Jesus and the Miracle Tradition

Working with selected miracles of Jesus from the canonical Gospel traditions and with background studies in the general understanding of miracles in the Greco-Roman world of the Hellenistic period this collection of essays shows how we may understand the theological reasons why the early followers of Jesus included these stories in their traditions that constituted the canonical Gospels. Using individual stories from the Gospels three of the essays demonstrate how literary-critical analysis can show the theological intent of the miracle story. A second set of three essays examines the way Mark and Luke view the miracle tradition within their larger task of writing the story of Jesus. A final set of three articles examines the Hellenistic background of such stories and the way they were used in secular and Jewish sources to gain perspective on what the early Christians intended with the miracle stories of Jesus. Drawing upon insights from the Jewish and Hellenistic culture in which Jesus lived and judiciously examining how the miracle traditions about Jesus were incorporated into the Gospels Achtemeier demonstrates the central role that Jesuss mighty deeds played in his ministry. This volume provides readers with new and rich insights to the miracle tradition enabling them to understand the theological and historical significance of Jesuss mighty deeds. For those seriously interested in the Gospel miracles this is the book to read. --Frank J. Matera author of New Testament Ethics Pastors will value Achtemeiers careful attention to the narratival function of the miracles. Scholars will appreciate the deft hand as redactional layers are peeled away to the earliest traditions. One of the worlds leading biblical scholars revisits the miracle stories of Jesus--a treasure-trove! --A. Andrew Das author of Solving the Romans Debate Paul J. Achtemeier is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. His other books include The Quest for Unity in the New Testament Church Romans and Inspiration and Authority. He has served as President of both the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.