• The Shadow of the Galilean by Gerd Theissen is a fictional account about a Jewish merchant, Andreas, seeking information about a group of people known as of Essenes, John the Baptist. , and Jesus of Nazareth. While traveling through Jerusalem, Andreas was imprisoned by the Romans believing he was part of a protest against Polite when his mission was to find Jesus. Andreas writes: “I never met Jesus during my travels in Galilee. I just found traces of him everywhere: anecdotes and stories, traditions and rumors. But everything I heard from him agreed. Even the completely exaggerated stories about him had a characteristic stamp” (124). Beginning (interrogation) • Andreas, son of John, was in Jerusalem when an epidemic occurred. Andreas had come from Sepphoris in Galilee for Pentecost to visit an old friend, Barabbas, when he noticed Roman soldiers dressed as normal citizens; They then took out their batons and started beating people during the demonstration. The demonstration was for Pilate, and Andreas happened to be in the middle of all the action. “The demonstration took place because Pilate wanted to take money from the temple treasury to build a new aqueduct for Jerusalem” (4). The Romans captured protest participants whom they suspected of having links to the terrorists Bannus and Barabbas. While questioned about the protest, Andreas is given the choice between further prosecution and imprisonment or gathering information for the Romans about the growing movements that could take over the country. Black Mail and Decision • Andreas had been locked in a cell for what seemed like years, but he counted the days and in the third week he was dragged out to face Pontius Pilate, ...... middle of paper ......discussing the controversial issues concerning Jesus. Andreas seemed to have been on the verge of following Jesus and believing that he was a guy who told lies in the cities. It is only when Jesus is about to be executed that he becomes a follower of Christ. Once back, Andreas learns that Barabbas and two fanatics have been arrested. Barabbas is Andreas' friend, so he decides to suggest ways of rebellion to the Romans. Pilate decides to meet Andreas about his proposals. Pilate manipulates Andreas' proposal by giving the people of Jerusalem the choice of which criminal to prevent from being executed: Barabbas or Jesus. In the end, the people chose Barabbas, meaning that Jesus, along with two other criminals, were sent to be crucified. The story ends with Andreas recognizing the power of Jesus after so many people in his life have been transformed by Jesus..