Stephen I Wright

Jesus the Storyteller Stephen I Wright

Marc Notes: Originally published: London: SPCK, 2014.; Includes bibliographical references and index. Publisher Marketing: While it is widely acknowledged that Jesus told stories, there has not been much focus on why he did so and how these stories contributed to his ministry. Stephen Wright approaches this topic afresh to analyze how considering the parables as "stories" can help our understanding of Jesus and his mission. Wright begins by looking for insights in scholarship from recent decades on the parables and the historical Jesus. He goes on to imagine how these stories would have resonated with hearers in each of the Synoptic Gospels and considers the dynamics between Jesus and his hearers in different locations like Galilee and Jerusalem. Finally, Wright considers the purpose of these parables as an element of Jesus' ministry and looks at Jesus himself as a storyteller. This book will provide a solid basis for understanding why Jesus spoke in parables and how this distinctive style of speech functioned in his ministry. Contributor Bio:  Wright, Stephen I Stephen I. Wright is Director of Research and Tutor in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology at Spurgeon's College in London. The author of several books on New Testament and preaching, he is also coauthor of "Preaching the Atonement" and "Preaching the Incarnation", published by Westminster John Knox Press.