top of page
Search

Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright

A review of N.T. Wright's book Simply Jesus


Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright is a refreshingly accessible look at the life and ministry of Jesus from one of the leading Biblical scholars of our time. Wright, an Anglican bishop and prolific author, brings his expertise to bear in this book written for popular audiences rather than academics.


I have relished N.T. Wright's work and recommend all of his "popular" works. If you are looking for his more academic treatment and overall thesis, dive into his Christian Origins and the Question of God series. But take heart, "Origins" is a full theological treatment! But I say, dive in!


Simply Jesus cuts through the myriad interpretations, rationalizations, and mythologies that have built up around Jesus over the past two millennia to rediscover the historical reality of who he was and what his teachings actually meant within their original context. Wright compellingly argues that much of modern Christianity has lost sight of Jesus' authentically subversive and revolutionary message.

"Jesus - the Jesus we might discover if we really looked, is larger, more disturbing, more urgent than we had ever imagined..."

Wright begins by examining the pertinent historical and cultural backdrop against which Jesus emerged - the overlapping spheres of influence exerted by the Roman Empire, the ancient Jewish faith, and the apocalyptic expectations prevalent at the time. He contends that Jesus' teachings and actions must be understood as a challenge (correction/fulfillment?) to the theological and political powers that dominated Jewish society.


From this base of careful scene-setting, Wright proceeds to a beautiful biographical portrait that follows Jesus from his birth and early years through his public ministry and ultimately to his crucifixion at the hands of the Roman authorities. Wright makes a powerful case that Jesus was not simply a sage dispensing wise aphorisms, but a countercultural leader fomenting a grassroots movement aimed at transforming the world through the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.


Drawing deftly from the Gospel accounts and Jewish scriptures and other historical sources, Wright captures both the profound wisdom and unsettling disruptiveness of Jesus' words and deeds. He analyzes famously opaque teachings like the Sermon on the Mount and seemingly contradictory actions like cursing a fig tree through an illuminating first-century lens.


The meticulous scholarship underlying Wright's smooth and accessible writing style gives his insights an authority that resonates whether or not the reader is a person of faith. Agree or disagree, it's difficult to emerge from this book without a sharpened understanding of Jesus as a person rooted in history who was tremendously revolutionary. But I believe the book pushes one to think more deeply. Mainly, "If Jesus is who he says he is, Messiah, then everything must and has changed."


Both an enriching read for believers and a convincing introduction for spiritual seekers and skeptics, this volume showcases Wright at his absolute finest–rigorously studying the scriptural evidence to demystify Jesus while simultaneously elevating his Messianic message.


His accessible approach and heart-felt writing guides us into the historicity of Jesus and his salvific message. The book inspires me to live my faith more fully in today's world.


I found the book approachable and immensely readable from one of my all-time favorite authors. I believe all of his books will help you on your faith journey.


Here are my recommendations to get started reading N.T. Wright:


















Comments

bottom of page