[Jeffrey]

Greco-Roman culture, as argued by NT Wright, certainly has an influence in the Christian beginnings, and only by understanding some of the nuances of that culture, can we fully appreciate (and at times even begin to understand) much of the NT writings.

I believe Wright argues these primary influences:

1) Judaism
2) Hellenism
3) Greco-Roman culture

None were bad or evil in and of themselves. They were the landscape though... and the context that gives much of the writings during this time meaning. For instance, the word "gospel," the symbol of the "cross," the issue of Kings and Kingdoms, taxes and carrying a Roman soldiers garment. The political understanding of the Roman governors, Jewish government, etc... all very important.