Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man - by Robert H Stein (Paperback)

About the Book

Mark 13, the so-called Little Apocalypse, has puzzled readers for generations. Was Jesus speaking of the end-time return of the Son of Man or the coming destruction of Jerusalem or both? How can we know? Robert Stein, a seasoned Gospels scholar, offers an in-depth and insightful commentary on Mark chapter 13, an important and puzzling discourse of Jesus.

Book Synopsis

Mark 13, the so-called Little Apocalypse, has puzzled readers for generations. Was Jesus speaking of the end-time return of the Son of Man or the coming destruction of Jerusalem or both? How can we know? Robert Stein, a seasoned Gospels scholar, offers an in-depth and insightful commentary on Mark chapter 13, an important and puzzling discourse of Jesus.

Review Quotes

"In Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man, Robert H. Stein . . . ably guides readers through the complex hermeneutical and exegetical issues involved in Jesus' 'Little Apocalypse' discourse."

"Eschewing atomizing scepticism on the one side and a clunky over-literalism on the other, Robert Stein now brings to bear on Mark 13 a lifetime of well-informed study and balanced reflection. Students and scholars of all theological stripes will be grateful for this much-needed guidance on what has proven to be one of the most puzzling and hermeneutically complex chapters in all of Scripture."

"It would be hard to find a more experienced and reliable guide to the complexities of the Markan apocalypse than Robert Stein. Conversant with the best scholarship and unrelenting in his pursuit of the Evangelist's intended meaning, Stein has produced a helpful, sensible and persuasive interpretation of Mark 13. This is a rewarding book that reflects the fruit of careful exegesis as well as reverence for the sacred text."

"Sharp divisions have arisen over how to deal with Jesus' teaching in Mark 13. With his customary lucidity, Stein clarifies all the important issues and offers sensible, carefully argued and insightful interpretations of the text that convey 'the consciously intended meaning of Mark 13, whether of the Jesus of history or the Evangelist Mark.' Those who want to know what Jesus taught about the destruction of the temple and the last days would do well to use this book as their guide."

"Stein is to be commended for taking on such a daunting portion of Scripture with such extensive focus. Particular points of his analysis are well-reasoned and convincing. For anyone setting out to study the eschatological discourse, this is an indispensable resource."

"Stein's writing style is technical and thorough, yet engaging. This work will appeal to seasoned pastors, students of biblical interpretation, and laypeople interested in better understanding Mark's eschatology."

"The interpretation of Mark 13 is controversial and sometimes a bit baffling. Robert Stein-with his characteristic clarity, common sense and exegetical skill-unpacks the meaning of the passage for readers. Even those who disagree will profit from Stein's lucid exegesis and will have to wrestle seriously with the arguments he presents for his reading. All readers will recognize the hand of a veteran and wise interpreter at work. We stand in debt to Stein for an outstanding exposition."

"Throughout his stellar career, Bob Stein has written many fine works on the Gospels, always providing clarity and insight to complex issues and texts. He has done it again with Jesus, the Temple and the Coming Son of Man. Stein navigates the challenging and sometimes treacherous waters of Mark's Olivet Discourse with the skill and good sense of a seasoned captain."

"What I most appreciated about this work was the clarity and concision of writing (138 pages, excluding bibliography and indices), and the close textual work that supported his arguments. . . . A useful resource for anyone teaching or leading a study of Mark."

About the Author

Robert H. Stein served as senior professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and previously taught at Bethel Seminary. Widely known for his work on the Synoptic Gospels, his books include Mark in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Studying the Synoptic Gospels and Jesus the Messiah.