In recent times, renewed quests for the historical Jesus, critical studies of rabbinic literature, and intensified archaeological explorations have led to a revived interest in Galilee. Questions about Jesus' teachings and activities require information regarding the social context of his ministry. Similarly, the rulings of the rabbis are no longer deemed satisfying when taken as abstract teachings apart form their context. And archaeologists have found new material evidence of urban and rural life in Galilee, Greek as well as Hebrew and aramaic language, and pagan as well as Jewish symbols in the decor of synagogues. All of this together has made possible a greater awareness of social structures in galilee and more in-depth analyses of the area. The outcome of his meticulous research, analysis, and reconstruction provides a more complete and precise sense of the historical Jesus And the Christian Gospel traditions.
