Written by a team of internationally respected evangelical scholars, this book uses a carefully defined approach to historical Jesus studies and historical method to examine twelve key episodes in the life of Jesus. Focusing on six events from Jesus' ministry at large and six from his climactic activity in Jerusalem, the authors together probe into Jesus' life and work, from his baptism by John in the Jordan to the claim of his resurrection through the empty tomb and appearance accounts.
Each essay examines the case for a particular event's authenticity, explores the social and cultural background to provide a better understanding of its historical significance, and looks at how it can help shape our overall understanding of who Jesus was and what he did.
Though each chapter is the work of a single author, all of these essays, emerging from a decade-long collaborative research project, have been shaped and strengthened by stimulating discussion and debate among this remarkable group of historical Jesus scholars.
Preface VII
Subject Outline IX
1 Introduction to Key Events and Actions in the Life of the Historical Jesus Darrell L. Bock Robert L. Webb 1
2 The Historical Enterprise and Historical Jesus Research Robert L. Webb 9
3 Jesus' Baptism by John: Its Historicity and Significance Robert L. Webb 95
4 Exorcisms and the Kingdom: Inaugurating the Kingdom of God and Defeating the Kingdom of Satan Craig A. Evans 151
5 Jesus and the Twelve Scot McKnight 181
6 The Authenticity and Significance of Jesus' Table Fellowship with Sinners Craig L. Blomberg 215
7 Jesus and the Synoptic Sabbath Controversies Donald A. Hagner 251
8 Peter's Declaration concerning Jesus' Identity in Caesarea Philippi Michael J. Wilkins 293
9 Jesus'Royal Entry into Jerusalem Brent Kinman 383
10 The Temple Incident Klyne R. Snodgrass 429
11 The Last Supper I. Howard Marshall 481
12 Blasphemy and the Jewish Examination of Jesus Darrell L. Bock 589
13 The Roman Examination and Crucifixion of Jesus: Their Historicity and Implications Robert L. Webb 669
14 Jesus' Empty Tomb and His Appearance in Jerusalem Grant R. Osborne 775
15 Key Events in the Life of the Historical Jesus: A Summary Darrell L. Bock 825
List of Contributors 855
Ancient Text Index 857
Modern Author Index 913
Overview
Written by a team of internationally respected evangelical scholars, this book uses a carefully defined approach to historical Jesus studies and historical method to examine twelve key episodes in the life of Jesus. Focusing on six events from Jesus' ministry at large and six from his climactic activity in Jerusalem, the authors together probe into Jesus' life and work, from his baptism by John in the Jordan to the claim of his resurrection through the empty tomb and appearance ...