"This enormously useful volume presents a 'world' of information and theoretical perspectives that have become indispensable for contextual exegesis of Luke-Acts. The authors of this fascinating and well-planned book are seasoned and trustworthy guides into the world inhabited by Luke and his first readers. These provocative articles provide the commentary reader of Luke-Acts with mighty tools for creating first-century scenarios that reveal significantly new dimensions of Luke's cutting edges."" S. Scott Bartchy, associate professor of Early Christian History, U.C.L.A."This is clearly the best collection of articles available from the New Testament scholars employing methods of interpretation from cultural anthropology. The writers introduce a wide range of innovative models to unravel the culture of the Biblical world. They offer the first comprehensive analysis of a single New Testament text from the perspective of the social sciences. This highly readable volume will be essential for anyone eager,to experience the flood of insights coming from recent social study of the New Testament."" David Rhoads, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago