Early Christian Mission: Jesus and the Twelve (Volume One)

Description

Early Christian Mission: Jesus and the Twelve (Volume One) by Eckhard J. Schnabel is a monumental and detailed study of the origins and development of early Christian missionary activity. This first volume focuses on the mission of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, examining their roles within the broader historical, theological, and cultural contexts.

Key Themes and Structure
Missionary Impulse in Jewish Tradition
Schnabel begins by exploring whether there was a precedent for Christian missions in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism. He concludes that while there was no explicit Jewish mission to Gentiles, the Old Testament’s universal promises (e.g., Genesis 12:3) provided a theological foundation for the Christian mission.

Jesus’ Mission
The book delves deeply into Jesus’ ministry, analyzing his teachings, actions, and how he prepared his disciples for missionary work. Schnabel argues that Jesus’ mission was primarily directed toward Israel but included a vision for reaching Gentiles, as seen in his interactions with non-Jews and his post-resurrection Great Commission.

The Mission of the Twelve and Seventy/Seventy-Two
Schnabel examines the missions of Jesus’ closest followers during his ministry and after his resurrection. He discusses how their initial work focused on Israel but later expanded to include Gentiles, fulfilling Jesus’ command to spread the gospel globally.

Post-Ascension Apostolic Mission
The latter chapters cover the missionary efforts of the apostles after Jesus’ ascension, prior to Paul’s significant contributions (which are covered in Volume Two). Schnabel provides detailed historical and geographical insights into their activities, including traditions about John Mark in Egypt and Thomas in India.

Historical Context
The book situates early Christian missions within the Greco-Roman world, detailing the cultural, social, and logistical challenges faced by missionaries. Schnabel emphasizes the tangible realities of their work—walking long distances, navigating trade routes, and engaging with diverse religious beliefs.

Methodology and Scope
Schnabel employs an exhaustive approach, synthesizing archaeological data, historical records, and textual analysis from both biblical and extra-biblical sources. He provides extensive quotes from ancient texts in their original languages (Greek or Hebrew), making this work a valuable resource for scholars.

Reception
The book has been praised for its depth, thoroughness, and scholarly rigor. While some readers found its level of detail overwhelming or tangential to specific theological questions (e.g., reflections on Jesus’ mission as an exemplar), it is widely regarded as a definitive reference on early Christian missions.

Conclusion
Volume One of Early Christian Mission offers a comprehensive exploration of how Jesus and his closest followers initiated a movement that would eventually transform the world. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical roots of Christian missionary activity and its theological underpinnings.