Overview
Christianity Today 2024 Book Award (Biblical Studies)
The third quest for the historical Jesus has reached an impasse. But a fourth quest is underway--one that draws from a heretofore largely neglected source: John's Gospel.
In this book, now in paperback, renowned New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg advances the idea that John is a viable and valuable source for studying the historical Jesus. The data from John should be integrated with that of the Synoptics, which will yield additional insights into Jesus's emphases and ministry.
Blomberg begins by reviewing the first three quests, reassessing both their contributions and their shortcomings. He then discusses the emerging consensus regarding demonstrably historical portions of John, which are more numerous than usually assumed. Peeling back the layers, we discover in Jesus's ministry an emphasis on purity and purification. The Synoptics corroborate this discovery, specifically in Jesus's meals with sinners. Blomberg then explores the practical and contemporary applications of Jesus the purifier, including the "contagious holiness" that Jesus's followers can spread to others.
The third quest for the historical Jesus has reached an impasse. But a fourth quest is underway--one that draws from a heretofore largely neglected source: John's Gospel.
In this book, now in paperback, renowned New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg advances the idea that John is a viable and valuable source for studying the historical Jesus. The data from John should be integrated with that of the Synoptics, which will yield additional insights into Jesus's emphases and ministry.
Blomberg begins by reviewing the first three quests, reassessing both their contributions and their shortcomings. He then discusses the emerging consensus regarding demonstrably historical portions of John, which are more numerous than usually assumed. Peeling back the layers, we discover in Jesus's ministry an emphasis on purity and purification. The Synoptics corroborate this discovery, specifically in Jesus's meals with sinners. Blomberg then explores the practical and contemporary applications of Jesus the purifier, including the "contagious holiness" that Jesus's followers can spread to others.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
1. The Original Quest for the Historical Jesus
2. No Quest and New Quest?
3. Launching the Third Quest with a Jewish Jesus
4. The Jesus Seminar and Its Kin: A Step Back in Time
5. Has the Third Quest Played Itself Out?
6. Foreshadowing the Fourth Quest: Rehabilitating the Gospel of John
7. Purification, Baptism, and Transformation in John 1-4
8. Purification Starting to Change in John 5-11
9. Ritual Purity Fades Away in John 12-21
10. Purity and the Historical Jesus of the Synoptics
Conclusion
Indexes
Introduction
1. The Original Quest for the Historical Jesus
2. No Quest and New Quest?
3. Launching the Third Quest with a Jewish Jesus
4. The Jesus Seminar and Its Kin: A Step Back in Time
5. Has the Third Quest Played Itself Out?
6. Foreshadowing the Fourth Quest: Rehabilitating the Gospel of John
7. Purification, Baptism, and Transformation in John 1-4
8. Purification Starting to Change in John 5-11
9. Ritual Purity Fades Away in John 12-21
10. Purity and the Historical Jesus of the Synoptics
Conclusion
Indexes
Endorsements
"This book is a treasure. Not only does it helpfully discuss the current state of debate over the third quest and criteria; it points the way to the reintroduction of John into the conversation. Recognizing the value of the third quest, it appropriately raises the need for a fourth. You will profit greatly from this read."
Darrell L. Block, senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
"Readers essentially get two good books here: a fair and extremely helpful survey of the history of Jesus research, suitable for a historical Jesus course, that does not leave out voices often marginalized by Bultmannians, and a case for why John's Gospel belongs in historical Jesus research. A leading scholar on John and history, Blomberg provides historical context for the development of various views, critiquing them intelligently and fairly. When he turns specifically to the Fourth Gospel, he shows that a historical case can be made for considerably more of it than many of us Johannine scholars have dared hope."
Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
Author
Craig L. Blomberg
Craig L. Blomberg (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is distinguished professor emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado, where he has taught for more than thirty years. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Can We Still Believe in God?, Can We Still Believe the Bible?, A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis, Jesus and the Gospels, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, and commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians, and James.