Benjamin Birely

Benjamin Birely, an American-Israeli PhD candidate specializing in ancient historical texts, takes us on a journey to 1 A.D. Jerusalem. He discusses the Jewish context of Jesus' birth, detailing the political and religious tensions of the time. Birely explores the factionalism stemming from the Maccabean era and contrasts the roles of the Sadducees and Pharisees. He also covers the complexities of Hasmonean rule, the impact of Hellenization, and the rise of messianic movements amid societal upheaval, providing a vivid backdrop for the historical Jesus.