Brad H. Young

Title: Jesus the Jewish Theologian
Author: Brad H. Young
Pages: 344
Year: 1993
Publisher: Baker Academic
My rating 4 out of 5 stars.
In searching for a deeper understanding of Yeshua, the Bible, and its Jewish flavor, I enjoyed another of the author’s books so I thought this one might be just as helpful in my searching. I can say that without exception it really helped me understand in new ways who Jesus was and is, the Jewish listeners of the first century and a deeper understanding of the words of scripture.
Some of what Brad shared were new insights that broadened my view and deepened my understanding of what Jesus spoke. For me, it also helped remove some of my western thoughts to put the Bible back into its historical context as well as how the listeners would have understood what Jesus said. Of course, in some ways the author includes conjecture or assumptions as to what someone thought, but those I just read and took them as his opinion not necessarily as fact.
What made the book most enjoyable was discussing it with a friend; it was fun to see what each of us thought, understood, agreed with or disagreed with, and at times what challenged our long-standing views. I love books that challenge me to think, rethink and be able to defend why I believe what I do or be willing to adopt new views based on what I am learning. One of the gifts my parents bestowed upon me was a love of learning. What Jesus bestowed on me was a love to draw nearer to Him.
I highly recommend Brad’s book for a book club, Sunday school class, small group, or just for a person to read alone. Just know that it will challenge you, excite you, ignite a fire for more understanding of the Master Jesus we follow!… (mer)

Title: Paul The Jewish Theologian: A Pharisee among Christians, Jews, and Gentiles
Author: Brad H. Young
Pages: 184
Year: Reprint 1995
Publisher: Baker Academic
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
Recently, I have been led to expand my understanding of God, Israel, the Jewish people and more. When I did a search for books I might want to read, this was one of the top ones listed on a retailer’s site. So, when it came in the mail, I dove in with a hunger unmatched in my heart for ages. The book helped me understand Paul the man, how he was raised, taught and so much more!
The author helped me understand the Jewish people and teachers like Paul and how that directly impacts my reading, studying and understanding of God’s Word. Paul wrote many letters to encourage, exhort, train, equip and more to other believers of both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. Paul’s writings at times seem hard to understand or maybe even simple, but looks can be deceiving. Paul writes with such a depth of knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, which we refer to as the Old Testament.
If we take time to read Brad’s presentation of the man and his teaching, we will come away a far richer person with a deeper understanding of the God who loves us and saved us. I came away with a deeper appreciation and awe of Paul’s knowledge, and I am challenged. Paul not only defended the gospel to other Jewish people, but he took it to the Gentiles as he was directed to do by God.
It seems more than right that we should seek to understand the Jewish writers, their times so we can then rightly understand and share our faith. The book is helpful in expounding how Paul wrote, including his style and how Rabbis of his time wrote. This helped open my heart to a true and richer depth of understanding. It has changed me. My heart has always been for the Jewish people but how that should affect me or my understanding of God and His Word has now been made clearer.
I appeal to all Christians to read not just this book but any book that will expand your understanding of the Jewish people, the Bible and the land where it all began!… (mer)