The Resurrection of the Messiah: A Narrative Commentary on the Resurrection Accounts in the Four Gospels

by Francis J. Moloney

Francis Moloney’s new book takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed publications of the renowned biblical scholar Raymond E. Brown―The Birth of the Messiah and The Death of the Messiah. In The Resurrection of the Messiah, Moloney provides a narrative reading of the resurrection stories in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. His focus is almost entirely upon the text itself. Guided by current scholarship, he uncovers the perennial significance of the four resurrection narratives, accepted and read as “Sacred Scripture” in the Christian tradition. Without disregarding the historical background that must be understood for an appreciation of the story, a narrative commentary attempts to trace the intended impact of that story upon its readers. This reading and interpretative process uncovers the literary structure of a passage, and then follows the unfolding of the narrative itself, allowing it to speak for itself. The thrust of the book is to uncover the unique theological and pastoral message communicated by means of the narratives. Moloney concludes that “we rejoice in what Jesus has done for us in and through the resurrection. This is especially true in our current era, when Christian institutions and practice are under threat from many sides, and also from the way Christianity is lived by many of us. The stories of the resurrection of the Messiah assure us that Jesus’ promises come true, that our fears, doubts, failures, and sin are overcome, as we are sent out again and again on mission, accompanied by the never-failing presence of Jesus in the gift of his Spirit.” †

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Francis J. Moloney, SDB (DPhil, University of Oxford), is Senior Professorial Fellow at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne. He formerly served as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at Catholic University of America and as provincial superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco for Australia and the Pacific region. He is the author of many books, including Mark: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist and The Gospel of John: Text and Context.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine, well done commentary on the Gospel passion and resurrection accounts. Superb summary chapter concludes the work. Scholarly, but quite accessible.