The Death of Christ: The Bible and Popular Culture vs Archaeological and Historical Evidence

by Steven Rutledge

What was the world like, and what was going on in it, around the time of Jesus’ death? This study examines this very question, and also seeks to place Jesus in his larger historical context, as a non-citizen resident of the Roman Empire living in Judaea and Galilee in the 20s and 30s AD. The book explores the larger background and context to some of the major power-brokers of the Roman Empire in Jesus’ day, including the emperor Tiberius, his ambitious Praetorian Prefect Sejanus, Judaea’s governor Pontius Pilate, and the client king who governed Galilee, Herod Antipas. It further explores some of the larger historical and cultural context and background of some of the characters who parade through the gospel accounts, including the treacherous informant Judas Iscariot, the tax collector turned apostle, Matthew, and the gruff centurion whose servant Jesus was said to have healed. The study also considers the nature of Jesus’ radical resistance to the Roman Empire, and seeks to contextualize it through comparison with other resistance movements. Attempts to recover the historical Jesus have sought to put him in his immediate context of ancient Galilee, Judaea, and the Jewish community to which he belonged. Instead this book gives the Roman historical background to the time and place of his ministry and death. Cast into relief against the much larger picture of the greater Roman world of which he was a part, the ministry of Jesus is quite radical indeed.

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2022

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death of Christ is a well researched and written book including historical and Biblical accounts of the Roman world Jesus was born into (slavery, bribery, religious ceremonies, corrupt politics, purification) and what was happening at the same time He was performing miracles, healing and gathering disciples. Roman background is described, drawing from written accounts of Josephus, Pliny, Levy and Tacitus, the latter who wrote about the critical years of AD 14 to AD 68. Christ was a Jew who polarized folks...some reviled Him and His teachings, others were threatened by His pronouncements and still others were curious. His disciples and followers grew in leaps and bounds and they lived their lives in stark contrast with those of Romans...in a Roman-centric region. This caused friction and led to Christ's crucifixion.

Some prominent figures in this book include Agrippa and Agrippina, Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Julius Caesar. Claudius, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul (who led the "resistance"). Sejanus appointed Pontius Pilate. Pilate and Herod Agrippa were reluctant to have Jesus crucified and reasons are explained here. Tacitus explains who Christ was. Unlike other religious leaders he spoke with empathy about loving one's enemy, peace and forgiveness. He hung out with and welcomed prostitutes and tax collectors, cast-off lepers...but these ordinary relatable people were used by God to do great things. Herod heard about miracles and wanted to see something spectacular so was disappointed when it didn't happen. Judas Iscariot was an informant, a delator (unfamiliar term to me) who betrayed Jesus for silver.

Though heavy in places, the information is compelling and thought provoking. Anyone fascinated by contemporary events during the time of Jesus ought to read this insightful book. Included are photographs of sculptures, reliefs and paintings of greats including Caravaggio. I am grateful to have spent time in Rome where I imagine what life must have been like in those times of political upheaval, persecution, terrible executions but also introduction of the arts, culture and architecture. Though I am familiar with the teachings and life of Christ there is much here to learn for any level of enthusiast. The maps and family trees are helpful.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword for allowing me the privilege of reading this enthralling book and learning more about the personalities of those who lived during this important time of Christ.

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am giving the book four stars. The book focuses on the related history surounding the time of Christ's crucifixion, piecing together what we know about what was going on at the time. Overall, the book provides and an interesting portrayal of the related history. Also, as someone who studies the Gospel of Matthew, I thoroughly the author's look into the events surrounding Matthew's calling and the tax situation during Biblical times. However, the reason for not giving the book a fifth star is that the author at times expands the area of discussion so much in both of the directions before and after Jesus's life that the author sometimes neglects to bring it back to the topic of his book. It doesn't mean the history being covered isn't fascinating. It's just, as a reader, you find yourself wondering how (and when) he's going to tie it together.

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, well written and easy to read . What drew me was the depiction of the Holy Land at and around the time of Christs' life. It provides vital context to set against how he and his followers coped with the Roman Empire and also their own religious leaders. I was not disappointed in Steven Rutledges' narrative, he draws the background well and it is a very accessible book for lay people and students alike. He covers the wider areas around the Holy Land and I was interested in how the Christian message was carried throughout the Middle east. I can recommend The Death of Christ highly. I am grateful to Netgalley and Pen & Sword publishers for an excellent publication.
#TheDeathofChrist #NetGalley

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start with a quick note that this book is not aptly titled. It should realistically be called Rome in the Time of Jesus. Jesus (nor his death) are not talked about much. Instead, in this book, Steven Rutledge provides an overview of what the Roman empire was like in the time of Jesus, as well as in the time before and after his life. He does this largely through accounts from historians Tacitus and Josephus. It is well researched and does provide useful insight to why Rome was worthy of rebelling/resisting against.