Description: How do visual images from the ancient world shed light on New Testament texts? In a methodologically multifaceted manner, the contributions in this volume examine early Christian images with regard to their ancient context. Various New Testament texts (the synoptic gospels, the Johannine and Pauline corpora) are linked to ancient visual images. Various approaches in iconography are summarized and applied to the interpretation of texts, taking account of the strengths and limitations of these images, as well as possible future applications. These essays incorporate current viewpoints from archaeology and the history of art. The topics range from studies of the depictions of Christ and the disciples to the images of humans and the world. This volume provides an innovative basis for the discussion of the iconographic method and the New Testament.
Brief description: Annette Weissenrieder, Born 1967; Associate professor of New Testament at San Francisco Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union; Dr. theol. (University of Heidelberg); main areas of research: Theology of Paul and the Synoptic Gospels, Greco-Roman medicine and philosophy, New Testament anthropology, pneumatology, theories of the history of religion, Roman domestic art, numismatic, and architecture.Friederike Wendt, Born 1976; studies of theology in Bethel and Heidelberg; currently working at the University of Heidelberg.Petra von Gemunden, Born 1957; studies of theology in Neuendettelsau, Heidelberg, Montpellier and Erlangen; 1989 Ph.D.; Prof. at the University of Augsburg.