Anyone’s who is convinced they understand the life and times of Jesus need to read this book. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the gospels after a lifetime of reading and 7 years of post-secondary education. Even so, I found something on almost every page—certainly in every chapter—that challenged me to rethink various texts.

Bailey’s insight comes with his familiarity with Middle Eastern culture. After spending the majority of his life there, he deeply understands various customs and traditions. Also, his knowledge of little-known Arabic commentators on the gospels adds a layer of insight we tend to miss in the West.

I only had one problem with Bailey’s work. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was anachronistic in the way he used his experience in Middle Eastern culture to interpret the life of Jesus. That said, I would still highly recommend this book to any serious disciple of Jesus.

Thanks to Brian Lachine for recommending this read.

Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic, 2008.