Madison Ashenfelter Ashenfelter 1
Professor Cate
New Testament CST130
12 October 2015
Book Review – “Shadow of the Galilean”
The Shadow of the Galilean written by Gerd Theissen is a fictional book with a historical take. Gerd Theissen is a German Protestant theologian and New Testament professor at the University of Heidelberg. Theissen uses a creative form of writing to intrigue readers but uses historical facts and stories to help make the most vivid and understood form of what really happened. The creative side and fictitious side are very evident but the main focus is on the historical facts of the gospel. Theissen is trying to make the Gospel and context approachable for an average biblical reader.
The beginning of the story takes place in first century Palestine with …show more content…
He writes his report to his officer Metilius and is careful to show Jesus in a positive light. And following his report he hears that his friend Barabbas is captured so he offers ways to help free him and end rebellion. Andreas meets with Pilate because of his suggestions and Pilate ends up twisting his words and freeing Barabbas with a cost. The people end up choosing Barabbas and that causes Jesus to get crucified in place of him. After the crucifixion Andreas realizes his officer and many others he has talked to are now followers of Jesus so he decides to do the same. The book ends in fellowship and celebration of Andreas’ newfound relationship with Jesus.
The shadow of the Galilean was overall an eye-opening book to read. The way Theissen uses the creative fictional strategy to engage the reader really helped me to understand the history better and stay on track. It helped me understand what it could be like living in these times. Most of the information in this book came from the scripture, parables, and what others have said about Jesus. Throughout the Ashenfelter
Professor Cate
New Testament CST130
12 October 2015
Book Review – “Shadow of the Galilean”
The Shadow of the Galilean written by Gerd Theissen is a fictional book with a historical take. Gerd Theissen is a German Protestant theologian and New Testament professor at the University of Heidelberg. Theissen uses a creative form of writing to intrigue readers but uses historical facts and stories to help make the most vivid and understood form of what really happened. The creative side and fictitious side are very evident but the main focus is on the historical facts of the gospel. Theissen is trying to make the Gospel and context approachable for an average biblical reader.
The beginning of the story takes place in first century Palestine with …show more content…
He writes his report to his officer Metilius and is careful to show Jesus in a positive light. And following his report he hears that his friend Barabbas is captured so he offers ways to help free him and end rebellion. Andreas meets with Pilate because of his suggestions and Pilate ends up twisting his words and freeing Barabbas with a cost. The people end up choosing Barabbas and that causes Jesus to get crucified in place of him. After the crucifixion Andreas realizes his officer and many others he has talked to are now followers of Jesus so he decides to do the same. The book ends in fellowship and celebration of Andreas’ newfound relationship with Jesus.
The shadow of the Galilean was overall an eye-opening book to read. The way Theissen uses the creative fictional strategy to engage the reader really helped me to understand the history better and stay on track. It helped me understand what it could be like living in these times. Most of the information in this book came from the scripture, parables, and what others have said about Jesus. Throughout the Ashenfelter