Portraits of Jesus: A Reading Guide

by Robert Imperato

Publisher:

Hamilton Books

, 2022

This is an introduction to the New Testament portrayals of Jesus of Nazareth. Analysis of editorial emphases by each author gives access to the ways Jesus is characterized.

This is an introductory guide to the ways Jesus is depicted in the New Testament. Both college students and the general reader will find here a variety of New Testament understandings of Jesus that are rooted in critical reading of the four Gospels and Pauline letters.

Underlining these particular portrayals is the historical Jesus, a prophet mighty in word and deed who challenged the people running the Temple state. This new addition gives attention to his historical context and adds to a realistic understanding of this most studied book and person.

This work presumes neither religious faith nor lack of faith; its aim is to inform and to give the readers portraits as synthetic balance to the vital work of analysis. Ideally, this book should be read with a copy of the New Testament at hand to answer questions and to test the assertions of reader and author.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Jesus as Prophet

Chapter 2: Mark’s Portrait of Jesus: God’s Agent against Evil and Corruption, Hidden and Suffering Son of God

Chapter 3: Matthew’s Portrait of Jesus: Fulfillment of Jewish Hope, Teacher of Superior Righteousness, Messiah, Son of God, Founder of the Church, Preacher of the Kingdom of God

Chapter 4: Luke: Jesus as martyr prophet, champion of the poor, model of prayer, innocent and merciful savior

Chapter 5: Jesus in John’s Gospel: Political activist, pre-existent Word of God, the I Am of Hebrew tradition, replacement of Jewish patriarchs, and the Father’s offer of life

Chapter 6: Paul: Christ Crucified, Last Adam, Life-giving Spirit, Freedom and the Law, Source of Unity, Redeemer, and Lord

Appendix: Historical Background to the New Testament

Bibliography

About the Author

Product Details

• Title: Portraits of Jesus: A Reading Guide
• Author: Robert Imperato
• Publisher: Hamilton Books
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780761873358, 9780761873341, 0761873341, 076187335X
• Resource ID: LLS:9780761873358
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-09T23:22:07Z

About Robert Imperato

Robert Imperato is professor of religion at Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, Florida. His other books are Portraits of Jesus: A Reading Guide (University Press of America, 2008), Early and Medieval Christian Spirituality (University Press of America, 2003), Christian Footings (University Press of America, 2000), and Merton and Walsh on the Person (Liturgical Publications, 1988). His first interests in religion were stimulated by yoga, which he practiced while studying for a Masters Degree in developmental psychology at Columbia University. His religious formation has roots in the seven years he spent as a non-professed monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani followed by formal study of theology at Fordham University, where he received an M.A. and Ph.D.