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Product Description

Steward, prophet, keeper of the word—these three roles reflect the hierarchical social structures, religious experience, and faithfulness to tradition found in ancient Mediterranean cultures, and, as Ritva Williams argues, influenced the development of early Christianity. The linear progression of leadership (apostles to bishops or apostles to presbyters or charismatics to office holders, etc.) commonly held to have emerged in the early church does not appear in early Christian texts from the mid-first to early second centuries. Instead, what these texts reveal is a variety, diversity, and plurality of ways that Christ-followers adopted and adapted these dynamic roles from antiquity as they struggled to organize and live in their local situations.

“This is a well-written, well-researched, and insightful book describing a set of first-century eastern Mediterranean behaviors that were basic to the development of the first several generations of Jesus groups and indispensable for a fair reading of the New Testament. The author’s explanation of how prophecy worked and how the Word was preserved in a largely illiterate society through memory and commemoration are most valuable. The wealth of detail provided in this easily readable book leaves the reader with very distinctive historical scenarios. One can readily imagine how our household-oriented ancestors in faith organized and lived out their commitment to God revealed in Jesus, how they developed an understanding of what this devotedness meant, and how they kept the Word alive, enabling it to be preserved and grow for later generations of believers, including our own.”
—Bruce J. Malina, Professor of New Testament, Creighton University

“This is a significant contribution to cross-disciplinary biblical studies. Deftly combining insights from diverse social scientific disciplines with rigorous exegetical and historical critical investigation of early Christian documents, Williams casts fresh light on the relationship between church leadership and the Holy Spirit in that period. She offers a richly rewarding analysis of how the church developed in its nascent period. Readers will be enlightened, challenged, and inspired.”
—John J. Pilch, Professorial Lecturer in Theology, Georgetown University

Reviews

“ Stewards, Prophets, Keepers of the Word is not only an important addition to academic libraries as scholars seek to understand better the world behind first century Christian texts. It is also important for pastoral ministers seeking to involve others in meaningful ministries in their respective churches. Williams’ precise and non-pretentious style, her careful signposting throughout the book, the helpful notes and a comprehensive bibliography make it reader-friendly. This book deserves a wide audience. ”
— Colloquium

"Williams has indeed written a very important study for us."
—Brethren Life and Thought

“Overall, the book is an interesting and thought-provoking study that would be profitable to anyone interested in the development of leadership roles in early Christianity.”
—Biblical Theology Bulletin

“Stewards and prophets emerge from this study as essential roles in early Christianity, while keeping the word and passing it on in oral transmission is a more diffuse, less personalized activity that involves all the members of the community, but crystallized in written documents such as the gospels (and the Sayings Source). The author is inspired by the Malina-Pilch school of research into the ancient Mediterranean cultural background.”
—International Review of Biblical Studies

“This superb volume addresses a somewhat neglected topic and will serve preachers, seminarians, undergraduate and graduate New Testament students well. No theological library can afford to be without it.”
— Toronto Journal of Theology

“Stewards, Prophets, Keepers of the Word is a useful book. . . . Pastors will find it helpful to gain perspective on biblical backgrounds, and professors and students who study Christian leadership should profit from a little ancient commentary on one of today’s hottest topics. ”
—Criswell Theological Review

Ritva H. Williams is associate professor of New Testament at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois.

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