Judith Perkins is professor of Classics and Humanities at Saint Joseph College, Connecticut. Her research focuses on the social and cultural dynamics of early Christian representation in its historical matrix. She is the author of  The Suffering Self (Routledge 1995).

"[T]his is an inspiring monograph that never fails to make its points clear . . . Perkins’ book is essential reading for scholars interested in Greek novels and early Christianity." – Alberto Quiroga, Ancient Narrative"This is a valuable and stimulating contribution to the understanding of the complex interplay between early Christianity and the Roman imperial society and judicial system. It also casts much light onto the backdrop of crucial theological and anthropological Christian conceptions such as the incarnation of Christ and the resurrection of all human beings." –Ilaria L.E. Ramelli, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Review of Biblical Literature, April 2009"Perkins provides much of interest to both researchers of early Christianity and classicists. She does not aim at a comprehensive picture, but instead provides a series of detailed studies . . . She supplies detailed analysis of both Christian and non-Christian texts and her broad bibliography includes much recent work. The very careful organization of each chapter and use of English translations makes the text accessible to scholars working outside their comfort zones as well as students." –Bryn Mawr Classical Review"Perkins convincingly argues that the emphasis on corporal punishment in Christian texts reflects a rejection of an unequal justice system and the expectation of a future, egalitarian one. . . . Perkins’ book not only firmly enunciates the importance of the body for the formation of early Christian identity, but also successfully argues for the cooperation between Classics and Religious Studies. . . . [T]hrough this interdisciplinary lens [she] is able to tease out . . . important conclusions." –Meredith Warren, McGill University, Arc

• 1. Cosmopolitan Identities 2. False Deaths and new Bodies 3. Constructing a Patriarchal Elite 4. Resurrection and Judicial Bodies 5. Place, Space and Voice 6. Trimalchio: Transformations and Possibilities 7. Reurrection and Social Perspectives 8. The Rhetoric of the Mternal Body 9. Competing Chronologies

Judith Perkins is professor of Classics and Humanities at Saint Joseph College, Connecticut. Her research focuses on the social and cultural dynamics of early Christian representation in its historical matrix. She is the author of  The Suffering Self (Routledge 1995).

"[T]his is an inspiring monograph that never fails to make its points clear . . . Perkins’ book is essential reading for scholars interested in Greek novels and early Christianity." – Alberto Quiroga, Ancient Narrative"This is a valuable and stimulating contribution to the understanding of the complex interplay between early Christianity and the Roman imperial society and judicial system. It also casts much light onto the backdrop of crucial theological and anthropological Christian conceptions such as the incarnation of Christ and the resurrection of all human beings." –Ilaria L.E. Ramelli, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Review of Biblical Literature, April 2009"Perkins provides much of interest to both researchers of early Christianity and classicists. She does not aim at a comprehensive picture, but instead provides a series of detailed studies . . . She supplies detailed analysis of both Christian and non-Christian texts and her broad bibliography includes much recent work. The very careful organization of each chapter and use of English translations makes the text accessible to scholars working outside their comfort zones as well as students." –Bryn Mawr Classical Review"Perkins convincingly argues that the emphasis on corporal punishment in Christian texts reflects a rejection of an unequal justice system and the expectation of a future, egalitarian one. . . . Perkins’ book not only firmly enunciates the importance of the body for the formation of early Christian identity, but also successfully argues for the cooperation between Classics and Religious Studies. . . . [T]hrough this interdisciplinary lens [she] is able to tease out . . . important conclusions." –Meredith Warren, McGill University, Arc

• 1. Cosmopolitan Identities 2. False Deaths and new Bodies 3. Constructing a Patriarchal Elite 4. Resurrection and Judicial Bodies 5. Place, Space and Voice 6. Trimalchio: Transformations and Possibilities 7. Reurrection and Social Perspectives 8. The Rhetoric of the Mternal Body 9. Competing Chronologies