1. History of Early Judaism (6th century BC – 2nd century AD)
Judaism is explored within the historical context of the Second Temple period, which encompasses the Persian, Hellenistic, and early Roman periods. This era, marked by political and social crises, was the heyday of Jewish literature, during which both new literary genres as well as new theological ideas developed that are significant for the interpretation of the New Testament. From a geographical perspective, Judaism is not limited to Eretz Israel; rather, the history of Judaism throughout the Mediterranean world is considered.
2. Dead Sea Scrolls
The scrolls found in Qumran in 1947 are thought to be “the most important discovery of modern times in relation to the Bible” (W. F. Albright). Research focuses on reconstructing the texts, fragments of which have been preserved in Aramaic and Hebrew, accompanied by their interpretation and contextualization within the framework of ancient Judaism. In addition, these “Qumran texts” are compared and contrasted with the traditions of the New Testament in order to highlight their undisputed importance for interpreting early Christian traditions.
3. Apocalyptic Literature
The research focuses on Jewish and Christian writings that are classified as “revelations,” i.e., texts that are characterized by an apocalyptic worldview. The First Book of Enoch occupies a special position here, and a critical edition of this text is currently being completed at the Institute, as are other writings that contain related traditions (e.g., visions of the earthly and heavenly cosmos, eschatological prophecy, mediators). An closely related, emerging interest of the chair has been the study of Jewish traditions as received and interpreted in the Horn of Africa among Christians and Jews.
4. Reception history of Jewish compositions in Christian tradition
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Several Jewish writings are now only accessible in translation, as their Semitic originals are no longer available. Later Christian writers often translated early Jewish compositions, clearly demonstrating the legacy of ancient Judaism on Jewish and, in particular, Christian movements. The institute's research focuses on transmission processes (manuscripts, textual criticism, translation methods) and the diverse reception of ancient Jewish literature.
5. New Testament Theology
New Testament theology focuses on the following areas: the origins and functions of New Testament Christology; the problem of the origin and existence of evil (including in relation to demonology); continuities with Judaism; and New Testament authors' ideas about the end times (eschatology) and their understanding of time in the context of ancient perceptions.
Junior Research Group “Focalization in Early Christian Narratives”
funded by the Bavarian Elite Network and associated with the International Doctoral College (IDK) Philology.
Further information about the team and project.