Unlock the profound wisdom of Jesus' parables with this definitive guide for understanding, interpreting, and teaching Jesus' parables in the Gospels. Interpreting the Parables remains the essential resource for anyone seeking to uncover the deep theological truths within Jesus' most memorable teachings. New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg offers a comprehensive exploration of methodology and analysis that has guided scholars, pastors, and committed Bible readers for decades. Blomberg addresses the enduring challenge of interpreting these stories and presents a thorough survey of parable scholarship, evaluating contemporary critical approaches to the parables. He then establishes his own distinctive limited allegorical approach and provides practical tools for understanding the parables. The book's two-part structure lays a strong methodological foundation before examining each parable, providing brief interpretations that highlight the insights to be gained from his distinctive method. This time-tested approach has proven invaluable for those seeking to study, teach, and preach on the parables. What's New in the Third Edition
- New discussions of the literary context of each parable - Engagement with recent literature and updated citations throughout - A new appendix on the land and the kingdom of God by Cara L. T. Murphy
With consistent interpretation and categorization, Blomberg models how to draw out key themes and theological truths from this rich area of Jesus' teaching. Whether you are preparing sermons, teaching, or studying Scripture personally, Interpreting the Parables offers the rigor and wisdom needed to unlock the riches found in the parables.
"It is good news when a good book on an important topic gets a new lease of life. Blomberg's book is lucid, well-informed and reliable, and I warmly welcome this new updated edition."
David Wenham, Trinity College, Bristol
"This book is well written and meticulously researched, worth reading for its innumerable footnotes alone. It interacts with a wide range of literature of all shades."
David J. Graham, Glasgow Bible College
"This revised and expanded edition of Craig L. Blomberg's Interpreting the Parables is more than an accessible and reliable guide to the history of parable interpretation and the exegetical methods that have been applied to the parables in recent research. Blomberg's nuanced defense of allegory as a valid approach to parable interpretation is a worthwhile contribution to contemporary scholarship. His provocative contention that the parables of Jesus contain implicit Christological claims will be welcome to evangelical and other traditional Christian readers."
Mary Ann Beavis, Ph.D., professor of religion and culture, St. Thomas More College, Canada
"Interpreting the Parables will appeal to theological students as what will, I suspect, become the standard evangelical textbook on the subject . . . much superior to its rivals."
