The ancient world believed that the universe was made up of elements both material and spiritual. These elemental forces affected human life positively or negatively and any human being who could share their energy was a person of great significance - a human agent of cosmic power. This is a significant part of the background of the life and career of Jesus of Nazareth. The present work is a reappraisal of Synoptic accounts of Jesus and his followers in the light of recent developments in the study of ancient magic.

Mary Mills is Visiting Professor in Biblical Studies at Newman University, Birmingham, UK. She studied modern history before turning to Biblical Studies, completing a doctoral thesis at Heythrop College, University of London.

Preface
List of Abbreviations
1. INTRODUCTION
2. MAGIC AND MYTH
3. THE MOSES TRADITIONS
4. THE SOLOMON TRADITIONS
5. ENOCH AND THE WATCHERS
6. THE BOOK OF TOBIT
7. JESUS ACCORDING TO MARK
8. THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO LUKE
9. SUMMARY
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index of Biblical References
Index of Authors