esurrection is the rock of faith on which Christianity is founded. But on what evidence is the most miraculous phenomenon in religious history based?
World-famous biblical scholar Geza Vermes has studied all the evidence that still remains, over two thousand years after Jesus Christ was reported to have risen from the dead. Examining the Jewish Bible, the New Testament, and other accounts left to us, as well as contemporary attitudes toward the afterlife, he takes us through each episode with a historian’s focus: the Crucifixion, the treatment of the body, the statements of the women who found the empty tomb, and the visions of Christ by his disciples. Unraveling the true meaning conveyed in the Gospels, the Acts, and Saint Paul, Vermes shines new light on the developing faith in the risen Christ among the first followers of Jesus.
The Resurrection: History and Myth
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Geza Vermes and The Nativity
“The greatest Jesus scholar of his generation.” —Sunday Telegraph (UK)
“Vermes sets about painstaking literary and historical analysis with refreshing humor and enthusiasm and argues his case with clarity and skill as he uncovers how the events of the nativity were constructed by evangelists to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and Jewish traditions.” —The Guardian (UK)
“The greatest Jesus scholar of his generation.” —Sunday Telegraph (UK)
“Vermes sets about painstaking literary and historical analysis with refreshing humor and enthusiasm and argues his case with clarity and skill as he uncovers how the events of the nativity were constructed by evangelists to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and Jewish traditions.” —The Guardian (UK)
Review
Praise for Geza Vermes and The Nativity
“The greatest Jesus scholar of his generation.” —Sunday Telegraph (UK)
“Vermes sets about painstaking literary and historical analysis with refreshing humor and enthusiasm and argues his case with clarity and skill as he uncovers how the events of the nativity were constructed by evangelists to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and Jewish traditions.” —The Guardian (UK) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
“The greatest Jesus scholar of his generation.” —Sunday Telegraph (UK)
“Vermes sets about painstaking literary and historical analysis with refreshing humor and enthusiasm and argues his case with clarity and skill as he uncovers how the events of the nativity were constructed by evangelists to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and Jewish traditions.” —The Guardian (UK) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This 152-page volume is a great analysis of the historical, political, and religious context of the accounts of the resurrection of Jesus. But don't let the brevity of the book fool you; I had to read it very carefully: Professor Vermes' analysis is erudite; I believe the book is accessible to the lay reader but meaningfully nuanced for the academic. This concise character stands in contrast to N.T. Wright's 800-page tome The Resurrection of the Son of God, which favors belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus.
Refreshingly, Vermes' book is devoid of any argumentative tone. I grew up in an evangelical Christian environment and recently have begun to research the historicity and theological durability of what I was taught. In the course of my research, I have realized that both "sides" of the debate are often dismissive of each other (a fact which finds attestation in the laudatory reviews on Amazon for books which support individuals' predisposed views). My point is that Professor Vermes seems utterly neutral in his treatment of the subject, for which I am very grateful.
What has surprised me in my review of the academic research is how poor the evidence is for many of the supernatural accounts of the Bible. Shame on me for waiting over 30 years to analyze this. Clearly, an omnipotent God could work miracles if so desired. However, I don't see any better evidence for the miracles of the Bible than I do the many superstitions and rumors of the supernatural throughout the span of civilization (as analyzed in books such as Keith Thomas' Religion and the Decline of Magic).
Though I am now agnostic, I do appreciate the tone of Vermes' epilogue: Resurrection in the Hearts of Men, which is one of optimism and the power of the messages of Jesus to inspire us. I will continue to survey scholarly research as it emerges; but for now I embrace my personal responsibility to treat myself and others with respect, a stance which the historical Jesus might support, whether or not he rose from the dead.
Refreshingly, Vermes' book is devoid of any argumentative tone. I grew up in an evangelical Christian environment and recently have begun to research the historicity and theological durability of what I was taught. In the course of my research, I have realized that both "sides" of the debate are often dismissive of each other (a fact which finds attestation in the laudatory reviews on Amazon for books which support individuals' predisposed views). My point is that Professor Vermes seems utterly neutral in his treatment of the subject, for which I am very grateful.
What has surprised me in my review of the academic research is how poor the evidence is for many of the supernatural accounts of the Bible. Shame on me for waiting over 30 years to analyze this. Clearly, an omnipotent God could work miracles if so desired. However, I don't see any better evidence for the miracles of the Bible than I do the many superstitions and rumors of the supernatural throughout the span of civilization (as analyzed in books such as Keith Thomas' Religion and the Decline of Magic).
Though I am now agnostic, I do appreciate the tone of Vermes' epilogue: Resurrection in the Hearts of Men, which is one of optimism and the power of the messages of Jesus to inspire us. I will continue to survey scholarly research as it emerges; but for now I embrace my personal responsibility to treat myself and others with respect, a stance which the historical Jesus might support, whether or not he rose from the dead.
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Jay Young
Format:Hardcover
"Resurrection" is an interesting exploration of the resurrection stories by one of the leading New Testament scholars today. He gives a far more lucid and concise exploration of the idea of resurrection in the Old and New Testaments than N.T. Wright does in his massive "Resurrection of the Son of God."
Vermes begins by exploring the idea of resurrection/afterlife in the Old Testament. In short, there's not much there. In the Old Testament, the prevailing idea of death was Sheol- a semi-conscious, joyless existence in the grave shared by wicked and just alike. The idea of a resurrection of the just first appears in the Maccabean period, when Jewish martyrs wanted to continue worship of God beyond the grave. The idea of resurrection, of both the wicked and the just to their respective rewards, first appears explicitly in Daniel. In Jesus' time, the only major group to except the idea of resurrection were the Pharisees. According to Vermes, it's not clear that most of the Jewish world yet accepted the idea.
Vermes then moves on to exploring the resurrection narratives and Jesus' teaching on resurrection. Vermes analyzes the texts and concludes that Jesus actually taught very little regarding the resurrection of the body. Further, the actual resurrection narratives don't agree. For one thing, Jesus ascends into heaven immediately in some versions, and waits 40 days in others. Finally, Vermes concludes that the resurrection narratives were primarily about Jesus' glorification at the right hand of the father, not resurrection, and that the early Christians were expecting to have glorified bodies along with Jesus in their own lifetime. As this failed to materialize, Jesus' resurrection was regarded as the "first fruits" for the just who died.
The only part of the book that was not convincing was Vermes' explanation of the resurrection. He claims that Jesus "rose again in the apostles' hearts" after his death, and that they simply wanted to continue his mission. But if this was the case, then why would they have felt the need to write about the resurrection as though it were real in the first place? Why wouldn't they just have said that they were carrying on the ideals of Jesus, rather than writing something that they didn't believe was true? Still, this is an important book by an acclaimed scholar that hopefully will encourage readers to explore the topic further.
Vermes begins by exploring the idea of resurrection/afterlife in the Old Testament. In short, there's not much there. In the Old Testament, the prevailing idea of death was Sheol- a semi-conscious, joyless existence in the grave shared by wicked and just alike. The idea of a resurrection of the just first appears in the Maccabean period, when Jewish martyrs wanted to continue worship of God beyond the grave. The idea of resurrection, of both the wicked and the just to their respective rewards, first appears explicitly in Daniel. In Jesus' time, the only major group to except the idea of resurrection were the Pharisees. According to Vermes, it's not clear that most of the Jewish world yet accepted the idea.
Vermes then moves on to exploring the resurrection narratives and Jesus' teaching on resurrection. Vermes analyzes the texts and concludes that Jesus actually taught very little regarding the resurrection of the body. Further, the actual resurrection narratives don't agree. For one thing, Jesus ascends into heaven immediately in some versions, and waits 40 days in others. Finally, Vermes concludes that the resurrection narratives were primarily about Jesus' glorification at the right hand of the father, not resurrection, and that the early Christians were expecting to have glorified bodies along with Jesus in their own lifetime. As this failed to materialize, Jesus' resurrection was regarded as the "first fruits" for the just who died.
The only part of the book that was not convincing was Vermes' explanation of the resurrection. He claims that Jesus "rose again in the apostles' hearts" after his death, and that they simply wanted to continue his mission. But if this was the case, then why would they have felt the need to write about the resurrection as though it were real in the first place? Why wouldn't they just have said that they were carrying on the ideals of Jesus, rather than writing something that they didn't believe was true? Still, this is an important book by an acclaimed scholar that hopefully will encourage readers to explore the topic further.
18 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Big D
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
An outstanding even-handed look and evaluation of the many forms and stories of resurrection in the Bible. The book does not seek to prove or dissprove the resurrection. As Sgt. Joe Friday(Jack Webb) used to say on the old "Dragnet" TV show: "The Facts, Mam, just the facts...."
That's what Geza Vermes gives us in this scholarly, but readable and easily understood work: The ideas and concepts of resurrection and life after death in the Jewish world in Jesus' time, What the Gospels say-and don't say--about Jesus' resurrection, How Paul views it, How critrics have sought to explain it away, and, in the end, he leaves it to the reader to decide what is true, what isn't, what's fact and what's tradition. As any good teacher should do.
There are those, of course, good meaning Christians, who will criticize the book because it doesn't attempt justify their view of truth...there will be others, good people, too, who will attempt to discredit the book because it even bothers to consider that resurrection might be real...
In the end, the book is right where the author intended it to be and where it should be---and outstanding compilation and evaluation of all the resurrection stories, not just those regarding the resurrection of Jesus., but all resurrections cited in the Biblen (Surely you realize that Jesus is not the only resurrection story in the Bible.)
And outstanding piece of work for Christians who want to use their God-given mind and think. Perhpas not for the Fundamentists among us, good people though they are. who say, "It's in the Bible and that's all there is to it...." The question then becomes, "Which of the resurrection accounts do you beleive?" because they all can't be true.....
This book outlines them all with respect and reverence, points out tht differences and similarities, and let's the reader--the thinking Christian, if you will--determine what he or she beleives. That, in turn, becomes "truth" for that individual. Good work. Highly recommended.
That's what Geza Vermes gives us in this scholarly, but readable and easily understood work: The ideas and concepts of resurrection and life after death in the Jewish world in Jesus' time, What the Gospels say-and don't say--about Jesus' resurrection, How Paul views it, How critrics have sought to explain it away, and, in the end, he leaves it to the reader to decide what is true, what isn't, what's fact and what's tradition. As any good teacher should do.
There are those, of course, good meaning Christians, who will criticize the book because it doesn't attempt justify their view of truth...there will be others, good people, too, who will attempt to discredit the book because it even bothers to consider that resurrection might be real...
In the end, the book is right where the author intended it to be and where it should be---and outstanding compilation and evaluation of all the resurrection stories, not just those regarding the resurrection of Jesus., but all resurrections cited in the Biblen (Surely you realize that Jesus is not the only resurrection story in the Bible.)
And outstanding piece of work for Christians who want to use their God-given mind and think. Perhpas not for the Fundamentists among us, good people though they are. who say, "It's in the Bible and that's all there is to it...." The question then becomes, "Which of the resurrection accounts do you beleive?" because they all can't be true.....
This book outlines them all with respect and reverence, points out tht differences and similarities, and let's the reader--the thinking Christian, if you will--determine what he or she beleives. That, in turn, becomes "truth" for that individual. Good work. Highly recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Vermes goes back over old ground. His work does bring together a lot...
As a science professional trained in quantitative methodology and analysis, and, by the way, as a person of faith following many decades of extreme skepticism, I pass this... Read more
Published 1 day ago by Donald J. Gunther
4.0 out of 5 stars
Resurrection
Short summary:
The book is organized in two parts; the first dealing with the ideas about the afterlife in Jewish thought before and during the time of Jesus and the... Read more
The book is organized in two parts; the first dealing with the ideas about the afterlife in Jewish thought before and during the time of Jesus and the... Read more
Published on September 25, 2010 by Daniel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid Scholarship; A Thorough Job
Vermes attempts to harmonize the gospels with each other and gives insight into Jewish perepective at the time of Christ. The work is brief but scholarly and filled with quotes. Read more
Published on July 12, 2010 by D. DeFazio
3.0 out of 5 stars
In the Apostle's heart.
In the Apostle's heart is a beautiful conclusion that comes from being cornered into a dead end.
Plowing through the available NT texts, accounts blurred by their numerous... Read more
Plowing through the available NT texts, accounts blurred by their numerous... Read more
Published on May 23, 2010 by Chris Albert Wells
4.0 out of 5 stars
the resurrection in broad perspective
Geza Vermes offers us an interesting contextual approach of the Resurrection of Jezus.
He places the evolution of the belief (of Jews, Greek and others) in resurrection (as a... Read more
He places the evolution of the belief (of Jews, Greek and others) in resurrection (as a... Read more
Published on June 29, 2009 by Rejan Minnekeer
2.0 out of 5 stars
Fumbled on resurrection accounts
Previous reviewers have focused on giving an overall view of the ebb and flow of Vermes book. I will instead focus my review on a key area of his book: the examination of the... Read more
Published on October 22, 2008 by JPM
2.0 out of 5 stars
A stumble for a noted scholar
Vermes is a noted scholar, but his conclusions about the resurrection are confused and not convincing. Read more
Published on July 15, 2008 by Jeri Nevermind
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vermes's Resurrection is good but missing a point or two
Vermes does an excellent job as an historian examining the development of notions of life, death, and life after death throughout ealier history in the Jewish world. Read more
Published on March 23, 2008 by Ralph L. Meyer
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Leading Scholar but not a Leading Book
Geza Vermes is one of the top scholars on the life of Jesus and perhaps the leading scholar on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Read more
Published on March 9, 2008 by C. Price
