Essays in the Judaic Background of Mark 11:12–14, 20–21; 15:23; Luke 1:37; John 19:28–30; and Acts 11:28

Roger David Aus is pastor emeritus of the Evangelische Luther-Kirchengemeinde Alt-Reinickendorf in Berlin, Germany. He is the author of thirteen other books on the New Testament and a member of the Society of New Testament Studies, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Gesellschaft fur Wissenschaftliche Theologie.

• PrefaceIntroductionI. The Cursing of the Fig Tree in Mark 11:12-14, 20-21 and Judaic Tradition on Ps 1:3 II. Jesus' Refusal to Drink the Wine Offered Him in Mark 15:23. Getting Behind the Text III. Luke 1:37 in Light of Gen 18:14 and Judaic Traditions on the Wondrous Conception of Isaac by the Rejuvenated Virgin SarahIV. John 19:28-30 and the Significance of Hyssop V. "The Severe Famine to Come upon 'the Whole World'" in Acts 11:28 Sources and Reference Works Author Index Index of Sources CitedAbout the Author

In these sharply focused essays addressing perennially puzzling passages from the Gospels and Acts, Roger Aus combines an impressive command of rabbinic sources with imaginative, probing exegetical analysis to produce richly textured interpretations that challenge some cherished assumptions, while advancing our understanding of the ways in which "imaginative dramatization" (Judah Goldin) shaped early Christian discourse. These artfully executed studies are models of clarity and methodological precision that exemplify how the world of the rabbis can illuminate the world of the New Testament.