The Unexpected Jesus: The Truth Behind His Biblical Names

by R.C. Sproul

Jesus divides history, your birthday is determined by his! But why should that be? This is a man who evokes the widest polarisation of opinion of any historical devotion from some, vitriolic abuse by others and astonishing indifference from many. Today most people just don't know who he really was, or is, or don't care. People still put forward all kinds of ideas about who he was. Books like 'The Da Vinci Code' propose that he was only a man (in which case why are his descendants so important?). Many religions have other ideas - everyone has an opinion whether based on fact or fiction. Those for and against have often resorted to name- calling, but in the Bible Jesus was both called by, and gave himself, unusual names. Noted theologian, R. C. Sproul, seeks to enlighten us by investigating what those names actually mean. From there he determines what Jesus set out to do. Jesus is no mere historical figure, he is as important in the 21st century as he was when he walked the earth.

Genres: Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super simple and straightforward. Sproul has 6 chapters on “Who was Jesus?” then 6 on “What did He do.” Definitely a lot of “meat” for such a quick read, which will hopefully encourage readers to research the various topics in depth.

[Margaret Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really "enjoy" theology books in general because too many of them can get ... caught up in the idea of study and their own ideas and complicate things so much more than they need to be. I do enjoy to be challenged by someone who wants us to love God - dig deeper - and knows their way around the Bible though.

This is one of those books. I would feel comfortable suggesting it to a friend.

[David Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very insightful.

[Kj Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for new believers or those who just need a good detailed overview of the Christian faith.