Jesus According to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels

Description

Jesus According to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels is a comprehensive study that examines the portrayal of Jesus in the four Gospels, treating them as historical documents to construct a coherent and unified portrait of his life and ministry. The book is structured into two major parts: the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and the Gospel of John, analyzing 294 accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings while addressing critical arguments against these accounts.

Key Features:
Historical and Canonical Analysis: The authors explore the literary relationships between Gospel passages, emphasizing how they collectively present Jesus’ authority and role in salvation through his actions and teachings.

Engagement with Critical Scholarship: The book interacts with modern debates about the historical Jesus, including “Form Critics” and other perspectives on the quest for understanding his personhood.

Distinctive Voices of the Gospels: It highlights the unique contributions of each Gospel, particularly focusing on theological themes such as Jesus’ miracles, controversies, and claims to divinity.

Strengths:
Comprehensive Scope: The book synthesizes theological and historical elements from all four Gospels, providing a robust biblical theology of Jesus.

Scholarly Depth: Bock’s expertise in Luke adds particular depth to this Gospel’s analysis, though some reviewers note slight imbalances in treatment compared to other Gospels.

Accessibility for Scholars: While highly academic, it is most suitable for pastors, seminary students, and scholars seeking an orthodox understanding of Jesus rooted in Scripture.

Overall, Jesus According to Scripture offers a well-researched defense of the biblical portrait of Jesus while engaging with contemporary scholarly debates. It is a valuable resource for those interested in theological studies or historical perspectives on Jesus as presented in Scripture.