What Crucified Jesus?

by Elias Rivkin

n his Preface to this book, Professor E. P. Sanders 'In the last several decades the study of the New Testament has been often enriched by the contributions of Jewish scholars, who bring to it not only knowledge of Jewish material but also fresh perspectives. One thinks, for example of C. G. Montefiore, I. Abrahams, Joseph l(lausner, Paul Winter, Samuel Sandmel and Geza Vermes. Ellis Rivkin is now to be added to this distinguished list. His study deals with only one issue in the New Testament, but one of central the cause or causes of the death of Jesus. The book is brilliantly conceived and admirably argued. While there are some details about which one might disagree, the overall argument is, in my judgment completely convincing. This study should help shift the discussion of the historical Jesus on to a firmer historical basis. As we understand more clearly the environment'in which he lived and what it was which led to his execution, we should also come to understand his life and message better. Professor Rivkin's book is especially welcome because it is so readable. I hope that everyone interested in the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth will give it heed.'

Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did an Easter/Passover story once on the growing agreement between Protestant, Catholic and Jewish scholars that it was the Romans who had crucified Jesus as a potential threat to their province, and not a conspiracy of Jewish leaders. Ellis Rivkin was a professor at Hebrew Union College, and this cogent book lays out the claim that Jesus was the victim of forces in the wider realm of imperial Rome, not the animosity of Jewish religious leaders.