Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history's most influential and enigmatic characters by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived: first-century Palestine, an age awash in apocalyptic fervor. Scores of Jewish prophets, preachers, and would-be messiahs wandered through the Holy Land, bearing messages from God. This was the age of zealotry -- a fervent nationalism that made resistance to the Roman occupation a sacred duty incumbent on all Jews. And few figures better exemplified this principle than the charismatic Galilean who defied both the imperial authorities and their allies in the Jewish religious hierarchy.

A different sort of sacrifice -- A hole in the corner -- King of the Jews -- You know where I am from -- The fourth philosophy -- Where is your fleet to sweep the Roman seas? -- Year one -- Zeal for your house -- The voice crying out in the wilderness -- Follow me -- By the finger of God -- May your kingdom come -- Who do you say I am? -- No king but Caesar -- God made flesh -- If Christ has not been risen -- Am I not an apostle? -- The just one -- True God from true God.