditions

Description

This book studies comparisons and possible trajectories between three ‘catholic’ epistles: James, 1 and 2 Peter, and traditions associated with Jesus. It covers a range of approaches, exploring the extent to which these letters ‘allude’ to Jesus’ teachings, how they share similar themes, and how and why the letters recall specific memories of the figure of Jesus as found in the Gospels or in Pauline traditions. Studies have argued that James has alluded to some of the sayings attributed to Jesus, but there is no consensus as to what extent or why. Part A analyzes why James would ‘allude’ to the teachings of Jesus, how he alters these teachings, and what such adaptations suggests about his audience. Part B turns to the Jesus tradition and 1 and 2 Peter. What can 1 Peter’s use of Isaiah 53 tell us about the historical Jesus? How has 1 Peter conflated early Jesus traditions with those of ancient Judaism in order to develop certain ideas? How does 2 Peter allude to Gospel traditions? Moreover, how does the author of 2 Peter use early Jesus traditions as a sort of testimony? The book is important in assisting scholarly thought about source criticism, ancient rhetoric, the influence of Hellenistic, Judean and Roman traditions on early Christianity, and its social history in general. Cover Title Copyright Contents Contributors Abbreviations INTRODUCTION Part A THE LETTER OF JAMES AND JESUS TRADITIONS Chapter 1 Q AND JAMES: A SOURCE-CRITICAL CONUNDRUM 1. Introduction 2. Previous Scholarship on Jesus Traditions in James 3. Analysis of the Strongest Parallels between James and the Synoptic Gospels 4. Conclusions Chapter 2 WHOLENESS IN JAMES AND THE QSOURCE 1. Understanding God 2. Wholeness in James and Q 3. James and Q: Their Relationship 4. Conclusion Chapter 3 THE AUDIENCE OF JAMES AND THE SAYINGS OF JESUS 1. Rewriting Scripture 2. James and Matthew 3. Allusion vs. Influence 4. Allusions and Audience Chapter 4 THE URBANIZATION OF JESUS TRADITIONS IN JAMES 1. Introduction 2. James and the Jesus Tradition 3. James and the City 4. God and Mammon vs. God and the World 5. Don’t Worry vs. Don’t Plan 6. Conclusion Chapter 5 STOICISM, SOCIAL STRATIFICATION, AND THE QTRADITION IN JAMES: ASUGGESTION ABOUT JAMES’ AUDIENCE 1. Introduction 2. James and the Jesus Tradition (Q) 3. James and Epictetus 4. Audience and Social Stratification in James 2.1–17 5. Conclusion Part B 1 AND 2 PETER AND JESUS TRADITIONS Chapter 6 JESUS REMEMBERED IN 1 PETER? EARLY JESUS TRADITIONS, ISAIAH 53, AND 1 PETER 2.21–25 1. Introduction: From the ipsissima verba to the Remembered Jesus 2. Jesus Remembered in 1 Peter? 3. Scripture and Early Jesus Tradition in 1 Peter 2.21-25 4. Memories of Jesus and his Passion in 1 Peter 2.21-25 5. Conclusions: Sources and Traditions – History Scripturalized? Chapter 7 EARLY JESUS TRADITION IN 1 PETER 3.18-22 1. Elements of the Jesus Tradition Shared with the Larger Christian Movement: 1 Peter 3.18 and 22 2. Jewish Tradition about Genesis 6–8 as Appropriated by the Early Jesus Tradition: 1 Peter 3.19-21 3. Conclusion Chapter 8 THE GOSPELS OF MATTHEW AND JOHN IN THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER 1. The Gospel of Matthew in 2 Peter 2. The Gospel of John in 2 Peter 3. An Echo of the Gospel of John in 2 Peter 4. Another Echo of the Gospel(s) of John and/or Matthew in 2 Peter 5. Concluding Comments Chapter 9 THE TESTIMONY OF PETER: 2 PETER AND THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS 1. Testimonial Knowledge in Epistemology 2. Contemporary Epistemology and Testimony 3. Ancient Epistemology and Testimony 4. The Testimony of the Gospel Traditions in 2 Peter 5. Conclusion Bibliography Index of References Index of Authors