Reading Philo: A Handbook to Philo of Alexandria (2014 Seland), edited volume

Reading Philo: A Handbook to Philo of Alexandria (2014) is a volume edited by Torrey Seland.

Abstract

"A contemporary of both Jesus and the apostle Paul, Philo was a prolific Jewish theologian, philosopher, and politician -- a fascinating, somewhat enigmatic figure -- who lived his entire life in Alexandria, Egypt. His many books are important sources for our understanding of ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the philosophical currents of that time. "Reading Philo" is an excellent introductory guide to Philo’s work and significance. The contributors -- all well-known experts on Philo of Alexandria -- discuss Philo in context, offer methodological considerations (how best to study Philo), and explore Philo’s ongoing relevance and value (why reading him is important). This practical volume will be an indispensable resource for anyone delving into Philo and his world."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2014.

Contents

Introduction and motivation. Philo of Alexandria: an introduction / Torrey Seland -- Philo of Alexandria in context. Philo as a Jew / Karl-Gustav Sandelin -- Philo as a citizen: Homo politicus / Torrey Seland -- Philo--an interpreter of the laws of Moses / Peder Borgen -- Philo and classical education / Erkki Koskenniemi -- "The Jewish philosophy": reading Moses via Hellenistic philosophy according to Philo / Gregory E. Sterling -- Why and how to study Philo. Why study Philo? How? / Torrey Seland -- Philo's Exposition of the Law and social history: methodological considerations / Adele Reinhartz -- Philo's relevance for the study of Jews and Judaism in antiquity / Ellen Birnbaum -- Philo's relevance for the study of the New Testament / Per Jarle Bekken -- Philo in the Patristic tradition: a list of direct references / David T. Runia.

External links

• [ Google Books]