Place Jesus’ ministry in context with these in-depth studies of ancient Galilee. Drawing on the expertise of archaeologists, historians, biblical scholars, and social scientists who have devoted a significant amount of time and energy to the research of Jesus’ home town, this accessible volume includes modern studies of Galilee and its history. Contributors dig into issues of taxation, ethnicity, religious practices, road systems, trade and markets, education, health, village life, houses, and the urban-rural divide in Jesus’ historical context. This volume also includes a rich selection of images, figures, charts, and maps that present Jesus’ location and culture in vivid detail.
For more insights into Christianity’s earliest context, check out the Jewish Origins of Christianity Collection (2 vols.).
“According to Josephus, as far as the Romans were concerned, Galilee was Jewish at this point, even though geographically disconnected from Judea by Samaria.” (Page 58)
“there is a solid line of connection between Judea/Jerusalem and Galilee from the Hasmonean era onward” (Page 73)
“You would likely have lived in a house with plastered stone walls, a dirt floor, and a flat roof made with wooden beams, other smaller branches, and mud plaster. Your house would have been one room—possibly two rooms—and it would have shared a courtyard with other nuclear families, most likely your cousins. You would have built your house with materials you gathered locally at no cost: stones, wood, and clay soil for mortar. Your family would have provided the labor to build the house, but you may have employed a master builder to supervise the work.” (Page 238)
“Both of these earliest Gospel texts, moreover, portray Jesus’ renewal of Israel in opposition to (condemnation of) the rulers, specifically the Jerusalem ruling house, the high priests, and their Roman patrons.” (Page 173)
“Galilee flourished in this period, with new settlements being founded on more remote and less defensible plots of land, while old towns grew in size and activity.” (Page 73)
This is a volume of considerable use to both experts and nonexperts and belongs on the shelf of anyone trying to situate texts in their Galilean context.
—William Arnal, professor of religious studies, University of Regina
The present volume—written by top scholars for the lay student, but also with researchers in mind—offers an excellent overview . . . with a generous helping of archaeology.
—Danny Syon, head of scholarly assessment, Israel Antiquities Authority
These detailed and rich discussions bring to life the world of Jesus and his contemporaries.
—Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies, Acadia Divinity College
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
David A. Fiensy is the author of The College Press NIV Commentary Series: New Testament Introduction. He has been a professor at Kentucky Christian University since 1995. Prior to this he served for six years as the senior minister at Grape Grove Church of Christ, Jamestown, Ohio.
James Riley Strange is associate professor of religion at Samford University and director of the Shikhin Excavation Project. He is also the author of The Moral World of James and The Emergence of the Christian Basilica.
2 ratings
Veli Voipio
7/1/2015
Bill Shewmaker
5/20/2015