The world of Jesus
Subtitle: first-century Judaism in crisis
By: John Riches.
Series: Understanding Jesus today
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1990
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 151
Subjects: Bible. N.T. Gospels -- History of contemporary events.; Judaism -- History -- Post-exilic period, 586 B.C.-210 A.D.
Description: This book examines the social, economic, political, and cultural context of first-century Judaism. During the first century AD Judaism experienced a crisis of cultural erosion due to foreign influences. Professor Riches describes the ways in which foreign domination threatened the Jewish community and discusses the ways in which various groups of Jews tried to preserve their cultural identity. Relating Jesus' teaching to that of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, the Essenes, and John the Baptist, Riches argues that Jesus was deeply committed to the values of the Jewish tradition, even while he proposed radical change that he believed would bring renewal.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 147-148) and index.