In the continuing study of the life and historical context of Jesus, many contemporary scholars have begun to focus attention on the region known as the Galilee. Since the Galilee was the location of much of Jesus' life and ministry, accurate information about this region is essential for an informed understanding of Jesus. The use of recent archaeological evidence along with the application of various sociological and economic models has pro duced differing reconstructions of the Galilee and, as a result, a variety of viewpoints regarding the teaching and intentions of Jesus. This essay, which is confined to the past two decades of research, presents an overview of the work of some of the leading scholars in this contemporary effort.
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