Difficult Sayings in the Gospels
Book Description
When Jesus declared that followers must "hate" their families or instructed people to "pluck out" offending eyes, was he speaking literally? Robert H. Stein tackles these perplexing passages that have puzzled believers and scholars for centuries, offering a thoughtful framework for understanding Christ's most challenging statements.
Drawing from careful biblical analysis, Stein reveals how Jesus frequently employed overstatement and hyperbole as powerful teaching tools. Rather than dismissing these difficult sayings or struggling with their apparent harshness, readers discover how exaggerated language served specific purposes in ancient communication and continues to carry profound meaning today.
The author presents thirteen practical criteria for recognizing when Jesus used emphatic overstatement to drive home essential spiritual truths. This systematic approach helps readers distinguish between literal commands and figurative expressions designed to capture attention and provoke deeper reflection.
Through accessible scholarship, Stein demonstrates how understanding Jesus's rhetorical style illuminates the heart of his message rather than obscuring it. The book explores why exaggerated language appears throughout the gospels and how recognizing these literary techniques enhances rather than diminishes the power of Christ's teachings.
For anyone who has wrestled with seemingly contradictory or extreme gospel passages, this concise study offers clarity and confidence. Stein's work bridges the gap between ancient communication methods and modern understanding, making challenging scriptures accessible to contemporary spiritual seekers.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~3 hours)
📄 Length: 103 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Evangeliën
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Bible, language, style
- ✓ Explore Bible
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc.
- ✓ Explore Words
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Hyperbole
