Luke - (The Hebraic Gospels) by Kenneth L Hanson (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Hebraic Gospels Series explores the potential Hebraic under-text of the New Testament Gospels, detectable in the multiple Hebraisms scattered across the Gospel narratives.

Book Synopsis

The Hebraic Gospels Series deals with the "radical" suggestion, advanced by a collaboration of Christian and Israeli scholars, that the so-called "synoptic problem" should be evaluated, not in accordance with Markan priority, but with the primacy of Luke. This commentary deals with the evidence for a hypothetical Hebrew "under-text" (grundschrift) hiding in plain sight beneath the synoptic traditions, detectable in the multiple Hebraisms scattered across the Gospel narratives. This admittedly avant-garde approach also mitigates what occasionally appears as a troublesome, anti-Jewish tone in the Gospels by forcing us to consider the role of editorial redaction, progressing not from Mark to Luke but, rather, from Luke to Mark and then Matthew. The potential of such an understanding is of huge consequence for both New Testament Studies and interfaith relations. Among Christians, there is considerable value in reading through the Greek Gospels to uncover, at least potentially, the ipsissima verba of Jesus himself, unadorned by theological overlay. Among Jews, the prospect of vivisecting the Gospels to encounter, not the progenitor of Christianity, but an ancient Jewish sage torn between the piety of early Hasidim and the Galilean freedom fighters of his day (the Zealots). All of this opens a door to appreciating the great Nazarene in a manner not thought possible since the inception of the Christian faith nearly two millennia ago. Exploring the potential Hebraic under-text of the Gospel of Luke will add to historical discussion on the Jewish Jesus in all of his color and first-century flavor.

Review Quotes

Traditional Christian teaching on the Gospel of Luke instructs that the life, teaching, and death of Jesus is a central message of universal salvation addressed to all people. Though written in Greek, this volume suggests that Hebrew terms and biblical passages were carefully translated and transmitted from a primary Hebrew ur-text. To suggest that Luke's distinctive emphasis and interpretation on the Holy Spirit, Roles of Women and Gentiles, and so on are actually grounded in an original Hebrew text underscores a strong claim of Jewishness to Jesus (Rabbi, King, Messiah). How and why this might be the case is creatively displayed in Dr. Kenneth Hanson's informative commentary on Luke. Ideal for Christian-Jewish dialogue, this volume is highly recommended as an academic study of the Synoptics for teachers, students, and lay readers alike.

‒Prof. Zev Garber,

Emeritus Professor and Chair of Jewish Studies,

Los Angelis Valley College

Groundbreaking, revolutionary, and innovative. Dr. Hanson's meticulous study of the Synoptic Gospels through the lens of the Hebrew language could change everything scholars have come to believe about the earliest literary depictions of Jesus' life. His Hebraic Gospels Series is a real game changer for Historical Jesus and New Testament Studies, potentially igniting a significant paradigm shift in how academics and religious specialists view the original Evangelists.

‒Darren M. Slade, PhD

President, Global Center for Religious Research