In 1873, a copy of the long lost Didache was discovered in a library in Constantinople. Since its publication a decade later, this little book has attracted a large amount of scholarly attention due to the light its sheds on the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. Dr. William Varner has written this volume to familiarize readers with these past and present scholarly discussions. Dr. Varner offers his own analytical translation of the Didache and sets forth some fresh ideas about the book's original purpose and its relationship to the New Testament. He also suggests how the message of this first Christian handbook can inform the church today. This is an accessible introduction, not only to an ancient Christian text, but also to how the earliest Christians responded to the challenge of their new lives.

Diverse perspectives about the messianic movement --- from six contributors. Are Messianic congregations necessary or should Jewish believers be incorporated into the Gentile church? This is the topic of the latest volume in the Counterpoints series. The question of how Christian Jews relate their Jewish practices and customs to the church has been an issue within Christianity since the first century. Contemporary contributors who have lived and wrestled with this issue present informed arguments and counter-arguments. The book concludes with a chapter on the future for Messianic Jews and a directory of messianic movement organizations. Contributors include: * John Fischer (ThD, California Graduate School of Theology, PhD, University of South Florida) is a rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash and Chairman of Judaic Studies at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. * Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (ThM, PhD, New York University) has served with the Chosen People Ministries and Christian Jew Foundation in the past and is now the founder and director of Ariel Ministries. * Gershon Nerel (PhD, Hebrew University, Jerusalem) has served as Israel Secretary for the International Messianic Jewish Alliance and has also been a member of the executive committee for the Messianic Jewish Alliance of Israel. * David Stern (PhD, MDiv) is the translator of the Jewish New Testament from Greek to English to express its Jewishness; his version of the Tanak is the Complete Jewish Bible. * Will Varner (EdD, Temple University) servers as professor of biblical studies at the Master s College, CA, and the director of the Israel Bible Extension campus of this college in Israel. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series."

A mysterious figure called the "Messiah" is the central theme of the entire Bible. In this book that Messianic theme is traced from its announcement in the Old Testament through its development between the Testaments to its fulfillment in the New Testament. The book also examines how Jews and Christians have continued to debate this subject down until today. There are also some studies on fascinating related subjects like the location of the Temple and the ashes of the Red Heifer. While these chapters have been written from a Christian perspective, adequate attention has also been given to Jewish concerns. The Messiah was successively revealed, rejected and received. This book explains how and why that happened. "In this book, Will Varner has opened the Scripture to provide a readable, clarifying look at Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Jesus once asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" (Mark 8: 27). That is still the most urgent question - - who is this Jesus? You will find the answer powerfully and convincingly provided in this outstanding book." John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA and President of The Master's College