Jesus: The Alpha and Omega of Bible Study

by Thomas Baber

Where do we go to learn how to read the Bible? My answer is Jesus. We have a record of the way Jesus approached, viewed, interpreted, and applied Scripture to His own life and to those around Him. As a matter of first priority, everyone who professes to follow Christ should read the scriptures the way He did.There is something disarming about looking at the way Jesus approached Scripture. Regardless of theological distinctives, true Christians have two things in common. First, they want to be more like Christ. Second, they want to understand the Bible better. These two commitments are enough for those wishing to improve their understanding of Scripture.This book focuses on the way Jesus interpreted Scripture and was revealed through Scripture ... The ultimate goal of this book is for my readers to know the Christ of Scripture more intimately by using sound principles of biblical interpretation that come from Jesus Himself. (From the Introduction)

188 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2020

Reviews

[Douglas W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very accessible book on hermeneutical principles. Baber takes the words of Jesus in His usage of the scriptures and uses them as examples for how we should read and interpret the Bible.

Though there are times when Baber's early-chapter word choices and phrasing seem both clunky, and even problematic theologically, as one reads and finishes the chapter, Baber generally redeems himself and he makes his point well. So, if you get bogged down initially, keep plugging away and you will be rewarded.

[TC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas J. Baber takes a unique approach to the study of God's word - the anthology known as the "Holy Bible", the "Christian Bible" or just "The Bible". He identifies principles for study that are the result of remarks that Jesus himself makes. As the Son of God, Jesus knew all of the Scripture we read plus what He knows as part of the Godhead. As the Christ, the promised Savior, the Messiah, he quoted frequently from those same Scriptures. Even while his own words while on the earth were being recorded in what is called the New Testament, he quoted from God's words as they were found in the Hebrew Bible, later to be translated and reformatted into various version in the Aramaic, Hebrew and koine Greek. More translations appeared and the race to publish began earnestly with the invention of the printing press. Technical innovations and language changes aside, what one must do in studying the Scripture is daunting to the untrained student. Eagerness and enthusiasm are much to be admired, but must be harnessed with sound principles that help the student organize his or her thoughts in keeping with God's intentions as he directed each writer - who is the audience, what is the occasion or purpose, what did it mean to that audience and then how should we live in the light of that understanding? I recommend this book to every searching student of God's word, work, will and ways.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very educational and encouraging!

[Josh Laker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good points 3.7

[John Darwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to hermeneutics. Understanding how Jesus interpreted and applied the Old Testament is paramount to understanding both the Old and New Testament.