Jesus Research: An International Perspective

by James H. Charlesworth (Editor), Petr Pokorný (Editor)

Overview

Written by a select group of internationally renowned scholars, this volume authoritatively assesses the present state of historical-Jesus research. The book examines different aspects of Jesus’ life and thought in his historical and geographical setting and within his religious and cultural context, also suggesting what we may learn from Jesus’ teachings. / Arising from the first Princeton-Prague Symposium on Jesus Research, held in the spring of 2005 in Prague, this comprehensive collection from the luminaries in this area of research provides a much-needed focus on the issues involved with seeking to re-create Jesus in his world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802863539
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/15/2009
Series:	Princeton-Prague Symposia Series on the Historical Jesus
Pages:	329
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

James H. Charlesworth is George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature and Director and Editor of the Dead Sea Scrolls Project at Princeton Theological Seminary.


Petr Pokorný (1933–2020) was a leading Czech theologian and biblical scholar who for many years led the department of New Testament studies at Charles University in Prague.

Table of Contents

Appreciations ix

Abbreviations xi

Contributors xix

Preface Petr Pokorný xxi

Introduction: Why Evaluate Twenty-Five Years of Jesus Research? James H. Charlesworth 1

A Dead End or a New Beginning? Examining the Criteria for Authenticity in Light of Albert Schweitzer Stanley E. Porter 16

Jesus of Galilee: The Role of Location in Understanding Jesus Jens Schröter 36

From Old to New: Paradigm Shifts concerning Judaism, the Gospel of John, Jesus, and the Advent of "Christianity" James H. Charlesworth 56

Turning Water to Wine: Re-reading the Miracle at the Wedding in Cana Carsten Claussen 73

Jesus as an Itinerant Teacher: Reflections from Social History on Jesus' Roles Gerd Theissen 98

Jesus as a Teller of Parables: On Jesus' Self-Interpretation in His Parables Michael Wolter 123

"What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?" Implicit Christology in Jesus' Sayings about Life and the Kingdom Klaus Haacker 140

How Did Jesus Understand His Death? The Parables in Eschatological Prospect Rudolf Hoppe 154

Demoniac and Drunkard: John the Baptist and Jesus According to Q 7:33-34 Petr Pokorný 170

"Have You Not Read...?" Jesus' Subversive Interpretation of Scripture Craig Evans 182

A Contagious Purity: Jesus' Inverse Strategy for Eschatological Cleanliness Tom Holmén 199

Founding Christianity: Comparing Jesus and Japanese "New Religions" Ulrich Luz 230

Selected Bibliography Brian Rhea 255

Index of Modern Authors 287

Index of Ancient Texts 295

Editorial Reviews

Interpretation
“This collection of essays (from the first Princeton-Prague Symposium on Jesus Research in 2005) assesses the present state of historical-Jesus research. . . . The contributors concur that a sketch of Jesus is beginning to appear that is both increasingly reliable, historically, and helpful, theologically.”

Review of Biblical Literature
“The participants of the Prague symposium concur that Jesus' life and message should be studied within Second Temple Judaism. At the same time, they are aware that the convictions and theology of the postresurrection period have influenced the Gospels in their rendering of the traditions from and about Jesus. . . . The aim of Jesus research is to clarify which interpretation of Jesus can be reconciled with the primary source material and which cannot. On this basis, a sketch of Jesus is beginning to appear. Further studies along this avenue are welcome.”

Trinity Journal
“Regardless of whether one agrees with all or even most of the conclusions reached in this volume, when coupled with future volumes by the Princeton-Prague symposia, this volume will be a helpful tool for both scholars and students engaged in Jesus research.

From the Publisher