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Jesus and the Last Supper
Who did Jesus of Nazareth claim to be? What was his relationship to early Judaism? When and how did he expect the kingdom to come? What were his intentions? Though these key questions have been addressed in studies of the historical Jesus, Brant Pitre argues that they cannot be fully answered apart from a careful historical analysis of the Last Supper accounts. Yet these accounts, both by the Gospel writers and by Paul, are widely neglected by contemporary Jesus research. In this book Pitre fills a notable gap in historical Jesus research as he offers a rigorous, up-to-date study of the historical Jesus and the Last Supper. Situating the Last Supper in the triple contexts of ancient Judaism, the life of Jesus, and early Christianity, Pitre brings to light crucial insights into major issues driving the quest for Jesus. His Jesus and the Last Supper is sure to ignite scholarly discussion and debate.
605 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
90 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Brant Pitre
26 books438 followersDr. Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. He is the author of several articles and the books Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005); Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (Image Books, 2011); and Jesus the Bridegroom (Image Books, 2014). Dr. Pitre is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker who lectures regularly across the United States. He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. He currently lives in Gray, Louisiana, with his wife Elizabeth, and their five children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 22, 2023
2023 reads: 9
Rating: 5 stars
Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary. A prominent scholar and author on Jesus research and Jewish roots, his Jesus and the Last Supper, published in 2015 by Eerdmans, is a phenomenal achievement. This volume painstakingly deliberates over matters of exegesis, history, logic, primary, and secondary sources with the utmost care and reason. Jesus and the Last Supper is an examination of the “words and deeds of Jesus at the Last Supper.” (2) Pitre proceeds by appropriating E. P. Sanders’ method of “triple-context.” (45) This entails four parts: first, contextual plausibility, that is, hypotheses must be believable for the context of first century Palestine. (34) Second, a coherence component raises the concern that hypotheses resonate with “other evidence about Jesus.” (37) Third, is the plausibility of effects specifically in relation to early Christianity. It is generally understood that there should be some development from Jesus to the early church, but not too much development, i.e., similarity and dissimilarity concurrently. (41) The outcome is multifaceted. In light of first-century Judaism, Jesus’ self-understanding, Jewish eschatology, and the Early Church, the Last Supper is demonstrated as disclosing a new Moses, new Manna, a new Passover, and as the Messianic banquet of the Kingdom of God.
It is difficult to catalog the insights gleaned from Pitre’s Jesus and the Last Supper. His reading of Israel’s Scriptures, implementation and execution of E. P. Sanders’ triple-context, knowledge of the Second Temple period, yoking of ideas, and sheer deductions are simply brilliant. Pitre willingly plays ‘captive’ to the scrutiny of modern historical criticism, but only to lead the host of captives away captive. In many ways this volume is a corrective to ill-informed and lacking presentations of the Last Supper. The evidence provided far exceeds what is necessary to prove his thesis. Exegesis and theology are splendidly joined in a manner that gives full weight to historical and literary contexts. One vital insight that stands out is Pitre’s insistence on substantia verba Jesu. (46-50) This is key to his method. Pitre focuses, indeed by broadening, on the substance of Jesus’ words. This opens up a much wider range of texts for interpretation. The results are stunning. The meal that the church celebrates is nothing less than the “sacrament of inaugurated eschatology,” (512) an “eschatological Passover meal, in which Jesus identified himself as the eschatological Passover lamb, whose blood would be poured out and whose body would be eaten by the eschatological priests of the new cult.” (517) Astounding.
The intertextual links with the Old Testament and the insights gleaned from the Second Temple literature continued to amaze me and deepen my appreciation for the Last Supper, as well as the one in who’s body and blood we partake in. It is tiresome trying to establish significant disagreements with Pitre, barring one, seemingly glaring omission. Notably absent from Jesus and the Last Supper is any discussion of the “cup” as a symbol for the wrath of God in Judaism and Old Testament thought. The idea is clearly communicated (Isa 51:22; Jer 25:15), but finds no place in Pitre’s discussion. I don’t believe this idea is at odds with Pitre’s overall aims; in fact, integrating it would only bolster his argument for Jesus as the Passover Lamb who brings Israel’s exile to an end.
[Read for the Gospels & Acts doctoral seminar with Dr Pennington]
Rating: 5 stars
Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary. A prominent scholar and author on Jesus research and Jewish roots, his Jesus and the Last Supper, published in 2015 by Eerdmans, is a phenomenal achievement. This volume painstakingly deliberates over matters of exegesis, history, logic, primary, and secondary sources with the utmost care and reason. Jesus and the Last Supper is an examination of the “words and deeds of Jesus at the Last Supper.” (2) Pitre proceeds by appropriating E. P. Sanders’ method of “triple-context.” (45) This entails four parts: first, contextual plausibility, that is, hypotheses must be believable for the context of first century Palestine. (34) Second, a coherence component raises the concern that hypotheses resonate with “other evidence about Jesus.” (37) Third, is the plausibility of effects specifically in relation to early Christianity. It is generally understood that there should be some development from Jesus to the early church, but not too much development, i.e., similarity and dissimilarity concurrently. (41) The outcome is multifaceted. In light of first-century Judaism, Jesus’ self-understanding, Jewish eschatology, and the Early Church, the Last Supper is demonstrated as disclosing a new Moses, new Manna, a new Passover, and as the Messianic banquet of the Kingdom of God.
It is difficult to catalog the insights gleaned from Pitre’s Jesus and the Last Supper. His reading of Israel’s Scriptures, implementation and execution of E. P. Sanders’ triple-context, knowledge of the Second Temple period, yoking of ideas, and sheer deductions are simply brilliant. Pitre willingly plays ‘captive’ to the scrutiny of modern historical criticism, but only to lead the host of captives away captive. In many ways this volume is a corrective to ill-informed and lacking presentations of the Last Supper. The evidence provided far exceeds what is necessary to prove his thesis. Exegesis and theology are splendidly joined in a manner that gives full weight to historical and literary contexts. One vital insight that stands out is Pitre’s insistence on substantia verba Jesu. (46-50) This is key to his method. Pitre focuses, indeed by broadening, on the substance of Jesus’ words. This opens up a much wider range of texts for interpretation. The results are stunning. The meal that the church celebrates is nothing less than the “sacrament of inaugurated eschatology,” (512) an “eschatological Passover meal, in which Jesus identified himself as the eschatological Passover lamb, whose blood would be poured out and whose body would be eaten by the eschatological priests of the new cult.” (517) Astounding.
The intertextual links with the Old Testament and the insights gleaned from the Second Temple literature continued to amaze me and deepen my appreciation for the Last Supper, as well as the one in who’s body and blood we partake in. It is tiresome trying to establish significant disagreements with Pitre, barring one, seemingly glaring omission. Notably absent from Jesus and the Last Supper is any discussion of the “cup” as a symbol for the wrath of God in Judaism and Old Testament thought. The idea is clearly communicated (Isa 51:22; Jer 25:15), but finds no place in Pitre’s discussion. I don’t believe this idea is at odds with Pitre’s overall aims; in fact, integrating it would only bolster his argument for Jesus as the Passover Lamb who brings Israel’s exile to an end.
[Read for the Gospels & Acts doctoral seminar with Dr Pennington]
December 7, 2015
Well researched and written. I cannot recommend this work enough. Pitre does not get bogged down in the methodological discussions that are sometimes all to typical of works on the Historical Jesus. My recommendation for Biblical Studies book of the year.
October 15, 2021
Interesting read. The book is a scholarly work but reads fairly well. The author engages thoroughly with other scholars, which can be good. However, it wears thin taking scholars seriously who’ve found much agreement in modern times that Jesus existed and was likely a Jew. It feels at times that too much weight is given to second temple Judaism literature along with early Jewish literature outside of Scripture. He does deal with the biblical data and does a good job confirming the Last Supper was indeed the Passover meal and resolves well the supposed contradictions between John and the Synoptics. Could’ve used broader biblical harmonization, particularly in the implications of eschatology.
December 5, 2022
After a long period of study and reflection I have finally finished this scholarly work. The major point to make is that it is impossible to understand Jesus, whatever that means, without embedding yourself deeply within the historical and cultural Jewish setting of the time in which he lived. The work does this primarily by exploring the Eucharist and it’s interpretation within the context of the last super.
Not for the feint-hearted or those new to theology but as a readable and accessible project it works. Though you have devote the time and effort to get the most out of it.
Not for the feint-hearted or those new to theology but as a readable and accessible project it works. Though you have devote the time and effort to get the most out of it.
November 29, 2020
A scholarly look at various aspects of the Last Supper. People familiar with Dr. Pitre's work should be aware that this is much more exhaustive than his more popular works (e.g., Jesus the Bridegroom; Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist; The Case for Jesus). Those who have read his first book "Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile" will know what I mean.
August 19, 2023
“The Jewish Jesus and the Eucharistic Jesus are inextricably bound up with one another.” -pg 513
This book is a thorough modern study on the Last Supper, starting with historical context and ending with theological significance. Pitre gives a significant contribution to the discussion of historicity on the Last Supper.
Pitre compiles extensive work here to demonstrate that the Last Supper narrative is firmly set in ancient Jewish roots, specifically in the Exodus narrative at Sinai. Pitre also demonstrates that a person making himself out to be the new Moses is expected within the culture of 1st century Judaism, as Josephus writes of such characters outside of Jesus!
My only suggestion would be an added chapter. The Last Supper is loaded with high Christology and ties to Torah, and this book could be supported by a study on how these intense beliefs could (or couldn’t) have evolved so quickly within the early church without the initiation of Jesus himself. This would obviously have had to be a brief coverage of such a topic, but Pitre has proven himself to be talented at compiling data.
In short, Pitre demonstrates there is no reason to doubt historicity of the Last Supper narrative and the words of Institution. This should be read by any student interested in the historical Jesus.
This book is a thorough modern study on the Last Supper, starting with historical context and ending with theological significance. Pitre gives a significant contribution to the discussion of historicity on the Last Supper.
Pitre compiles extensive work here to demonstrate that the Last Supper narrative is firmly set in ancient Jewish roots, specifically in the Exodus narrative at Sinai. Pitre also demonstrates that a person making himself out to be the new Moses is expected within the culture of 1st century Judaism, as Josephus writes of such characters outside of Jesus!
My only suggestion would be an added chapter. The Last Supper is loaded with high Christology and ties to Torah, and this book could be supported by a study on how these intense beliefs could (or couldn’t) have evolved so quickly within the early church without the initiation of Jesus himself. This would obviously have had to be a brief coverage of such a topic, but Pitre has proven himself to be talented at compiling data.
In short, Pitre demonstrates there is no reason to doubt historicity of the Last Supper narrative and the words of Institution. This should be read by any student interested in the historical Jesus.
April 7, 2025
This is absolutely outstanding. A feast (pun intended) of historical, biblical, cultural insights. I loved every chapter, and found myself learning so much about the Jewish background of Passover, the context of Jesus's actions in the gospels, and ultimately, a more holistic biblical theology of Christ.
Many will be interested in Pitre's exploration of the dating of the Last Supper, and I found his argument very persuasive. More than many similar scholars, I find Pitre does an exemplary job allowing opposing viewpoints to be heard, which actually makes his historical and exegetical conclusions stronger. I found myself convinced by his argument that Jesus was truly celebrating a Passover meal with this disciples, and that this actually coheres completely with the witness of all four gospels! While each chapter isn't necessarily as controversial as that topic, each one contains profound insights and explorations of a ton of topics. The reader of this book is treated to an incredible amount of learning about what is arguably one of the most important dimensions of the historical Jesus and the gospel presentation of him. Stellar book.
Many will be interested in Pitre's exploration of the dating of the Last Supper, and I found his argument very persuasive. More than many similar scholars, I find Pitre does an exemplary job allowing opposing viewpoints to be heard, which actually makes his historical and exegetical conclusions stronger. I found myself convinced by his argument that Jesus was truly celebrating a Passover meal with this disciples, and that this actually coheres completely with the witness of all four gospels! While each chapter isn't necessarily as controversial as that topic, each one contains profound insights and explorations of a ton of topics. The reader of this book is treated to an incredible amount of learning about what is arguably one of the most important dimensions of the historical Jesus and the gospel presentation of him. Stellar book.
October 7, 2022
I continue to be impressed with Pitre. He is careful and thorough, yet consistently reaches conclusions that I am surprised I overlooked previously.
This is a scholarly work that engages modern scholarship on Jesus’ Last Supper words. He explains Jesus taking on a role as a new Moses, becoming the new manna, providing a new Passover, and celebrating the messianic banquet.
Several novel understandings emerge from the book. He is the first to convince me that the John 6 discourse might be about the Last Supper too. He has an ingenious (and I am convinced, correct) resolution to the problem of the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. His treatment of the ingathering of Israel was excellent. At every turn he proceeds carefully, swatting away the objections of more liberal scholars who argue that almost none of these passages are authentic to Jesus. I don’t agree with all of his conclusions, but they are all thoughtful and deserve careful thought.
Highly recommended.
This is a scholarly work that engages modern scholarship on Jesus’ Last Supper words. He explains Jesus taking on a role as a new Moses, becoming the new manna, providing a new Passover, and celebrating the messianic banquet.
Several novel understandings emerge from the book. He is the first to convince me that the John 6 discourse might be about the Last Supper too. He has an ingenious (and I am convinced, correct) resolution to the problem of the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. His treatment of the ingathering of Israel was excellent. At every turn he proceeds carefully, swatting away the objections of more liberal scholars who argue that almost none of these passages are authentic to Jesus. I don’t agree with all of his conclusions, but they are all thoughtful and deserve careful thought.
Highly recommended.
June 21, 2022
This is an academic dive into some questions surrounding some difficulties and historical questions surrounding the last supper. Pitre looks under every stone. IMO, the best part of the book is his tackling of the date of the last supper in the synoptics versus John. As usual, Pitre is thorough and easy to read, which says a lot considering his depth of knowledge and the information presented.
March 11, 2025
This book unlocks all of the mystery of the Last Supper in Scholarly fashion. Though dense, it is also digestible over time. As you read, you will begin to see how Brant applies critical inquiry to the life of Jesus, and you will discover an elite way to pose questions for your personal discovery and evangelization of others.
October 14, 2023
This is a thorough and technical monograph on the significance, timing, and gospel portrayals of the Last Supper. Pitre challenges those who push the date back earlier than Friday. Very well researched.
January 25, 2025
Den er så bra denne boka … tung og laaaaang, men bra
May 1, 2016
This is the largest book I've read cover to cover. Before and after reading it I do not claim to have a firm grasp on the methodology of critical studies. However, I do believe I was able to scrape some fuzz off my horns with this one. Outside of this book I've no significant exposure to the disciplines employed in it. Certainly not formal training.
That being said, I reluctantly review this work that another man has labored on for over ten years.
The only place I found disagreement was on page 141 and when I re-read the section I still was unconvinced. Pleased to say though that the overall argument still stands without this hiccup.
This book is sure to be interacted with by any serious inquiry into the subject matter for possibly generations to come, Jesus and the Last Supper
especially chapter four.
That being said, I reluctantly review this work that another man has labored on for over ten years.
The only place I found disagreement was on page 141 and when I re-read the section I still was unconvinced. Pleased to say though that the overall argument still stands without this hiccup.
This book is sure to be interacted with by any serious inquiry into the subject matter for possibly generations to come, Jesus and the Last Supper
especially chapter four.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews