A proper understanding of Scripture must include a knowledge of the historical, cultural, and religious context in which the Bible was written. Since two millenia has passed since the life and teaching of Jesus, obtaining this knowledge is not an easy task. For instance, the controversy over Jesus' healing on the Sabbath must be understood against the backdrop of the Mishnah's detailed list of forbidden Sabbath activities. In this study, Darrell L. Bock and Gregory J. Herrick identify and compile into one handy volume the key extrabiblical texts that provide the necessary cultural background for understanding passages in the Gospel narratives and add brief comments at the beginning of each selection, noting its relevance to the biblical text.
