An Explanation of the History of the Suffering and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Johann Gerhard – Book Review

This is short because I want to get something out in order to prompt others to read the book.

Gerhard, Johann. An Explanation of the History of the Suffering and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 2019. 340 pp.

There are books that I read because they are classics or considered “must read.” The latter are a mixed lot: they are more modern and vary in usefulness depending on the viewpoint of the recommending person. More than once I have finished a book lamenting the loss of good time on a poor book. The former are usually enjoyable since they have stood the test of time and continue to be worthwhile: the current book falls squarely in this category.

Gerhard divides the gospel accounts into five sections covering the events of Jesus’ suffering and death:

• Arrest
• Jewish trials
• Roman trials
• Crucifixion
• Burial

While a commentary or harmony of the gospels can bring together the texts in a way that allows a reader to understand the flow, Gerhard examines the events via a series of sermons. As an example, the first act covers Christ going out to the Mt. Olivet, Christ’s garden prayer, the arrest, and the disciples forsaking Him. This format allows him to move beyond a dry or technical explanation to present in a pastoral fashion an understanding of the events, coinciding Old Testament prophecies, and later New Testament outcomes where applicable. Gerhard is masterful in winding through the scriptural material interleaved with appropriate commentary.

Can someone be better off after reading a 17th-centur author? I was better off for reading this book. Even though already understanding the material and much of how it fulfilled prophecy, I was encouraged by the recognition of God’s providential hand in bring the plan of redemption to fruition.

My recommendation? Buy it. Or you can borrow mine after my sister reads it.