Book excerpt: "Sharing many traditions and characteristics, the Gospel of Matthew, the letter of James, and the Didache invite comparative study. In this volume, internationally renowned scholars consider the three writings and the complex interrelationship between first-century Judaism and nascent Christianity. These texts likely reflect different aspects and emphases of a network of connected communities sharing basic theological assumptions and expressions." "Of particular importance for the reconstruction of the religious and social milieu of these communities are issues such as the role of Jewish law, the development of community structures, the reception of the Jesus tradition, and conflict management. In addition to the Pauline and Johannine "schools," Matthew, James, and the Didache may represent a third religious milieu within earliest Christianity that is especially characterized through its distinct connections to a particular ethical stream of contemporary Jewish tradition." "The contributors are Jonathan Draper, Patrick J. Hartin, John S. Kloppenborg, Matthias Konradt, J. Andrew Overman, Boris Repschinski; Huub van de Sandt, Jens Schroter, David C. Sim, Alistair Stewart-Sykes, Peter Tomson, Martin Vahrenhorst, Joseph Verheyden, Wim J. C. Weren, Oda Wischmeyer, Jurgen K. Zangenberg, and Magnus Zetterholm."--BOOK JACKET.