Simply Jesus summary

The Historical Jesus

In Simply Jesus, N. T. Wright, a renowned New Testament scholar, takes us on a journey to understand the historical Jesus. Wright argues that Jesus' life and teachings cannot be fully comprehended without understanding the context of first-century Judaism and the political and religious climate of the time. He emphasizes that Jesus' message was deeply rooted in the Jewish scriptures and was a radical call to Israel to return to God's covenant.

Wright goes on to explain that Jesus' actions and teachings were not just about personal salvation or a future heavenly existence, but about the kingdom of God being established on earth. He paints a picture of Jesus as a figure who challenged the existing Jewish authorities, confronted the Roman Empire, and called for a new social order based on God's justice and love.

The Resurrection and Its Implications

One of the key themes in Simply Jesus is the resurrection. Wright argues that the resurrection was not just a miraculous event, but it was the inauguration of God's new creation. He explains that Jesus' resurrection was not a mere return to life, but a transformation into a new mode of bodily existence, which was a foretaste of what God planned for the whole of creation.

According to Wright, the early Christians saw Jesus' resurrection as the turning point in history, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. They believed that Jesus was now the true Lord of the world, and the resurrection was a sign that God's kingdom had indeed arrived. This belief led to a radical re-interpretation of the Jewish scriptures and a new understanding of God's plan for the world.

The Kingdom of God and the Church

Building on the resurrection, Wright discusses the early Christian understanding of the kingdom of God. He argues that the early Christians believed that God's kingdom had arrived in Jesus, and they were called to live out this new reality in their present lives. This meant embodying God's justice and love, and spreading the good news of Jesus' lordship to the ends of the earth.

Wright then examines the birth of the Christian church, explaining how it was not just a new religious movement, but a political and social entity that challenged the existing power structures. He highlights the early Christian community's radical inclusivity, care for the poor and marginalized, and their refusal to participate in the violence and injustice of the Roman Empire.

Relevance of Jesus Today

In the final sections of Simply Jesus, Wright explores the relevance of Jesus' message and the early Christian movement for today's world. He argues that understanding the historical Jesus can help us to better grasp the original Christian message, and to live out its radical implications in our present context.

Wright concludes by calling for a renewed focus on Jesus as the center of Christian faith and practice. He encourages us to embody Jesus' message of love, justice, and hope in our lives, and to work towards the realization of God's kingdom on earth. In doing so, Wright believes that we can truly honor and follow the person and message of Jesus, as the early Christians did.