Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts, edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, offers a comprehensive foray into one of the most neglected dimensions of early Christianity: the institution of slavery in the Greco-Roman world and its impact upon New Testament texts and communities. Published by Eerdmans on April 10, 2025, this collection brings together contributions from leading historians, archaeologists, and biblical scholars to equip both students and instructors with the historical, theological, and ethical frameworks necessary to grapple with slavery’s legacies in Christian origins.

The volume opens with foundational chapters that define the language and study of ancient enslavement. The exploration of the Greek and Latin terminology for “enslavement” establishes the critical lexical ground for subsequent analyses. The methodological approaches to the study of slavery, emphasize interdisciplinary tools ranging from papyrology to social anthropology. This makes the volume suitable for scholars and students alike. 

Subsequent essays move from conceptual foundations to concrete case studies. The editors assemble a global roster of scholars whose case studies span Pauline household codes, the Johannine passion narrative (including the figure of Malchus), and ethical critiques of slavery in early Christian discourse. Each chapter is accompanied by discussion questions, primary-source excerpts, and curated illustrations—features that underscore the editors’ commitment to accessibility without sacrificing scholarly rigor.

A salient strength of this volume is its tripartite methodological approach. First, contributors draw upon inscriptions, funerary artifacts, and architectural remains to reconstruct the lived experiences of enslaved persons. Several chapters employ quantitative economic models—such as slave pricing and labor-value calculations—to situate New Testament texts within their broader economic milieu. Essays challenge romanticized readings of slavery in early Christian origins, urging readers to acknowledge the complicity of some New Testament texts in sustaining systems of bondage. By weaving these approaches together, the volume ensures that biblical interpretation remains anchored in empirical realities rather than modern anachronisms.

Cobb and Shaner explicitly designed Ancient Slavery as a classroom resource. The inclusion of reflection questions at the close of each chapter encourages critical dialogue, while visual aids—ranging from maps of major slave trade routes to photographic plates of epigraphic evidence—render abstract concepts tangible. Moreover, a succinct glossary of key terms and an annotated bibliography facilitate independent research, making the book indispensable for both introductory and advanced New Testament courses.

The introductory orientation of many essays occasionally sacrifices depth for breadth. Specialists in gender or comparative ancient slavery may desire more extensive monographic treatments, particularly regarding the experiences of enslaved women and children. The volume’s primary focus on the Mediterranean world leaves room for future comparative studies of enslavement in Parthian, Egyptian, or Near Eastern contexts.

This book marks a significant advance in biblical studies, marrying rigorous scholarship with pedagogical clarity. Cobb and Shaner have curated a volume that not only fills a long-standing curricular gap but also fosters critical reflection on the theological and ethical legacies of enslavement in Christian history. As such, this collection should become a staple in seminar discussions and New Testament surveys for years to come.