Summary

Part One

This book is divided into two sections. Part one, which includes three chapters, deals with “Key Issues in Studying the Life of Christ.” In chapter one, Stein argues that any investigation of the life of Christ is doomed to an outcome which is directly related to the presuppositions held by the investigator (p. 17). The most effective investigation will lay aside presuppositions and be open to letting the data speak for itself.

In chapter two, the author discusses the various sources that should be explored in an investigation of the life of Christ. The best pagan sources are Pliny the Younger, Tacitus and Suetonius. The most important Jewish sources are Josephus and the rabbinic writings of the Talmud (the Mishna and the Gemara). Among the Christian sources, Stein largely dismisses the “extra biblical” writings, though he suggests that the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas has some value as an “independent witness” (p. 38) to the canonical gospels. The hypothetical “Q” as a source behind the canonical gospels is improbable (p. 39). The biblical sources, especially the gospels, are the most useful sources for an investigation of the life of Christ, though Acts through Revelation build on the information contained in the gospels.

In the very short chapter three, Stein addresses issues concerning dating, chronology, and location of the events in the life of Christ.

Part Two

Part Two of the book considers the life of Christ in sixteen chapters organized around major themes and events. Nine chapters regard major events (chapters 4, 6 – 8, 11 – 15). Three chapter focus on major themes (chapters 5, 9-10). The book’s final four chapters explore the passion.

In chapter four, Stein presents some of the critical views regarding the virgin birth of Christ. He supports the virgin birth with the argument that the biblical accounts reflect a perfect ethic.   Of greater importance is his discussion of the virgin birth from a theological perspective. “The virginal conception and birth did not make Jesus the Son of God. It was not required to keep Him holy and undefiled.” (p. 80)

Stein concludes chapter five, which regards the early life of Christ, with the remark that “the silent years of Jesus do not play an important role.” He stresses that the usefulness of the limited biblical references to Christ’s early life are found in their clear claim that Christ understood “His Sonship and unique relationship with God” (p. 88) early on, and that it did not gradually develop over time.

Chapter six recounts the events surrounding the baptism of Christ by his cousin, John the Baptist. A large section of the chapter relates to the Baptist’s origins, ministry and role in prophetic history. The prominent feature of Christ’s baptism was His anointing by the Holy Spirit, who descending upon Him like a dove.

In chapter seven, Stein reviews the three temptations of Christ and their meaning, which was to establish how Jesus “would carry out His calling and ministry” (p. 106). Jesus would not succumb to the temptations to serve Himself or the expectations of those caught up in the Messianic fervor of the period, but rather the will of God the Father who sent Him.

Chapter eight identifies three significant divisions in Christ’s ministry: the year of obscurity, the year of public favor, and the year of opposition (p. 113). At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus called a group of disciples whom He trained to for the purpose of carrying on His ministry. Specifically, these twelve men “were uniquely chosen to witness His actions and deeds and to master His teachings” (p. 119). The ministries and writings of these men would become the building blocks and framework for the New Testament church, Christ being its foundation (p. 119).

The themes of chapter nine and ten are Christ’s message, methods and person. His message was unique and authoritative and his method went beyond brilliant oratory. He claimed deity and called men to God through Himself as the fulfillment of all the Jews knew of religion (p. 133). Jesus preached to a decision (p. 134). He viewed Himself as the promised Messiah (p. 144), the Son of God by His nature (p. 147), and the Son of Man by His purpose (p. 149). Ultimately, Jesus saw Himself as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of mankind through His death on the cross (p. 154).

In chapter eleven, Stein collects, organizes and highlights the events in the life of Christ that occurred in and around the region of Caesarea Philippi. Stein presents these events as the “turning point” in Christ’s ministry. Christ directs His message to the Gentiles (p. 157), and He begins to reveal more of His coming passion (pp. 160-162). Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ marks the transition (p. 165).

Chapters twelve through fourteen explain the significance of three major events: the transfiguration, the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple. Stein sees the transfiguration as a preview of the “future glory” of Christ (p. 171). The triumphal entry was a fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus’ public declaration and presentation of Himself as the Jews’ long awaited Messiah and King (pp. 182-183). The cleansing of the temple was Jesus’ first official act as Messiah and King. His purpose was to signal God’s judgment upon, and the end of, the old system of religion which had become corrupt under the administration of unrighteous men, and to inaugurate the beginning of the new covenant in Christ (p. 194).

Chapters fifteen through nineteen recount Passion Week from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Considerable space is given in chapter 15 to chronology, dating and harmonizing of the gospel accounts of the Last Supper. Stein explains the Lord’s Supper in light of the Passover meal (p. 205), but sees it as a ‘new rite” instituted by Christ (p. 212). In chapter 16, Stein emphasizes the fulfillment of Christ’s prophecies concerning the events leading up to and following His betrayal and arrest. In chapter 17, Stein walks the reader step-by-step through each aspect of Jesus’ trials and then argues against their legality.

In chapters 19-20, Stein deals with questions of location and historicity of the crucifixion and the events immediately preceding it. The medical implications of crucifixion as a means of capital punishment are explored. Stein explains the signs that attended the crucifixion and the seven statements Christ made from the cross. He quickly dismantles arguments against Christ’s actual crucifixion. Stein addresses several difficulties with the gospel texts including apparent discrepancies between the gospel accounts and the apparent problem of Christ’s resurrection “on the third day.” He exposes the fallacies of non-supernatural explanations for the resurrection and convincingly argues for the bodily resurrection of Christ.

Evaluation

Strengths of the Book

Stein’s book is a valuable tool for understanding the historical events of the life of Christ as well as the theological power that His life represents for humankind. The book is academic in its approach to opposing arguments by laying them out fairly, though briefly, and countering them convincingly. Opposing arguments are not demeaned. Stein never uses sensational, colorful or visceral language to attack opponents, but rather directly addresses issues with straightforward facts and logic.  On the point of brevity, the book is an effective and succinct primer for both apologetics and polemics.   However, not all readers are looking for such a detailed response to Christ’s critics.

Its value in apologetics is found in its numerous well-presented philosophical and theological arguments. Its polemics value lies in its crisp and clear presentation of orthodox doctrine as it relates to the life of Christ. The treatment of the theological elements in the book was most compelling. Each aspect of Christ’s life was given spiritual meaning and put into its greater context of God’s plan for the redemption of man.

The book’s brief discussion of terms used in interpretive methodology was helpful. Background information and issues were brought to light that the added texture to the book. Stein exposed the imperfect ethic of the pagan accounts that seem to parallel certain aspects of the gospels and Christ’s life. The chapter conclusions are especially good.

The book largely avoids minor issues and arguments and deals with the most important aspects of Christ’s life. The book also avoids the use of words printed using the Greek and Hebrew alphabets. This is a common fallacy of other such academic works. The avoidance here is quite helpful to those who are not trained in the biblical languages.

Weaknesses of the Book

The book seemed to overemphasize the importance of critical arguments against supernatural phenomena such as the virgin birth and the resurrection. While exploration of these views is not out of place in such a volume, they tended to diminish the impact of the realities of Christ’s life upon the reader.

Speculations such as John the Baptist’s possible membership in the Qumran community is out of place. The suggestion that Mark arranged his gospel in such a way as to group ideas and events in threes is not well supported. At times, the author refers to Abraham’s “seed” more in the sense of a multitude of natural descendants which is in contrast with the Apostle Paul’s assertion that “the promises were…to Abraham and to his seed…that is, Christ.” Galatians 3:16. Stein’s explanation of Christ’s reasons for cleansing the temple falls short of the very obvious reasons that He was signaling the close of the old covenant, and He was pronouncing judgment upon those who had corrupted it.

The book should have included some graphics such as maps and photographs. This would have added to the book’s overall effectiveness. Many biblical texts were noted only by their verse references. Had the author included the actual biblical texts the book’s readability would have been significantly enhanced.

Conclusion

It is difficult to find more in this book with which to disagree or criticize beyond the rather mild objections mentioned in the section above. The book is well-written, well-researched, well-argued, well-paced, succinct, and interesting. Theologically, it is orthodox, conservative and doctrinally sound. It is a useful addition to the library of any seminarian, pastor or theologian, and it is certainly within reach of laypersons as well.