Jesus, the Final Days brings light to resurrection
Even though Easter is past, reading about the resurrection never gets old. In the book Jesus, the Final Days, written by Craig A. Evans and N. T. Wright and edited by Troy A. Miller, Miller has edited talks given by Evans and Wright on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
These talks are centered around historical and archaeological evidence supporting the biblical accounts found in the Gospels. They also dispel several theories that seek to dismiss the resurrection as a fable.
Though probably not for educated biblical scholars with doctorates, Jesus, the Final Days would be a great resource for pastors, Sunday school teachers and those who want an in depth background study of the resurrection accounts found in the four Gospels.
For instance, Evans, who is a Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, director of the graduate program at Acadia Divinity College in Canada and the author of other books, describes ancient burial practices employed during the time of Christ, both for criminals and non-criminals. He writes about Passover pardons, and explores Pilate's thinking regarding the pardon of Jesus and Barabbas. What was more politically expedient? What would keep the peace? Wright writes compellingly on the authenticity of each Gospel, even though the accounts differ.
Wright, the Bishop of Durham in the Church of England, has written over 40 books including extensive writings on the resurrection. Wright, who's writing style reminds one of C. S. Lewis (but easier to understand), presents the origin of Christian thinking on the resurrection. Was it from pagan sources, as some claim? Or was Christian thinking based in Jewish thought?
Wright also explores the credibility of ancient accounts. Did the ancients have as much knowledge as moderns claim to possess in this enlightened age?
Jesus, the Final Days is a great book to read during the year, rather than during the rush of the Lent and the Easter season. Pick up a copy today and keep the resurrection close to your heart all year long!
