Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ

by Robert H. Stein

Book Overview

The time is ripe for a new account of the life of Jesus. It has been over twenty-five years since an evangelical New Testament scholar has written a textbook survey of this type. Today the landscape of Jesus and Gospel studies has been radically transformed by new questions and critical challenges. No less remarkable is the contemporary renaissance of our knowledge of the world of Jesus. In Jesus the Messiah Robert Stein draws together the results...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830818847
• ISBN13: 9780830818846
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Not Your Typical Survey; Scholarship Every Student Can Appreciate

Robert Stein's book Jesus the Messiah (A Survey of the Life of Christ) is an excellent overview of the key events in the life of Jesus Christ. I have a number of surveys in my library, but this one is among the best I've ever used. Second to the content of the book, the arrangement of the information or its format is very important. I don't know whether to applaud Stein, his publisher, or both, but the arrangement of the content in this volume is outstanding, which makes it easy to make reference to and navigate through the book. The book is technical in places, yet very readable at the same time. In his Introduction, Stein states that his work will not come from a "higher criticism" viewpoint, but rather from an honest study of the life of Christ, allowing the supernatural and miraculous character of the Gospels to speak for themselves. To enter a study of this kind with presuppositions that no miracle could have occurred is to deny the reality in the text and make it a less than honest study. Stein opens Part One by covering Key Issues in Studying the Life of Christ. This part contains a significant amount of technical scholarship that may bore some readers. Stein graciously admits the technical preliminary information (The Role of Presuppositions in Studying the Life of Jesus, Sources for Studying the Life of Jesus, and The Problem of Chronology) may not interest all readers and invites those not interested to jump over this part and start with Part Two. Doing so will not diminish the value of the study. One characteristic of Stein's presentation I found very helpful, and unlike other books of this kind, was the addition at the end of each chapter of an outstanding summary of what had been covered in the chapter and a detailed list of references Stein had consulted during his research. By doing this, each chapter becomes an individual study in itself, and if desired, the additional information provided may be used to carry on further study of related subjects. From a wider perspective, Stein carefully builds one chapter together with the next in the chronological history of the life of Christ, beautifully capturing the entire story presented in the gospels. He also makes no excuses for his use of secular historical literature of the period, as well as extra-biblical, Gnostic, and apocryphal sources. In each case, these sources are clearly identified as such. Stein's book is not one to rush through. I found it a luxury to savor each section of each chapter, then taking a day or so to digest what I had discovered. His excellent scholarship and straightforward writing style made this a very rewarding study. At times, Stein would, after a detailed discussion of alternate viewpoints, clearly present what he thought was the logical choice. Then, in other cases, he simply presented the arguments and left it to the reader to draw out the salient points most consistent with the character of Jesus Christ and the gospel record. At times, I felt like a

JESUS THE MESSIAH RAVE REVIEW

THIS BOOK IS IN A SERIES OF BOOKS THAT WE NEED TO OBTAIN OUR PASTORING CREDENTIALS. WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO READ THIS BOOK. IT REALLY OPENED OUR EYES TO THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. IT ADDED SO MUCH INSIGHT WHEN IT WAS USED SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE BIBLE. I RECOMEND IT HIGHLY.

Excellent!!

A very well thought out and well researched study of the synoptic gospels. I'd highly recommend this book for believers and non-believers who have questions.

level headed reading

this is a fantastic "intro" to the study of Jesus according to the new testament. The author has done his homework and presents well researched material in an understandeable way. this work covers the whole spectrum of Jesus as found in the new testament gospel accounts, and then some. Just a great book to become familiar with Jesus studies and related issues. Some other extremely good ones are: Jesus in His World by Peter Walker; Jesus and The Gospels by Craig Blomberg; and The Original Jesus by N.T. Wright.

A great overview of the Life of Christ

I teach a college-level "Life of Christ" survey class and use this book as my text. It is clear, orderly, evangelical, and well documented, perfect for a learning environment such as a college classroom. The issues dealt with by Stein involve more than just his personal opinion (although he will tell you what he feels is the most likely interpretation). He does make a big point to explain different interpretations of various points of disagreement (such as the ethical teachings of Jesus). I find this to be much more honest and refreshing than merely ignoring opposing points of view. Stein supports everything with references from the Bible as well as numerous other books on the subject, many of which are unfortunately out of print. If you want a nondevotional survey on the Life of Christ, I know of no better book.