The Final Days of Jesus - Large Print by Shimon Gibson (Paperback)

About the Book

"No one knows more about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem than Shimon Gibson.... This book is destined to become the standard in the field." -- Prof. James D. Tabor, author of The Jesus Dynasty

A world renowned archaeologist reveals the historic footprint of Jesus in Jerusalem and what really happened during the final days. Fans of Elaine Pagels and of John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg's The Last Week will find a wealth of new information in The Final Days of Jesus, the first book of its kind to present a detailed archaeological footprint of Jesus.

Book Synopsis

"No one knows more about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem than Shimon Gibson.... This book is destined to become the standard in the field." -- Prof. James D. Tabor, author of The Jesus Dynasty

A world renowned archaeologist reveals the historic footprint of Jesus in Jerusalem and what really happened during the final days. Fans of Elaine Pagels and of John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg's The Last Week will find a wealth of new information in The Final Days of Jesus, the first book of its kind to present a detailed archaeological footprint of Jesus.

From the Back Cover

Ever since the gospels were written there have been questions about the momentous events that occurred during the final days of Jesus. Renowned archaeologist Shimon Gibson breaks new ground examining the critical last days of the life of Jesus using his extraordinary access to firsthand archaeological findings as principal evidence. Gibson explains: "The purpose of this book is to unravel once and for all the mystery surrounding the final days of Jesus in Jerusalem: why he went there; how he came to be arrested, tried, and crucified; and where his place of burial was located. There is no doubt that some of my conclusions regarding Jesus and Jerusalem may be controversial."

Describing the events of the final days of Jesus chronologically, beginning with his entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey and ending with his burial in a tomb after having been crucified, Gibson unveils a vivid picture of first-century Jerusalem; its monuments, streets, and houses; and, of course, the Jewish Temple that was the jewel in the crown of the city. The Jesus that emerges in these pages is a teacher and healer who captures the fascination of the crowds. As a man from an accomplished and well-off rural background, trained in matters of ritual purification by John the Baptist, and as a believer in alternative healing methods, Jesus's speeches and teachings--made in the tinder-box atmosphere of Passover festivities in Jerusalem--scared the Jewish and Roman authorities to such a degree that they decided to have him put to death. Gibson reveals how archaeology has a major role to play not only in how the gospels should be read and understood, but also in understanding Jesus in his world.

Review Quotes

"A well-written guide to the archaeology behind Jesus' death and burial, written by one of Jerusalem's finest archaeologists." -- Jonathan L. Reed, author of the HarperCollins Visual Guide to the New Testament

"Shimon Gibson, an archaeologist with many years of experience working in Israel, presents an up-to-date and credible description of discoveries relating to Jesus' last days. Gibson synthesizes evidence from archaeology and the New Testament to craft a clear and enjoyable account." -- Jodi Magness, Professor of Early Judaism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"For over 25 years, Gibson, a distinguished archaeologist, has excavated in and near Jerusalem's walls. The book, directed to a wide audience, is rigorously scientific, and frequently brilliant. It is a must read for all Jews and Christians who are curious about Jesus and his final fateful week in Jerusalem." -- James H. Charlesworth, George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Princeton University

"An expert archaeologist's valuable insights on the final days of Jesus." -- Geza Vermes, FBA, University of Oxford, author of JESUS THE JEW and THE PASSION

"Gibson's book punctures fourth century mythology with first century evidence drawn from intimate knowledge of the great city of Jerusalem. Gibson's background in landscape archaeology and his analyses of the physical evidence...combine to provide a provocative series of observations and insights." -- Herb Krosney, author of The Lost Gospel: The Quest for the Gospel of Judas Iscariot