Gerd Theissen's contemporary work, The Shadow of the Galilean: The Search for the Historical Jesus in Narrative Form, is recognized for its compelling narrative which explores the social aspects, religious and historical contexts of the New Testament era. Throughout the work, Theissen weaves together biblical references and historical quotations to give the reader a sense of the tensions and turmoil of Jesus' time. Before the beginning of each chapter, Theissen writes a letter in response to his fictional colleague, the Dr. Kratzinger. He uses this means to justify his methodology, while entertaining the doubts and objections raised by his colleague. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The narrative opens with an introduction to the author and his imaginary colleague. In his preface, which is a letter to Kratzinger, Theissen confirms that he is writing a story about Jesus through the perspective of the fictional character, Andreas. He counters Kratzinger's objection by stating that he uses historical sources to write about Jesus and that readers can distinguish between fact and fiction from quotes in the text. Ultimately, he states that his aim is to paint a picture of Jesus and the time of the New Testament that parallels academic research and is understandable to readers. In other words, he wants his work to be historically accurate and at the same time appealing to the modern reader. The following article will summarize and analyze Theissen's Shadow of Galilee, as well as critique the narrative's strengths and weaknesses. The fictional protagonist who also serves as the main character, Andrew of Galilee, is first seen in a prison cell. Andreas had been involved in the chaotic demonstration of Jews against Pilate's tax laws when he was arrested. Andreas then undergoes the interrogation and accusation of the Roman officer. It is there that the reader learns Andreas' background. Andreas comes from the city of Sepphoris in Galilee where he works as a fruit and grain seller. He belongs to the upper class, as his father is a decurion in Sepphoris. After the officer's interrogation, Pilate blackmails Andreas to find information and provide material on “certain religious movements in the country” in exchange for Andreas' release and freedom from prison. After long struggling with the idea of ​​helping an oppressive man, Andrew accepts Pilate's offer. Pilate's officer Methylius then entrusts Andreas with the task of obtaining information about the Essenes: who they are, what they do, why they live apart from society, and whether they have any connections with John the Baptist, who also dwells in the desert. Andreas is also asked to get information about John the Baptist, his work, whether there is any connection with the Nabataeans and his followers. Andreas is tasked with traveling to gather the necessary information and sending the results via military mail or via verbal report to Metilio. Andreas learns about the Essenes from a castaway, an exiled Essene named Baruch. Andreas finds that it is a very disciplined community who choose to live in the desert because they believe they can better serve God and obey His commandments there. They do not follow the Jewish Temple celebrations or the Jewish calendar. The Essenes "expect a miraculous transformation of the world." In the meantime the news arrives that John the Baptist has died; he was beheaded by Herod Antipas. Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist because John told him that it was illegal for Antipas to marry his brother's wife. Andreas visits his friends Chuza and Joanna, where he discovers that Herodias and her daughter were behind John's execution. Together they discuss the implications of marriage.