
Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. New Testament Background, Second Temple Judaism, and the Historical Context of the GospelsBy Alfred EdersheimLength84h 42m
About this audiobook
Alfred Edersheim's Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah is a monumental study of the Gospels set within the religious, social, and intellectual world of first-century Judaism. Combining narrative exposition, historical reconstruction, and theological reflection, the work reads both as a learned commentary and as a devotional biography. Its distinctive literary character lies in its dense use of rabbinic sources, Second Temple context, and Victorian prose, seeking to illuminate the words and deeds of Jesus against the background of Jewish law, custom, expectation, and messianic hope. Edersheim, a Jewish convert to Christianity born in Vienna and trained in both Jewish learning and Protestant theology, was uniquely positioned to write such a work. His familiarity with Hebrew, rabbinic literature, and synagogue traditions allowed him to interpret the New Testament through materials often neglected by nineteenth-century Christian scholarship. His personal journey from Judaism to Anglican ministry also shaped his desire to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's history and Scriptures. This book is recommended for readers seeking a serious, historically informed engagement with the life of Christ. Though modern scholarship has revised some of Edersheim's conclusions, his erudition, reverence, and contextual insight remain deeply valuable.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length84 hrs 42 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 13, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Preface to the First Edition.
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6The Preparation for the Gospel: The Jewish World in the Days of Christ
7Chapter I. The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - The Jewish Dispersion in the East.
8Chapter II. The Jewish Dispersion in the West - The Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
9Chapter III. The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist Theology: The Apocrypha, Aristeas, Aristobulus, and the Pseudepigraphic Writings.
10Chapter IV. Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - The Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John.
11Chapter V. Alexandria and Rome - The Jewish Communities in the Capitals of Western Civilisation.
12Chapter VI. Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - Their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
13Chapter VII. In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in ‘The Land’ - Their Mutual Relations and Feelings - ‘The Wall of Separation.’
14Chapter VIII. Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - The Mishnah and Talmud - The Gospel of Christ - The Dawn of a New Day.
15From the Manger in Bethlehem to the Baptism in Jordan.
16Chapter I. In Jerusalem When Herod Reigned
17Chapter II. The Personal History of Herod - The Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
18Chapter III. The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
19Chapter IV. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of His Forerunner.
20Chapter V. What Messiah Did the Jews Expect?
21Chapter VI. The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
22Chapter VII. The Purification of the Virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
23Chapter VIII. The Visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight Into Egypt
24Chapter IX. The Child-Life in Nazareth
25Chapter X. In the House of His Heavenly, and in the Home of His Earthly Father - The Temple of Jerusalem - The Retirement at Nazareth.
26Chapter XI. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and Under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - A Voice in the Wilderness
27Chapter XII. The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning.
28The Ascent: From the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
29Chapter I. The Temptation of Jesus
30Chapter II. The Deputation From Jerusalem - The Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of Their Distinctive Doctrines.
31Chapter III. The Twofold Testimony of John - The First Sabbath of Jesus’s Ministry - The First Sunday - The First Disciples.
32Chapter IV. The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - The Miracle That is ‘A Sign.’
33Chapter V. The Cleansing of the Temple - ‘The Sign,’ Which is Not a Sign.
34Chapter VI. The Teacher Come From God and the Teacher From Jerusalem - Jesus and Nicodemus
35Chapter VII. In Judæa and Through Samaria - A Sketch of Samaritan History and Theology - Jews and Samaritans.
36Chapter VIII. Jesus at the Well of Sychar
37Chapter IX. The Second Visit to Cana - Cure of the ‘nobleman’s’ Son at Capernaum.
38Chapter X. The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-worship and Arrangements.
39Chapter XI. The First Galilean Ministry.
40Chapter XII. At the ‘Unknown’ Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
41Chapter XIII. By the Sea of Galilee - The Final Call of the First Disciples, and the Miraculous Draught of Fishes
42Chapter XIV. A Sabbath in Capernaum
43Chapter XV. Second Journey Through Galilee - The Healing of the Leper.
44Chapter XVI. The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - The Healing of the Paralysed
45Chapter XVII. The Call of Matthew - The Saviour’s Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ - The Call of the Twelve Apostles.
46Chapter XVIII. The Sermon on the Mount - The Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
47Chapter XIX. The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion’s Servant.
48Chapter XX. The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - The Meeting of Life and Death.
49Chapter XXI. The Woman Which was a Sinner
50Chapter XXII. The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of Earthly Affection - The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Demonised Dumb - Pharisaic Charge Against Christ - The Visit of Christ’s Mother and Brethren