Palestine in the Time of Jesus: Social Structures and Social Conflicts

by K.C. Hanson, Douglas E. Oakman

Hanson and Oakman's award-winning and illuminating volume has become a widely used and cited introduction to the social context of Jesus and the early Jesus movement. This second edition updates all the discussions in light of more recent scholarship, improves clarity and readability of diagrams and maps, provides additional diagrams and images to enhance the book for student use, and includes new classroom resources, for professors and students, on a Companion Web site.
Along with an overview of the ancient Mediterranean worldview, Palestine in the Time of Jesus explores major domains and institutions of Roman kinship, politics, economy, and religion.

Genres: History, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Waddellski · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked this book but it was obviously intended for seminary class. it was very helpful to constructing a more nuanced imaginary model of first century palestine.

i remember thinking this book would be really useful if i were writing historical fiction about Jesus or his world.

[Joshua Booher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has greatly impacted my reading and understanding of the New Testament. It was read for a seminary class.

[Michael Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads like (and may be) a college textbook, too dry and too earnestly pedagogic. Overall a helpful introductory-level look at the social world of first century Palestine with emphasis on the family, political power, the economy, and temple religion. The charts - there are several of them - are actually the most helpful aspect of the book. The exploration of the Herodian family lines and intrigues was to hastily presented to follow very clearly. Heavy use of sociological models and terminology.

[Douglas Fyfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It provides many great insights into the social context of Jesus which a solely historical view isn't able to provide.
On the downside, it is clearly a textbook for Americans, and provides examples for them which are both unnecessary but also date the book.
Overall a great book I am thankful for and hope to consult regularly.

[Annabelle]

A little slow going, but it's got some good background information and helpful glossaries.

[Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had not been required to read this for a class. My time could have been better spent.

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book in helping understand the Roman Empire's presence in Palestine during the time of Jesus.

[Michael Henebry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dry but the information is good for understanding the social context of Palestine in Jesus' time.