New Testament scholar and Australian Anglican Bishop Paul Barnett has written a surprisingly wonderful study of the “trials of Jesus.” Surprising, because I thought the book would focus narrowly on the trial scenes of the Gospels (and there are some sections of the book on that), but Barnett’s interests are much broader. This is basically a study of the life, ministry, trials, and crucifixion of Jesus in their historical and political context. Barnett goes all the way back to Israel’s history under the Persians, then Greeks, then Romans, and specifically with Jewish leader under Roman rule. All that information is insightful for making sense of why certain Jewish leaders found Jesus a threat, and why Rome eventually put Jesus on a cross.
This book is full of insightful historical information (e.g. about key political figures, and various Jewish sectarian groups), interacts with primary sources (like Josephus), and is free from the clutter of excessive footnotes. This reads like engaging lectures rather than a dull history book.
This book is aimed at introductory or moderate level students or a church group wanting to better understand the political dynamics at work in the condemnation of Jesus. I wish I had read this when I was in seminary!
“Pilate’s position in Judea was now less secure, which the high priests Annas and Caiaphas understood and exploited during Pilate’s trials of Jesus.”
Yeah, I definitely can’t wait to read this.
This one looks interesting. You mention the political aspects. Can you expand a bit? I am going to check this one out but it may have to wait till next year for me to start due to my current reading stack for the year