Difficult Passages in the Gospels

128 Pages·1984·7.392 MB·English

by  Robert H. Stein

0-8010-8249-8 $6,95
Biblical Studies
Difficult
Passages
inth"e
Gospels
Problematic passages in the gospels are explored under
four categories: (1) difficult parallel passages, (2) difficult
teachings of Jesus, (3) difficult actions of Jesus, and (4)
difficulties in the predictions of Jesus.
Representative passages are treated to demonstrate a
methodology for dealingwith other difficult passages. Dr.
Stein's purpose is to harmonize wherever possible by
blending historical research (citing Augustine and Calvin,
for example) with current discoveries in gospel research.
The author consistently avoids prejudicial handling of
data. He holds to the premise that authentic harmoniza
tion is best served by forthright treatment of the textual
data. Stein blends historical research with current dis
coveries, to which he adds his own original resolutions.
Those interested in scholarship as well as theology will
appreciate Stein's refusal to force a superficial harmoniza
tion into any passage.
Out of his own wholehearted commitment to the inspira
tion of Scripture, Dr. Stein fosters an appreciation for
previous efforts in harmonization, and prompts the spirit
of humility and courage to admit that in some instances
there cannot be found a "truly convincing explanation that
is completely satisfactory."
Robert H.-Stein has completed studies at Rutgers University, Fuller Theological
Seminary, Andover Newton Theological School, Princeton Theological Seminary,
and Heidelberg University. He is professor of New Testament at Bethel Theologi
cal Seminary, and has written An Introductiont o the Parableso f Jesus, and The
Method and Messageo f Jesus' Teachings.
□•BAKER
□-
BOOK HOUSE
Grand Rapids. Michigan 49506
Difficult
Passages
in tlie
Gospels
Roberta
Stein
□-
□-
BAKER BOOK HOUSE
Grand Hap1ds,M 1ch1gan4 9506
Copyright 1984 by
Baker Book House Company
ISBN: O-SOl0-8249-8
Printed in the United States of America
To my loving parents, William and Ella Stein, who
taught me by example what the love of God was like.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is
right. "Honor your father and mother'' (this is the first
commandment with a promise), "that it may be weil
with you and that you may live long on the earth."
Ephesians 6:1-3 (RSv)

Contents
Preface 7
Introduction 9
1. Difficult Parallel Passages in the Gospels 17
Dif.icult Parallel Passages in the Synoptic
Gospels 18
.J'he Voice from Hcavcn at Jesus' Baptism 18
(Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22)
"Blessed are the poor .... " 20
(Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20)
The Healing of the Centurion's Servant 26
(Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
The Raising of Jairus's Daughter 30
(Matt. 9:lS--19, 23-25; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke
8:40-42, 49-56)
The Healing of the Paralytic 34
(Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
The Genealogies of Jesus 38
(Matt. 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38)
The Lord's Supper 42
(Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20)
The Audience of the Parable of Lhe Lost Sht!t!p 46
(Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-7)
Dif.icult Parallel Passages in the Synoptic Gospels
and John 50
John the Baptist and Elijah 50
(Matt. 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13; John 1:19-22)
Was the Lord's Supper a Passover Meal? 54
(Matt. 26:17-18; Mark 14:12-14; Luke 22:7-11; John
18:28)
The Hour of the Crucifixion 58
(Mark 15:25; John 19:14-15)
2. Difficult Teachings of Jesus 63
"Do not swear at all" 63
(Matt. 5:34-37)
"And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven
our debtors" 66
(Matt. 6:12)
"And lead us not into temptation" 70
(Matt. 6:13)
"If you forgive the sins of any" 74
(John 20:23)
Jesus' Teachings on Prayer 77
(Mark 11:22-24; Matt. 7:7-8)
The Parable of the Unjust Steward 80
(Luke 16:1-8)
"Let him who has no sword ... buy one" 84
(Luke 22:36)
"You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my
church" 86
(Matt. 16:18)
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 88
(Luke 16:19-31)
"No one has ascended into ht>Avt>nh nt ht> whn
descended" 93
Uohn 3:13>
"But of that day ... no one knows ... [not even] the
Son" 97
(Mark 13:32)
3. Difficult Actions of Jesus 103
Jesus' Cursing of the Fig Tree 103
(Mark 11:12-14)
Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman 106
(Mark 7:24-30)
Jesus and Mary Magdalene after the
Resurrection 110
(John 20:17)
4. Difficulties in the Predictions of Jesus
Jesus' Being Three Days and Three Nights in the
Heart of the Earth 113
(Matt. 12:38-40)
Seeing the Angels Ascending and Descending Upon
the Son of Man 118
(John 1:51)
The Son of Man Coming During the Lifetime of the
Disciples 115
(Matt. 10:23)
Condusion 123
Preface
Several years ago this writer was approached
by the denominational periodical, the Standard, to do a
series on problem passages in the Gospels. I would like to
thank the Baptist General Conference for permission to
use these articles. Special thanks is given to the editor of
the Standard, Donald E. Anderson, for approaching me to
do this series and for his encouragement and editorial
work during this period, and to my wife Joan who read,
critiqued, and made suggestions on each of the passages
discussed. I also want to thank the faculty secretary,
Aletta Whittaker, for her expert typing of the manuscript.
lt was a pleasure working with her in the production of the
final draft.
Unless otherwise stated all biblical quotations come
from the Revised Standard Version. Parallel passages
presented in synoptic form come from the Synopsis of the
Four Gospels (United Bible Societies, 1982) or Gospel Paral
lels, edited by Burton H. Throckmorton, Jr. (Nelson, 1%7).
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