Great Figures of the New Testament

by Amy-Jill Levine

Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament at the Vanderbilt University Divinity School, examines specific biblical characters and explores how they have been assessed across the centuries by historians and artists, theologians, and worshipers.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Christianity, Historical, Spirituality

155 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Department of Jewish Studies. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus; Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi; four children's books (with Sandy Sasso); The Gospel of Luke (with Ben Witherington III); and The Jewish Annotated New Testament (co-edited with Marc Z. Brettler). Her most recent books are The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently (co-authored with Marc Z. Brettler), Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven; and The Kingdom of Heaven: 40 Devotionals. In 2019 she became the first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute. Professor Levine, who has done over 300 programs for churches, clergy groups, and seminaries, has been awarded grants from the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the American Council of Learned Societies. Institutions granting her honorary degrees include Christian Theological Seminary and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest.

Reviews

[Elijah]

These series of lectures from Prof. Levine are, basically, rundowns of central persons within the NT - featuring most, but not limited to, the Synoptic gospels (those of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John), with some added layers of historical and
Christology analysis. Levine, herself, is a really great professor; she is both really funny and thoroughly engaging. Seeing as how I’m already very familiar with the Synoptics and most of the NT, I found this course a bit slow at times. I, however, highly recommend these courses for people unfamiliar with Christianity or for those who wish to delve deeper into the NT. Prof. Levine has great insight into this endlessly fascinating period in history, and her passion is evident.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of 24 - 30 minute lectures all of the key characters from the New Testament of the Bible. She uses information directly from the there as well as other gospels and writings that didn’t make it into the Bible or from historians of the day. Incredibly insightful - I learned so much listening to this series!
Available through Great Courses.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lecturer’s Great Courses on both the Old and New Testament are well worth a listen, though they follow different structures. In this series, I especially appreciated how she started with the biblical accounts of each figure and then through the history of how each has been interpreted.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levine is a charming professor, a delight to listen to, the kind of teacher you wish you had in college. Great coverage of her topic.

[Gebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great like most of her TTC programs. I've listened to most if not all of her programs, so might be why I found this one a little underwhelming comparatively. It's just an overview of each of the figures and their roles in the Abrahamic traditions. I learned a couple of interesting things and about a character I hadn't heard of before. So, still a good experience. Can't go wrong with Levine's courses.

[John Morris ii · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very in-depth, and as detailed as 30 minute lectures allow! Amy-Jill Levine is often fillrd with excitement while teaching this course and it comes thru very well! Her knowledge and wisdom are very clear! She does not pick a side, she does not promote the faith, but nor does she talk down to the faithful! If you listen to this course you will learn, as I did!

[Rrrrrron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not interesting enough. Too slow.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting, especially after having read "The Family of Jesus" by Kingsbury (sp?).

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some sections have become dated due to recent discoveries, but overall, an interesting course.

[Marsha Melkonian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything she writes or says is fabulous.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this audio lecture series! Am now following this author and will look for other works.

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great format to learn NT context with a few deep dives and sidetracks.

[Heather M Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview - covers a lot of material from an academic perspective.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting academic analysis. I expected it to be more critical, but it's obviously very diplomatic.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great DVD series consisting of lectures by Vanderbilt Professor Amy-Jill Levine. It examines the lives of figures in the New Testament. Some are individuals, such as Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Paul. Others are groups such as the Pharisees and the Herodians. What every lecture has in common is that each is interesting and informative.

The talks are excellent both for someone who has already done advanced work in the New Testament, and someone who is learning about the Bible for the first time. Levine approaches the material from a secular scholarly standpoint, but is respectful and open to the perspective of faith. I presented these lectures as a pastor to my Adult Education class, and they were well received. For preachers, there is a lot of good background to jump-start sermons as well. All in all a great way to learn.

[James Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent context, especially for the Gospels. Well worth the study by any church member hoping to dig deeper into the scriptures

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice series- focuses on characters and themes