Customs and traditions of the Jews in the time of Christ

Jesus Christ was truly God and truly man—and as a man he was strictly of his time, having grown up within social customs, in a religious home, with siblings, friends, and companions, and worked with others as a carpenter. As such, he walked in conformity with the times in which he lived. He spoke and taught in the manner of that era. However, it was said of Him: "Never has anyone spoken like this man!"

The purpose of this book is to describe the period and circumstances in which Christ lived, so that the reader can more clearly see what was happening at that time, enter into their ideas, become familiar with their habits, modes of thought, their teaching, and worship. It not only gives the reader a better understanding of many of the expressions and allusions in the New Testament but also presents new evidence of the veracity of the history and an insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ in contrast with those of his contemporaries.

This book transports the reader into the ordinary civil society of Palestine during the time of Christ. It takes them to mingle shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of that period, to see them in their homes and families, to learn their habits and ways, and to follow them in their ordinary lives. This work is that of a learned scholar, but it is presented in a popular and readable style, and will add significance, color, and spiritual depth to the words and events of the New Testament.