The Ascension of Isaiah is an important but neglected apocalypse from the early second century CE. Its author wrote at a time when charismatic prophecy was falling into decline and when the experience of oppression from the Roman government was causing deep problems for pious Christians. He responded by providing assurance about the promised parousia and also by offering theoretical attempt to explain how the heavenly Christ had defeated the cosmic powers who inspired hatred of the Christians. The Ascension of Isaiah gives a badly-needed insight into the state of Syrian Christianity just after the death of Ignatius and it shows an early knowledge of some of the New Testament writings. This Sheffield guide examines the life-setting of the apocalypse and also offers a commentary on the complete text.
