The Parables of Jesus (The William Barclay Library)

This is an excellent book…with one essential caveat. (More on that below.)Written by William Barclay, a Scottish author, renowned theologian, professor, and minister in the Church of Scotland, this book offers clear, concise, and readable explanations of all of Jesus's parables—more than 35 in all. It is just the book I have been looking for for years in my quest to better understand these short stories by Jesus, some of which can be really hard to comprehend.For example, why was a man who was not wearing proper attire thrown out of the wedding feast with much weeping and gnashing of teeth resulting (Matthew 22:11-14)? That seems cruel and heartless! The explanation is brilliant and makes so much sense. And it's this way with all the parables. In Barclay's hands, even the easy-to-understand parables are given a new twist with ideas I hadn't before considered.Parables were often used in Jewish instruction, so Jesus was using something the people were accustomed to hearing and filling it with new meaning and importance. This was also a way for Jesus to be sure his audience understood what he was saying. He told a story—an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.Each chapter focuses on a single parable (although a few chapters include more than one if they are very similar), typically beginning with a fascinating explanation of the history surrounding it. For example, in the Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13), we learn that it was custom in those days for the bridegroom to arrive at the wedding whenever he chose. So the fact that these bridesmaids were waiting on him for hours was exactly as it would have been. (Who knew?) Also, no one was allowed on the streets after dark without a lighted lamp, which is why it was so important for the five bridesmaids whose lamps went out to get more oil. But keep reading that chapter, and you'll find out the deeper meaning of Jesus's teaching, which makes so much more sense with the historical background.Most important, Barclay's writing is masterful, and his understanding of the deeper meaning of the parables is exemplary. This is THE book to read on the parables, in my opinion.One minor issue is that each chapter begins by listing only the Gospel name with the numerical verses in which the parable appears, but the parable itself is not quoted in the book. That would have been such a simple editorial change. It's best to read the parable first before launching into the explanation. Unfortunately, Barclay is inconsistent in summarizing the parable; in some chapters he does this well, while in others, he doesn't do it at all. I recommend reading this book with a Bible next to you or use your phone to quickly look up the parable, which is what I did.Now, my big difficulty with the book: It is dated in a way that many may find highly offensive. It was originally published in 1952 under the title "And Jesus Said" and updated in 1970, eight years before Barclay's death. He was a man of his times. If you didn't know better when reading this book, you would think women didn't exist. He writes for his fellow man, and this is reflected throughout. Here is one of a many, many sentences that serves as an example: "The more knowledge a man has the more he is able to receive." Even more troublesome, he refers to women as girls and Blacks as Negros. Every Black man he quotes, such as Booker Washington, he describes as a Negro. Of course, he doesn't describe the White men he quotes as White. I adjusted to this archaic language and cut him a break because of when the book was written and the culture in which Barclay lived. One good thing: I realize how far we have come! The content of the book is so outstanding that it is worth the subtle, underlying misogyny and racism.

William Barclay, the renowned theologian, always provides a very in-depth study of the subject. I have used his commentaries on the Gospels for many years. I just need to read carefully when his discussion diverges from the Catholic dogma - ie, the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. He always explains the culture and background of the people who initially heard the words of the Gospel preached to them their perceptions, and what is left unsaid since it would be obvious to the audience of the time vs that of 21st-century westerners who reading the same words, may be inclined to misinterpret the meaning.

"In all times in their history the Jews were familiar with teaching by means of parables" This is just a nugget of the depth of William Barclay's knowledge of New Testament times and customs. In this work on Jesus' parables prepare not to be cornered by evangelical high spiritism. Barclay breaks down the parables to a practicality that is unmatched and sorely lacking today.Barclay unveils how each parable would be easily recognised and related to by the audience unto which Jesus was preaching. The author is certainly open minded but does not stray from classic fundamentals of the christian faith. Expanding on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Barclay says "The Jews wanted to keep things the way they were. That is why they crucified Jesus. He came with new ideas about God, about life and about a man's duty in life; and because they would have nothing to do with new ideas they crucified Him"He goes on to say "Jesus was a challenge to traditional religion. In the christian faith there must be a steady development. God is infinite; no man can ever get to the end of God. The riches of Christ are unsearchable; no man can exhaust them. And therefore every generation should be penetrating deeper and deeper into the truth of God. Every man all his life should be learning more and more about God". In other words, dont let the traditions of the day suffocate the talents that God gave to you.Barclay also explains how in middle eastern culture that exxagerations were often used to get the point across. Skeptics like to complain that Jesus 'lied' because we cannot have everything we believe God for. However the whole idea was to trust God with our lives and put our whole trust in him. Not only that but to give men hope and a peace that can only come from Christ.

William Barclay never disappoints he allows you to explore with his expert guidance.

I am very happy and satisfied with the service provided from Hope Book Store. I am even better satisfied with William Barclay's book the Parables of Jesus. It met all my expectations for the materials inside. It is a timeless recommended book for all ages, all level.

Worthwhile book, printed 20 years ago but still very relevant.

I unexpectedly became a Christian in July 2020, and have read the Bible through twice now (some books numerous times through), but couldn't find anyone on social media who explained the parables of Jesus thoroughly, intelligently, and without some weird twists or bizarre agendas.This year, I asked a retired priest some questions about parables, and was encouraged to read this book. I have done so now, one parable or "chapter" per evening, but honestly each one gives me so much to think about and absorb that I'm going to start over with this book (one parable per day or evening) again after I finish a different book on parables I started a few days ago.The retired priest also bought a new copy, as her 40+ year old copy is in rough shape after numerous reads.

Brilliant interpretation of the parables. I first heard about Barclay from one of the speeches by Bishop Sheen. Absolutely loved reading his work.