A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
By Fred Zaspel
Biblical eschatology is a notoriously thorny study, but it is surely a right-minded approach to allow the major, extensive biblical passages that are explicitly given to the subject – what used to be referred to as normative passages – hermeneutical control over the briefer, less clear passages. And surely one of those “normative” passages is the Olivet Discourse (Mt.24; Mk.13; Lk.21). If we can understand our Lord’s teaching here, we can have context for understanding his briefer, passing remarks elsewhere.
Broadly, this is the approach the authors take in Jesus and the Future, and it is a genuine contribution to biblical eschatology. It is marked by careful exegesis, theological awareness, simplicity, and clarity – what a great combination!
Here’s my endorsement:
Jesus’ “Olivet Discourse” is crucial to a biblical understanding of the end times, and it provides an authoritative framework for his teachings about the future scattered throughout the Gospels. This book examines and distills all this for us, patiently yet plainly and simply guiding us through the biblical text—with care not to step beyond it. Agree or disagree with the authors at given points if you will—this is eschatology as it ought to be done. It will doubtless prove to be “required” reading for any study of Jesus’ great sermon on the end times.
Highly recommended!