The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary

by Arland J. Hultgren

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2002

Overview

This inaugural volume in the Bible in Its World series offers a comprehensive commentary on the parables of Jesus. Arland Hultgren’s outstanding work features fresh translations of the parables in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of Thomas, followed by interpretive notes and commentary on the theological meaning and significance of each parable for readers today.

After an introductory chapter on the nature of parables and their interpretation, Hultgren studies the 38 parables of Jesus thematically, exploring in turn “parables of the revelation of God,” “parables of exemplary behavior,” “parables of wisdom,” “parables of life before God,” “parables of final judgment,” “allegorical parables,” and “parables of the kingdom.“ He also discusses how the three evangelists used the parables within the literary framework and theological interests of their Gospels. The book ends with a close look at the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas.

Distinctive in the field for its scope of coverage and its goal of addressing the widest possible audience, this volume will be a valuable study resource for classrooms, churches, and general readers.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Features fresh translations of the parables of Jesus
• Studies the 38 parables of Jesus thematically
• Looks closely at the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas

Contents

• The Parables of Jesus: An Introduction
• Parables of the Revelation of God
• Parables of Exemplary Behavior
• Parables of Wisdom
• Parables of Life Before God
• Parables of Final Judgment
• Allegorical Parables
• Parables of the Kingdom
• The Evangelists as Interpreters of the Parables of Jesus
• Parables in the Gospel of Thomas
• Major Component 3, Part 6, Section 1: A Hero in Context (Judges 13:2–16:31)
• Major Component 3, Part 6, Section 2: The Blood Money (Judges 17:1-6)
• Major Component 3, Part 6, Section 3: The Upside-Down Conquest (Judges 17:7–18:31)
• Major Component 3, Part 6, Section 4: Things Fall Apart (Judges 19:1–21:25)
• The Enneateuch (Genesis 1:1–2 Kings 25:30)
• Synchronic and Diachronic

Top Highlights

“The parable is the first within a series of three parables that depict the unfaithfulness of the chief priests and elders. The other two, which follow immediately, are the Wicked Tenants (21:33–44) and the Wedding Banquet (22:1–11).” (Page 220)

“(παραβολή in Greek lettering), and like its Greek antecedent its basic and primary meaning is a ‘comparison.’^{1” (Page 2)}

“Do the seeds represent the word of God, or do they symbolize people, for example?” (Page 185)

“the term ‘kingdom of God’ is nowhere to be found in the parable (nor in its interpretation).” (Page 188)

“at least thirty-eight units within the Synoptic Gospels that can be designated as parables” (Page 3)

Praise for the Print Edition

A readable and useful addition to both the student’s and the preacher’s library. Making thorough scholarship accessible to a very wide readership, this is a book to be strongly recommended.

—Theological Book Review

A solid piece of critical, exegetical, and theological work . . . Students and scholars alike will find this study very useful.

—Bulletin for Biblical Research

Hultgren, a seminary professor, shows his familiarity with Christ’s parables in this critical commentary. His exegetical comments are instructive and insightful, his style straightforward, and the argumentation easy to follow for advanced or novice students . . . This is a superb reference work for anyone wanting to study Christ’s parables seriously.

—CBA Marketplace

An encyclopedic study of the parables of Jesus . . . There is something to learn (and probably something to challenge) in each of these contributions.

—Southwestern Journal of Theology

Product Details

• Title: The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary
• Author: Arland J. Hultgren
• Series: The Bible in Its World
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2002
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 552
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Jesus Christ › Parables; Bible. N.T. Gospels › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802860774, 080286077, 9780802844750, 080286077X, 0802844758
• Resource ID: LLS:PRBLSJSSCMM
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:20:18Z

About Arland J. Hultgren

Arland J. Hultgren is Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. Among his books are Paul’s Gospel and Mission: The Outlook from His Letter to the Romans, The Rise of Normative Christianity, Christ and His Benefits: Christology and Redemption in the New Testament, and The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary.