The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius [Paperback]

David Flusser (Author), Steven Notley (Author), James H. Charlesworth (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2007

A modern scholarly classic now updated. This book offers a thorough look at the historical sources regarding life in the first century through the Dead Sea Scrolls, recent archaeological discoveries, and other means of inquiry. Both Jewish and Christian readers will find challenge and new understanding in this work.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.; 4 edition (August 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802825877
• ISBN-13: 978-0802825872
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical Work, October 19, 2007

By 

David Holcomb Jr. "dvd holc" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius (Paperback)

Table of Contents:
Forward, by R. Steven Notley
Introducing David Flusser's Jesus, by James H. Charlesworth
Preface
1: The Sources
2. Ancestry
3. Baptism
4. Law
5. Love
6. Ethics
7. The Kingdom of Heaven
8. The Son
9. The Son of Man
10. Jerusalem
11. Death
12. Epilogue
Chronological Table
Bibliography
Index of Subjects
Index of Scripture References

From Chapter 1 to the end of Chapter 12 it is 165 pages.

In David Flusser's own words, "The main purpose of this book is to show that it is possible to write the story of Jesus' life." This work is the conclusion of many decades of research and dedication to understanding the second temple period and Jesus. Originally, this was German book published in 1968. From that time, this book was translated into English in 1997. The content of the book has matured since the first editions in German and English through the archeological discoveries and maturing of David Flusser's own thinking. The first edition can be considered a mere beginning of his investigations and this edition is the culmination of his life's work. As such, this book should be treated more as a new work rather than a revision.

Some of Flusser's driving belief structures are discussed in chapter 1 and continue to be divulged through the course of the book. Some of these beliefs are 1) it is possible to tell the story of Jesus through the Gospel accounts 2) foundationally, Jesus functioned as a miracle worker and preacher; not a "kerygmatic" risen Lord 3) Jesus learned Judaism (thus was impacted by His contemporary teachers/movements) and revolutionized certain aspects of Judaism 4) the gospel accounts are based on one or more non-extant with Luke being the most accurate at preserving the early source of the historical Jesus.

Pros: David Flusser does a great job of combing through tons of second temple (and post temple period) literature and showing parallels between Jesus and other movements. Flusser did not set down all the technical details of those things which will ease the load for the average reader and provide a foundation for further research. Among varies literatures that the author utilizes, he most often went back to Essene for comparisons which is relatively new scholarship. Flusser also show examples of other people who were similar to Jesus, such as the Galileans Abba Hilkia and Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa. Flusser does a great job in highlighting what Jesus revolutionized: 1) "radical interpretation of the commandment of mutual love" 2) "the call for a new morality" and 3) "the idea of the kingdom of heaven."

Cons: I can't mention many cons for myself, but one I know would be important to others. Flusser does not accept that the so called "kerygmatic" is the actual Jesus. As such, he believes there has been some tampering to the gospel accounts to make a "kerygmatic" Christ. This would be the largest stumbling block for some Christians I know.

Conclusions: David Flusser has built the historical Jesus, and this book is well worth reading and studying. Even though David Flusser does not accept the full gospel story, it should not prevent the reader from making his/her own judgments on a great deal of material.

31 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My opinion - an excellent book, a "mustread", September 13, 2007

By 

Asimon Nofelli (Berlin MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius (Paperback)

In my strong disagreement with the previous review - The principal topic of this book - as one can actually see from its title - is not the history or archeology of Galilee. Rather, it is - the teaching and the figures of "historical" Jesus and his disciples (as they appear in the New Testament) in the context of contemporary Jewish Tradition (Talmud, Midrash, "Hitsonim", apocrypha, Qumran texts) and history. The author (Prof. D. Flusser, of blessed memory) was a leading expert of New Testament Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Being not a Christian himself, he saw and studied Jesus as a historical personality and a Jewish sage of a major scale - the one that changed the course of human history. His book (which is a new edition of his known book "Jesus") is written with great knowledge, respect and love. Personally, I could not find any significant inconsistencies or mistakes in this work, as related to its subject. As to the previous review - probably someone studying the history or archeology of the region could really find some better sources, more relevant to this particular field of his interest. I am sure he will - and wish him good luck in his research. Pavel Landsman, Ph.D.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking at Jesus from a First Century Vantage Point, March 2, 2008

By 

William H. Scarle Jr. - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius (Paperback)

Davis Flusser was Professor of Early Christianity and Second Temple Judaism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He held that post for years and was in constant contact and in working relationships with Christian scholars in Jerusalem. He sees Jesus as a Jew of the first century. He respects the Gospel records. He thoroughly understands the more contempory accounts: Josephus, Philo, etc. He is also immersed in the Dead Sea Scrolls and what they teach us about the various currents of Judaism in the time of Jesus.

We lost David Flusser to death in 2000. There is not likely to be a scholar rise up to equal him. He was in many ways unique. He wrote in Hebrew, German and English. This volumn is the fourth English edition and has been brought up to date by Steven Notley, Professor of Biblical Studies at the New York City campus of Nyack Collage.

It will give the reader a fresh look at Jesus within his own time and culture. It will place him within the religious ferment of his time and show what he accepted and what he rejected of the various Judaisms that surrounded him. It is less difficult to read than some of Flusser's work and not overly long. This edition runs 191 pages.

Like its author "THE SAGE OF GALILEE" is unique. It reflects an enormous respect for Jesus, and a focused attempt to understand him as a Jew of his time and place.