The Hebrew-Christian Messiah
The book "The Hebrew-Christian Messiah" by A. Lukyn Williams delves into the history and beliefs of Hebrew-Christians after the Fall of Jerusalem. The author highlights the need for encouragement among this group of believers and discusses their possession of St. Matthew's Gospel. The author also explores why he chose to write in Greek and emphasizes the duty of modern Christians to present Christ to modern Jews.
The book outlines the plan of the lectures, starting with the materials available for learning about the Hebrew Messiah around 25 A.D. The author discusses how new facts have led to a modification of the representation of the Messiah, ultimately resulting in the formation of Christianity.
The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of the Hebrew-Christian Messiah. The genealogy of Jesus is examined in detail, discussing its form and meaning. The virgin birth, as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14, is considered a crucial proof by St. Matthew.
The book also delves into the prophecies surrounding the Messiah, including Micah 5:2 and Hosea 11:1. The visit of the Magi, the massacre of the innocents as described in Jeremiah 31:15, and the significance of Nazareth in the Messiah's story are all explored.
The book also touches on the relationship between the Messiah and John the Baptist, as well as the concept of the true Elijah. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the importance of keeping the language English for better understanding and accessibility
Some contents:
Introductory Note by the Bishop of Ely – v
Preface – vii
Lecture One
Introductory — The Genealogy, the Birth, and the Manifestation in Galilee; the Evangelist’s Use of Scripture
- Introduction: Hebrew‑Christians after the Fall of Jerusalem needed encouragement – p.3
- They already possessed St. Matthew’s Gospel – p.4
- Why the author wrote in Greek – p.6
- The duty of modern Christians to present Christ to modern Jews – p.8
- Plan of the Lectures stated – p.11
- Materials for learning the hope of the Messiah current among Jews c. 25 A.D. – p.14
- The new facts compelled a modification of such a representation, the result being Christianity – p.17
I. The Genealogy — Its Form and Meaning – p.14
II. The Virgin Birth — Isaiah vii.14
-Faithful retelling:
Williams recounts Matthew’s narrative with reverence, treating it as a sacred testimony meant to encourage Hebrew‑Christians after the fall of Jerusalem.
- Historical and linguistic notes: He explains why Matthew wrote in Greek, comments on Jewish expectations of the Messiah around 25 A.D., and interprets Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah vii.14, Micah v.2, Hosea xi.1) as fulfilled in Christ. These notes give the lectures a scholarly frame.
- Apologetic purpose: His aim is not to question the Gospel but to defend it, showing how Matthew’s presentation of Jesus as Messiah was both rooted in Jewish tradition and transformed by new facts.
- Limited critical thinking: Like Deane in Abraham:
His Life and Times, Williams does not apply modern historical skepticism. He avoids asking whether events happened, focusing instead on what they mean for faith and how they fulfill prophecy.
- Scholarship as devotion:
His lectures are analytical in structure but devotional in spirit. They strengthen belief in Matthew’s Gospel while demonstrating his own pride of scholarship as a Cambridge‑trained Hebrew scholar.
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