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Jesus: A Biography from a Believer. Kindle Edition
by Paul Johnson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (335)
From the bestselling author and acclaimed historian, a powerful portrayal of the life of Jesus
Is Jesus relevant to us today? Few figures have had such an influence on history as Jesus of Nazareth. His teachings have inspired discussion, arguments, even war, and yet few have ever held forth as movingly on the need for peace, forgiveness, and mercy. Paul Johnson's brilliant reading offers readers a lively biography of the man who inspired one of the world's great religions and whose lessons still guide us in current times.
Johnson's magisterial and revered book A History of Christianity is a masterpiece of historical writing on religion; and in his new book he returns to focus on a central figure in one of the world's dominant religions. Johnson's intelligent and conversational style, as well as his ability to distill complex subjects into succinct, highly readable works, make this book the ideal match of a major historian with a major subject. The result is an accessible biography and an insightful analysis of how Jesus is important in the present era.
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Print length
169 pages
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From other countries
- Mrs R ShortReviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 March 2017
Good
Arrived quickly, nice copy - YargileReviewed in the United States on 23 May 2010
Highly readable, fresh insights into the life and times of Christ
Johnson is a prolific history writer, with significant titles to his name. This short biography of Christ is a great read. It is well-written and fresh for the believer and approachable for the non-believer alike. It is not jammed full of Scripture references, like apologetics books or Bible study materials. It is not intended to be either of those things.
As a believer, I had to adjust my perspective while reading the first three chapters, mainly because I am accustomed to more analytical text with footnotes and cross-references when reading about Jesus or God's Word.
The subtitle is true to the text - this is a biography, and it paints a visual image of its subject. Johnson summarizes the era of Jesus' birth and life on earth with fresh insights on cultural practices and gives you a sense for the man behind the red letter verses in the Bible.
Johnson's economy of language hits the nail on the head. No fluff. No sense that the author has to jam one more thing in to prove his point. It reads like eloquent campfire storytelling, relating the author's recollections of his old friend, Jesus. "You should have seen the way Jesus addressed the leaders of his day...like nothing you can imagine. Calm, poised, one step ahead of the game. He was forever a paradox, loving the unlovable and turning conventional wisdom and rule-following on its ear." (my own paraphrase, not a direct quote from the text).
This may be the most winsome, read-it-in-a-day portrait of Jesus you will find, and may be the book about Jesus that intrigues the skeptic to want to learn more. - plif55Reviewed in Canada on 10 May 2014
Jesus
Don't understand the New Testament? This book tells us in plain English exactly what Jesus taught us. Recommended reading for all religions. If the world would live by his words, we'd have paradise on earth today. - Ryan E. DuncanReviewed in the United States on 13 February 2012
Succinct & Compelling Bio Of The Most Influencial Figure In History
Paul Johnson has that rarest of talents for a writer of biography, he has the ability to write in an engaging manner and to understand what makes his literary object worth writing about. This excellent book by Paul Johnson is a perfect addition to the library of the faithful or a fan of history.
Johnson's opening few pages are among the clearest examples I have encountered of an unequivical justification for Jesus' singular place in the history of the world and of mankind. I am a believer, as is Johnson, and I am also a fan of history. While I have never doubted the historical truth behind Jesus existence, I was complelled by Johnson's matter of fact reverence for the historic nature of his existence, written by both the historian and the believer in himself.
I am sure there are far more detailed biographies and historical works on Jesus, but this was a not a book intended to be source material for a doctoral thesis. Instead, what you find in this book is an excellent guide to discovering (or re-discovering) Jesus Christ as both a historical figure and also as the Son of God, our Saviour, and Lord. I found Johnson's frequent citing of scripture to be very helpful and it made the reading of this book all the more enjoyable as I was able to reference the Bible and read directly from that first source.
This book is so thoroughly readable that I would find it hard for anyone of the Christian faith to not find it a valuable part of their ongoing study. It should also prove useful for any non-believer to understand the historical truths behind Jesus the man and to gain insight into why he has been such a powerful force in human history. - BRIANReviewed in Canada on 10 December 2024
Paul Johnson told us the truth, but disappointed me (well, surprised me) in the process.
I have read several other of Johnson's books, and enjoyed the knowledge they inspired and recounted. I thought this one would give an analytical account of the historicity of the man who likely existed in some form or another, and yet whose life somehow captured imagination of billions. Even though Johnson tells us at the beginning, I did not believe that Johnson would not question the source.
The value of this book is not so much to prove to us the existence of a god, but rather to succinctly report the events as appear in the gospels accepted as cannon in the Bible, specifically the King James version. This book is easier to read and understand than the Bible itself, says nothing of the veracity of the man, be he fictional or real. And it organizes and gathers the evidence into one place, as any good textbook should. It is just more one sided than I expected.
My surprise at the blithe acceptance of bible as truth is a surprise only because I have been a life long atheist, largely deaf from early childhood until ten years old, and thus quite unusual (a characteristic I never understood of myself until quite late in life). I simply find it hard to believe anyone can find the story of Jesus to be anything but wishful thinking, clever wishful thinking at that.
There are times I have thought of myself as an atheist Christian, if that isn't too bold an opinion.
The book is good, and a useful resource, but my childhood, devoid as it was of religious brainwashing because of my disability, has been committed to eschewing faith without good compelling evidence. I recognize now, having read this book, that I am a poetic naturalist, that faith (without good evidence) to me is anathema, and that a priori evidence is largely of little value except in the abstract subjects.
The book is worth reading, worth keeping. - MaxLaw843Reviewed in the United States on 16 September 2025
A very accomplished writer but...
The writer is well known and very much enjoyed by many. Unfortunately, there are some things regarding this particular book about Jesus which are off-putting. First, too often Jesus is described as merely a man in Earthly terms when obviously he is 100% man but 100% God also. Next he uses the King James Version of the Bible which is known for its antiquated words and phrases. - C.I. PetrosReviewed in Canada on 15 June 2014
Well. Written and concise.
The faith of the author shows throughout. Easy to read. Quotes from the St James version is appropriate and relevant. Reading Jesus is the next best to reading the Bible in full. I enjoyed it very much. - GordReviewed in Canada on 14 February 2022
Incomplete Account of the Life of Jesus
The strengths of this book are that it gives good background information as to what life was like in the first century, the times in which Jesus was born, raised and taught. It also provides an excellent summary of Jesus’s teachings and his life events and presents a real human side to Jesus. All of which was enlightening. However it is perplexing to me that a Believer, as Johnson claims to be, can write a book about Jesus and not provide any mention of Christ’s work of atonement. Not one mention of how humanity’s indwelling sin nature keeps us from God and how Christ’s finished work on the cross (his death, burial and resurrection) bridges that gap for all those who believe. This is the reason Jesus came in the first place. So in this respect the book was extremely disappointing, especially as it was written by a professing Christian. Also, the chapter on the “new Ten Commandments” I felt was very misleading and did not accurately represent the teachings of Christ. In conclusion the book was disappointing as it completely missed the main purpose and mission of Jesus which was to provide himself as a sacrifice for sinful humanity. A huge miss if you’re writing about Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels. - William R. MuellerReviewed in the United States on 6 October 2014
Distills the essence of Jesus's life and message
Excellent fairly short biography on Jesus. I bought this for a friend who is baptized but not trained in the faith that wanted some knowledge of Jesus's message. I did a bunch of research to find a biography that covered the basics. This book covers the Gospels and in the middle of the book has a great 3 page summary of Jesus's mission on Earth in the chapter entitled "What Jesus Taught and Why". I'm a practicing Catholic and scanned those 3 pages into my computer and reread them every so often to keep me on track. Many current books on Jesus are very interesting but want to emphasize an original perspective on his life or ministry so there is a "reason" for a new book on Jesus. This book seems to employ the most current historical scholarship on context but sticks to the traditional view of Jesus.
I always appreciate authors that can distill the essence of their subject effectively. Here is one of the paragraphs in the chapter on what Jesus taught:
Jesus was a revolutionary who transformed the entire Judaic reliigious scheme into something quite different. It ceased to be a penal system of law and punishment - that could be left to Caesar and his soldiers - and became an affair of the heart and an adventure of the spirit. Jesus did not exactly repudiate the law. What he did was to extract its moral code and ignore the rest. Instead of the law he spoke of the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heavan. A faithful soul was not one who obeyed the law but one who, by transforming his spirit, "entered" the Kingdom. God was not a distant, terrifying Yahweh but "the Father".
On the next page: "Life on earth was to be devoted to a self-transformation in which each human soul strove to become as like God as possible, a process made easier by the existence of his son made man, thus facilitating imitation. - Doug RowstonReviewed in the United States on 31 August 2010
A Big Picture View of Jesus
Jesus: A Biography from a Believer
by Paul Johnson
This is a beautifully written statement of faith. Johnson is a well known historian who looks at the big picture. His books on Jewish history, Christian history, and individuals such as Winston Churchill have the power to enrich the understanding and empathy of his readers. Jesus: A Biography from a Believer is no exception. Johnson has a way with words.
He has utilised the time honoured King James Version of the Bible. I may have preferred a modern dignified translation like the New Revised Standard Version which is based on superior original texts and avoids English archaisms from the time of Shakespeare. However, this is a minor quibble.
Johnson has largely ignored what New Testament scholars call the successive Quests of the Historical Jesus from Albert Schweitzer through Guenther Bornkamm to N T Wright. As a result, the eschatological framework of the Gospels, the labours of the Form Critics, and the context of Second Temple Judaism are not explicit in Johnson's treatment.
On the other hand, the personal significance of Jesus for twenty-first century readers comes through in this faith based book about Jesus. I found chapter VII to be a creative exercise in outlining `Jesus's New Ten Commandments'. No one can read this book without being challenged to consider the claims of Jesus. It is a biography from a believer who has triumphed over the acids of scepticism and pessimism.
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- Zalli JaffeReviewed in the United States on 13 March 2012
Jesus Abiography from a Beliver
Paul Johnson is by far one of the most knowledgeable people whose writings I had the privilege to read. His history books are full of information and intellectual challenges. Recently, Paul Johnson also wrote the biography of Socrates. he challenges "facts" and even Plato's versions are sometimes questioned. His Biography of Jesus is different. If all his books were written from his brain, his biography of Jesus was written also from his heart. Thus you will not find any intellectual challenge. Prof. Johnson indeed emphasizes that he is writing as a believer.
Moreover, as a Jew whom in the past read the New Testament, reading the biography of Jesus I realised, that many of the anecdotes told in the New Testament are originated in the Old Testament. Thus calling Jesus a Shepherd ["an honorary shepherd for life"] equals the title of Moses; or the "extra ordinary event, in which the presence of God was visual and audible and witnesses by large crowds of men and women" reminds me of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, or the receiving of the Ten Commandments in Mount Sinai. The temptation challenge described by Paul Johnson, reminds us of Joseph in Egypt. Jesus's resolving "to put knowledge before goodness" reminds us of King Solomon. The story of the wine is originated in Elisha, to mention just a number of examples.
Notwithstanding the above, the book is fascinating, and the reader could feel that the writer composed the book with a pure heart and with `beauty of naiveté and naiveté of beauty'. I strongly recommend this book [and the one about Socrates]. - FaithWalkReviewed in the United States on 24 June 2010
Has some value.
There were some insightful speculations of Jesus in the book. It was orginally recommended by Knights of Columbus for their book discussion forum. I was unable to participate in the forum. I was curious, though, why they choose this book since some of the view points and theology is definitely protestant. That may have a topic of discussion of the forum that I missed. All and all, I would give the book a 6 out of 10 for content and 10 for read-ability. An OK light read and confession of faith by Mr. Johnson with a few interesting thoughtful speculation thrown in. - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 16 June 2014
A good summary of the life of Jesus
As a former Methodist converted to Catholicism, and an erstwhile student of comparative religion I think the book provided a better than average summary of the life and times of the Man/God from Galilee from a historical perspective. it will serve as a quite adequate introduction to Christ and early Christianity. - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 25 July 2016
Historian's work of art touched by a soul's curiosity
A wonderful bio, a well known story deeply enriched yet carefully not embelished. It is the reader's privildge to learn, whether believer or non, learn deeply through straight forward fact-telling, much about the life Jesus lived. Paul Johnson, a prolific, hard working historian who both grasps and tells us in vivid detail (through thousands of pages of familiar, widely published works) so much about millennia of history has trained that extraordinary acumen here on but a third of a century of time. The result, an historian's work of art - pure in its own stature - but then "touched" by the brush of Johnson's believer's heart and soul.
During my second reading of "Jesus, a Biography from a Believer", I took to pausing to read (in the King James Version) nearly each one of the dozens of verse citations sprinkled throughout the biography. For me, "Jesus" has become a supplemental bible study. A real "page-turner" which for me, reads like a thriller.
Today, I am reading "Jesus" for the third time. - SatsumaReviewed in the United States on 24 January 2013
Great for those seeking to learn more about the life of Jesus
As one who is further developing a true personal relationship with God and truly accepting Jesus as my Savior, I completely appreciated this book as it follows the life of Jesus. Reading very much like a biography, it examines the relationships with His Evangelists, His Disciples, His miracles, and His actions while giving different perspectives of each from the ideas of John, Mark, Matthew and Luke.
Although I have read the Bible, this book is ideal for those wanting to learn more about Jesus Christ as it's center subject without a religious tilting towards a certain Christian viewpoint.
Highly recommended for those beginning their journey with Christ to those who are fortunate to have had Him as a leader, above all others, in their life for years. Also, a good book for children ages 12+ to learn more about Jesus, as a man, while on this earth and the happenings and His beliefs which guided Him to be our Savior. - Ron G.Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2014
I personally derive the most enjoyment and utility form "Jesus" when I read it subsequent ...
This is a masterfully written synthesis of the events cataloged in the gospels. However, it is crucial to note that this book is not just a re-hashing of the texts penned by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; as an account of the life and teachings of Jesus, it of course draws heavily from the gospels, but it is also buttressed by Paul Johnson's knowledge of history and his piercing insight (the chapter entitled "Jesus's New Ten Commandments" is itself worth the price of the book). Additionally, this is a remarkably well-written biography. Johnson has produced a highly enjoyable read while adhering to brevity and forwarding helpful observations. As a Christian, this book furthered my understanding and appreciation for the life, teachings, and uniqueness of Christ. I personally derive the most enjoyment and utility form "Jesus" when I read it subsequent to reading the gospels. - anthonyReviewed in the United States on 28 December 2019
Jesus review
Fine book, an excellent job of diving into what Jesus was as a person, personality wise, his passion for the kingdom of God and mercy. My only complaint would be the old English used in the scripture passages. Highly recommend this book if you desire to know Jesus Christ from a historical perspective.
Anthony Ordona, Obl OSB Cam - Daniel OrrReviewed in the United States on 1 September 2023
Bad History, Bad Bible Study, Just Bad
This book is a summary of the New Testament that substitutes citations to Scripture for historical evidence. I've read a number of Johnson's books and loved them, but this one is really disappointing. It substitutes faith for historical evidence. For example p. 82 "Of course, Jesus, who was God as well as man was partly outside the structure of time and space anyway." What's the point of writing a biography of an omnitemporal being? I'm a Christian too but this book is the historical equivalent of Creation Science, just a bunch of messy BS. - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 29 September 2023
Excellent read!
The depth is amazing! It has provided me with a greater understanding of the Gospels. I definitely recommend this book.
- Charles MathesonReviewed in the United States on 30 April 2015
Jesus was cool
Finally, decent modern bio on Jesus - all this LGBYOB, commie, womyn interpretive dancing with the King of Kings is tedious (and inaccurate). Leave it to PJ to bring a different perspective - you might not agree with everything but he does raise some very interesting historical facts that usually get obliterated in the fashionable "wimp Jesus narrative" so popular in US seminaries and interpretive theology departments at University. I'm thinking of YOU Reza Aslan http://www.kotcb.com/2013/08/aslan-king-or-clown.html
If you're a believer you'll love this book - If you're a New Atheist go pound sand. - Elizabeth DetoureReviewed in the United States on 24 October 2022
Another Gem from Johnson
A clear presentation of the Gospels with an analysis reinforcing a cohesive image of Jesus and his teaching. The bonus of the book is the in-depth historical research of the time period of Jesus, his followers, and his enemies. - Dr. DaveReviewed in the United States on 4 November 2021
Important Read
Paul Johnson is a prolific writer and I love his historical and almost journalistic approach to the life of Jesus. This is one of the most important books I have read in the last 10 years. I recommend it all the time. - CarolynReviewed in the United States on 1 April 2018
Christ really is the Son of God. Johnson is quite convincing. You
Most: the authur was thorough and factual, with good opinions drawn from those facts. It is a narrative of Christ’s life that ends with an excellent relating of Christ’s Passion. Totally believable.
Least: the chapter about Christ’s silences was a bit of a stretch for me. How can Mr. Johnson be so certain of what someone means when they are silent. - Amazon_tonReviewed in the United States on 3 April 2022
Jesus 101 plus
This is Jesus 101 but there are some hidden gems within the text. So it is worth reading. And I very much like Paul Johnson's writing. - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 16 October 2016
Amazing detail and insight into the historical record of the ...
Amazing detail and insight into the historical record of the Greatest Story Ever Told. Surprising to learn, i.e., that the Jews of this era were largely literate, that Jesus and Mary could read, and Joseph probably could too. When Johnson wants to believe something for which there is no proof he tells us, something unusual in a historian. - Mary AnnReviewed in the United States on 2 November 2018
Excellent!
This is a beautiful portrait of Jesus Christ, God come to Earth as fully a man. Johnson is a highly skilled and honest historian who has done meticulous research for this biography. Reading this biography makes Jesus and the people around Him even more alive as you read scripture. - odracyrReviewed in the United States on 18 April 2011
Catholic way of life
Dr.Paul Johnson is, in my opinion, together with Robert Conquest the brightest historian of our time. Differently from his peers, he doesn't follow the failed hype of Marxist dogmata and its somber fruit. On the contrary, his intelectual production is passionate, vibrant and non-deterministic. His religious faith -that I share - fills his writings with something that political correctness is expelling from our lives: the profound sense of human worthiness and dignity. - Molly WalzerReviewed in the United States on 18 May 2011
An objective look at Jesus
Although Mr. Johnson plainly declares his belief in Jesus, he writes a simple review of his life and teachings. This won't offend either the believer or the doubter, as he, to my mind, succeeds in his effort to be objective, setting forth the evidence which remains of his existence and behavior. He gathers and coordinates each mention of his subject to form a coherent narrative. A satisfying reading experience. - Tom S.Reviewed in the United States on 14 August 2018
Very good broad brush.
If you really know your Bible, no need to read this book. If you have been away from the Bible or unfamiliar, this book is for you.
- Renato BellucciReviewed in the United States on 13 January 2021
Marvelous!!
One genial approach to the beauty of Jesus. paul Johnson is a truly genial writer. I listened to it 10 times already ! - Justin ArnestReviewed in the United States on 15 February 2018
Insightful perspectives.
This book was a very practical look at the four Gospels and laid out the biography of Jesus in a very chronological and factual presentation. - Christian YáñezReviewed in the United States on 27 May 2021
Good book
It is the book written by a believing historian; however, it is entertaining, much in the half-gossip style of Paul Johnson. - Peter WarnerReviewed in the United States on 18 March 2014
Excellent work
Paul Johnson has written a really excellent work. He has combined the four gospels into a single narrative, with background / historical information that more than just puts the gospels into perspective - it clarifies many of the puzzling questions and what appear to be contradictions.
I highly recommend this work to both believers and non-believers. - JorgeBarbatHReviewed in the United States on 29 August 2015
Extraordinario
Paul johnson makes an extraordinary account of Jesus life. It is so vivid, it is like he is a man who is contemporary to us. Jesus message transcends time, culture and is universal. It just made me proud of being one of his followers - ChichoReviewed in the United States on 6 July 2019
Great read!
This book was very enjoyable to read, especially since it is nearly impossible to find any first-hand history of Jesus as a young man. - A. McculleyReviewed in the United States on 31 October 2010
Jesus, A Biography for a Believer
I had hoped to find new information in this book, not about Jesus, because that is all well documented. But I had hoped to become
more informed about the times of Jesus, what was going on in the culture at the time, and it's just not there. It's better just to
stick with the Bible. I found nothing of any further use in this book that the Bible hasn't already told us. Also, he uses the Old King James with lengthy quotes to fill up the pages. I prefer the New King James or the Message. - Alejandro LegorretaReviewed in the United States on 24 June 2014
Excellent
At a glimps one gets an idea of the man Jesus was. . A very well written and very interesting story, of The Man who more than any one, has had profound influence and whos teachings have shaped the world. - JayReviewed in the United States on 4 January 2015
Good concise history
Good summary of Jesus' life. Needed more analysis and less just quoting the Bible. The King James Version of the Bible he used was clunky and made the reading less enjoyable. - RubygloReviewed in the United States on 6 August 2014
Four Stars
Bought for a church's use and have not read
- KimberlyReviewed in the United States on 18 April 2016
Four Stars
Well done. - Gene NagleReviewed in the United States on 10 July 2015
... style and thorough understanding of scripture make for a wonderful addition to anyone's understanding of Jesus
The author's clear style and thorough understanding of scripture make for a wonderful addition to anyone's understanding of Jesus. I recommend this even for those who have already studied his life extensively. - CeCeHiReviewed in the United States on 25 April 2014
Saving the Best for Last
I ordered five books. I haven't been disappointed with any of the books. Used looked new and delivery was rapid. I've read the other books and this one is next. Get on the band wagon and READ!!! - MikeinNycReviewed in the United States on 14 August 2014
An excellent and refreshing biography of Jesus
An excellent and refreshing biography of Jesus, with really good discussions of Jesus as the reluctant miracle worker, and the Gospel of John as an epic poem to the Light, among others. Highly recommended. - W. C. ThompsonReviewed in the United States on 23 May 2014
RE: content of book
PRETTY MUCH STUCK TO THE BIBLE FOR HIS SOURCES, SO NOT MUCH NEW INFORMATION HERE FOR WHICH i HAD HOPED. - Cliff DunneReviewed in the United States on 11 July 2013
Very simply and accurately written
Good description of how life was at the time and the impact on his store. What we need to think about and remember In order to understand what we should be doing in our daily lives - KmhorganReviewed in the United States on 14 April 2014
Superb
Paul Johnson does it again. I am always learning new things and experiencing new emotions whenever I read his work... which is often. Thank you, Mr. Johnson! - Linda warfieldReviewed in the United States on 7 March 2015
Great insight and backdrop for understanding the times
Great insight and backdrop for understanding the times. Would recommend to anyone interested in those historical events and the incredible story of God's son Jesus. - nathaniel lathyReviewed in the United States on 3 May 2016
It's the best life to read about by far
This was an inspiring and moving read. I liked how Johnson looked at the parables and miracles in depth. - Rebecca LambertReviewed in the United States on 22 April 2010
Biography/Jesus
extremely well written, gives a holist view of the life of Jesus, his remarkable accomplishments of just three years and the Gospel tellings and retelling of his miracles and demonstrations of God's love for mankind.
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