Delve into the rich social, cultural, and historical landscapes surrounding the New Testament through a comprehensive four-week exploration of how various societal structures, cultural traditions, and political dynamics influenced the lives and beliefs of early Christians.

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  • Course begins March 9, 2025

  • Live sessions each week from 9:00 - 11:00am Eastern U.S. time

Introduction to the New Testament World

We will begin with an overview of the New Testament Canon as well as discussing key social structures such as family, class, society, and citizenship

Greco-Roman Society and Culture

This week covers the political landscape and governance of the Pax Romana, as well as the economic landscape of trade, taxation, and occupations. We finish with discussion of social hierarchies including slavery, freedmen, and citizens.

Jewish Society and the New Testament

This week we look at religious practices within the Jewish community including temple worship, synagogues, and sects. We also look into Jewish law and its Influence on early Christianity.

Daily Life in the New Testament World

We finish the course looking at urban and rural life in cities and villages. We then turn to aspects of daily life such as diet, clothing, housing, festivals, and social gatherings in the first century.

Meet your Instructor

Zoe Tsiami

Zoe Tsiami studied eastern Roman cities during the Late Antique period at the University of Thessaly, and she is now writing her doctoral thesis on early Christian catechesis and baptism in Asia Minor at the same university. She works at the Orthodox Academy of Crete as a scientific associate and is the founder of the academic journal After Constantine. She takes particular interest in early Christian naming practices, baptismal rituals, baptism and gender, infant and adult baptism, and catechism.

  • Start Learning

    First live session is March 9, 2025

  • Access

    Course materials are available for three months from the first course session.