Jesus and the Politics of Roman Palestine

"Long a troubler of the 'scholarly consensus' regarding 'historical Jesus' research, Richard Horsley has produced a masterful synthesis of his work to date, as well as defining the agenda of future research into the political and cultural context of the 'Jesus movement' in first-century Judea. Horsley's application of perspectives on medical anthropology to the problem of Jesus's miracles and exorcisms is particularly helpful, as is his depiction of the socio-cultural pressures placed upon first-century Judeans by the Roman occupation. Scholars and students alike will benefit from tracing Horsley's carefully argued work."—Martin S. Jaffee, professor emeritus of comparative religion, University of Washington

"Richard Horsley, always provocative and stimulating, offers here a fresh look at the historical Jesus in light of the politics of Roman Palestine. Readers, specialists and the general public alike, will find this book deeply engaging."—Adela Yarbro Collins, Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation, Yale Divinity School, Yale University, and author of Crisis and Catharsis: The Power of the Apocalypse and Mark: A Commentary

"Among the many books composed in the wake of the Quest for the historical Jesus, Richard Horsley's study is a much needed contribution. His is one of the socially most sensitive interpretations of the gospels, especially of Mark and Q. As a historian of the politics of Roman Palestine he is in a class by himself. Vividly evoking time and circumstances of Roman Palestine, easily accessible, and intriguingly original, this book fills a big lacuna in the ongoing Quest of Jesus' life and death."—Werner H. Kelber, Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor Emeritus in Biblical Studies, Rice University, and author of The Oral and the Written Gospel: The Hermeneutics of Speaking and Writing in the Synoptic Tradition, Mark, Paul, and Q; Mark's Story of Jesus and Kingdom in Mark

"This slim and imminently readable volume is perhaps Horsley's most mature and elegant statement yet of the method and results of his own, distinctive quest for the historical Jesus. His iconoclasm has been prescient in the past. Again he presses forward and we do well to follow."—Stephen J. Patterson, George H. Atkinson Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies, Willamette University

"With mature reflection and focus on the major sources, Richard Horsley explains why he has concluded that Jesus from Nazareth, the Israelite prophet in Galilee, vilified the scribes and Pharisees. These Jewish leaders sought to serve the temple-state, but abused villagers. Horsley's writing is engaging and lucid and he astutely shows how Jesus' harsh criticism is 'based on Mosaic covenantal commandments.' Highly recommended for its synthesis and perspective. Jesus was by no means a-political. Excellent for classes."—James H. Charlesworth, director and editor, Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project, George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Princeton Theological Seminary

"All in all, Jesus and the Politics of Roman Palestine is certainly an impressive text, covering a wide range of topics on the environment Jesus. If someone wanted to dive into the issue of Jesus and politics, this book would be an excellent resource."—Daniel Gullotta