Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes - Cultural Studies in the Gospels - Softcover

Kenneth E. Bailey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0281059756 ISBN 13: 9780281059751

Publisher: IVP Academic, 2008

Synopsis

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Bailey, Kenneth E.. Published by SPCK Publishing,2008, Binding: Paperback

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth E. Bailey is an author and lecturer in Middle Eastern New Testament studies. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he also serves as Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church, USA. He holds graduate degrees in Arabic language and literature, and in systematic theology; his ThD is in New Testament. His many books, in Arabic and English, include Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes (SPCK, 2011).

Review

"A brilliant addition to Bailey's other works in which he sheds light on the biblical text from Middle Eastern culture." (Roy B. Zuck, Bibliotheca Sacra, October-December 2010)

"The work will yield a rich harvest of information, pastoral support, and insight for all who read it." (Susan K. Hedahl, Currents in Theology & Mission, February 2010)

"Jesus Through Middle Easter Eyes is Bailey's most recent 400 page call to western Christians who need to time travel to the Middle East. And in page after page, he identifies themes and reflexes assumed in the gospels that slip right past us." (Gary M. Burge, Evangelical Quarterly, July 2009)

"With a life-time of living, observing and teaching in the Middle East, Kenneth Bailey's insights as a commentator are invaluable, showing time after time, how an understanding of the cultural features of the background of the Gospels can bring alive the meaning of the text, and more importantly, the power and significance of Jesus and his message." (David Parker, Evangelical Review of Theology, July 2009)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes is quite readable, with a minimum of technical language. Wherever Bailey references a rhetorical term, he gives it careful definition, bringing along the novice in the field. He draws upon the works of others, ancient and modern, allowing students of scripture to gain an additional layer of insight from the texts he examines. While one could enjoy reading the book straight through, it has the wealth of information that may also be accessed through use as a resource for examining any of the treated Gospel texts." (John David Bowman, Brethren Life & Thought, Winter & Spring 2009)

"This book could serve as material for an adult or student Sunday School class. Laid out in simple format for easy absorption by readers, the author's explanations of his findings require no formal training to follow and understand them. Particularly helpful are the summaries provided at the conclusion of each chapter.This book may very well establish Bailey's legacy beyond dispute." (Gene R. Smillie, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society,June 2009)

"Bailey has a gift of clear, lively expression; he takes advantage of his personal experiences, interest in Hebrew poetic structure, and knowledge of Arabic to bring insights into NT interpretation." (Ruth B. Edwards,Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 31.5, 2009)

"A rich and fascinating anthology of exegetical essays reflecting on gospel texts through the lens of Middle Eastern culture and rhetoric. Bailey's exegetical discussions offer a treasure trove of cultural insights into the Jesus traditions of the Gospels. His essays highlght such issues as nationalism, violence, political oppression, inter-ethnic conflict, and joblessness. Bailey's christological insights are power and poignant." (Dorothy Jean Weaver, Interpretation, July 2009)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes is Bailey's most recent call to Western Christians who need to time-travel to the Middle East. On page after page, he identifies themes and reflexes assumed in the gospels that slip right past us. Stories like the Parable of the Woman and the Judge are given interpretations that should contribute to every commentary writer. And fourteen more parables are made alive again, each in its original context." (Gary M. Burge, Books & Culture, March/April 2009)

"The great strength of this work is the author's familiarity with Middle Eastern culture. He succeeds in shedding new light on well known Gospel stories from a cultural perspective. Another valuable contribution of this book is the introduction to, and interaction with, great Eastern commentaries long forgotten or largely unknown to Western Biblical Scholarship. A very readable book and will be profitable to various levels of readers. Anyone interested in understanding the New Testament from its own distinctive Middle Eastern cultural perspective ought to read this book." (Mark Jason, Themelios, 33, no. 3)

Edition details

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0281059756
• ISBN 13: 9780281059751
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400