5 Stars Out Of 5
5 out of 5
(3)
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Quality:
5 out Of 5
(5 out of 5)
Value:
5 out Of 5
(5 out of 5)
Meets Expectations:
5 out Of 5
(5 out of 5)
100%
of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
SORT BY:
SEE:
Displaying items 1-3 of 3
Page 1 of 1
  1. ReadBreatheRead
    Middletown, VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A must read at any time for any occasion
    April 25, 2014
    ReadBreatheRead
    Middletown, VA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I received this book just in time for Passion Week and allowed it serve as a sort of devotional guide. Authors Kostenberger and Taylor take their readers step by step from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Day and beyond to Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and ascension. The book reads like a well-written historical narrative, with a blend of biography, whose purpose is "to provide an aid to informed worship." In this, the authors do not disappoint.

    The book is of a good length (200+ pages) for covering a little over one week out of Jesus' earthly life. Each day's events is introduced with the respective account from the "one Gospel according to four different witnesses," sometimes just by notation and other times with the complete texts themselves. Had the entire text been given for every event, the book length would have hindered its effectiveness.

    The addition of charts, maps, along with commentary on the biblical accounts adds much to the overall benefit of this work, making it visually appealing. It is the commentary itself, however, that packs the punch. The authors are great word craftsmen, as seen in the following words:

    "The stage is set for the final act. The characters are in place. Their goals, motives, and intentions are clear. The king has come for his kingdom and has issued a clear and direct challenge to the reigning structures of political, economic, and religious power. The drama can end in only one of two ways. Either Jesus will topple the reigning powers and establish his messianic kingdom--or he will be killed. No one at that time could possibly comprehend that in God's mysterious plan, there was a third option."

    The authors are also not without down-to-earth language, as seen in this commentary: "Peter, either hungry, bored, or out of money, announces that he is going to start fishing again. Waiting for Messiah to appear did not pay the bills or put food on the table."

    From start to finish, from the "How to Use This Book" to the "Glossary and Reference Guide," this is a must read for anyone interested in a clear and coherent presentation of the timing and circumstances surrounding Jesus' final days. Truly a library book shelf keeper.

    NOTE: I received this book for free from Crossway Publishing in exchange for a review. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.
  2. Jude
    London, ON
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A great book for Lent and Easter
    March 24, 2014
    Jude
    London, ON
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    In The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived the authors, Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor, give us a book that is simple yet profound, and modest yet informative. This book provides an account of the final week of Jesus. It takes into consideration the people and events surrounding Christ from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.

    The book is organized around each day of the week with each particular day, if applicable, divided up into major events. Significant selections of Scripture, as well as maps and charts, add to the effective commentary by the authors.

    The writing and explanations throughout this valuable work are simple and unembellished. And this somewhat unadorned style is very persuasive. The authors discuss the main people and events of Jesus' last week and do not veer from this central narrative. The book is not bereft of exposition; the authors explain things when necessary. But, for the most part, they let the Gospel accounts speak for themselves. The austere-ness of this book does not inhibit the book from moving the reader. This story, unadorned, is captivating and thrilling; just having the facts presented without fanfare effectively conveys the gravity and wonder of this King of the Jews and his final seven days. Where the authors do wade in to longer discussions, it is helpful and informative.

    The somewhat modest approach employed by this book does not disappoint in terms of the information it conveys. The aggregation of the the different accounts in the Gospel gives an in-depth and clear picture of the last days of Jesus. When appropriate, the authors explain how the Gospel's seemingly different versions can be harmonized. Historical background is provided by the when the reader's lack of knowledge may undermine the narrative. The authors have found a balance in terms of helping the reader understand and letting the original authors, the writers of the Gospel, tell their story.

    This book will be valuable for all Christians as well as non-believers interested in the last days of Christ on earth. Its simplicity enhances the beauty and wonder of the story. Its lack of verbosity does not prevent it from being informative and helpful. This is a wonderful book at any time, and is of particular value now during Lent and leading up to Easter. I recommend this book.

    This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of review.
  3. Get2011
    Twin Cities, Minnesota
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    I can’t recommend this book enough. Well done!
    April 6, 2014
    Get2011
    Twin Cities, Minnesota
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I can't recommend this book enough. Well done in every way.

    I have read other books on this topic, and this one stands out above the others.
Displaying items 1-3 of 3
Page 1 of 1