In contrast to studies of New Testament theology that ask or assume what it is, this volume investigates where it comes from. In a dialogue with Hans Dieter Betz, the contributors ask about the origins and preconditions of New Testament theology. How did it begin, both in terms of its historical stimuli and in terms of its earliest literary expressions? To what extent, if at all, did early Christians think of themselves as "doing theology"? How did early Christians come to understand their faith as an object of knowledge, and thus as theology? And, how did early Christians participate in and contribute to wider philosophical conversations about religion and what can be known about the divine in Roman antiquity?

Geboren 1967; seit 2011 Ordentlicher Professor für Neues Testament und Antike Religionsgeschichte an der Universität Bern; seit 2015 zusätzlich Extraordinary Professor an der Stellenbosch University (SA), Department of Ancient Studies.