Describes the formation and consolidation of Synagogue Judaism, both in its Jewish and Christian manifestations.

Nearly twenty years after its publication, Sandmel's volume remains one of the clearest treatments of early Judaism and Christianity available. It is required reading for our graduate students at an early stage of their programs. I highly recommend it.--Bart D. Ehrman, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill A definitive textbook for presenting the emergence of Christianity from synagogue Judaism. Sandmel surveys the sources, institutions, and ideas of the richly complex world of first-century Judaism in clear, readable style.--Origins A fascinating study.--Christianity Today