The Messiah in the Old and New Testaments (McMaster New Testament Studies

by Stanley E. Porter

When the ancients talked about "messiah", what did they picture? Did that term refer to a stately figure who would rule, to a militant who would rescue, or to a variety of roles held by many? While Christians have traditionally equated the word "messiah" with Jesus, the discussion is far more complex. This volume contributes significantly to that discussion.

Ten expert scholars here address questions surrounding the concept of "messiah" and clarify what it means to call Jesus "messiah." The book comprises two main parts, first treating those writers who preceded or surrounded the New Testament (two essays on the Old Testament and two on extrabiblical literature) and then discussing the writers of the New Testament. Concluding the volume is a critical response by Craig Evans to both sections.

This volume will be helpful to pastors and laypersons wanting to explore the nature and identity of the Messiah in the Old and New Testament in order to better understand Jesus as Messiah.

Genres: Theology

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2007

About the author

Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, and professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Wolrdview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He has authored or edited dozens of books, including How We Got the New Testament and Fundamentals of New Testament Greek.

Reviews

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays on biblical and Jewish understandings of the Messiah. It is written by several scholars each addressing subjects in their areas of expertise. I would recommend this collection to anyone who has an interest in the OT views of the messiah and the NT writers interpretation of how Jesus fulfilled those hopes and expectations. Well written and clear. It does not bog the reader down in heavy technical language and jargon and can be appreciated by most.

[Rob Lewis]

Porter’s collection of essays covers the essential issues for the category of ‘messiah’ in Scripture. Longman’s essay points to the paucity of evidence in the Torah and writings, yet he points forward to Psalm 110. I enjoyed Porter’s intro and essay (RIP) and Stukenbruck and Westfall make excellent contributions.