Christian Origins: An Account of the Setting and Character of the Most Important Messianic Sect of Judaism

"Dr Rowland has written a splendid book. He has put together in manageable space a well-read and well-argued account of the beginnings of the Christian movement: a third of it on the Judaism of the first century a third on Jesus and a third on Paul and the development from messianic sect to Christian religion. If you are a student here are the outlines of your New Testament essays conveniently cut up into three- and four-page sections. If you are a clergyman or teacher here are the results of all the years of scholarship since you graduated. If you are a professional here are many insights and nuances which you can weigh with profit." Michael Goulder Theology