Following his study of Ancient Judaism, the author turns his attention to the emergence of Christianity. The main aim of this work is to understand Jesus as he saw himself, and to compare that self-understanding with the ways in which others have grasped the nature of his mission. To achieve this aim, the key problems, questions and issues in dispute among scholars are re-examined, and resolved by means of a sociological method - that is, by carefully situating Jesus' biography in its social and historical context. The book includes a full analysis of the social structure of Palestine under Roman occupation, discussing the variety of sects and movements prevalent at that time, and the relation between the ruling Jewish circles and the Roman authorities. Materials relevant to our understanding of Jesus' life are analysed, portraying his development from youth to his conflict with the Roman authorities. This work should interest students of comparative religion, sociology, archaeology and ancient history, as well as the general reader interested in the social and historical context of early Christianity.