This was a very in-depth look at what was going on politically in the lead up to Jesus's crucifixion. The main focus is on Roman politics and how they led to Jesus ultimately being crucified. This was where the author's research really shone when it came to Roman history. Reading about the events happening in Rome really put everything into a greater historical context for me and gave me a better understanding of the world Jesus lived in and all the politics at play. I admit I wasn't convinced by all of the author's arguments, but it was nice to have an academic look at the topic and history. The writing style made the book approachable and easy to absorb. The author is great at writing for the layman.

I would call this a beginner's guide to theology and the Bible. I was expecting more out of it as someone who has read quite a bit of theologically based books.

This book didn't catch my interest as much as I thought it would. If you're new to theological writings about Biblical times this might be a good introduction. If you're used to more academic and exegesis type books this might not be as good of a fit. It is clear that the author is an expert on ancient Rome, in fact he spends most of the book talking about it, but some of his claims about Jesus and Joseph go against much of current religious academia research. Some of his claims seem more based on opinion that research or primary sources. When the author does reference Bible verses, it appears that he relied on English translations. There is no mention of him going back to Greek or Hebrew writings. Furthermore, at the citations at the end of the chapters, he lists the Bible verses he referenced but not which translation he used.

This interesting work of "creative non-fiction" fills in the blanks of the New Testament era of Jesus. The gaps in what we know and imagine narrow with Lacey's excellent research and scholarly speculation. I found it useful and helpful, imagining what life and government was like.

Lacey notes that it's fascinating to compare what historians and archeologists accept as reasonable: the actual existence of Alexander, Aristotle, and Livy, for example. Alexander's conquests were written down 250 years after his death; only 35 books of Livy's 142 volume history of Rome remain; and "scholars possess less than a third of what Aristotle wrote."

Lacey compares those "solid histories" accepted by philosophers and academics with their cycles of speculation that Jesus was a myth, when the same researched have thousands of documented stories about Jesus' life and teachings available. The accounts about Jesus were collected and written down when eyewitnesses could still verify their accuracy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Recommended for scholars, historians, pastors, and others who want to understand New Testament times.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! This book is an excellent depiction of religion, history, and how they combine in ways that truly change the course of the future. I grew up in a religious family and appreciated the perspective that Lacey brought to the topic.

Thank you to NetGallery for an ARC

This is most definitely NOT a book I would generally read. I don't tend to read that much nonfiction, and when I do it is absolutely not a historical review of anything. However, this book is just that...a historical analysis of ancient Rome and a number of factors that led to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

This book is weighty, and although it comes in at less than 300 pages, it covers a lot. And it covers it in depth. It takes into account political machinations across generations, familial ties to power and the lengths many went to secure and maintain power. It looks at the intersection of Roman and Jewish politics from both a military and religious perspective. I'm aware that as I'm writing that that it doesn't sound very interesting but it is.

I appreciate the author's attempts to debunk previous historical perspectives while using numerous sources and an understanding of the times to further prove his own points. Overall I found this book extremely interesting, enjoyed the writing, and was excited to pick it up whenever I had the time.

Review of uncorrected eBook file

Here readers will find an examination of the Roman Empire in 33 A.D. and how the Roman Empire and its leaders influenced the life and death of Jesus Christ. Here readers have the opportunity to explore widely-held beliefs with the Roman Empire during the time that Jesus lived, and to compare these facts with the misinformation regarding the Man and the Empire.

One of the major points made by the author is the murder of Sejanus. Emperor Tiberius’s closed confidant, near the end of 31 A.D. The exploration of this connection gives rise to the suggestion that if Sejanus had not been murdered, Jesus would not have been crucified.

Readers are sure to find this compelling work filled with thoughts for contemplation and consideration.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine / Bantam and NetGalley
#TheYearGodDied #NetGalley

Any historian undertaking work on the first three centuries of the Common Era bears a significant burden to take care that his historical claims, as distinguished from those claims made as a matter of faith, be well supported. That is unfortunately not the case here. For instance, he makes the case that the four Gospels were in fact written by their titled authors: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. He bases this claim on a statement by Papias of Hierapolis around the year 100 that he had known the Apostle John and the daughters of the Apostle Phillip. Conjecture follows conjecture as Lacey attempts to build a historical case that proves this. This is not, by far, the wildest conjecture. According to Lacey, Joseph was not a poor carpenter but a sort of general contractor with projects stretching down to Bethlehem . He says Jesus would have had significant masonry experience basing this in part on Jesus' statement about the stone the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. Not only is this a wild conjecture but Lacey completely misses the fact that Jesus is quoting from Psalm 118. He has little knowledge of Judaism of the time. He for instance claims the male apostles, following Jewish law, would not have accepted the "testimony" of the women who
the Gospels say saw an empty tomb. In point of fact, the only time women were not accepted as witnesses was in court. There was otherwise no impediment in believing them .

Lacey takes the reader far afield covering in detail Roman history around the Empire including Boudica's rebellion in Roman Britain as well as campaigns in Greece and what is now modern day Turkey. I cannot recommend this book to anyone that has even the most remote interest in this vital period.

A powerful history book that isn't afraid to tread new ground and develop groundbreaking arguments for the intersection of Jesus and the Roman Empire. Well-written and well-argued, this will be a definitive book for scholars for many years to come, although it's written in a way that allows anyone to read it.