Die Urgemeinde und das Judenchristentum

The second volume of the History of Early Christianity deals with the history up to the council in Jerusalem 48/49 AD. Martin Hengel and Anna Maria Schwemer discuss in detail the development of the first Christian community and the gradual transition to the early Gentile mission (without circumcision requirement) in Syria. The persecution by Agrippa I and its effect on the first Christian community and Paul's mission are dealt with as well as the journey of Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus and Galatia as apostles of the Antioch community and the consequent protest of the community of Jerusalem. The authors also analyse the convent of the apostles in Jerusalem and the resolution of conflicts regarding circumcision and dietary laws (Apostolic Decree). The final part of the book examines the significance of James, brother of the Lord, and describes the history of the Jerusalem community up to the expulsion of the Jewish Christians in Palestine from the Jewish community.