Daily Life in the Time of Jesus

Daily Life Series

by Henri Daniel-Rops, Patrick O'Brien (Translator)

The celebrated French Academician, Henri Daniel-Rops, produces a towering, erudite study of the humble men and women who were Christ's very first followers. Historically rich, it captures everything from the occupations, families, and homes to the flowers and birds native to the land.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Catholic, Christianity, Christian, Judaism

500 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1959

About the author

Daniel-Rops (Henri Petiot's literary pseudonym) was born in Épinal in 1901 and died in Chambéry in 1965. He was professor of history and director of Ecclesiae magazine (Paris), and became world-famous mainly for works of historiography: (1943), Jesus in his time (1945), and the ten volumes of the History of the Church of Christ (1948 - 1965). He has also authored several essays, works of children's literature and historical novels, among which are Death, where is your victory? (1934) and The Sword of Fire (1938). He was a voter for the French Academy in 1955.

Reviews

[Alexander Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very informative about everyday life in the time of Jesus. The author discussed everything from food and fashion to how the Torah greatly influenced the lives of Jews. He explained the relationship between Judeans, Samaritans, and Galileans. I also learned about climate, cash crops, and business. Daniel-Rops is an unapologetic Christian which does influence the writing and can become annoying at times because referring to Jesus as "our savior" really doesn't belong in the book. Bias aside, I still feel that he does a good job of presenting a picture of daily life.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another research book ... marking it read because I'll be dipping in and out.

Actually, this book has turned into my "go to" bedtime reading, especially when my fiction reading is so exciting that it will give me unsettled dreams. This look at daily life in ancient times is both soothing and fascinating. The author has a way of connecting the dots and comparing those times to our life today (or in 1958 when it was written) which helps one see that those people were not so very different from us ... even if the technical things of life were very different.

FINAL
Simply fantastic. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in just what the title says, daily life in the time of Jesus. This covers government, society, family, food, art, travel, clothing, and more.

[Fr. Daniel Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is extremely rare that a book happens upon my desk that is truly worth my time. Although I can learn something from any book, most truly good reads are not simply sitting around on someone's desk or being given away.

This was a rare time when, because a "Carr" owned it prior to me (not even a relative, mind you), I ended up with it. I saw that it was about the life and times of Jesus and written in the 80's. I nearly wrote it off then and there as either or both too old (might as well read something that includes the most recent research) or of that age where historical-criticism saw itself as the end-all-be-all. I feared it would be a deconstruction of the tradition of the Catholic Church and that I would be taking it all in with a grain of salt.

I am happy to say that I was completely wrong. Perhaps I could find more relevant and up-to-date works, but this book did exactly what I hoped it would do - tell me about the life and times of Jesus and give me insight into why things happened the way they did. It was rather long but rather thorough and I found myself at least once a chapter with an "aha" moment. "So this is why Jesus said this in this way..." I had studied this period of history in seminary, but never to this level of depth and at a slower pace which gave me a chance to soak it up. Normally I read books very quickly, but I had a hard time taking more than a chapter at a time since it was so rich.

I also found the book extremely approachable - I believe that most educated people would be able to glean a great deal from it without feeling lost or frustrated. The tone was academic but not trying to impress - simply trying to explain.

I suspect that, unless I find a better replacement some day, this book will always have a place on my shelf. I shall be referring to it when I want to delve more deeply into the life and times of Jesus - or to teach on them. It is instructive, insightful, and faithful.

[Laura Duffield Biegger · Rating 4 out of 5]

From back leaf: Topics include: The Geography of Palestine; The Political Context of Palestine;
Life in Jerusalem; Education; Marriage Practices; Social Classes; Seasons and Festivities; Work in Palestine; Commerce; Habits and Customs; Israel's Religious Life; The Temple; The Priests;
Jesus Among His People

[Diane Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well researched with pertinent detail about the setting, the economic and political times.

[Dominika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed and informative, the language was beautiful, I enjoyed this book very much. Five stars.

[Mary Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the Jewish people during the time of Christ.

[Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting, even though it's very long (444 pages). I learned so much and understand so much more of the history and culture of ancient Jerusalem and Israel. This is not Gospel Doctrine though! It is written with a Catholic view, but definitely in essence to understand Jesus as a Jew. The author uses information from many texts, including Torah, Talmud/Jewish Law, ecclesiastical writers and rabbis, non-canonized text, Josephus, different versions of the Bible, etc. Wealth of information and yet written well enough that I found almost every chapter interesting. I'll use it as a reference in the future.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exceptionally well done. The other one I read like this was "Ancient Israel" by de Vaux. Both are complete factual accounts of the daily lives of ancient Israelites, but this one reads much more conversationally. This puts all the context around biblical stories and is indispensable for understanding the life and sayings of our Lord.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

every christian should read this. it puts the gospels in context and they become much more meaningful.

[Pjs_books]

just started it, and think I'm going to like it. The initial description and explanation of the geography has me hooked.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a long slow read and I learned some information but am not sure there wouldn't have been a better source.

[Deke]

221.95