“One of the most marked and hopeful signs of our time is the increasing attention given on all sides to the study of Holy Scripture. Those who believe and love the Bible, who have experienced its truth and power, can only rejoice at such an issue. They know that ‘the Word of God liveth and abideth for ever,’ that ‘not one tittle’ of it ‘shall fail;’ and that it is ‘able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Accordingly they have no reason to dread the results either of scientific investigation, or of searching inquiry into ‘those things which are most surely believed among us.’ For, the more the Bible is studied, the deeper will be our conviction that ‘the foundation of God standeth sure.’” — Alfred Edersheim, from the Preface. Alfred Edersheim (1825-1889), was raised Jewish. He studied at the University of Vienna and New College, Edinburgh. After finding faith in the Messiah, he was ordained in the Free Church of Scotland, and later the Church of England. His books continue to be highly influential in bringing to life the background and details of the Old Testament historical accounts. His ‘Church History’ series is especially intended for students, young people, and anyone who desires to deepen their understanding of the Bible. The Lutheran Library Publishing Ministry finds, restores and republishes good, readable books from Lutheran authors and those of other sound Christian traditions. All titles are available at little to no cost in proofread and freshly typeset editions. Many free e-books are available at our website LutheranLibrary.org. Please enjoy this book and let others know about this completely volunteer service to God’s people. May the Lord bless you and bring you peace.

For two millennia Christianity has stated that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah prophesized about in Jewish scripture. But how have Christians justified these claims? And from what sources do they draw their evidence that Jesus was in fact the Messiah? Biblical scholar, Alfred Edersheim, in an extremely thorough study of Jewish scripture examines how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Messianic hopes of many Old Testament prophecies. Through the course of twelve lectures Edersheim provides brilliant insight into the Old Testament and how the texts within it provide clear evidence of prophecy for the coming of Jesus Christ. Yet, Edersheim does not stop at studying the Old Testament alone but also uses the Pentateuch, the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha to provide further examples that Jesus was indeed prophesized about by Jewish texts many centuries before he was born. This book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand more fully how Jesus' life was intertwined with old Jewish texts and for those who are looking for a scholarly, yet accessible, account of this fascinating topic. Alfred Edersheim (1825-89) was a Vienna-born biblical scholar who converted from Judaism to Christianity. A veteran minister and missionary to the Jews of Romania, Edersheim left an enduring and priceless legacy to followers of Christ. Among his most widely read works are The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, The Temple: Its Ministry and Services, and Bible History Old Testament.