 | Saint Peter: The Underestimated Apostle
Hengel, Martin
Trapp, Thomas H., translator
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010 pp. xiv + 161. $18.00
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Description: Given that Peter fades from view halfway through the book of Acts and that he left no gospel account in his name, it is tempting for many biblical scholars to dismiss him as a vague figure in Christian history and downplay his influence in the early church.
Martin Hengel rejects this underestimation of the apostle and argues that Peter was in fact the Rock, central to the development of both the Jewish and the Gentile Christian communities. Hengel clearly shows how each of the four gospels specifically highlights Peter's foundational role. He considers what Peter's message must have been as an eyewitness of Christ, reflects on Peter's theology, and draws attention to Peter's work as an organizer and mission strategist. Hengel also examines the contributions of married apostles — like Peter — and their family communities to the rapid and enduring spread of the Christian message. Subjects: Methods, Historical Approaches, History, Early Church Origins
Review by Timothy P. Henderson
Read the Review
Published 9/18/2012
Citation: Timothy P. Henderson, review of Martin Hengel, Saint Peter: The Underestimated Apostle, Review of Biblical Literature [http://www.bookreviews.org] (2012).
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