The First Christian: Universal Truth in the Teachings of Jesus

by Paul F.M. Zahl

In this book Paul Zahl seeks a broader understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus. What was it within his message that burst his first-century Jewish context? What was creative, fresh, and universal about his message? What did Jesus maintain, within his own setting and period, that is still true and applicable today?

In pursuing these questions, Zahl swims against the current of modern scholarship, arguing that Jesus was more "Christian" than "Jewish." Jesus' teaching concerning the kingdom of God is replete with Christian perspectives on human nature and salvation, and his insights into original sin and grace are closer to core Christianity than much recent literature acknowledges. Drawing from both Jewish and Christian thinkers, Zahl shows Jesus to be a saving figure, a christological figure, even a radically Protestant figure. Zahl also brings his fresh perspective into present-day focus by showing how Jesus' dynamic teachings still have worldwide impact.

Zahl writes both as a highly trained theologian and as a pastor who recognizes that scholarship stands in the service of discipleship. In  The First Christian  he renders the contemporary "quest for the historical Jesus" not only  accessible  but also  relevant  to the life of faith. Students of the Bible and general readers alike will be enriched by his compelling portrait of a Christian, universal Jesus.

148 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2003

About the author

The Very Rev. Dr. Paul Francis Matthew Zahl is a retired Episcopal priest. He formerly was rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, MD, and dean and president of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA.

He studied at Chapel Hill, Harvard, St. John's College (Nottingham), the University of Nottingham, Trinity College (Bristol), Wycliffe Hall (Oxford) and the University of Tubingen, where he received his doctorate in systematic theology in 1994. He has also served as rector of Episcopal churches in Scarborough, NY and Charleston, SC; was Curate of Grace Church in New York City; and was Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Advent (Episcopal) in Birmingham, AL. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of three sons, John, David and Simeon.

Reviews

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This remains a timely book. Zahl incisively criticizes the almost universal tendency among scholars to leave Christ within the confines of his Jewish context. While Christ was a Jewish man in Palestine during the Second Temple Period, orthodox Christianity upholds him as the God-Man, a universal figure (for more on the scandal of particularly, check out E.L. Mascall's work). Zahl's project, then, is to show that Christianity proper really begins with Christ himself, not with Paul, Constantine, or later innovations. Jesus' own life and teachings, while flowing from his Jewish setting, were disjunctive. We don't need a Christianity that looks more Jewish, we need a Christianity that looks more like Christ.

There were a few places where Reformed theology figured too much in the argument where it could have been muted for a better "Mere Christian" approach. But, this is Paul Zahl so it can be overlooked and is even endearing at times.

I found this book particularly helpful as a pastor. Zahl present important critiques of academic trends like the New Perspective on Paul and Historical Jesus studies. I have seen a number of people drawn not only to these fads but also to harder "Jewish roots" style heresies which need to be corrected. After reading Zahl's work, I feel better equipped for situations where I may need speak orthodox Christianity to folks who have been misled in this regard.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assessing post-holocaust New Testament scholarship, the author pushes back against an over-contextualization of Jesus in his Jewishness. There must be historical basis for Christianity's break with Judaism, beyond the flimsy theory that Paul eventually came along and invented the Christianity we have come to know. Zahl argues for several discontinuities between Jesus and his Jewish context, chiefly within the areas of anthropology, eschatology, and soteriology. Hence, the book title refers to Jesus as "the first Christian."

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

From William.
Loaned to Jeff 12-17-17
Given to Fr. Bertie 8-1-18