JESUS AND HIS ENEMIES

Jesus and His Enemies by Paul F. Yeulett, and published by P & R Publishing (November 2013), is one the most unique books I have read in a long time. In order to present a clear, lucid and concise discussion of the subject matter, the author who is the pastor of Shrewsbury Evangelical Church in Shrewsbury, England, first answers the question why Jesus had enemies. To put the matter in its proper perspective, he also examines the enemies in high places and explains in simple terms why Jesus faced opposition during His days and why it continues to confront us even today.

In a well-researched and properly defined discussion Paul F. Yeulett introduces us to the first enemy of Jesus in the third chapter – Herod the Great, which is based on Matthew 2:16. It is lively, enlightening, thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting as the author deems it necessary to include theological and historical background to the case.

Herod the Great is a matter of great interest as it has “ten references in the New Testament, most of which are found in the second chapter of Matthew. Herod the Great was the founder of the Herodian dynasty, the king for thirty-three years over the whole land of Israel, and the one who ordered the massacre of the baby boys in and around Bethlehem. Herod had an extremely complex and stormy sets of marriages – which is putting it rather mildly – and the intrigue, rivalry, and bloodshed found among his household was prodigious. It might also be remembered that he had caused the death of his wife Mariamne the Hasmonean princess as well as his two sons by her, Aristobulus and Alexander.”

The other “enemies” covered in the book are: The People of Nazareth (Luke 4:22–24), The Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:14–17), The Pharisees (Matthew 23:13), The Challenge to Jesus’ Authority (Mark 11:27–33), The Sadducees (Mark 12:24–27), Caiaphas the High Priest (John 11:47–53), Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3–5), Pontius Pilate (John 18:36–38), Herod Antipas (Luke 23:8–12), The Jewish Crowd (Matthew 27:22–25), The Roman Soldiers (Luke 23:33–34), The Climax of Jesus’ Sufferings (Matthew 27:39–46), The Crucified Robber (Luke 23:39–43), Simon, Son of John (John 21:15–19), and Saul of Tarsus (1 Timothy 1:12–17).

The purpose of the book is to draw theological and pastoral lessons from the encounters with various “enemies” of Jesus. I’m sure a prayerful study of the book will lead all readers to that!

Format: Paperback

Pages: 304

Publisher: P & R Publishing

List Price: $12.99

Release Date: November 22, 2013

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1596388323

ISBN-13: 978-1596388321

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Paul Yeulett is the pastor of Shrewsbury Evangelical Church in Shrewsbury, England. He graduated from Highland Theological College and is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales. Previously he studied mathematics at Newcastle University and taught high-school math for eleven years. He and his wife, Ruth, have three children.