Jesus the Priest

by Nicholas Perrin

Following his critically acclaimed book "Jesus the Temple," Nicholas Perrin here offers an insightful theological contribution to Jesus studies that synthesizes the best in traditional/conservative and liberal reconstructions of Jesus's life and teaching. Some view Jesus as an eschatological prophet (conservative tradition) while others view him as a teacher of wisdom (liberal tradition). Perrin identifies the priesthood of Jesus as a mediating understanding that sheds crucial light on the kingdom of God. By viewing Jesus as priest, we understand that the central aim of God's kingdom is not the salvation of individual souls or the creation of a better society but rather the establishment of authentic worship.

Genres: Theology, Christian

368 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

Nicholas Perrin (PhD, Marquette University) is Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. His numerous books include Jesus the Temple, Thomas: The Other Gospel, and Lost in Transmission? What We Can Know about the Words of Jesus.

Reviews

[Christian Raab, OSB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, which seems to be primarily for a scholarly audience, presents a sophisticated and speculative argument, supported by technical exegesis, that Jesus identified as high priest and promoted a priestly identity for those in his movement. Thus the notion of Jesus as priest is not a product of post-paschal theological reflection, introduced by the letter of Hebrews, but was intrinsic to the public life and ministry of Jesus. The priesthood hermeneutic helps explain many otherwise difficult aspects of Jesus' teaching as well as his clash with temple authorities. I found the argument fascinating. It was a book that opened up the New Testament portrayal of Jesus in a new way for me and helped me see some things that I don't think I can un-see. I will be reading this again. Well done Nicholas Perrin.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably just not for me. Weird mix of taking scripture seriously while questioning the authenticity of the gospels, authored by a person more interested in conservative politics.