An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus

The strength of this book is the parable interpretation principles to determine a parable’s meaning. Stein excellently analyzes a parable using Jewish traditions, the setting of Israel, and an evangelist’s themes in a Gospel. The book does encourage people to go through the parables and evaluate them based on the parable interpretation framework. I have been challenged to review my parable interpretations through Stein's lens. I disagree with Stein on his restriction of only one meaning per parable, and whether allegory ought to be used as a last resort or as a typical method of interpretation. The book slows when Stein laboriously goes through many scholarly arguments to arrive at his conclusions. Stein’s emphasis on the Jewish elite is probably wrong. Sure, Jesus directed many parables at the Jewish elite, but they were mainly antagonists that brought about the parables, which elicited further, more significant meaning for future readers of the Bible.

Te first chapters of this book are kind of hard to understand although once you get through you can learn a lot about the interpretation of the parables of Jesus. It is very appropriate for seminary students or very serious Christians who want to go deep into the word of God. I know I learned a lot and I am glad someone told me about it.

Dr. Stein has written many books which are worth your investigation! This one is apropiate for anyone who is interested in engaging the parables. If you are a curious seeker, a pastor, or Sunday School teacher, this book will help you understand a method for not only understanding the parables, but relating them to today's life and even retelling them in contemporary terms - duplicating thevery effect that Jesus had on his hearers!Here we have a very clear and concise book on interpretation of the parables. After demonstrating some of the strange ideas of ancient interpreters Dr. Stein shows how to clearly understand the parables. The basis for Stein's method comes from his consistant application of the Authorial Intent principle.He once said in class to me that all of the other methods will ultimately fade as they are not really interpretation. That the code breakers in WW II were not interested in their feelings or what the codes meant to them, but what the encoders were trying to communicate.If you are looking for an entry level book to understand how to interpret parables, this book is for you. He taught the contents of this book to AMerican soldiers in January 1990 at a conference held at the Bibleheim in Switzerland - they understood it and you can too! Buy it, read it, love it!

Great resource on the Parables. Dr Stein has written an amazing tool for preachers.

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