This unique reference work gathers into one handy volume the key extrabiblical texts that provide the necessary background for passages in the Gospels, along with introductory comments by the editors.
Birth and Childhood
By: Darrell L. BockThe Birth and Childhood of Jesus: The Hope of Promise (Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2)
1. The Prologue of Luke (Luke 1:1-4; Aland # 1; Orchard # 1; Huck-Greeven # 5)
2 Maccabees 2:19-31
Josephus’ Antiquities Preface 1-4,
The Letter to Aristeas 1-8
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War1:21-22
2. The Genealogy of Matthew (Matthew 1:1-17; Aland # 6; Orchard # 4; Huck-Greeven # 1)
Josephus Vita 1
3. The Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth (Luke 1:5-25; Aland # 2; Orchard # 9; Huck-Greeven # 6)
Jewish midrash on Genesis 38.14 (23c)
m Tamid 5–7
Origen, Contra Celsus 1.28
Letter of Aristeas 95
4. The Birth Announcement to Mary (Luke 1:36-38; Aland # 3; Orchard # 10; Huck-Greeven # 7)
Psalms of Solomon 17–18
Justin Martyr, Trypho 43, 45, 100
Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book III, xxi.5
Tertullian, Against the Jews, 9
Ascension of Isaiah 10.2
Gospel of the Nativity of Mary 1.1
5. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56; Aland # 4; Orchard # 11; Huck-Greeven # 8)
6. The Birth of John the Baptist and Praise for His Arrival (Aland # 5; Orchard # 12; Huck-Greeven # 9)
7. Joseph’s Concern over Mary’s Condition and the Announcement to Him (Matthew 1:18-25; Aland # 7; Orchard # 5; Huck-Greeven # 2)
m. Sota 1:1, 5; 5:1
Psalms of Solomon 17–18
8. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7; Aland # 7; Orchard # 13a; Huck-Greeven # 10a)
9. The Adoration by the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20; Aland # 8; Orchard # 13b; Huck-Greeven # 10b)
1QH 4:32-33; 11:9
The Eighteen Benedictions, Shemoneh Esreh, no. 17
10. A Word to Obedient Parents at the Temple (Luke 2:21-38; Aland # 9; Orchard # 14; Huck-Greeven # 11a)
11. The Visit of the Wise Men to Bethelehem (Matthew 2:1-12; Aland # 8: Orchard # 6; Huck-Greeven # 3)
12. A Reenactment of Israel’s Journey: Jesus to Israel and Back alongside Unjust Suffering (Matthew 2:13-21; Aland # 10; Orchard # 7-8a; Huck-Greeven # 4)
13. To Nazareth in Galilee (Matthew 2:22-23; Luke 2:39-40; Aland # 11; Orchard # 8b, 15; Huck-Greeven # 4b, 11b)
Josephus, Antiquities 17.11.1-5.299-323

