This is a controversial and important new examination of the origins of Christian mission, set against the background of ancient Judaism and the pagan culture of the Roman Empire. The author invites a total reconsideration of the grounds for religious conversion in both Christianity and Judaism. He suggests that mission was not inherent to either early Judaism or Christianity, and was only sporadically practiced in antiquity by these religions. Clear, accessible, and displaying considerable scholarship, this book will provide an important challenge and a stimulus to both theologians and historians.

"An extremely valuable contribution to our understanding of important issues in the religious history of the Roman world."

"An important and stimulating book on an important subject."

"A fascinating analysis of Jewish missionary attitudes....Raises questions for church historians and theologians about influences which shaped the young Church."

"[An] interesting and scholarly book."

"...this is an important book."

Martin Goodman is Reader in Jewish Studies and Fellow of Wolfson College, Oxford, and a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew Studies.