Why Did Paul Go West?

In his new book Doron Mendels addresses the topic of the authority of texts and their transmission as well as different strategies of narration in ancient texts. Mendels provides extensive treatment of issues such as linearity emporality and simultaenity of texts whilst working to examine four core themes. First the narrator and his strategies in the historiography of the Hellenistic period. Secondly Jewish Historical thought in the Hellenistic period and beyond. Thirdly issues of Hellenization in Palestine - power honour gifting etiquette and sovereignty and their presentation in the main narrative of the Hasmonean period. Finally Mendels gives attention to the 'split' in the Jewish diaspora between east and west as exemplified from a Christian point of view it is this that unites these themes into a sustained examination of Jewish historical narrative and thought.