At The Heart of The Gospel: Suffering In The Earliest Christian Message

By L. Ann Jervis

Book Overview

Suffering, while part of the human condition, is a state of being we would rather ignore. L. Ann Jervis here presents a convincing argument that human suffering is worth considering, and she offers the words of Paul as proof.

Paul's insights into the predicament and significance of suffering provide the foundation for some of Christianity's most profound and unique contributions to understanding human life. Examination of three of his letters -- Thessalonians, Philippians, and Romans -- reveals his important reflections on accepting the suffering of believers with the conviction that, even as we suffer, God's plan for creation does not include suffering, and God will ultimately banish it. As a result, believing sufferers are not victims of suffering.

Jervis hopes that hearing Paul's words on suffering in a fresh light may allow readers to be deeply marked, like the saints and shapers of Christianity, by the power of a gospel of which it is not necessary to be ashamed, precisely because it is not easy but transformative.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802839932
• ISBN13: 9780802839930
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 163 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.6" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A compelling and extensively researched essay of conviction and vindication

Anglican priest and professor of New Testament L. Ann Jervis presents At the Heart of the Gospel: Suffering in the Earliest Christian Message, a testament that suffering is a significant part of the human condition, and offering the Biblical words of Paul as proof. A close examination of three of Paul's letters (Thessalonians, Philippians, and Romans) reveals the importance of accepting the suffering of believers, with faith that even though we suffer, God's great plan for all creation does not include suffering and God will ultimately vanquish human misery. "Believers' liberation from sin unfortunately does not completely wipe out the past from our present - we still die because of sin (8:10). We believers may be able to hope for a future life for our bodies (8:11), but now both we and those who do not share our faith share the same fate: our physical bodies die." A compelling and extensively researched essay of conviction and vindication, highly recommended for Christian studies shelves.