Was the historical Jesus a preacher of imminent apocalyptic judgment or
altogether a 'non-eschatological' teacher? Despite the popularity of
both of these extreme portraits in contemporary scholarship, Wilson
demonstrates a via media, in which Jesus, viewed especially through the
window of Matthew 21-25, is both prophet and sage, but preeminently a
judge during his ministry, in his invisible coming against Jerusalem in
AD70, and at God's final assize. An important contribution. --Craig
Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary In
the crowded field of Matthean studies, this book offers something new, a
discussion of the theme of judgment in Matthew 21-25, the account of
Jesus' confrontation with the Jerusalem authorities. Dr Wilson is well
abreast of current scholarship, but not afraid to take an independent
line, not least in his robust defense of the view that reference to the
'coming of the Son of Man' refers not to the parousia but to the
imminent vindication of the rejected Messiah. This exegesis enables him
to link ch. 24 closely with the preceding dialogue and diatribe and to
offer a satisfyingly coherent interpretation of the whole 'Jerusalem'
section of the gospel which precedes the passion narrative. Over against
Marcus Borg's non-eschatological Jesus, Wilson shows convincingly that
Matthew's Jesus had a clear eye to the future, looking both to coming
events in Palestinian history for his own vindication on the world stage
and also to a more ultimate judgment in which he would play the leading
role. Whether or not other scholars agree with Wilson's conclusions,
this is the sort of careful exegetical scholarship which is needed to
carry constructive discussion forward. --R. T. France, formerly
Principal, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford Alistair Wilson has written a study
that reveals first-class scholarship. He demonstrates that he is fully
abreast of issues that are currently being discussed. In his
interactions he is tactful, serene, and persuasive. While applauding the
views of others, he nevertheless shows his difference from them by
carefully demonstrating, on the basis of Matthew's Gospel, that Jesus
indeed is judge both in the first century and at the consummation. This
book is an excellent addition to evangelical research that champions a
high view of Scripture. --Simon J. Kistemaker, Professor of New
Testament Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary Alistair Wilson's
monograph goes right to the heart of contemporary debate concerning the
role of Jesus by drawing attention to the motif of judgment in his role
as prophet and sage that so impressed the Evangelist Matthew. His fresh
study of judgment in this Gospel shows that the early church was far
removed from seeing in him the non-eschatological teacher of the late
twentieth-century 'Jesus seminar.' This is an important scholarly
contribution to the ongoing study of how Jesus was seen and understood
by his contemporaries with considerable significance for how we ought to
understand him today. --I. Howard Marshall, Emeritus Professor of New
Testament Exegesis and Honorary Research Professor, University of
Aberdeen Alistair Wilson is a minister of the Free Church of Scotland.
He has taught New Testament at Highland Theological College in Dingwall,
Scotland, and currently serves as Principal of Dumisani Theological
Institute in South Africa.
