A Rivalry of Genius: Jewish and Christian Biblical Interpretation in Late Antiquity

By comparing interpretations of the Hebrew Bible by Jews, Christians, and Gnostics in Late Antiquity, this book provides a unique perspective on these religious movements in Palestine. Rival interpretations of the early Church and the Midrash are set against the backdrop of the pagan critique of these religions and the gnostic threat that grew within both Christianity and Judaism. The comparison of the exegetical works of Christianity and Judaism illuminates the later development of the two religions and offers fresh insight into the Bible itself.

Marc Hirshman teaches midrash, talmud, and Rabbinic thought at the University of Haifa, the Hebrew University and Oranim.