Bandits Prophets and Messiahs: Popular Movements at the Time of Jesus (New Voices in Biblical Studies)

The Trinity Press edition of this popular book includes a new preface by the author, responding to reviews of earlier editions. Horsley also sets forth the continuing value of Bandits, Prophets, and Messiahs for reconstructing the social history background of the New Testament. This book represents a brilliant portrait of Jewish culture in the first century and contains a fresh evaluation of Jesus' relation to this complex society. Horsley rediscovers the "common people" (Jewish peasantry) in the time of Jesus – the masses led by bandit forces, apocalyptic prophets, and messianic leaders – and provides new insights into their significance. "Important and ground-breaking . . . . A major contribution to our understanding of the first-century Jewish social world." – Journal of Biblical Literature "Social history at its best . . . . Important material for understanding the Gospels' confession of Jesus as the Messiah." — America Richard A. Horlsey is Professor of Classics and Religion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is author of Galilee: History, Politics, People; Archaeology, History, and Society in Galilee: The Social Context of Jesus and the Rabbis; and editor of Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society, all published by Trinity Press. Ch. 1. Historical Background: Israel's Origins As A Free Peasantry In Covenant With God ; Establishment Of The Monarchy Over Israel And Prophetic Protest ; Judea Under The Persian Empire : The Establishment Of The Priestly Aristocracy At The Head Of The Temple-community ; Hellenistic Rule : Political Subjection, Cultural Imperialism, And Popular Rebellion ; Roman Domination : Oppression And Revolt -- Ch. 2. Ancient Jewish Social Banditry: The Characteristics And Conditions Of Social Banditry ; The Socioeconomic Conditions Of Jewish Social Banditry And Other Popular Movements ; Social Banditry In Palestine ; Relations Between Brigands And Peasants ; Jewish Banditry And The Revolt Against Rome -- Ch. 3. Royal Pretenders And Popular Messianic Movements: The Tradition Of Popular Kingship ; Conditions Of The Revival Of The Tradition Of Popular Kingship ; Popular Kings And Their Movements -- Ch. 4. Prophets And Prophetic Movements: Traditions Of Two Types Of Popular Prophets And Prophetic Expectations ; Two Types Of Popular Prophets At The Time Of Jesus -- Ch. 5. Fourth Philosophy, Sicarli, Zealots: The Fourth Philosophy ; The Sicarli ; The Zealots -- Conclusion: A Typology Of Popular Movements And Their Implications. Richard A. Horsley With John S. Hanson. Reprint. Originally Published: Minneapolis : Winston Press, C1985. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. This book "contains a fresh evaluation of Jesus' relation to this complex society. The authors rediscover the "common people" in the time of Jesus - the masses led by bandit forces, apocalyptic prophets, and messianic leaders - providing fresh insight into their significance." -provided by the publisher