In this Bible study Gary Smith covers the political and religious background of the time of the gospels. He gives overviews of the main religious groups of the time of Christ (Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes) and the political groups (the Herodians and zealots). He also gives information about many advantages the Roman Empire provided that aided in the spread of he gospel such as: religious tolerance, good roads, and peace and safety enforced by the Roman military.