Scripture, Interpretation, or Authority?: Motives and Arguments in Jesus' Halakic Conflicts

by Thomas Kazen

In this study of motives and arguments in Jesus' halakic conflicts, Thomas Kazen suggests a way beyond the use of traditional criteria of authenticity. Employing results from recent research on the development of halakah during the Second Temple period, which outlines trajectories and areas of tension within and between various Jewish movements, the author revisits the Synoptic conflict narratives about Sabbath observance, purity rules and divorce practices. Kazen disentangles theological motives from reasonable historical explanations and suggests relative dates and contexts for motives and arguments often ascribed to Jesus. He questions interpretations which focus on unique authority and suggests that Jesus' stance is better explained within the framework of prophetic criticism and a traditional Israelite understanding of Torah. With this study, he contributes as much to our understanding of halakic development during the Second Temple period as he does to our understanding of the historical Jesus and his relationship to contemporary movements.

364 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS! This monograph deals with Sabbath observance, purity, and divorce, as they occur in the synoptic gospels. Kazen interacts extensively with ancient Jewish sources as well as modern scholars, leaning a good deal on groundwork laid by Aharon Shemesh. The author speculates on why Jesus said what He did on these topics, but his conclusions are astute and restrained. The discussion of the trajectories of nominalist and realist thought in Rabbinic exegesis was especially illuminating. Overall the book was an easy read with good footnotes, which is a feat considering the material can be dense! Highly recommended!