Digital Logos Edition
Is it even possible to say anything new about Jesus of Nazareth? Disciples and detractors alike have been weighing in for two thousand years. Scholarship in the last fifty years has been greatly enhanced by the recognition of the Jewishness of both the historical Jesus and the life and teachings of the apostle Paul. But the Gospels themselves, the texts that preserve the words and deeds of Jesus, have not been subject to the same level of consideration in this regard. Until now. This book surveys the historical, theological, and practical issues that arise when the Gospels are read as Jewish literature. So yes, there is something new here about Jesus.
The Jewish context of Jesus and his movement is better understood today thanks to archaeology, the ongoing publication of ancient texts, and changes in the way scholars think about Jewish society in late antiquity. A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, whose contributors are well-known in the field, updates all of the relevant topics relating to Jesus and the Gospels in light of these exciting new developments. A companion to A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, the book is split into five sections:
Written by an international group of Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus as Messiah, A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels is for all who want to learn more about these four biblical accounts and how they portray the man from Nazareth within his own historic and cultural setting. Contributors include Daniel M. Gurtner, Darrell Bock, Craig A. Evans, Sheila Gyllenberg, Craig L. Blomberg, Eckhard J. Schnabel, Catherine Sider Hamilton, David Mishkin, Mark L. Strauss, Michael L. Brown, and more. Show Less
Craig Evans and David Mishkin have put together a top-notch team of scholars to explore and explain the Jewish roots of the Gospels. This is a book that puts you in contact with the land, people, and places that Jesus encountered. It is rich with historical insights that add depth and color to any reading of the Gospels. No stone is left unturned, and no topic is set aside. A terrific resource for students of the Gospels.
—Michael F. Bird, Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
In recent decades, wonderfully productive research has traced the ‘Jewish roots’ underneath the Gospels as reaching deeply into the rich, complex loam of ancient thought, cultures, and literatures. Yet, the full extent of those roots has yet to be measured, for the ground is deep and new insights on the text are continually being brought to light. Boasting an impressive lineup of specialists, this book extends the work in multiple directions, including attempts at reflecting on the significance of the ancient contexts for life in the modern world.
—George H. Guthrie, Professor of New Testament Regent College, Vancouver, BC
This book rightly highlights the early Jewish character of the Gospels, a key observation indispensable to their proper interpretation and application. It includes contributions from many top scholars regarding the Gospels, their Jewish context, and Jewish-Christian-Messianic dialogues.
—Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary