Synopsis:In this three-volume set, Apostasy in the New Testament Communities, B. J. Oropeza offers the most thorough examination in recent times on the subject of apostasy in the New Testament. The study examines each book of the New Testament and identifies the emerging Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy that threatens the congregations, and the consequences of defection. Oropeza compares the various perspectives of the New Testament communities on the subject of apostasy to arrive at the idea that the earliest followers of Christ did not all believe and teach alike on the issue. The first volume, In the Footsteps of Judas and Other Defectors, focuses on the Christ-communities of the Gospels, Acts, and Johannine Letters.Endorsements:"By investigating the themes of defection and apostasy, Oropeza develops substantial contextual insights into the texts of the New Testament, the implications of which exegetes will not want their own research to stand apart from consulting."-Mark D. Nanosauthor of The Irony of Galatians: Paul's Letter in First-Century Context"Professor B. J. Oropeza's projected three-volume work on perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament is certain to become the standard in the field for years to come, if this first installment is any indicator. The book's great strength is that it is thoroughly exegetical, without attempting to promote established theological agendas. Apart from its rich content, this volume is eminently practical and hortatory, as it calls to mind the possibility of apostasy and yet the encouragement to endure to the end."-Don Garlingtonauthor of Studies in the New Perspective on Paul: Essays and Reviews"What are the boundaries of Christian community? What might it mean to traverse those boundaries, and what are the consequences of doing so? In this clearly written and well-researched volume, Oropeza begins a journey through the New Testament that will take him, and us, through often familiar territory but from the unique perspective of questions about apostasy or defection among followers of Christ. The result is an uncommon study of early Christianity that invites important theological conversation."-Joel B. Greenauthor of Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for InterpretationAuthor Biography:B. J. Oropeza is Professor of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University. He is the current founder and chair of Intertextuality in the New Testament sessions for the Society of Biblical Literature. Among his many publications are Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives in Honor of James D. G. Dunn (2009), and Paul and Apostasy: Eschatology, Perseverance, and Falling Away in the Corinthian Congregation (2000/2007).