Birth of the Messiah (Paperback)

~ Raymond E. Brown (Author) "Two of the four Gospels, Matthew and Luke, begin with a story of Jesus' conception, birth, and childhood..." (more)
Key Phrases: angelic dream appearances, genitive eudokias, annunciation pattern, Nunc Dimittis, Davidic Messiah, Babylonian Exile (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the premier events in biblical publishing. . . . One thing is sure: This book will become a classic study of the nature and message of the infancy narratives."-The Bible Today (The Bible Today )

"Brown''s treatment of the infancy narratives is definitive. It will undoubtedly be the standard work on the subject for years to come."-Best Sellers (Best Sellers ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

The truth behind the Gospel accounts of the  Nativity, updated to include the latest research--a  classic by a renowned scholar, hailed as  "masterly" and "definitive" in the  original edition.


From the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: Anchor Bible; Updated edition (May 18, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385494475
• ISBN-13: 978-0385494472
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #612,738 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magisterial, April 10, 2002

By	D. S. Heersink "D. Stephen Heersink" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding work from a great scholar and priest, November 7, 1999

By A Customer

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.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eureka!! Thar's gold in dem dar hills., August 9, 2001

By A Customer

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.