Reviewed by:

• Coins as Cultural Texts in the World of the New Testament by D. H. Wenkel
• Barrie A. Wilson

David Wenkel provides the reason for writing this book in the second paragraph of his Introduction: “This volume will provide an introduction to the relationships between numismatics and New Testament studies” (xii). He rightly notes that most theological students receive little instruction in the material culture of the NT because the academic disciplines of archaeology, classical studies, and biblical studies are often isolated from each other; NT scholars often feel ill-equipped to teach about specialised fields like numismatics, and text-based curricula in theological institutions provide few opportunities for lectures on topics of material culture. Wenkel provides ten compelling reasons why the study of ancient coins is beneficial for students of the NT (xix–xx), then notes four limitations of the scope of his study (xxi). The volume thus appeals to a niche audience interested in learning more about the topic.

The book comprises fifteen chapters in four sections. The four opening chapters deal with coins as cultural texts, as speech-acts, as currency and as context. The explanation of the Roman and Jewish currency systems nicely introduces the nine types or denominations of coins mentioned in the NT. A chart presenting these nine types and their values would have been a useful visual addition. Section I addresses “The World in Front of the Coin” by looking at payments in antiquity through the lens of trust, fear and taxes. Sections II and III look at “The World of the Coin” and “The World Behind the Coin,” respectively, through two lenses: propaganda and power. Jewish and Roman coinage provide examples for Wenkel’s discussions. Chapters 5–15 each close with a section, “Implications for Studying the New Testament,” which seeks to contextualise the discussion for readers. Section IV (chapter 16) is a mere four-page conclusion that presents fifteen connections between numismatics and NT studies. A one-page appendix of “Events related to First-Century Numismatics” and a Bibliography close the volume. [End Page 423]

Seven illustrations accompany the text. Since coins are such visual objects, more would have been welcome. A glossary of abbreviations would likewise have been helpful. Missing too is a section recommending further resources to help readers take the next step. For coins of Asia Minor, I regularly consult the websites www.wildwilds.com and www.asiaminorcoins.com. Macquarie University’s website on “The Coinage of Ephesus” nicely presents this city’s numismatic history. Other volumes that are helpful with numismatics and the NT are The Pocket Guide to Saint Paul by Peter Lewis and Ron Bolden (2002). The coins that Paul would have encountered on his travels are presented in chronological order. The British Museum exhibition catalogue, Defacing the Past: Damnation and Desecration in Imperial Rome by Dario Calomino (2016), presents coins and inscriptions that illustrate the fascinating topic of damnatio memoriae among Roman emperors.

Coins continue to generate universal interest and excitement. I collected them myself as a youth. Recently I travelled with an American doctor whose passion is collecting ancient coins with a biblical connection. He became animated while speaking about his collection and graciously presented me several of his duplicates. Ancient coins create such enthusiasm but, unfortunately, this book with its pedantic style does little to excite the reader and collector. Nevertheless, it provides a basic introduction to the subject. However, its high price will deter many libraries and potential readers from purchasing it. [End Page 424]

审核人：

• DH Wenkel撰写的《新约世界》中的硬币作为文化文本
• 巴里·威尔逊（Barrie A.Wilson）

戴维·温克尔（David Wenkel）在其导言的第二段中提供了编写本书的理由：“本卷将介绍钱币学与新约研究之间的关系”（xii）。他正确地指出，由于考古学，古典学和圣经学的学科经常相互隔离，大多数神学学生很少接受新约的物质文化方面的指导。北领地的学者们常常对教授诸如钱币学等专业领域感到无能为力，而神学机构中的基于文本的课程则很少提供有关物质文化主题的演讲机会。Wenkel提供了十个令人信服的理由，说明为什么对古钱币的研究对北领地的学生有益（xix–xx），然后指出了其研究范围（xxi）的四个限制。

该书分为四个部分，共十五章。开头的四章将硬币作为文化文本，言语行为，货币和上下文。对罗马和犹太货币体系的解释很好地介绍了新约中提到的九种硬币类型或面额。呈现这九种类型及其值的图表将是有用的视觉补充。第一节通过信任，恐惧和税收的视角研究古代的支付方式，从而解决“硬币面前的世界”的问题。第二节和第三节分别通过宣传和权力两个视角审视“硬币的世界”和“硬币背后的世界”。犹太和罗马造币为温克尔的讨论提供了范例。第5-15章的每一章均以“研究新约的启示”这一节结束。”，旨在将读者的讨论背景化。第四节（第16章）仅是四页的结论，介绍了钱币学和NT研究之间的十五种联系。一页的“与第一世纪钱币学有关的事件”的附录和参考书目关闭了本卷。[结束页423]

文字中附有七个插图。由于硬币是这样的视觉对象，因此会受到更多欢迎。缩略语词汇表同样会有所帮助。也缺少一节建议更多资源来帮助读者进行下一步。对于小亚细亚的硬币，我会定期访问网站www.wildwilds.com和www.asiaminorcoins.com。麦格理大学（Macquarie University）的网站“以弗所的造币”（The Coinage of Ephesus）很好地展示了这座城市的钱币历史。其他对钱币学和NT有用的书是Peter Lewis和Ron Bolden于2002年出版的《圣保罗袖珍指南》。保罗在旅途中会遇到的硬币按时间顺序排列。大英博物馆展览目录，“抹黑过去：帝国罗马的诅咒与亵渎”以Dario Calomino（2016），呈现硬币和说明的迷人主题铭文除忆诅咒罗马皇帝之一。

硬币继续引起普遍的兴趣和兴奋。我年轻时就收集了它们。最近，我和一位美国医生一起旅行，他的热情是与圣经联系起来收集古钱币。在谈论自己的收藏时，他变得生气勃勃，并优雅地向我展示了他的一些复制品。古代钱币产生了这样的热情，但是不幸的是，这本书以其书呆子的风格并没有引起读者和收藏家的兴趣。但是，它提供了对该主题的基本介绍。但是，其高昂的价格会阻止许多图书馆和潜在读者购买它。[结束页424]