Book cover for Jesus the Purifier: John's Gospel and the Fourth Quest for the Historical Jesus by Craig L. Blomberg

Jesus the Purifier

John's Gospel and the Fourth Quest for the Historical Jesus

2023 Released
416 Pages
10-11 Hours
Audiobook Unavailable
Paperback Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Baker AcademicISBN 9781493439966

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.

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.

More by Craig L. Blomberg

Why Readwise Books?

Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →