{"product_id":"the-first-christian-universal-truth-in-the-teachings-of-jesus-9780802821102","title":"The First Christian: Universal Truth in the Teachings of Jesus","description":"In this book Paul Zahl seeks a broader understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus. What was it within his message that burst his first-century Jewish context? What was creative, fresh, and universal about his message? What did Jesus maintain, within his own setting and period, that is still true and applicable today? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In pursuing these questions, Zahl swims against the current of modern scholarship, arguing that Jesus was more \"Christian\" than \"Jewish.\" Jesus' teaching concerning the kingdom of God is replete with Christian perspectives on human nature and salvation, and his insights into original sin and grace are closer to core Christianity than much recent literature acknowledges. Drawing from both Jewish and Christian thinkers, Zahl shows Jesus to be a saving figure, a christological figure, even a radically Protestant figure. Zahl also brings his fresh perspective into present-day focus by showing how Jesus' dynamic teachings still have worldwide impact. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Zahl writes both as a highly trained theologian and as a pastor who recognizes that scholarship stands in the service of discipleship. In \u003ci\u003eThe First Christian\u003c\/i\u003e he renders the contemporary \"quest for the historical Jesus\" not only \u003ci\u003eaccessible\u003c\/i\u003e but also \u003ci\u003erelevant\u003c\/i\u003e to the life of faith. Students of the Bible and general readers alike will be enriched by his compelling portrait of a Christian, universal Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/25\/2003\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780802821102\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 138\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.43lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.01h x 5.98w x 0.51d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e 10\/01\/2003 pg. 288\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist Editors Choice\/Adult\u003c\/i\u003e 01\/01\/2004 pg. 774\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e 10\/01\/2004 pg. 302\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Paul F. M. Zahl","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52085499429045,"sku":"9780802821102","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_3fa44abb-a6f6-4763-b10b-2e68970d0cc7.jpg?v=1765294347","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-first-christian-universal-truth-in-the-teachings-of-jesus-9780802821102","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}