The Trials of Jesus, Paul Barnett. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (ISBN: 9780802884336) 2024.

Summary: The historical and geopolitical context, the principle figures involved, and the succession of trials Jesus undergoes.

Between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, authorities arrested Jesus, a series of interrogations and trials occurred, along with beatings, mockery, and flogging. But why was it such a convoluted process? For instance, the religious authorities were able to stone Stephen without any resort to Rome. But in the case of Jesus, he is interrogated by Annas and Caiaphas, tried by the Sanhedrin. Then he faces Pilate, who calls in Herod, who defers, and goes through a final trial and condemnation by Pilate. What’s going on?

Paul Barnett offers a thorough-going answer. First, he explains the history of the intertestamental period and the succession of powers over Judea and Jerusalem. We learn how Rome came to control what were once the lands of Israel as well as the Herod family, who were client rulers under Rome over all or part of the land. In turn, Barnett introduces the principle figures in the trial-the high priests, Herod Antipas, Pilate, and Jesus.

Barnett summarizes the message of Jesus and its reception with the people. Then we learn of the basis for the religious charges of blasphemy. Barnett sketches the accomplishments of Antipas, including the cities of Tiberias and Caesarea Philippi. It is significant that Jesus, especially after John’s beheading, avoids these cities in his Galilean ministry. Not only was it dangerous, but these cities reflected the Hellenized character of Antipas rule. We also learn that Pilate was a weakened ruler by the time the trial occurred, having lost his sponsor Sejanus to death and subsequent condemnation. He further provoked hostile Jewish reaction through several incidents of poor judgment, and created a rift with Antipas, ironically healed by the trial. Pilate was on thin ice with Tiberius.

Barnett proceeds to the trials, explaining the necessity of each and incorporating the material of both the synoptics and John. Barnett shows how, although reaching a verdict of blasphemy, because of the experience with John, and the appeal of Jesus, the Sanhedrin decide to turn him over to Roman authority on the charge of insurrection, that he was claiming to be a rival king. Yet Pilate sees through this, recognizing that the small band of Jesus’ followers are no guerilla force. Under pressure, recognizing that Jesus ministered in Herod’s territory, Pilate invites him in. But after the unhappy experience with John, Herod wants no part, although he is glad to finally see Jesus in person. Politically weak, and not wanting to offend the Jews further and create more unrest, Pilate condemns Jesus to death.

The final part of the book considers that after history. He highlights the vendetta the Annas held against the church, including the empowering of Saul, the executions of Stephen and James Zebedee, and James, the brother of the Lord. Yet all those who judged Jesus also pass from the scene, a passage Barnett traces. Perhaps most fascinating, Barnett elucidates the antinomy of the horrible injustice of the crucifixion, and what in God’s purposes, it accomplished through the Lamb of God. Finally, Barnett considers the early evidence for the birth of the church after the resurrection of Jesus.

Barnett does a masterful job in unpacking the convoluted succession of trials, using them as a lens through which he introduces the larger historical and geopolitical context. Through it all he reveals the innocence of Jesus. Furthermore, he draws out the wondrous good accomplished despite corrupt structures and a horrific sentence. This is a wonderful example of biblical scholarship in service to the church.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.