Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ

by Robert H. Stein

The time is ripe for a new account of the life of Jesus. It has been over twenty-five years since an evangelical New Testament scholar has written a textbook survey of this type. Today the landscape of Jesus and Gospel studies has been radically transformed by new questions and critical challenges. No less remarkable is the contemporary renaissance of our knowledge of the world of Jesus. In Jesus the Messiah Robert Stein draws together the results of a career of research and writing on Jesus and the Gospels. Every episode in the life of Jesus is here treated with historical care and attention to its significance for understanding the life and ministry of Jesus. Clearly written, ably argued and geared to the needs of students, Jesus the Messiah will give probing minds a sure grounding in the life and ministry of Jesus.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Biblical Studies, Christian, New Testament, History, Nonfiction

290 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1996

Reviews

[Austin Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for a class called, “Jesus The Focus of Scripture” along with Philip Yancey’s book, “The Jesus I Never Knew.” I've come to really appreciate the Stein book as a whole this latter half of the semester. My struggle sometimes as a reader is that I tend to not start comprehending a book's intent, and method (and in the case of fiction, story) until about half way into my read—as was the case while reading this, though Stein was clear about his intent from the introduction. He intended to recount the life of Jesus from a historical standpoint whilst not completely denying the supernatural elements. What you get is a compelling study of the historicity of the scriptures and an honest struggle through some of the historical continuity issues. In all transparency, I was a bit bored of it pretty quickly because of how its academic style starkly contrasted Yancey's more personal and somewhat devotional style of book—by nature, an easier read.

My point is that it was not until about half way through the book where I started to really understand and appreciate what Stein was doing. Stein was especially concerned with properly understanding Jesus’ mission, but what I found most valuable was his historical analyses. Stein systematically eviscerates nearly every objection to historical reliability or error in interpretation as it relates to, mainly the gospels, and the broader New Testament. Of the issues he cannot perfectly reconcile, Stein offers several answers, not without suggesting which are more or less probable, before honestly admitting their inconclusively. What the reader is left with is a very reasonable basis for trusting the gospels as a reliable historical account of the life of the man Jesus of Nazareth.

This is practically beneficial for the believer because of our susceptibility to doubt. Though I certainly will not retain the ability to recount even 10% of the content in this book, it serves as a great apologetics resource to refer back to. Nonetheless, the mere completion of the book and conclusion one is left with—that the New Testament is indeed reliable—is enough of a benefit.

[David Goetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful, well-balanced, and faithful life of Jesus. I taught through the life of Jesus with a group of middle school kids this Fall/Winter and found this useful reading in preparation for teaching on any particular part of his life.

[Trey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book solely because it was the required textbook for a class I am teaching at a church (I did not choose the textbook or class subject). Stein does a good job walking through the life and ministry of Jesus in an orderly fashion, however the book is not an easy read. I would not recommend this book to anyone unless you need it for class or something like that. Otherwise, I am positive there are other books on the subject more readable and enjoyable than this one. And, as others have noted, this book occupies a very niche space between academic and popular work that is difficult to do well. He challenges nonbelievers’ theories on Scripture without any references to who those opposite scholars are or where he found there arguments. Sadly, doing so makes this book a difficult and dry book for everyday readers.

[gracepalm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't agree with all of Stein's conclusions, but this was well-written.

[teddyreadingstuff]

Good stuff, not rating it b/c it's pretty academic and I didn't technically read all of it

[Jennifer Passaretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a course which I was taking. The first few chapters were tough to get through. VERY technical with regard to dates and historical texts. Those without a strong theology background will struggle a bit since the beginning is not a casual read. The remaining chapters were much easier to wrap my mind around and very interesting.

[Alex Ponce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro, cada capítulo es un estudio detallado de la vida de Jesús. Disfruté mucho leer este libro.

Y lo recomiendo a aquellos que deseen conocer más a detalle el aspecto histórico de la vida de Jesús.

[Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as required for a course I am taking called “The Life of Christ”. I learned a lot while reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who may have questions regarding who Jesus was on earth and who He is now. Some parts are quite technical and perhaps a bit “wooden”, but press on as it all comes together.

[Bryan Kuranaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. I don't agree with all of Stein's findings, but I think this is an invaluable work when it comes to examining the Gospels and seeking to harmonize them. He places parallel passages next to one another, examines them in the Greek, and also includes recent archaeological findings to in this book. This is a good commentary to keep on hand.

[Heidi Creasman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read that presents other views, yet holds to a sound theology.

[Kristal Holtzclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good theological read.

[Sergio Alonso Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

La vida de Jesús revisada al detalle. Es más un libro de texto para estudiantes del tema. Se analizan explicaciones alternativas de gente que desea demeritar la realidad de Jesús.

[Kevin Senapatiratne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't agree with all of his conclusions but I liked that he presented a lot of different views on the difficult passages. Helped me come to my own conclusions on those matters.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is essentially a textbook. Great knowledge, but very dry material.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using the four Gospel accounts as a guide, Stein offers this survey of Christ’s life and work, tracing His path to the cross and the empty tomb. Although technically proficient, the writing occasionally borders on dry, making it hard to wade through it in places. While Stein has certainly taken on an eminently worthwhile subject and does manage to produce a commendable effort, the overall tone seems too detached to resonate with an audience outside academia.

[John Rabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid, concise, highly readable survey of the Gospels from a scholarly perspective. Though Stein leaves too many questions dangling to make this as solid an evangelical treatment of the Gospels as I would have liked, he effectively deals with most of the skeptical arguments out there in establishing a firm evangelical case for the reliability and historicity of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

[Sharon Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great look at the gospels and how they interact together. We see the way the writers used artistic interpretation and it looks at the scriptures much like an investigation of how the writer obtained their information. Enjoyed

[Nathan Boleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very informative book. I appreciated that there were many scriptural references, great research and clear, concise wording.

[Daniel Alvers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book. I would actually recomend this book to anyone.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview with enough introductory details about gospel "harmonization." Very informative introduction about extrabiblical references to Christ as well.

[Benjamin Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A descent introduction into the gospels and the scholarship surrounding them.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed a good portion of it. It's alright but nothing really profound, probably will need to give it another read at a later date.

[Scott Frazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid introductory book on the life of Christ. It's not going to blow anyone a way, but a worthy read if you are looking for a survey on the life of Jesus.

[Matt Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second time through this one. Read about ten years ago. Enjoyed it more the first time. Still a decent intro.