The culture of even the modern near eastern world is mysterious to many Americans and Europeans. Surely the ancient near east is even more remote from our understanding? This book provides the cultural lens needed for us to see across the chronological and cultural chasm that separates our world from that of the New Testament.
Jeffers begins the first chapter of his book with an imaginary interaction between the reader, transported to the home of a member of the Jewish ruling class in first-century Jerusalem, and her host. He paints a vivid picture through his description of the clothes worn, the food served, the languages spoken, the subjects of conversation, and so on. How can the reader understand her host and orient herself to her new environment? Jeffers moves on in subsequent chapters to provide her with the necessary tools.