Jack Dean Kingsbury

Jewish Responses to Early Christians

World Religions

“The aim of this book is to shed historical light on the developing relationship between Christians and Jews in the time between Jesus and the Apologist Justin Martyr. It finds that a trend is discernible whereby the wide spectrum of physical and verbal abuse to which Jews subjected Jewish Christians in the earlier years gradually narrowed until after 100 C.E. attacks became largely polemical in nature. The area in which such polemics took place was the interpretation of scripture, and the principal object of dispute became the figure of Jesus Christ. At stake in these polemics was nothing less than the self-definition of both Jews and Christians. Well researched and extensive in scope, this book is for the scholar and expert.”

Matthew in History

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Students and pastors will welcome this book! It begins with the frank admission that because much current study of the Bible attempts openly to explain what scriptural texts meant in ancient times, it strikes the reader as irrelevant for life and experience today. Throughout the centuries, however, biblical texts have generated new meanings in new situations. The upshot is that biblical texts have a 'history of effects,' and this history is part of our history. Written in a lively style, this book is not only stimulating and highly informative but it also grapples successfully with the knotty problem of what interpreting Scripture entails.”

Resurrection Reconsidered

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This book is sharply focused, patiently argued, and strongly supported by extensive documentation and an exhaustive bibliography. Against the background of scholarly preoccupation with the relationship of the Gospel of Thomas to the Synoptic gospels, it creates the occasion for fresh debate on the relationship of Thomas to John.”

Sowing the Gospel

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“…one of the freshest interpretations of Mark's gospel I have ever had the privilege to read…It marks a milestone in the recent history of Markan research.”

The New Testament and the People of God

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“In this volume Wright trains a penetrating historical and theological spotlight on first-century Palestinian Judaism. By describing the history, social make-up, worldview, beliefs, and hope of Palestinian Judaism, Wright familiarizes the reader with the 'word of Judaism' as situated within the world of Greco-Roman culture. This is a highly informative book! It provides the reader not only with a sweeping assessment of Jewish history but also with the careful exploration of the symbolic world of Judaism. Eminently accessible to students, scholars will find it interesting and provocative. It deserves a place on the bookshelf of any serious student of the New Testament.”

The Triumph of God

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Triumph of God is a book for which we have long been waiting. In it Beker, one of today's leading interpreters of Paul, makes available to a wide readership the central tenets of his bold and much-discussed approach to Paul. Beker's thesis is that, for Paul, the Christ-event is proleptic of the coming, cosmic triumph of God. Categorically, Beker takes issue with any construal of Paul that downplays the theocentric, cosmic, or future aspects of the apostle's apocalyptic gospel. Challenging and controversial, this slim volume is ideal for classroom use. Pastors, teachers, and students will read it with interest and be nudged to see Paul's ancient writings in new perspective.”