Studies in the Life of Christ

by R.C. Foster

This 1,300+ page mammoth was originally published in four separate volumes: Introduction; The Early Ministry; The Middle Period; The Final Week. The Introduction deals extensively with a variety of critical issues, including the Two-Source Theory, date and authorship questions, and the like. The remaining three sections contain a chronological study of the life of Christ, taking into account the data found in all four gospels.

As you might expect of a book this length, there is some range of quality throughout. In some places, Foster provides brilliant insights. In other places, he rehashes the same old things that have been said for generations. Some of his arguments are compelling. Some seem weak. One repeated argument is his constant references to the two-source theory being conclusively disproven by some little nugget he’s stumbled across. While believers might jump for joy over such—and while the entire collection of these little arguments make quite a case—you would hardly convince an unbeliever of the authenticity of the gospels based solely on any one of these points which Foster seems to find so conclusive.

Beyond generalizations such as those, it’s difficult to review a 1,300 page book without writing at least 13 pages. Overall, I found this to be a worthwhile read, and would recommend that you pick it up and add it to your library—especially if you plan on preaching or teaching. You’ll find it an excellent resource. I read it straight through, taking my time while I read other things on the side. You might not be so inclined, but because it is broken down into relatively short chapters dealing with individual scenes in the life of Jesus, it can be read in a piecemeal fashion without losing much, if anything. Unless you’re looking to study the life of Christ chronologically and exhaustively—or unless you enjoy reading 1,300 page books—you might do better if you read it in that way.

The Editors do not advocate everything taught by the authors of the books we review. Like us, these authors are fallible humans and those who choose to read these books should measure them by the bible, the one true standard.