Concentrating on Jesus' life, on his social and political context, on his teachings and on the various perceptions of Jesus by his contemporaries and by subsequent generations right up to the present day, this book is the only comprehensive, authoritative and fully illustrated account of this great and charismatic man.
With deft and profound scholarship, Professor Porter looks squarely at the biblical and other evidence in order to disentangle many of the mysteries and confusions surrounding the life of the historical Jesus. Special interest features highlight fascinating aspects of the theme - including Jesus' relationship to the Judaism of his day, the role of women in his life, his view of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Christian Old Testament), the political issues surrounding his trial and his significance for early Christian groups such as the Gnostics.
The book is divided into five major sections:
- The Setting: a comprehensive portrait of all aspects of society in the Palestine of Jesus' day. Maps and superb photos evoke the setting of Jesus' career with unparalleled vividness.
- The Life: an account of the life and deeds of Jesus, from his birth to the Crucifixion and its aftermath.
- The Teachings: a treatment of Jesus' message and beliefs.
- Interpretations: a wide-ranging survey of the many ways in which Jesus has been regarded through the centuries.
- Jesus in Art: a fully illustrated section devoted to the changing image of Jesus in art over the centuries.
