Combining the insights of many leading New Testament scholars writing on the use of social identity theory this new reference work provides a comprehensive handbook to the construction of social identity in the New Testament. Part one examines key methodological issues and the ways in which scholars have viewed and studied social identity, including different theoretical approaches, and core areas or topics which may be used in the study of social identity, such as food, social memory, and ancient media culture. Part two presents worked examples and in-depth textual studies covering core passages from each of the New Testament books, as they relate to the construction of social identity. Adopting a case-study approach, in line with sociological methods the volume builds a picture of how identity was structured in the earliest Christ-movement. Contributors include; Philip Esler, Warren Carter, Paul Middleton, Rafael Rodriquez, and Robert Brawley. The application of identity theory to biblical studies is no passing fad, for identity lies at the heart of what the Bible is about. Anyone interested in identity and the Bible will find that this handbook presents both explanations of method in applying identity theory to Scripture and textual studies dealing with most of the New Testament documents. The authors of these helpful essays are some of the most important people currently writing on identity. The editors are to be congratulated for making such a fine handbook available.