The essays in this book consider issues of tolerance and intolerance faced by Jews and Christians between approximately 200 BCE and 200 CE. Several chapters are concerned with many different aspects of early Jewish-Christian relationships. Five scholars, however, take a difference tack and discuss how Jews and Christians defined themselves against the pagan world. As minority groups, both Jews and Christians had to work out ways of co-existing with their Graeco-Roman neighbours. Relationships with those neighbours were often strained, but even within both Jewish and Christian circles, issues of tolerance and intolerance surfaced regularly. So it is appropriate that some other contributors should consider 'inner-Jewish' relationships, and that some should be concerned with Christian sects.

"...a new insight into an often discussed subject." Jewish Book World

"The contributors and editors have succeeded in their goal of illuminating important facets of the ancient world with respect to their chosen topic." Jeffrey Trumbower, Journal of Early Christian Studies

"...full of fresh insights, clearly and persuasively stated, and adhering to high standards of critical, balanced discourse." Louis H. Feldman, SHOFAR

"The scholarship of the collection is quite sound. The volume is exceptionally valuable as an introduction to the interaction of identity-formation, deviancy-control, and social engineering in the ancient world with profound applicability to the contemporary scene." Ashland Theological Journal