In the Steps of Jesus (2nd full-colour Edition)

by Peter Walker

Overview

Millions of people across the world have heard of Jesus Christ, but how many are truly familiar with the key locations he frequented?
Following the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry, and drawing especially on the Gospel of Luke, Peter Walker takes us from Bethlehem to Nazareth to the desert as we follow Jesus on his final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. In each chapter particular attention is given to what Jesus did in that location, and to the authenticity of archaeological and recorded evidence of later pilgrims and historians. Building on the success of the first edition, this updated and expanded edition takes into account the most recent archaeological discoveries. Richly illustrated, and using maps, timelines, and feature boxes to highlight important themes, this is a rich and absorbing guide that provides a unique insight into Jesus’ world – an ideal companion for travellers to the Holy land or for scholars and pastors around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912552306
Publisher:	Lion Hudson
Publication date:	03/18/2022
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Peter Walker studied Classics and Early Church History at Cambridge University and has done extensive research at a post-doctoral level on Christian attitudes to Jerusalem. Peter is now Professorof Biblical Studies at Trinity School for Ministry (near Pittsburgh, USA), having previously taught at Wycliffe Hall within the University of Oxford. He has led many study tours to the Holy Land. His books include: In the Steps of Jesus, In the Steps of Saint Paul, The Lion Guideto the Bible, and The Story of the Holy Land.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7
Luke: the man behind the message 9
Luke’s perspective on Jesus 10
Key dates around the time of Jesus 11
Josephus on John the Baptist and Jesus 14
Key dates in the Holy Land 17
Map of Palestine in Jesus’ day 18
1 Bethlehem 19
Humble beginnings 19
The star of Bethlehem and the date of Jesus’ birth 22
Key dates: Bethlehem 24
Bethlehem today 24
Jerome in Bethlehem 29
Map of Galilee 30
2 Nazareth 31
Childhood locations 31
Ancient Sepphoris 34
Locating Cana 36
Key dates: Nazareth 38
Nazareth today 38
The Nazareth Decree 41
3 The River Jordan 43
Baptism and renewal 43
Qumran, the Essenes and John the Baptist 45
Key dates: the River Jordan 47
The River Jordan today 47
Baptism in the Jordan 49
Evidence for the Byzantine site of Jesus’ baptism 50
4 The Judean Desert 53
Testing in the wilderness 53
Geological features of the desert 55
Key dates: the Judean Desert 59
The Judean Desert today 59
Map of monasteries in the Judean desert 61
The Desert Fathers 63
5 Galilee and its villages 67
Scenes of public ministry 67
Josephus’ description of Lake Galilee 68
The locations of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee 70
Map of Lake Galilee in the first century 71
Galilean imagery in Jesus’ teaching 74
Galilee today 75
Key dates: Galilee and its villages 76
Visiting Galilee today 77
6 Samaria 85
The enemy within 86
Samaria in the fourth century ad 86
Map of Samaria 87
The Samaritans according to Josephus 88
Samaria today 90
Key dates: Samaria 91
The Crusades 95
7 Caesarea Philippi 98
Time for a decision 99
The scene of the transfiguration: Tabor or Hermon? 102
Key dates: Caesarea Philippi 104
Caesarea Philippi today 105
8 Jericho 109
The lowest city in the world 109
The Dead Sea 110
The siege of Masada 112
Key dates: Jericho 114
Jericho today 114
The Bordeaux pilgrim’s visit to Jericho and Jerusalem 117
9 Bethany 119
A quiet haven 120
Key dates: Bethany 122
Bethany today 123
Egeria’s visit to Bethany 124
10 The Mount of Olives 127
Jesus’ favoured location 128
Map of the Mount of Olives 132
Key dates: The Mount of Olives 135
The Mount of Olives today 135
Eusebius and the Mount of Olives 139
A weekend in modern Jerusalem 142
11 The Temple 145
The heart of the nation 145
The Herodian Temple 146
The destruction of the Temple 152
Key dates: The Temple 153
The Temple today 154
The Temple: Muslim, Jewish and Christian perspectives 159
12 Jerusalem 161
The ‘holy city’? 162
Celebrating Passover in Jesus’ day 164
Map of Jerusalem in Jesus’ day 165
Pontius Pilate 170
Simon of Cyrene and John Mark 171
Key dates: Jerusalem 172
Jerusalem today 173
Jerusalem’s moving walls 175
Jerusalem in the book of Acts 177
Visitors to Jerusalem in the nineteenth century 180
Overview of Jesus’ last hours before the crucifixion 181
13 Golgotha and the tomb 183
From death to life 183
Crucifixion in the ancient world 184
First-century burial practices 187
Key dates: Golgotha and the tomb 188
Golgotha today 189
Eusebius’ description of Christ’s tomb and Constantine’s buildings 193
Christian celebration in Byzantine Jerusalem 202
14 Emmaus 205
Travelling along the way 205
Key dates: Emmaus 208
Emmaus today 209
The four locations suggested for Luke’s Emmaus 209
Emmaus: the continuing journey 211
Further reading 214
Index 216
Scripture references 216
General references 220
Picture acknowledgements

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“I have led over thirty tours to the Holy Land, and this is my go-to manual for all my travellers. It is full of useful and engaging content, and remains at the top of my recommended reading list.” Revd David Roseberry, Executive Director at LeaderWorks, TX, USA

“There are few better guides to the landscape and theological significance of the Holy Land than Peter Walker. This book distils a lifetime of study and travelling, of sensitivity to the different Christian churches with a presence in the Holy Land, and of long, prayerful reflection on the events that took place there. Whether travelling to the Holy Land or simply trying to imagine it at home, this book will be an invaluable guide to this very special place.” Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington and President of St Mellitus College

“This outstanding book takes you on a journey from Bethlehem to Emmaus. Full of photos, maps, timelines, and up-to-date information, you will not only grow in your knowledge of Jesus, but be challenged in your own discipleship journey.” Dr Sarah Harris, Lecturer in NT Studies, Carey Baptist College and Graduate School, NZ

“Peter Walker draws deep on scholarship to paint a clear picture of key places in Jesus’ life and ministry.” Professor Steve Walton, Trinity College Bristol

“A superb introduction to the biblical sites associated with Jesus’ ministry, impressively blending exegesis, history, and archaeology through the eyes of a devout pilgrim to the Holy Land.” Professor Mark Dubis, Union University, TN, USA Book

Editorial Reviews

An engaging and full-colour guide to the historical aspects of Jesus' world.

From the Publisher