Jesus the Seer: The Progress of Prophecy
Increasingly, scholars recognize that prophetic traditions, expressions, and experiences stand at the heart of most religions in the ancient Mediterranean world. This is no less true for the world of Judaism and Jesus. Ben Witherington III offers an extensive, cross-cultural survey of the broader expressions of prophecy in its ancient Mediterranean context, beginning with Mari, moving to biblical figures not often regarded as prophets—Balaam, Deborah, Moses, and Aaron—and to the apocalyptic seer in postexilic prophecy, showing that no single pattern describes all prophetic figures. The consequence is that different aspects of Jesus' activity touch upon prophetic predecessors: his miracles, on Elijah and Elisha; his self-understanding as the Son of Man, on Daniel and 1 Enoch; his warnings of woe and judgment, on the "writing prophets" in Judean tradition; and his messianic entry into Jerusalem, on Zechariah 9. Witherington also surveys the phenomenon of apocalyptic prophecy in early Christianity, including Paul, Revelation, the Didache, Hermas, and the Montanist movement. Jesus the Seer is a worthy complement to Witherington’s other volume on Jesus, Jesus the Sage (Fortress Press, 2000).
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781451488876
- eBook ISBN 9781451489507
- Dimensions 6 x 9
- Pages 446
- Publication Date October 1, 2014
Endorsements
"Ambitious in scope, clear and compelling in presentation. Witherington has linked the eschatological prophet-sage Jesus to the complex world of Old Testament prophecy, and then gone on to trace the relationship of both to early Christian prophecy. Rarely has a New Testament scholar demonstrated such proficiency in handling Old Testament and Hebrew sources. The result is a comprehensive scriptural presentation."
—Christopher R. Seitz
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
"Jesus the Seer pursues two important ends simultaneously. On the one hand, it adds yet another essential dimension to the emerging comprehensive portrait of Jesus that is being brought to light by the careful work of Ben Witherington III. On the other hand, anyone interested in prophecy, in prophets, and in prophesying will find Witherington's book a veritable tour of the topic. Witherington’s knowledge of the contemporary study of Jesus and his picture of the phenomenon of prophecy are remarkably broad and deep. His presentation is lucid, accurate, incisive, and persuasive. All who are interested in the complex person and ministry of the historical Jesus, especially his work as a prophet, are in Witherington’s debt for this volume."
—Marion L. Soards
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
"In ranging over two millennia of the phenomenon of prophecy and offering a sustained interpretation of the whole phenomenon, this book is something of a tour de force. It is not too surprising that it has not been attempted before. Witherington’s command of the several scholarly fields his book traverses is impressive. This book will undoubtedly stimulate fresh study of biblical prophecy within the broad historical and cultural context it provides."
—Richard Bauckham
Emeritus, University of St. Andrews
—Christopher R. Seitz
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
"Jesus the Seer pursues two important ends simultaneously. On the one hand, it adds yet another essential dimension to the emerging comprehensive portrait of Jesus that is being brought to light by the careful work of Ben Witherington III. On the other hand, anyone interested in prophecy, in prophets, and in prophesying will find Witherington's book a veritable tour of the topic. Witherington’s knowledge of the contemporary study of Jesus and his picture of the phenomenon of prophecy are remarkably broad and deep. His presentation is lucid, accurate, incisive, and persuasive. All who are interested in the complex person and ministry of the historical Jesus, especially his work as a prophet, are in Witherington’s debt for this volume."
—Marion L. Soards
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
"In ranging over two millennia of the phenomenon of prophecy and offering a sustained interpretation of the whole phenomenon, this book is something of a tour de force. It is not too surprising that it has not been attempted before. Witherington’s command of the several scholarly fields his book traverses is impressive. This book will undoubtedly stimulate fresh study of biblical prophecy within the broad historical and cultural context it provides."
—Richard Bauckham
Emeritus, University of St. Andrews