The World Jesus Knew: Beliefs & Customs from the Time of Jesus: Beliefs and customs from the time of Jesus

A reasonable book quite interesting, but nothing to substantiate a lot of her findings. I'd recommend it for the casual reader, but not for serious students of God's Word, it's rather basic. The author also takes liberties with Scripture at one point she refers to the Parable of the Lost Coin in Luke 15:8, and plainly states that Jesus was talking about his mother, there is nothing in Scripture or in any other source / commentary or systematic theology book I've consulted that even hints that the woman was His mother, this appears to be a work of fictitious supposition.

Have really enjoyed reading this book as it was exactly what I was looking for. Punton captures so many basic living elements that it has really helped bringing realism to my work.

I have recently purchased many books on the world of Bible times, and I think this is probably the best. Very readable, with many insights, covering a very wide range of topics given the size of the book. Would recommend this very highly - great value for money.

I have found this book The World Jesus Knew to be outstanding value - the book is packed full of facts which bring the world and people that Jesus knew to life. No longer are the Bible stories - stories but events that happened. By reading this book I have gained a clearer understanding of the back ground to the New Testament.

It a good book. Has given me idea of the world Jesus lived in

I was loaned this book to read as part of a course I am doing back in August. I went away for a few days and spent two full days reading this book from cover to cover and looking up every reference along the way. I was so inspired by it that I put it on my Christmas list so now I have it as a permanent reference.By the time I had finished it, I felt that I knew Jesus the "man". We sometimes struggle to read the Bible and to see it's relevance in today's society. That is simply because it was written for an audience who didn't need to have it all explained because they were living in the era and we in the west, don't have a clue!I have heard that even today the life of a Jew in Israel, is not very westernized and it is also similar to what it was when the Bible was written so even now they know exactly what's what without explanation.I would thoroughly recommend this book to all - even those who are sceptical about the whole "Christianity thing" and don't want your mind changed.Well done Anne, thank you.