The Story of Jesus in History and Faith

by Lee Martin McDonald

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2013

Overview

The Story of Jesus in History and Faith is a comprehensive introduction to the study of the historical Jesus—one that takes both scholarship and Christian faith seriously. Leading New Testament scholar Lee Martin McDonald brings together two critically important dimensions of the story of Jesus: what we can know about him in his historical context, and what we can responsibly claim about his significance for faith today. McDonald examines the most important aspects of the story of Jesus, from his birth to his resurrection, and introduces key issues and approaches in the study of the historical Jesus. He also considers faith issues, taking account of theological perspectives that secular historiography cannot address. The book incorporates excerpts from primary sources and includes a map and tables.

The Logos Bible Software edition of The Story of Jesus in History and Faith enhances your study of faith and history. Scripture passages link directly to your preferred English translations and original-language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find what other authors, scholars, and theologians bring to this conversation.

Key Features

• Addresses issues central to the Christian faith
• Provides historical context on the figure of Christ
• Combines theological and historical perspectives

Contents

• Introduction
• Part 1: History and the Historical Jesus
  • History, Historical Inquiry, and the Historical Jesus
• Part 2: Sources for Studying the Historical Jesus
  • The Gospels: Their Relationships and Reliability
  • Other Sources for Studying the Historical Jesus
• Part 3: The Story of Jesus in History (Events and Teachings)
  • The Story of Jesus in History: From Birth to His Scriptures
  • The Story of Jesus in History: From the Transfiguration to His Burial
  • Easter: The Story of Jesus within History and Faith
  • Conclusion: Jesus in History and Faith
• Indexes

Top Highlights

“Does the designation refer instead to a divine man who comes as the representative of God at the end of the age to bring the salvation of God—an eschatological figure, as we can infer from Daniel 7:13–14?” (Page 236)

“The custom of bringing spices and ointments for anointing was similar to the modern custom of bringing flowers or wreaths to the graveside of loved ones.” (Page 261)

“Neither position has credible support. The question, however, has been so emotionally packed that clarity has not been easy.” (Page 242)

“one who received the outcasts of society. Who was he?” (Page 235)

“Herod Archelaus, did so poorly as a ruler that he was replaced by Roman prefects, who governed Judea from AD 6 on, with the brief exception of the years AD 41–44 when Agrippa I ruled until his untimely death (Acts 12:20–23; cf. Josephus, Ant. 19.343–50).” (Page 243)

Praise for the Print Edition

Lee McDonald has provided a wide-ranging compendium of useful information on the study of the historical Jesus, including an account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that engages the major critical issues. This material will be well suited to students at various levels of engagement. This is vintage McDonald.

—Stanley E. Porter president, dean, and professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Lee Martin McDonald writes with skill, insight, and spiritual energy. Lee’s insight that Jesus’ message proves ‘we are significant enough to be loved’ will be moving for many readers, as well as the notion that the biblical Jesus is also the Christ of faith. This book is highly recommended for classes and all who find Jesus’ story riveting and compelling.

—James H. Charlesworth, director and editor, Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project

McDonald surveys the broad range of issues and sources in historical Jesus research in a way that is irenic toward all sides. Rather than pursuing a partisan line, he writes as an independent observer and yet with sensitivity to the scholars with whom he disagrees

—Craig S. Keener, professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Story of Jesus in History and Faith
• Author: Lee Martin McDonald
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 416

About Lee Martin McDonald

Lee M. McDonald is president emeritus and professor emeritus of New Testament studies of Acadia Divinity School in Nova Scotia and adjunct professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves as scholar in residence for the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles and the American Baptist Congregations of the Southwest and Hawaii and is the author of several other books.