Typical studies of marriage and family in the early Christian period focus on very limited evidence found in Scripture. This interdisciplinary book offers a broader, richer picture of the first Christian families by drawing together research by experts ranging from archaeologists to ancient historians.

By exploring the nature of households in the ancient Greco-Roman world, the contributors assemble a new understanding of ancient Christian families that is both compelling and instructive. Divided into six parts, the book covers key aspects of ancient family life, from meals and child-rearing to women's roles and the lives of slaves. Three concluding chapters explore the implications of all this information for theological education today.

Contributors:

David L. Balch
Suzanne Dixon
J. Albert Harrill
Ross S. Kraemer
Christian Laes
Peter Lampe
Amy-Jill Levine
Margaret Y. MacDonald
Dale Martin
Eric M. Meyers
Margaret M. Mitchell
Carolyn Osiek
Beryl Rawson
Richard Saller
Timothy F. Sedgwick
Monika Trümper
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill