The Return Of The Galilean

In a fragmented, divisive, and secular world, a follower of John the Baptist miraculously appears to continue the mission he had pursued in the ancient world. As his journey unfolds, he visits many of the world’s leaders to warn them of a coming transformation. Though they ignore him, the popularity of his message grows. At the same time, a young woman starts her own mission through inspirational speeches, railing against the leaders of our society and their lack of spiritual life. The two join together to bring on the coming transformation, but numerous enemies attack them and try to prevent their work.

In a fragmented, divisive, and secular world, a follower of John the Baptist miraculously appears to continue the mission he had pursued in the ancient world. As his journey unfolds, he visits many of the world's leaders to warn them of a coming transformation. Though they ignore him, the popularity of his message grows. At the same time, a young woman starts her own mission through inspirational speeches, railing against the leaders of our society and their lack of spiritual life. The two join together to bring on the coming transformation, but numerous enemies attack them and try to prevent their work.

Starting his career as a scholar of the New Testament, Seán Freyne's work became synonymous with the study of Galilee in the Greek and Roman periods. His search for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Judaism in the Greek and Roman periods and the development of the early Christian movement has led him to interface with scholars in many related disciplines. In order to do justice to the breadth of Seán Freyne's interests, this volume includes contributions from scholars in the fields of Archaeology, Ancient History, Classics, Hebrew Bible, Early Judaism, Rabbinic Judaism, Early Christianity, New Testament, and Medieval Judaism. The resulting volume demonstrates not only the honoree's interdiciplinary interests, but also the interconnectedness of these disciplines.

In his history of the Jewish nation, Josephus wrote only of the death of Jesus, not mentioning one detail of his life. In contrast, the life of Judas the Galilean was chronicled from his temple cleansing to his grandson's suicide at Masada. Yet, Josephus did not tell us how Judas died. Is it possible that Judas and Jesus are the same person? Just a few of the similarities are listed below. Both Judas and Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem. Like Jesus, Judas was anointed King or Messiah by his followers in Galilee. The organizations of the teachers were identical. The second-in-command to Jesus was nicknamed Cephas. Josephus called Judas' second, Sadduc. Barabbas was released in the trial of Jesus during the reign of Pilate. Judas was arrested by Herod the Great and later released to the Jewish crowd. Jesus was interrogated by Annas and later crucified because of his stand against Roman taxation. Judas led the tax revolt against Roman taxation in 6 AD. Annas became High Priest in 7 AD.

"There is nothing else in English that compares with Luz's commentary; it is the best!"-- James M. Robinson"This volume is a joy to read."-- Schuyler Brown"It is an outstanding commentary, the first to use the Wirkungsge-schichte, the understanding of the text throughout the centuries, to interpret the text itself."--Eduard Schweizer

Drawing on his years of field experience in Galilee, the author illustrates how the archaeological record has been misused by New Testament scholars, and how synthesis of the material culture is foundational for understanding Christian origins in Galilee and the Jewish culture out of which they arose.