The value of rabbinic writings for interpreting the NT is limited by the difficulty of dating them. Halakhic traditions are the easiest to date, because even anonymous traditions can show historical development from case laws which led up to them and other which resulted from them. Agadic traditions can sometimes be dated - eg the charge sheet against Jesus which appears to have survived against all odds. Parables are common but only a couple can be dated before 70 CE - including one which gives an insight into true Jewish motives for obeying the Law. Targums are the most tantalising traditions and the hardest to date, but these too can sometimes be dated by relating them to other datable teaching.
"Rabbinic Writings in New Testament Research"
The value of rabbinic writings for interpreting the NT is limited by the difficulty of dating them. Halakhic traditions are the easiest to date, because even anonymous traditions can show historical development from case laws which led up to them and other which resulted from them. Agadic traditions can sometimes be dated - eg the charge sheet against Jesus which appears to have survived against all odds. Parables are common but only a couple can be dated before 70 CE - including one which gives an insight into true Jewish motives for obeying the Law. Targums are the most tantalising traditions and the hardest to date, but these too can sometimes be dated by relating them to other datable teaching.
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