The Good Samaritan: Luke 10 for the Life of the Church (A Biblical Commentary & Exposition of Luke 10)

by Emerson B Powery, Stephen Chapman (Series Editor)

The story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 is one of Jesus's most well-known parables. It continues to fascinate readers with its powerful imagery and ethical significance.

In this exposition, New Testament scholar Emerson Powery shows how this classic and beloved text can speak afresh to the life of the church today. Powery explains that in every generation, followers of Jesus need to be reminded that mercy is a natural consequence of faith. Jesus's parable of the good Samaritan emphasizes this point in a dramatic way by placing an "enemy" as the central hero of the story. Powery explores diverse interpretations of the good Samaritan, carefully investigates this parable within the theology of the Gospel of Luke, and connects the parable to contemporary events. The book encourages readers to think through the ethical implications of this story for their own contexts.

The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[Eric Targe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting insights on the parable of Luke 10. I was hoping for more of an exegetical and historical cultural perspective, but the history of interpretation was definitely helpful. It’s important to note that the author seeks to understand the parable often through the lens of modern American Racial/Ethnic tensions which I question as a proper technique for understanding Jesus’ parable, as both Samaritans and Jewish people during the time of Jesus were oppressed and periodically enslaved by the Roman Empire. Perhaps it would have been more helpful to read through the lens of the LA Race Riots (Black/Korean) or modern urban issues of immigration (Undocumented Latino/Black) or socialist/libertarian, etc.

Nevertheless, I would recommend this book as a breviary of the history of interpretation and an understanding of how some might interpret it today in light of the BLM movement.

[Allison Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is exactly what the Church needs right now. This is a beautifully constructed theologically grounded exploration of how the Parable of the Good Samaritan should be read in the modern world. Emphasis is placed on non-mainstream theologies and the author centers voices of color throughout the work. I wish I could rate this book higher. It will forever alter the way that I engage with this parable, how I preach on this text, and how I teach it. I look forward to many re-reads of this work.

[TJ Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first release religious book I finished and I will say it was a great read and I hope more people read it. I feel some times “love thy neighbor as thyself” is overlook. It it’s great to praise god and have him inthe forefront but loving your neighbor should also come as naturally as the first. This book helps to reinforce it and I hope this helps people about what god really wants us to do down here.

“Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love” John 4:8

[Jon Anderson]

In depth discussion of a well-known parable with some intriguing perspectives worthy of deeper reflection. You won't read the parable the same after reading this book.