Alfred Edersheim's The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah is a well of knowledge, information, and insight into the world of Jesus Christ. Divided into five books, Edersheim gives detailed descriptions and insight into Jewish law and customs, as well as the political, religious, and historical background necessary to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ. James E. Talmage frequently quoted from the works of Edersheim, especially in writing his monumental work, Jesus the Christ.
Edersheim believed that some knowledge of ancient Jewish society was necessary for the general reader of the New Testament to fully understand Jesus' life and works. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah is an informal commentary on the Four Gospels, which highlights the intellectual and religious perspectives of the people who lived during the time of Jesus. By consulting both Rabbinic Law and Talmudic writings, Edersheim paints a vivid picture of the various locations where Jesus would have walked, prayed, and preached. Not only does Edersheim provide useful geographical and political clarifications, he also offers insight into the emotional and psychological experiences of individual Biblical characters as well. From Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, to His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven—Edersheim reports the stages of Jesus' life in exceptional detail, bringing animation and color into a set of stories that may seem distant to readers today.