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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
One of the best known and most important references on the life of Christ ever written, Alfred Edersheim's "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" is a storehouse of information on the background of the New Testament. This classic work successfully portrays the streets, the marketplaces, the religious conflicts, the people, and the places of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Edersheim divides his work into five sections, or books:
Book 1 "The Preparation for the Gospel"
Introductory historical, religious, political, and cultural material based on the author's extensive knowledge of Jewish lore and customs.
Book 2 "From Bethlehem to Jordan"
The background of Herod and his reign, St. John the Baptist and his message, and the birth and baptism of Jesus.
Book 3 "From Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration"
Thirty-seven chapters explore the miracles and teachings of Jesus' early ministry.
Book 4 "The Descent into the Valley of Humiliation"
A history of the latter part of Jesus' ministry from the Transfiguration to the journey to Jerusalem.
Book 5 "The Cross and the Crown"
A chronicle of each day of Passion Week, from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.
Appendices
Valuable background material on Jewish history, tradition, and law"
Edersheim divides his work into five sections, or books:
Book 1 "The Preparation for the Gospel"
Introductory historical, religious, political, and cultural material based on the author's extensive knowledge of Jewish lore and customs.
Book 2 "From Bethlehem to Jordan"
The background of Herod and his reign, St. John the Baptist and his message, and the birth and baptism of Jesus.
Book 3 "From Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration"
Thirty-seven chapters explore the miracles and teachings of Jesus' early ministry.
Book 4 "The Descent into the Valley of Humiliation"
A history of the latter part of Jesus' ministry from the Transfiguration to the journey to Jerusalem.
Book 5 "The Cross and the Crown"
A chronicle of each day of Passion Week, from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.
Appendices
Valuable background material on Jewish history, tradition, and law"
1136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1883
987 people are currently reading
1286 people want to read
About the author
Alfred Edersheim
309 books41 followersEdersheim was a scholar and writer on the traditions of the Jewish faith and Life of Christ He was born March 7th, 1825 in the city of Vienna, Austria. His parents Marcus and Stephanie Beifuss were of the Jewish faith. In Vienna he studied in the gymnasium and University of Austria.
Around 1845 he moved to Pesth, Hungary where he met John Duncan and other Presbyterian ministers, who were chaplains to Scottish workmen building a bridge over the Danube River. Under their influence he became a Christian and came to Scotland with Dr. Duncan. In 1843 he entered New College until 1844. In 1846 he entered the Presbyterian ministry and thereafter preached for a year as a missionary to the Jews and Germans at Jassy in Rumania. He came to Old Aberdeen Church in 1848 and remained for twelve years. Here he translated several German theological books into English and wrote his History of the Jewish Nation from the Fall of Jerusalem to the reign of Constantine the Great."
Reverend Alfred Edersheim was the second minister of Free Church known then as Old Machar Free Church. After twelve years at Free Church, Alfred's health started failing, he resigned and moved to Torquay in the county of Devon, England. In 1861, he gathered a congregation and in 1862 they built St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Torwood Gardens, Torquay. Because of deteriorating health problems he had to resign from St. Andrews and moved to Bournemouth a spa on the south coast. In 1875 he became an Episcopalian and ordained a deacon and priest in the Church of England. For a year he was the (unsalaried) curate of the Abbey Church, Christ Church, Hants, near Bournemouth. In 1876 he became vicar of Loders, Dorsetshire; resigning in 1883, moving to Oxford, where he was select preacher to the University from 1884-86.
Because of his health condition he eventually moved to Menton, France where he passed away March 16th, 1889.
His publications as author, translator, editor, and contributor to dictionaries and serial works are very numerous. Perhaps the best-known are:
The History of the Jewish Nation from AD 70-312 (1857)
The Jubilee Rhythm of St. Bernard, and other Hymns (1866)
The Golden Diary of Heart-Converse with Jesus in the Psalms (1874)
The Temple: its Ministry and Services as they were in the Time of Jesus Christ (1874)
Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the days of Christ (1876)
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (1883; 2 vols)
Prophecy and History in relation to the Messiah, (Warburtonian Lectures, 1880-84)
The History of Israel from the Sacrifice on Carmel to the Death of Jedhu (1885)
Around 1845 he moved to Pesth, Hungary where he met John Duncan and other Presbyterian ministers, who were chaplains to Scottish workmen building a bridge over the Danube River. Under their influence he became a Christian and came to Scotland with Dr. Duncan. In 1843 he entered New College until 1844. In 1846 he entered the Presbyterian ministry and thereafter preached for a year as a missionary to the Jews and Germans at Jassy in Rumania. He came to Old Aberdeen Church in 1848 and remained for twelve years. Here he translated several German theological books into English and wrote his History of the Jewish Nation from the Fall of Jerusalem to the reign of Constantine the Great."
Reverend Alfred Edersheim was the second minister of Free Church known then as Old Machar Free Church. After twelve years at Free Church, Alfred's health started failing, he resigned and moved to Torquay in the county of Devon, England. In 1861, he gathered a congregation and in 1862 they built St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Torwood Gardens, Torquay. Because of deteriorating health problems he had to resign from St. Andrews and moved to Bournemouth a spa on the south coast. In 1875 he became an Episcopalian and ordained a deacon and priest in the Church of England. For a year he was the (unsalaried) curate of the Abbey Church, Christ Church, Hants, near Bournemouth. In 1876 he became vicar of Loders, Dorsetshire; resigning in 1883, moving to Oxford, where he was select preacher to the University from 1884-86.
Because of his health condition he eventually moved to Menton, France where he passed away March 16th, 1889.
His publications as author, translator, editor, and contributor to dictionaries and serial works are very numerous. Perhaps the best-known are:
The History of the Jewish Nation from AD 70-312 (1857)
The Jubilee Rhythm of St. Bernard, and other Hymns (1866)
The Golden Diary of Heart-Converse with Jesus in the Psalms (1874)
The Temple: its Ministry and Services as they were in the Time of Jesus Christ (1874)
Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the days of Christ (1876)
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (1883; 2 vols)
Prophecy and History in relation to the Messiah, (Warburtonian Lectures, 1880-84)
The History of Israel from the Sacrifice on Carmel to the Death of Jedhu (1885)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 28, 2019
This is a wonderful informative book and the historicity is honest about all the other incidents that took place around that time. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love for Christ. I bought this book at discounted price from here: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Times-Jes...
June 20, 2017
I started reading this book like I would read any other book on my reading list and approximately six months later I was still reading it. This is one of the most researched books I think I have ever read or heard of. When I 1st started reading it, I thought since it was written in the late 1890's that there would be some modern day changes, I am wrong this book is as pertinent and and full of in-depth knowledge that stands today as it did then. I didn't take the time to study all the reference material, but I did read all the reference scriptures and Indexes in the book. I learned so much of scripture and of the life of Jesus and old testament Messianic prophecy, and I am hungry for more . I intend to reread this book at a chapter a week, since each chapter is about 15 or 20 pages at the most, and I am going to study this as a bible lesson acquiring all the reference material that i can get, this book is worthy reading and studying the right way. This is a great study tool
September 4, 2011
Ok I finished this monumental work and feel like I have scaled everest . It took nearly four years of devotional reading spending part of my shabat reading the scriptural background for each chapter from the gospels and then edersheim's perspective. The result is a deeper conviction in the historicity of the gospels and a strengthened faith . I honestly feel elated having just completed the resurrection chapter of book five with much more of a sense of having lived the events in the life of jesus . Edersheim was both a scholar and a pastor so the text is written with a devotion that conveys more than mere knowledge that could puff up . Instead the book challenges and drives the reader to a greater love of Jesus . There is nothing lost in century since its writing as the truths and Spirit behind them are as fresh as when written . The Holy Spirit is not in the space time continuim and that will be abundantly clear to the reader.
August 18, 2008
Scholarly with a warm devotional tone Edersheim’s book is great reading. A converted Jewish scholar of the first century customs he illuminates the life of Christ with insight unavailable to the average reader. You can look this book up for yourself at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/li...
Particularly enlightening is his material on the birth of Christ. He delves into who the magi really were and the political implications to Herod. He also illuminates who the Shepherds were and their connections in Jerusalem which so few of us would ever get to hear about. This will always be on my bookshelf.
Particularly enlightening is his material on the birth of Christ. He delves into who the magi really were and the political implications to Herod. He also illuminates who the Shepherds were and their connections in Jerusalem which so few of us would ever get to hear about. This will always be on my bookshelf.
June 17, 2013
A labor of love! Not sure I've ever studied my scriptures so much before. I loved the first book, but to read 800 pages and then realize there was a second book with 650 pages, just about killed me. He is an incredible man and there are too many dog-earred pages to explain so I will just share a few of his deep thoughts that impressed me.
Page 620 talks about how Rabbi's would dress up in a garb that would get them recognized. They believed they should dress up to show people they were teachers. Love this idea, because I've always believed that when you are up there in front of people you should look your very best. Not to impress people, but to feel confident about yourself and give people a pleasant experience while watching you. I think it's a sign of respect for your audience.
692 Parables: it was fascinating!
605: That with Him there is no difficulty, since all is His, and all may be ours, since He has come for our help and is in the ship. One thing only He wonders at-the shortcomings of our faith; and one thing only makes it impossible for Him to help- our unbelief.
Is that not beautiful?
What wonderful things books are. I felt like just reading him increased my brain power to the nth degree. Sharing in the thoughts of a deep thinker,magic!
650: No degree of improper affection can ever make affection wrongful.
page 52 Book II: Making the Sabbath a delight, special Sabbath dress, choicest food, inexspensive dishes.
215 Book II: After, all hypocrisy was only self deception.
Is that how simple it is? This line will stick with me a long time!
This book was a huge challenge for me, but very worth it.
Page 620 talks about how Rabbi's would dress up in a garb that would get them recognized. They believed they should dress up to show people they were teachers. Love this idea, because I've always believed that when you are up there in front of people you should look your very best. Not to impress people, but to feel confident about yourself and give people a pleasant experience while watching you. I think it's a sign of respect for your audience.
692 Parables: it was fascinating!
605: That with Him there is no difficulty, since all is His, and all may be ours, since He has come for our help and is in the ship. One thing only He wonders at-the shortcomings of our faith; and one thing only makes it impossible for Him to help- our unbelief.
Is that not beautiful?
What wonderful things books are. I felt like just reading him increased my brain power to the nth degree. Sharing in the thoughts of a deep thinker,magic!
650: No degree of improper affection can ever make affection wrongful.
page 52 Book II: Making the Sabbath a delight, special Sabbath dress, choicest food, inexspensive dishes.
215 Book II: After, all hypocrisy was only self deception.
Is that how simple it is? This line will stick with me a long time!
This book was a huge challenge for me, but very worth it.
March 24, 2017
3.5 stars.
Alfred Edersheim, who was born a Jew and didn't convert until grown, had an incredible knowledge of Jewish theology, manners and customs, and so on--not just the Talmud, but rabbinic writings over the centuries. For that the book could merit 5 stars. But in many ways he seemed isolated from his peers in some of his conclusions. There are other difficulties with the book, however, and this review is not going to be long or exhaustive, nor am I going to expound on all these points. I am happy to have finally read all of it. I think the first of the five books in this book that covers them all, is by far the best since it sticks to what Edersheim knew so well.
Something that did not affect my review, but was very annoying in this 4th printing of the volume pictured (I hope that doesn't change) are the large number of typos, particularly near the end. Loin for Lion, tow for two numerous times, and many more--and I was reading this on the fast side so probably didn't catch them all. I hope that the publisher has corrected these; no point in sending in a list since no doubt it's gone through more printings, etc.
I am happy to have finally read this, and may refer to it at times, but I was rather disappointed after being told how important this book was to read.
Alfred Edersheim, who was born a Jew and didn't convert until grown, had an incredible knowledge of Jewish theology, manners and customs, and so on--not just the Talmud, but rabbinic writings over the centuries. For that the book could merit 5 stars. But in many ways he seemed isolated from his peers in some of his conclusions. There are other difficulties with the book, however, and this review is not going to be long or exhaustive, nor am I going to expound on all these points. I am happy to have finally read all of it. I think the first of the five books in this book that covers them all, is by far the best since it sticks to what Edersheim knew so well.
Something that did not affect my review, but was very annoying in this 4th printing of the volume pictured (I hope that doesn't change) are the large number of typos, particularly near the end. Loin for Lion, tow for two numerous times, and many more--and I was reading this on the fast side so probably didn't catch them all. I hope that the publisher has corrected these; no point in sending in a list since no doubt it's gone through more printings, etc.
I am happy to have finally read this, and may refer to it at times, but I was rather disappointed after being told how important this book was to read.
December 3, 2022
Supperrr well researched.
The perspective this book gave is insane, illuminating the historical context of the time of Jesus. I can confidently say I’ve retained about a third of the book and will probably be constantly re reading it forever. The reference to Judaism gives such insight into the gospels.
Left with a hunger to know more for the sake of knowing and understanding my Savior more.
Although it’s not a easy read I would recommend to anyone who is in it for the long haul, will be re reading it again wayyy slower.
The perspective this book gave is insane, illuminating the historical context of the time of Jesus. I can confidently say I’ve retained about a third of the book and will probably be constantly re reading it forever. The reference to Judaism gives such insight into the gospels.
Left with a hunger to know more for the sake of knowing and understanding my Savior more.
Although it’s not a easy read I would recommend to anyone who is in it for the long haul, will be re reading it again wayyy slower.
May 31, 2017
Primeramente, el autor fue un presbiteriano de origen judío y, como puede notarse en estos volúmenes (de los que Editorial Vida publicó, originalmente, dos), dedicó su vida a estudiar académicamente el Talmud y las tradiciones hebreas para entender mejor el Nuevo Testamento, algo bastante peculiar para su tiempo, aunque no sin precedentes (en el s. XVIII, John Lightfoot, un puritano -cosa ejemplar, para este caso-, hizo el primer corelato estudiado entre Talmud y algunos Evangelios).
Edersheim es, para su tiempo, un erudito excepcional, lamentablemente, escasamente recurrido hasta el día de hoy por el cristianismo protestante. La actualidad de sus comentarios ha sido cuestionada en algunos aspectos. En otros, criticada sin duda; especialmente, sus opiniones filtradas, propias de su tiempo, que no aprecian el judaismo del Segundo Templo como una expresión más del judaismo sino como un error.
Aún así, vale la pena revisar la manera en que son apreciadas las intertextualidades con los Evangelios (pues del resto de libros y cartas del NT no se ocupa sino muy escasamente). Es un clásico que tendría que formar parte de los estudios en ciencias bíblicas, al menos, como referente.
Edersheim es, para su tiempo, un erudito excepcional, lamentablemente, escasamente recurrido hasta el día de hoy por el cristianismo protestante. La actualidad de sus comentarios ha sido cuestionada en algunos aspectos. En otros, criticada sin duda; especialmente, sus opiniones filtradas, propias de su tiempo, que no aprecian el judaismo del Segundo Templo como una expresión más del judaismo sino como un error.
Aún así, vale la pena revisar la manera en que son apreciadas las intertextualidades con los Evangelios (pues del resto de libros y cartas del NT no se ocupa sino muy escasamente). Es un clásico que tendría que formar parte de los estudios en ciencias bíblicas, al menos, como referente.
June 21, 2018
This is the ultimate guide of the customs and details of Israel during Jesus' day. Not an easy read... It makes me wonder if Edersheim was getting paid by the word. But if you can wade through the verbiage, it is well worth it.
September 29, 2025
A monumental work and an incredible resource. Edersheim’s depth of historical and cultural detail brings the Gospels to life in a way that few other works do. It’s not a light read, but it’s rich with insight that makes it invaluable for Bible study, teaching, and writing. I’ve found it especially helpful while working on my book, The Jesus Reset, giving background and perspective that deepens both understanding and application of Scripture.
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January 26, 2012Per his request I bought this for my husband for Christmas. He says he doesn't have time for it quite yet, so I'm stealing it. It may take me the next 4 years or so :) I'm just going to go for a sub-chapter at a time, they're fairly short.
So excited to read/study it. The author's goal was illuminate the people and times when Christ was alive. I'm thinking that will be a big help with scriptural understanding etc.
Was recommended to Ross by his mentor, who said it was one of the books that inspired Talmage when he was writing "Jesus the Christ."
---
Goodness, I've been working on this for ages (it's not a book I pick up every day--I blame it on low brain-power). I finally made it to Chapter 2 today! Yay for me! I have found this book really quite difficult, parts of it indigestible, parts of it fascinating. Up till now, it's been all about the history of the Jews and Jerusalem pre-Christ. Chapter 2 begins with a comparison between the Jerusalem of Solomon and the Jerusalem of Herod.
So excited to read/study it. The author's goal was illuminate the people and times when Christ was alive. I'm thinking that will be a big help with scriptural understanding etc.
Was recommended to Ross by his mentor, who said it was one of the books that inspired Talmage when he was writing "Jesus the Christ."
---
Goodness, I've been working on this for ages (it's not a book I pick up every day--I blame it on low brain-power). I finally made it to Chapter 2 today! Yay for me! I have found this book really quite difficult, parts of it indigestible, parts of it fascinating. Up till now, it's been all about the history of the Jews and Jerusalem pre-Christ. Chapter 2 begins with a comparison between the Jerusalem of Solomon and the Jerusalem of Herod.
December 28, 2013
I enjoy books that present the Jewish background of the Christian faith. Alfred Edersheim's book is an essential volume on my bookshelf. He takes the reader through the gospel story in a chronological manner. The book is written from the perspective of a man who traveled through the land and saw the places that Jesus visited. He did so long before the culture of the Middle East had been radically altered (as it has been today by modern technology and new political boundaries). Edersheim was a Jew who became a Christian minister and devoted his life research to writing this book. The result is a classic. His style is certainly 19th century; he loves long descriptive passages about the land and culture. But his prose is well written and rarely becomes tedious.
However, I am puzzled why the book has not received more attention outside of England. I suspect that some of his research has been superceded by more recent discoveries though I do not know that for sure. I recommend that anyone reading this book should find more recent similar works and do a comparison.
However, I am puzzled why the book has not received more attention outside of England. I suspect that some of his research has been superceded by more recent discoveries though I do not know that for sure. I recommend that anyone reading this book should find more recent similar works and do a comparison.
December 5, 2017
Originally printed in the late 1890's this book has endured through the times in various editions. It is the very BEST 1 volume on the Life and Times of Christ. It is about 1,000 pages, full of scholarly footnotes. Greek and latin, and some Aramaic is detailed. Edersheim was an Anglican by faith, a linguistics expert, and a rather serious historian. No one can take you on a virtual tour of Israel like Edersheim - he was there, and makes the entire Life of Christ come alive. Buy this book for your Library- you will use it over and over.
One note: be prepared as Edersheim proves Christ was born on Dec 25.
One note: be prepared as Edersheim proves Christ was born on Dec 25.
August 1, 2025
"The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" was written by Alfred Edersheim in 1883. In my estimation, the writing style is quite difficult to follow. Part of it is due to the era, part to his erudition. He is a man of great scholarship. Part of it is simply his unusual way of phrasing things. Sentences seem to break off unexpectedly. Others follow so many twists and turns and nuances that I get lost.
To compound the difficulty, typographical errors seem to multiply noticeably about halfway through. Mercifully, there are many fewer in the appendices, some of which are quite valuable.
This is a compendium of five volumes, following the life of Jesus, especially as reflected in the gospels. Throughout, the Jewish background of the narrative is delineated, which I think is the greatest benefit of this work. Without this understanding, much of the meaning is lost.
Christianity is built upon Judaism. For nearly all of Christian history, this perspective has been deemphasized. The result is a greatly diminished understanding of the faith that Jesus delivered to us. The Word of God is centered in Israel and her people, who have always had a critical role to play in ecclesiastical history, despite the efforts of many pseudo-Christians, who would just as soon confine Israel to the dustbin of history. Much to their chagrin, Israel is to be preeminent among the nations in the coming millennial reign of Christ. ".....In those days, ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Zech.8:23
Edersheim displays great insight. The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness were challenges to the life he was to live and the death he was to die for us. These were initial instances of temptations that were to recur. Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world. Several times, the Jews wanted to make Jesus king. But his is an otherworldly kingdom.
Edersheim sees deeply, I think, into the travail of the Baptist. His ministry as forerunner of the Messiah seems to have collapsed into failure, imprisoned by Herod and facing imminent execution. He sends an ambassage to Jesus. "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Mt.11:3. But men of the greatest faith are tested the most severely.
It seems to me, however, that Edersheim implies possible redemption for Judas. But speaking of Judas, Jesus says, ..."none of them is lost but the son of perdition..." Jn.17:12
I also think he misinterprets several parables. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened." Mt.13:33. Jesus spoke of leaven as false doctrine. Is there a more apt description of today's Church than "all leavened"?
Nevertheless, I think this work, without the typographical errors, is well worth having. My edition was published in 1993 by Hendrickson Publishers. Find an edition more faithful to the original text.
Also, Edersheim's "Prophecy and History in Relation to the Messiah" is, I think, very valuable.
To compound the difficulty, typographical errors seem to multiply noticeably about halfway through. Mercifully, there are many fewer in the appendices, some of which are quite valuable.
This is a compendium of five volumes, following the life of Jesus, especially as reflected in the gospels. Throughout, the Jewish background of the narrative is delineated, which I think is the greatest benefit of this work. Without this understanding, much of the meaning is lost.
Christianity is built upon Judaism. For nearly all of Christian history, this perspective has been deemphasized. The result is a greatly diminished understanding of the faith that Jesus delivered to us. The Word of God is centered in Israel and her people, who have always had a critical role to play in ecclesiastical history, despite the efforts of many pseudo-Christians, who would just as soon confine Israel to the dustbin of history. Much to their chagrin, Israel is to be preeminent among the nations in the coming millennial reign of Christ. ".....In those days, ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Zech.8:23
Edersheim displays great insight. The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness were challenges to the life he was to live and the death he was to die for us. These were initial instances of temptations that were to recur. Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world. Several times, the Jews wanted to make Jesus king. But his is an otherworldly kingdom.
Edersheim sees deeply, I think, into the travail of the Baptist. His ministry as forerunner of the Messiah seems to have collapsed into failure, imprisoned by Herod and facing imminent execution. He sends an ambassage to Jesus. "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Mt.11:3. But men of the greatest faith are tested the most severely.
It seems to me, however, that Edersheim implies possible redemption for Judas. But speaking of Judas, Jesus says, ..."none of them is lost but the son of perdition..." Jn.17:12
I also think he misinterprets several parables. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened." Mt.13:33. Jesus spoke of leaven as false doctrine. Is there a more apt description of today's Church than "all leavened"?
Nevertheless, I think this work, without the typographical errors, is well worth having. My edition was published in 1993 by Hendrickson Publishers. Find an edition more faithful to the original text.
Also, Edersheim's "Prophecy and History in Relation to the Messiah" is, I think, very valuable.
December 21, 2021
What is so amazing about this work is that Edersheim tries to exhaustively convey the sites and sounds of the first century experience in such a casual manner, while also offering appendices that academics and non-academics alike can use. I still use his list of Biblical passages Messianically applied by Rabbinical sources when discussing verses skeptics and Jewish folks lament "have nothing to do with Jesus." There are also some curiosities about the New Testament that aren't present or as present in the Old Testament that I've always been confused about, that Edersheim addresses (demons, Rabbinical writings, baptism, views on Elijah's return, etc.).
March 19, 2022
I had mixed feelings about this book. While it can be at times interesting, and I enjoyed how Edersheim weaved together the different gospel accounts into a narrative, on the other hand there were many times he went on tangents and discussed points at length that did not interest me or provide any spiritual benefit whatsoever. But I felt it was worth going through this whole volume and just seeing his perspective on the gospel. One thing that drove me a little crazy was the typesetting of the book. It was filled with misspellings throughout and caused me to be distracted by them.
August 1, 2020
Alfred Edersheim - he is THE definitive author to understand Jewish life and culture during the life of Christ. His insights open up many passages that we Westerners living in the suburbs would never know or appreciate.
Don't be daunted by the size of this book. It is not meant to be rushed through, but savored one bite at a time. 😀
Don't be daunted by the size of this book. It is not meant to be rushed through, but savored one bite at a time. 😀
December 27, 2020
It was a long, slow and committed effort to finish this one. But I got there. Edersheims was sometimes incredibly insightful (especially in relation to Jewish customs and thought) and sometimes brilliantly poetic. Most of the time however, it was quite basic and expository.
May 11, 2019
Great background commentary on a number of subjects as well as a harmony of the gospels. The appendices and research are worth continuous reference.
August 9, 2019
Great background of the times
January 17, 2020
THE.BEST.
Look nowhere else for the best text on the life of Christ.
If you only read one book this year, this is the book.
Look nowhere else for the best text on the life of Christ.
If you only read one book this year, this is the book.
October 22, 2021
Great book for reading and reference, but the language needs to be updated.
December 30, 2022
Fantastic resource. Highly recommend!
May 16, 2023
Unfortunately too detailed for me.
December 20, 2024
Very good review and covers all aspects of the Saviors life. It took me a very long time reading it at the gym every morning but a great way to spend the time.
December 22, 2025
I learn a lot from this book but is very wordy not for the every day reader
July 5, 2022
Very scholarly but worth it.
March 18, 2020
Hard to understand!
August 21, 2022
Make sure to get the unabridged version with all the notes and appendixes. Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Kindle Edition) by Alfred Edersheim, has been a valuable complement to my study of the Gospels.
Considering Edersheim published this well before the Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran, etc... MSS were discovered and verified, he impresses me, even more to have stood against the text-critical, theologically liberal scholars of his day, of whom the majority had simply decided (generally) that the "late dating" of the extant MSS for the Tanakh led to the conclusion that it would be irrational to believe the current OT manuscripts were not simply "oral-tradition" that has not even existed in written form until comparatively recent times, and, "most certainly" the Judeo-Christian manuscripts for the OT were only written down recently, based on unreliable oral histories (think: the telephone-game).
Edersheim is only one of the witnesses to the authenticity, reliability, authority, general accuracy of Scripture (up until this current time) who have stood firmly against the cynical scholars who remain willfully ignorant to the (humanly-speaking) miraculous transmission and preservation of Scripture through persecution, the dark ages, etc... realistically, Had Edersheim been able to receive mail from the mid-20th century proving to the text-critical liberal theologians that MSS evidence had been confirmed that revealed scrolls that preserved the text of Scripture in their day, dating ~1000 years previous to any other MSS... and, that some contained an entire book of the major prophets that was practically unchanged from what was possessed in modernity (apart from, perhaps a word or two here and there that effected no major doctrine)... you know what: evidence, even hard empirical evidence isn't the problem scholars, and academicians have believed that Scripture is true. In the 20th century, the DSS, and Qumran discoveries made a century of "scholarship" and liberal theologians have to live with a life-time of papers and books that made them a laughing-stock (in print, and now copied onto the internet archives)... but, I imagine those scholars didn't care to talk about Scripture anymore.
I repeat those thoughts because the years I spent researching in the local library meant I had to go through a great many sardonic, satisfied theories, and "de-mythologizers" of Scripture (of which entire schools of theology have to this day been based upon), and those men and women pre-DSS/Qumran, etc.. were so confirmed in the non-evidence that anything in Scripture could be proven as having ever happened, and no MSS exist to even confirm Judaism isn't just oral tradition past down. However, the old house I rented a room in (so old that it was one of the few that didn't get burned down with all of Atlanta) had books, old and current from the pastor who lived elsewhere and allowed me to rent his old parsonage and a giant hardcopy of Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim.
I didn't even know the first thing about manuscripts or Rudolph Bultman, higher textual-criticism, archeological discoveries in the mid 20th century, and providentially, I have been reading this book along with Scripture many years. Even in university recently, I have found this book to be of value alongside the scholarship of my most learned professors. I recommend getting this book, but make sure it is unabridged and unaltered.
Considering Edersheim published this well before the Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran, etc... MSS were discovered and verified, he impresses me, even more to have stood against the text-critical, theologically liberal scholars of his day, of whom the majority had simply decided (generally) that the "late dating" of the extant MSS for the Tanakh led to the conclusion that it would be irrational to believe the current OT manuscripts were not simply "oral-tradition" that has not even existed in written form until comparatively recent times, and, "most certainly" the Judeo-Christian manuscripts for the OT were only written down recently, based on unreliable oral histories (think: the telephone-game).
Edersheim is only one of the witnesses to the authenticity, reliability, authority, general accuracy of Scripture (up until this current time) who have stood firmly against the cynical scholars who remain willfully ignorant to the (humanly-speaking) miraculous transmission and preservation of Scripture through persecution, the dark ages, etc... realistically, Had Edersheim been able to receive mail from the mid-20th century proving to the text-critical liberal theologians that MSS evidence had been confirmed that revealed scrolls that preserved the text of Scripture in their day, dating ~1000 years previous to any other MSS... and, that some contained an entire book of the major prophets that was practically unchanged from what was possessed in modernity (apart from, perhaps a word or two here and there that effected no major doctrine)... you know what: evidence, even hard empirical evidence isn't the problem scholars, and academicians have believed that Scripture is true. In the 20th century, the DSS, and Qumran discoveries made a century of "scholarship" and liberal theologians have to live with a life-time of papers and books that made them a laughing-stock (in print, and now copied onto the internet archives)... but, I imagine those scholars didn't care to talk about Scripture anymore.
I repeat those thoughts because the years I spent researching in the local library meant I had to go through a great many sardonic, satisfied theories, and "de-mythologizers" of Scripture (of which entire schools of theology have to this day been based upon), and those men and women pre-DSS/Qumran, etc.. were so confirmed in the non-evidence that anything in Scripture could be proven as having ever happened, and no MSS exist to even confirm Judaism isn't just oral tradition past down. However, the old house I rented a room in (so old that it was one of the few that didn't get burned down with all of Atlanta) had books, old and current from the pastor who lived elsewhere and allowed me to rent his old parsonage and a giant hardcopy of Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim.
I didn't even know the first thing about manuscripts or Rudolph Bultman, higher textual-criticism, archeological discoveries in the mid 20th century, and providentially, I have been reading this book along with Scripture many years. Even in university recently, I have found this book to be of value alongside the scholarship of my most learned professors. I recommend getting this book, but make sure it is unabridged and unaltered.
August 8, 2025
Edersheim's work is a classic and a must read for those interested in the subject.
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