During the last few decades, the subject of the historical Jesus has once again moved into the center of scholarly studies among New Testament historians, exegetes, and theologians. In stark contrast to the movements of the nineteenth and mid-twentieth century, which exhibited very different concerns, the chief focus of the third quest for the historical Jesus is the Jewish background, setting, and context for Jesus' life and teachings. In addition to Jesus' teachings, the social sciences have supplied much of the backdrop regarding Jesus' surroundings.