The Historical Jesus in Context

Description

Placing the gospel narratives in their full literary, social, and archaeological context, this collection includes translations and descriptions of texts that shed light on the Jesus of history. It demonstrates that only by knowing the world in which Jesus lived and taught can we fully understand him, his message, and the spread of the Gospel.

Amy-Jill Levine is E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies at the Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion of Vanderbilt University. Dale C. Allison Jr. is Errett M. Grable Professor of New Testament Exegesis and Early Christianity at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. John Dominic Crossan is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at DePaul University.

"The essays illuminate the social, religious, and cultural background of Jesus and the Gospels in striking ways. The book has gathered together the work of leading scholars without regard for any party line."--Paul Cavill, Church Times "A very useful introduction to the historical background of Jesus and the Gospels...A valuable resource for historical Jesus studies."--Michael Bird, Journal for the Study of the New Testament "It is a major research tool and an education in its own right. Highly recommended."--Robert M. Price, Religious Studies Review "In general, this is a volume especially useful as a resource for teaching about Jesus in his historical context."--Bruce Longenecker, Theological Book Review "This collection of essays is a very useful introduction to the historical background of Jesus and the Gospels. The translation of a number of primary texts in one volume makes it a valuable resource for historical Jesus studies."--Michael Bird, Journal for the Study of the New Testament "The heart of the matter is in the ancient texts themselves--let the reader understand! For this reason, the student of Christian origins and/or the historical Jesus will find this book eminently worthwhile. There is, as far as I know, no other book on the market that brings the primary textual backgrounds on Jesus together in one place."--Nicholas Perrin, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society "An excellent addition to any library--whether scholarly, pastoral, or devotional--this is an illuminating volume with easy to follow, concise essays that deal with a variety of subjects or aspects of the world in which Jesus lived and the gospels written. Excellent for scholars, students, those charge with pastoral responsibilities or the interested reading public, The Historical Jesus in Context provides background and insights that illumine the gospel record in delightfully unexpected ways."--Stephen Morris, European Legacy