The World of Jesus: Making Sense of the People and Places of Jesus' Day
Know Jesus Better by Understanding What Shaped His WorldSometimes it's hard to find your bearings in the New Testament, as you enter the time and place of Jesus and His disciples. There are confusing practices, new people groups, and even unexplained religious conflicts.  How did it all come about?Dr. William Marty walks you through the history leading up to the arrival of Jesus in order to help you better understand His life and teachings. He answers such questions as:• Why did "Israelites" start being called "Jews"?• What's a "synagogue" and what happened to worshiping in the temple?• Who were the Pharisees and why was Jesus so upset with them?• Why didn't anyone like the Samaritans?Get to know the times in which Jesus lived, so you'll better understand His teaching and ministry. And along the way, discover how God prepared the world for the One who would turn it upside down."Marty's brief volume is a less-than-200-page survey of the history between the Testaments that helps set the stage for the entrance of Jesus Christ and the New Testament era. If one can keep up with the real-life cast of characters--mostly rulers and rebels--this book is a gem for the beginning student of biblical history and for the Bible study teacher investigating the backdrop of Jesus' life and teaching." --The Baptist Standard