Palestine in theTime of Jesus

by. Hanson/Oakman

Synopsis: Through a judicious use of the social sciences, Hanson and Oakman's enormously helpful volume explains in a readable way the primary social institutions and structures of ancient Palestine, with a view to how they are reflected in and shaped the early Jesus movement.

After an overview of social analysis and of the ancient Mediterranean worldview, the core of the book systematically presents major domains and institutions of family, politics, and economy, always with reference to specific biblical and other ancient texts.  In a concluding chapter, the authors explore Palestine's religious institutions, especially Herod's Temple system and Jesus' relation to it.  The wealth of archaeological data, documentary data, and analysis is enhanced by extensive charts, diagrams, study questions, glossaries, and suggested readings.

235 pages, paperback. Includes supplementary CD-ROM. Contents:

• Catching the Drift: Introduction to the Social System of Roman Palestine
• All in the Family: Kinship in Agrarian Roman Palestine
• Pyramids of Power: Politics and Patronage in Agrarian Roman Palestine
• The Denarius Stops Here: Political Economy in Roman Palestine
• Was Bigger Better? Political Religion in Roman Palestine
• In the Rearview Mirror
• Glossaries
• Bibliographies