"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 what the origins and preconditions of New Testament theology are. 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?" --Dust jacket, front inside flap.