Offering a unique introduction to the historical person Jesus of Nazareth, respected New Testament scholar William Herzog traces the history of discussion and scholarship of the historical Jesus, including that of the recent and very public Jesus Seminar. He does so, however, with an eye toward the theological. No other introduction is tied so closely to the biblical texts. By exploring in depth Jesus' words--the parables--and Jesus' deeds--miracles, Herzog presents a holistic picture of Jesus that will explain how Jesus' followers would have understood his miracles and his role as prophet. With its accessibility and clear connections to what the gospels are saying, Prophet and Teacher will appeal to general readers with little theological background and be a popular primary text in undergraduate and seminary classes.
"This is the first sustained, social-scientifically founded, scholarly work describing the life of Jesus as it was perceived by Jesus’ own contemporaries. Herzog employs the full panoply of literary, historical and social scientific methods to set out the major dimensions of the significance of Jesus’ career. This well-founded, scholarly portrait of the historical Jesus is compelling, accessible and relevant—and bound to leave the contemporary reader with insights to appreciate Jesus in a wholly new and totally realistic way. Anyone interested in understanding contemporary Jesus research from Borg and Wright to Crossan and the Jesus Seminar would do well to be informed by Herzog’s insightful presentation and useful critique. Historically oriented laymen and clergy alike will welcome this book as a guide in their attempts to follow contemporary Jesus study, and perhaps more importantly, as an expert companion in their reflections on the person and activity of Jesus." —Bruce J. Malina, Creighton University
"In engaging prose, Herzog explores the figure of Jesus as prophet, teacher and rabbi, traditional healer, and as a 'reputational leader' who brokers of the reign of God. Using insights from the social sciences, Herzog focuses on the social, economic and political dimensions of Jesus' teaching and activity. He places special emphasis upon Jesus' approach to Torah and the Temple. This book is a `must read.'" —Alicia Batten, Pacific Lutheran University
