Customer Reviews

The Birth of the Messiah (Anchor Bible Reference Library)

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I was reluctant when this tome about the infancy narratives had been recommended, and after the first chapter discovered this was no ordinary book. There are myriads of commentaries, but none like this! This book elaborates at length on the short gospel narratives of the birth of Jesus, and how the NT authors had woven OT material into those narratives. It elaborates on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary: not as some wench who did as God told her, but as the first disciple of Christ to say Yes to the call of God; not merely a mother to Christ, but the Mother of the people of God by her fiat. For those who already believe, and even for those who don't, it elaborates why the incarnation is such an awesome historial event, not only in human history, but in salvation history.

Fr. Brown writes with erudition, and, while his audience is scholarly, even novices can read these gems with considerable ease. I initially intended to read the book straight through, but the density and intensity of the material suggested that a more devotional, gradual read would be more beneficial. I admit this is hard to do, because once embarked, these insights propel one to read as much as one can as fast as one can. However you decide to read it, I cannot think of a better introduction, as well as advanced scholarship, that will not leave one unchanged.

At the time of its publication, Father Brown's work was regarded by conservative and liberal scholars alike as a masterpiece, and it still is. Perhaps the most helpful part of the book is its arrangement: By placing the commentary immediately after the text and separating it from the notes, people who want more detail (and Father Brown was never at a loss for detail) can read the notes. Father Brown also wrote a wonderful work called "The Death of the Messiah" concerning the Passion Narratives. This, too, is excellent. When asked if he would write a book on the Resurrection Narratives, Father Brown declined, saying, "I'll wait and experience it first." Rest in peace, Father.

Fr. Brown taks an honest hard look at the infancy narrative of Matthew and Luke. It is a struggle to find the truth in these narrative amid all the mythic lore and revisionist speculations. He digs deep down into the mountain of rubble that has accumulated, bringing out the sparkling truth that is contained within. He brings them out into the light of the day, where all speculation and myth are shown for what they are.

The historical valure of the infancy narratives are shredded to pieces during the course of this examination. Yet my faith is strengthened not undermined by this work. Why is this? Well, Fr. Brown uncovers the real motivation behind the Evangelists who composed these narratives. The primary motivation is theological.

The infancy narratives are perhaps the richest vien of theology in the New Testament. So much is hidden away in the nooks and crannies of the remainder of the Gospels, so much that only comes to light with a close examination of the infancy narratives. Once the myths are tossed aside, the glory of God begins to shine ever more clearly.

I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand the Gospel without sacrificing intellect for the sake of belief.

In his lifetime, Raymond Brown was considered one of the foremost biblical scholars. His scholarship certainly changed Catholic biblical studies and many believe he is responsible for making the academic world at large take notice of what scholars writing from a Catholic perspective have to offer the study of scripture. His comprehensive THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH is one of his monumental works that demonstrates his expertise and adds something Catholic that can be used in a "catholic" (universal) sense.

When Brown first published this book in the mid 1970's, he was attempting to do something for a beloved portion of scripture that was often ignored. For the most part, serious scholarship on the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke was almost nil. Traditional scholars avoided it fearing that scholarship could debunk the stories themselves. Less traditional scholars saw the stories as legend that had little or no relevance for serious scholars. Brown rejected both points of view and chose to see the stories form a different point of view. Brown studies the Annunciation, the Magi, the Shepherds, the Flight to Egypt, the Child Jesus in the Temple, and the other narratives that make up these imaginative chapters of scripture and views them not as fanciful tales or legends, but the Gospel in miniature. The stories included in Luke and Matthew are essential to the Gospel story and essential for understanding the story itself. Since the time of this volume's publication, this has become one of the common interpretations of the Infancy narratives.

The book is not without controversy. One example would be Brown's treatment of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. While Brown in many ways exalts the role of Mary as a disciple, it is not a pious reflection on Mary which has caused some readers to claim Brown disputes the Virgin birth. I'm not sure this is true, especially given some of Brown's other writings and talks widely available, if not in publication certainly in libraries. This is why the reader needs to keep in mind what Brown is attempting to do in this volume: present relevant scholarship on the infancy narratives.

I have grown to love the book for a number of reasons. There is so much material in it, I am always discovering something new. This is important for anyone who has to preach on these texts. Not only can a new angle or understanding be found in this volume, it also helps the reader find personal insights for reflection and prayer, which during the time when these texts are preached can be so important. Brown's volume shows that the Birth of Christ was not just a historical event but one that has meaning today and in all ages.

My spiritual relationship has been strengthened as a result of reading this commentary by Raymond Edward Brown S. S. "The Birth of the Messiah" is an exhaustive analysis of the Infancy Narratives (IN) presented in the Christian Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The self-proclaimed task of this commentary is to "recover the value of the infancy stories as theology." Professor Brown contends that the IN were "written to make Jesus' origins intelligible against the background of the fulfillment of OT [Hebraic Scriptural] expectations". In this light, the Gospel of Matthew was written to make the history of Israel a more intimate preparation by having Jesus relive that history. The remote preparation of the ministry of Jesus was the whole of GOD's activity in Israel as told by the Law of Moses and the Prophets. The Gospel of Luke IN also "stress the intrinsic connection of that birth with what has precede in Israel." In contrast to Matthew, Lucan theology presents a smoother transition from OT to the Gospel message. Even so, "for both evangelists the IN is the place where the OT [i.e. Hebraic Scriptures] and the Gospel most directly meet." The idea of a "backwards developing christology" was introduced to me in this book. "In a pre-Gospel period, as attested by Paul and the sermons in Acts, the resurrection was the chief moment associated with the divine proclamation of the identity of Jesus." The IN are presented here as a progressive step in the understanding of the origin of Jesus. One of the recurrent themes which Professor Brown enunciates is that a reaction to the IN is a reflection of a reaction to the Gospel message. "The gospel is the good news, but that gospel must have a passion and rejection as well as success." Some will accept the Gospel message and rejoice while others will reject the Gospel and those who proclaim it. A second theme which influences me is that the true family of Jesus are those who hear the word of GOD and do it (Mark 3:20-21). Professor Brown demonstrates that Luke presents Mary as one who qualifies and becomes the first disciple. If you are interested in the Gospel message of the Infancy Narratives, this book will interest you. Regardless of your personal position on the Christian Gospels, this is a valuable tool for understanding what they are about, and therefore, can be important in arriving at an informed decision.

592 pages of commentary on 180 verses comes to a little over three pages per verse, and this is not a large print edition. The analysis is exhaustive (and sometimes exhausting), but the serious student of the Gospels will find the book a gold mine of information.

Brown followed this book up with a two volume work on "The Death of the Messiah," but cut the trilogy short by declining to write "The Resurrection of the Messiah." Given the quality and depth of analysis shown in "Birth" and "Death," it would have been very interesting had he shared his scholarship in a volume on the resurrection. We can get a hint of what he might have said in that volume by reading his comments on the resurrection narratives in his "Introduction to the New Testament."

How should Christians contend with alleged contradictions, inconsistencies and historical inaccuracies in the New Testament? Perhaps many have not confronted the difficulties, while assuming that ultimately a satisfactory answer will emerge that justifies confidence in the Greek scriptures. The late Raymond E. Brown was not content to leave it to future scholarship to provide the answers. Only two gospels, Matthew and Luke, discuss the birth and infancy of Jesus. But scholars have raised questions that challenge the credibility of these narratives. Why do the genealogies not match? Why do the other New Testament writers not mention the virgin birth? What prophets said that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene? Why does Luke imply the family returned to Nazareth shortly after the birth of Jesus, while Matthew has the family fleeing to Egypt before returning? The slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem is not mentioned in secular history although other atrocities are recorded. Can the son of David be reckoned through the mother? These and other questions have provided ammunition for critics against the veracity of the New Testament.

Brown discusses these matters and more in detail. He provides non-conventional solutions while maintaining his Catholicism. This book should help the Christian understand the issues raised by doubters and help them reflect on what they believe and why they believe it. One does not have to agree with Brown's conclusions to appreciate the struggle with the history and theology of the narratives. Do the narratives have a common source, or are they separate traditions pre-dating the main body of each gospel? Read Brown's The Birth of the Messiah for some proposed answers. Recommended for lay Christians who have not seriously considered the challenges to their faith.

Part of the Anchor Bible Reference Library, this is an excellent book in which Raymond Brown provides an in-depth treatment of the NT infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke. The format of the book is standard for the Anchor Bible series: the author translates a segment of the Greek NT text, provides notes on his translation, and then comments on the meaning of the text. There are nine appendices on technical issues (e.g., "Birth at Bethlehem", "The Census under Quirinius"). Also, this edition contains a supplement that updates the work to 1992 (Brown died in 1998). The treatment is scholarly but readable, and, for passages in the NT that have given rise to controversy in the past, Brown tries to give a balanced exposition of the opposing views (and he usually states what his personal opinion is). There is an enormous amount of interesting material packed into this book, as Brown canvasses much of the relevant literature.

The book has the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur declarations that the book is free of doctrinal or moral errors (from the point of view of the Roman Catholic church), but Brown's Catholicism doesn't color the book excessively. For example, he admits that it is unlikely Mary took a vow of virginity, and also that the "brothers of Jesus" were probably his brothers in the usual biological sense. More generally, Brown openly recognizes the historical improbability of certain events (such as the visit of the Magi), and doesn't strain to impose dubious harmonizations on the infancy stories or to concoct interpretations meant to uphold the literal truth of the NT. The one place where he draws a line is on the virgin conception itself; he claims that it is unscientific to reject it as impossible a priori.

The supplement makes for lively reading, since Brown describes some of the negative reviews received by the first edition of the book and engages in a bit of polemic as he re-argues his position on certain topics. However, he doesn't descend to vituperation, even when provoked.

Overall, a great book and an excellent source of references for further reading.

While various conclusions seem selective, Birth of the Messiah is an excellent reference source for anyone who wishes to explore the Infancy Stories of Matthew and Luke. Neither evangelical nor peddling the revisionist garbage of our times, Raymond Brown sifts through the gospel material with a fine tooth comb. The Appendix sections are also well stocked with information to special subjects related to the Birth narratives. This book is a classic, and surely will remain so for years to come.

Raymond E. Brown has long been one of the finest New Testament scholars. His work in this brilliant commentary is up to his own impeccable standards. In particular his analysis of the visit of the magi, the sect of the Anawim, and the virgin conception make the book worth the purchase price alone. Brown's genius, compassion, and erudition in this work have rarely been surpassed, even by himself.