Judaism and the Gentiles

This major study convincingly shows that second-temple Jewish tradition comprised a variety of views about the religious status and possibilities of Gentiles, that there was notable Gentile interest in Jewish religion, that many Jews welcomed this interest, and that a hope for an eschatological conversion of Gentiles was entertained widely. The itemized analysis of literary and inscriptional texts will enable students and scholars to verify matters for themselves; and Donaldson's careful conclusions are cogent and balanced. It is a noteworthy contribution, important for all serious students of ancient Judaism and early Christianity. Book jacket.

L. W. Hurtado, Professor of New Testament Language, Literature & Theology, Director of Postgraduate Studies, School of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh