Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 100:398 (Apr 1943)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Who Crucified Jesus? By Professor Solomon Zeitlin, Th.D., Ph.D. Harper & Brothers, New York. 240 pp. $2.50.

This is a thoroughly prepared treatise which, in anticipation of the discussion of the theme which forms the title, reaches into unusual spheres of instruction respecting the times, the customs, and the authorities into which and under which Christ came and lived on the earth. Dr. Zeitlin does not commit himself as one who receives Christ as his Savior, but he gives much worthy respect to Christ as his thesis advances. For vital information relative to the times and circumstances of Christ’s life and death, this volume is unusually valuable. It will prove of special interest to students who desire to be informed of the day and generation in which Christ lived.

Dr. Zeitlin has proposed to rescue the nation Israel from the charge of having crucified Jesus. This, it seems to one at least, he has not succeeded in doing, however interesting his arguments may be. It is hardly probable that Pontius Pilate would have given his verdict of death upon Christ had he not been all but compelled to do so by the Jews, and did they not say, “His blood be upon us and upon our children”? One verse-Acts 4:27-asserts that there were at least four individuals or groups implicated in this death. The passage reads: “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.” However, beyond all of this and reaching into realms which are quite beyond any final analysis by human minds, yet intensely real, are the facts that God the Father gave and spared not His own Son (John 3:16; Rom 8:32); the Son offered Himself, which is revealed by the words, “No man taketh it [His life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18); and He offered Himself to God by the Eternal Spirit (Heb 9:14).

There is need of a treatise on the questions which this volume essays to answer which will draw its material from the infallible Word of God rather than from human opinion or prejudice. Within its scope the book is a valuable study.

President Lewis Sperry Chafer

Peace Like a River. By Vance Havner. Revell, New York. 96 pp. $1.00.

As announced, this is truly a book of meditations, but with no tendency to cure insomnia. Mr. Havn...

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