The Eagle and the Dove: Roman Imperial Sonship and the Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1.9-11)

This essay argues that the common understanding of imperial divine sonship among biblical scholars can be reframed by emphasizing the importance of adoption in Roman society and imperial ideology. A case study from the Gospel of Mark—the portrayal of Jesus' baptism—demonstrates some of the pay-off for reading the NT with a newly contextualized perspective on divine sonship. Through engagement with diverse sources from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, the dove will be interpreted as an omen and counter-symbol to the Roman eagle, which was a public portent of divine favor, election, and ascension to power. The Eagle and the Dove: Roman Imperial Sunship and the Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1.9-11) / Michael Peppard......Page 3 Die markinischen Summarien - ein literarischer und theologischer Schlüssel zu Markus 1-6 / Eve-Marie Becker......Page 24 Lilies Do Not Spin: A Challenge to Female Social Norms / Lee A. Johnson & Robert C. Tannehill......Page 47 Abraham geschworen - uns gegeben. Syntax und Sinn im Benediktus (Lukas 1.68-79) / Friedrich Gustav Lang......Page 63 'Some were saying, "He is good"' (John 7.12b): 'Good' Christology in John's Gospel? / Jane Heath......Page 85 Mutual Brokers of Grace: A Study in 2 Corinthians 1.3-11 / David Briones......Page 108 The Son's Entrance into the Heavenly World: The Soteriological Necessity of the Scriptural Catena in Hebrews 1.5-14 / Joshua W. Jipp......Page 129 Keine Quästoren in Korinth: Zu Goodrichs (und Theißens) These über das Amt des Erastos (Röm 16.23) / Alexander Weiss......Page 148 Books Received 2009/2010......Page 154