The temptations of Jesus cast a spell on readers young and old. These temptations are macabre yet triumphant, short yet endless, ominous and dismal yet sacred and hopeful. Scholars have long been obsessed with the attempted seduction of the Saint and the successful sanitation of the Seducer. Where else but from Q could such an enchanting narrative derive? This book reviews scholarship and examines tradition history to argue that the pericope is more than a wisdom-derived scribal legitimation of the Teacher, a popular (and partially correct) theory about the story's origin and function in Q. It is a theological summit ascribing a unique sonship to Jesus. With diabolic dialogue in such sacred sites as Zion, Sinai, and the desert, protology and eschatology brew to form a muse on both the wilderness testing of Israel and the primeval testing of Adam. The brief expedition through the cosmos - from desert to empire to sanctuary - demonstrates a lordship of evil in the world, and thus a need for the reign of God and a context for Jesus' sonship, sermon, prayer, miracles, exorcisms, and even his death and resurrection. The tests present an approved champion (a Son of God), a conflict (a tryst with mortality and cosmic evil), and a conquest (resulting in an enthronement). These narratives, not supplied by Matthew and Luke, are found only in Q.
This long-standing series provides the guild of religion scholars a venue for publishing aimed primarily at colleagues. It includes scholarly monographs, revised dissertations, Festschriften, conference papers, and translations of ancient and medieval documents. Works cover the sub-disciplines of biblical studies, history of Christianity, history of religion, theology, and ethics. Festschriften for Karl Barth, Donald W. Dayton, James Luther Mays, Margaret R. Miles, and Walter Wink are among the seventy-five volumes that have been published. Contributors include: C. K. Barrett, Francois Bovon, Paul S. Chung, Marie-Helene Davies, Frederick Herzog, Ben F. Meyer, Pamela Ann Moeller, Rudolf Pesch, D. Z. Phillips, Rudolf Schnackenburgm Eduard Schweizer, John Vissers
Dig into over 200 honest questions everyone has about the Bible with easy-to-understand and well-researched answers to help you dig even deeper! Studying the Bible doesn't have to be a chore, and understanding God's Word doesn't mean slogging through dull commentaries stuffed with theological jargon. Bible-Smart: Matthew is an invitation to sit down together and talk about honest questions everyone has about the Bible. Every page is a relaxed, fascinating, and enjoyable conversation through the Gospel of Matthew. Covering more than 200 questions, Mike Nappa gives well-researched and thoughtful, yet easy-to-understand answers to what you've always been curious about. Get answers to questions like: Do we know where Jesus was buried? No one seems to know what happened to Mary's husband, Joseph - why? Why does Jesus call himself the "Son of Man"? And more! Get Fascinating Answers to Over 200 Questions You’ve Always Wondered About! There is joy in discovering the riches of God's Word, and curiosity is the first step. Each Q&A can be read in under two minutes, making this book perfect for small-group Bible studies, young-adult ministries, or personal reading and devotion. This is a new kind of commentary for today's generation. Includes questions like: What was it like to live with leprosy in Jesus' time? If Jesus clearly promises "you will receive what you ask for" in prayer, why do so many prayers go unanswered? What does it mean that the curtain in the Temple was torn in two when Jesus died? Do "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth" always refer to hell, or are there other interpretations? Why was Peter so afraid of a little servant girl that he would deny even knowing Jesus? And more! If your spirit is hungry, then Bible-Smart: Matthew is where you can get fed. In here you'll draw closer to Jesus as you develop a greater understanding of God's Word—and awaken to the difference that it makes in your day-to-day life. Key Features of Bible-Smart: Matthew Over 200 Relevant Questions: Why does Jesus call himself the ‘Son of Man’? Why does the book of Matthew start with a genealogy? Will getting angry once really send me to hell? Get answers to all these questions you might have wondered but were afraid to ask! Easy to Understand: Author Mike Nappa’s engaging and conversational writing style will feel like you’re asking a trusted, longtime friend everything you’ve ever wondered about the Bible. Cutting through academic language and getting straight to the point, Bible-Smart is clear, concise, and delivers complex concepts in simple ways so everyone can understand them! Solid, Reliable Information: Enjoy having well-researched information with scriptures to back up expert answers. Focusing on Jesus birth, life, ministry, and resurrection, Bible-Smart will satisfy the most curious souls and leave you even more captivated with God’s Word than ever before! Bible-Smart is perfect for: Individual and group study Youth groups Teens and adults Church libraries Confirmation and graduation gifts Discipleship Pastors and church leaders To hand to a friend And more!
Many important issues are connected with the trial and death of Jesus, not least the question of who was mainly instrumental in seeking his death; and the manifest tendency of the GOspels to put the blame on the Jews and play down the role of the Romans has had pernicious effects throughout history. A clear historical understanding is obviously of the utmost importance and that is what this new book aims to provide. Taking account of all the most recent literature, from both the historical and the legal side, it clearly sets out the main issues that arise, and the most likely answers to the questions they pose. How reliable are the sources? Why ws Jesus arrested? Was his trial primarily a Jewish affair or a Roman affair? Does greater knowledge of Jewish and Roman law illuminate the proceedings? Beginning with the arrest of Jewsus it goes through the events of his last days in Jerusalem as related by the Gospels, covering them in detail right through the legal processes to Jesus' scouring, crucifixion and burial. Those who have never studied the issues raised here, and those who have found previous studies daunting and confusing by their complexity, will find a level-headed and judicious guide
Q is the name scholars have given to the earliest known New Testament source document. Not found in a dusty cave, and certainly not dropped from a UFO, Q was discovered in the 1800s - in plain sight within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It was just a matter of identifying the original passages of Q through careful analysis. Academic historians and Bible scholars have been writing about Q for 150 years, but until now there has been no book for everyday readers of the Bible that explains in clear language what Q is and how it was identified; provides the full text of Q, as found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke; and Explores Q's contribution to earliest Christian doctrine. About the author: David G. Muller, Jr. is a Bible scholar and retired intelligence analyst, experienced in vetting and evaluating complex source materials. He is the editor of Comparing the Gospels: A Study Guide and author of Testing the Apocalypse: The History of the Book of Revelation. Muller has also written books on Islam, China, and U.S. Intelligence.
Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Skeptics dismiss the Jesus of the Gospels by claiming there is no evidence in the case for Christ. Lee Strobel disagrees. The former legal journalist and one-time atheist knows how to ask tough questions. His own search for truth about Jesus led him to faith in Christ. Now Strobel invites you and your group to investigate the truth about Jesus Christ leading to the facts that guided Strobel from atheism to faith in Christ. In this revised six-session study, participants will journey along with Strobel on a quest for the truth about Jesus. Rejecting easy answers, you will sift through fascinating historical evidence as you weigh compelling expert testimony. In the end, groups may very well see Jesus in a new way--and even, like Strobel, find their life transformed. Pastors, small group leaders, and individuals will find compelling answers for their questions about Jesus in The Case for Christ DVD. Sessions include: The Investigation of a Lifetime Eyewitness Evidence Evidence Outside the Bible Analyzing Jesus Evidence for the Resurrection Reaching Your Verdict This pack contains one study guide and one DVD.
