Suffering in Ancient WorldviewThis book was published last year in hardback. I missed it then. It has just come out in paperback, so this is a good opportunity to mention it. Cross-file under New Book.
Luke, Seneca and 4 Maccabees in Dialogue
By: Brian J. Tabb
Published: 01-11-2018
Format: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Extent: 256
ISBN: 9780567684868
Imprint: T&T Clark
Series: The Library of New Testament Studies
Dimensions: 234 x 156 mm
RRP: £28.99
Online price: £18.84
Save £10.15 (35%)
About Suffering in Ancient Worldview
Suffering in Ancient Worldview investigates representative Christian, Roman Stoic and Jewish perspectives on the nature, problem and purpose of suffering. Tabb presents a close reading of Acts, Seneca's essays and letters and 4 Maccabees, highlighting how each author understands suffering vis-à-vis God, humanity, the world's problem and its solution, and the future. Tabb's study offers a pivotal definition for suffering in the 1st century and concludes by creatively situating these ancient authors in dialogue with each other.
Tabb shows that, despite their different religious and cultural positions, these ancient authors each expect and accept suffering as a present reality that is governed by divine providence, however defined. Luke, Seneca and the author of 4 Maccabees each affirm that suffering is not humanity's fundamental problem. Rather, suffering functions as a cipher for other things to be displayed. For Seneca, suffering provides an opportunity for one to learn and show virtue. The author of 4 Maccabees presents the nation's suffering as retribution for sin, while the martyrs' virtuous suffering leads to Israel's salvation. For Luke, the Lord Jesus suffers to accomplish salvation and restoration for the world marred by sin and suffering, and the suffering of his followers is instrumental for Christian mission.
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