Customer Reviews

A Commentary on the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica (4 Vol. Set)

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The author lived in the 17th century and began a noble task: relating the teachings of the New Testament to its Jewish roots.
Unfortunately, he died before he completed his task, so this work only addresses the four Gospels and then the brief fourth volume offers a few comments on passages from Acts to I Corinthians (but this last volume is half the size of the others). It is tragic that he was not able to finish this work, and, to my knowledge, no one ever has.

It is helpful for the pastor or serious Christian who is into the Jewish backgrounds of the New Testament. Although my first reference in this regard is the recent "Jewish New Testament Commentary" (Stern), Lightfoot's work brings many Talmudic passages into the picture to add insight. They are liberally quoted and referenced.

The author has a reverence and respect for Scripture as the Word of God. Although the English style is old, it is understandable.
If you are into the Jewish roots and backgrounds of the Christian faith and you are a teacher of the Word, I highly recommend this. Others might be wise to borrow a copy first and see if it is for them.

A bit difficult to enjoy without setting ones mind and heart to deep study.

I would not recommend these volumes to someone without comprehensive knowledge and a deep background. Due to the age of the works, one should be expecting some anti-Jewish ideas, supersessionalism and bigotry. If you are prepared for that and aware of the last 200 years of Judeo-Christian relations, and open-minded it is possible to get something from this collection.