The Resurrection of the Son of God

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The Resurrection of the Son of God – N.T. Wright

1. Full Citation

Wright, N.T. (2003) The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

2. Introduction

The Resurrection of the Son of God is the third volume in N.T. Wright’s monumental Christian Origins and the Question of God series. In this work, Wright investigates the historical foundations and theological implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Arguing against both naturalistic scepticism and overly spiritualised interpretations, Wright defends the bodily resurrection as the only historically and theologically plausible explanation for the rise of early Christianity. This review examines the book’s scope, scholarly contribution, and continuing relevance for theology, apologetics, and Christian hope.

3. Author Background and Credentials

N.T. Wright is one of the foremost New Testament scholars of the modern era, with a distinguished academic and ecclesial career. Formerly Bishop of Durham and currently Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Wright has written prolifically on Jesus, Paul, Second Temple Judaism, and Christian doctrine. His work bridges rigorous historical exegesis and pastoral theology, earning him influence across denominational lines.

4. Summary of Contents

The book is structured in three major parts:

  1. Setting the Historical Stage
    • Surveys views on life after death in ancient pagan, Jewish, and early Christian sources.
    • Argues that Jewish belief in resurrection was diverse, but consistently bodily in form.
    • Highlights that belief in individual resurrection prior to the general resurrection was unheard of before the Christian proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection.
  2. The Rise of Early Christian Belief
    • Shows how belief in Jesus’ bodily resurrection emerged as a sudden, unprecedented phenomenon.
    • Analyses Pauline epistles and all four Gospels to demonstrate the consistency and distinctiveness of early resurrection faith.
    • Examines resurrection appearances, empty tomb traditions, and transformation of disciples.
  3. Theological Implications and Conclusions
    • Declares Jesus’ resurrection to be the beginning of God’s new creation.
    • Identifies Jesus as Israel’s Messiah, Lord of the world, and Son of God, vindicated through resurrection.
    • Argues that resurrection inaugurates the future hope and redefines Christian eschatology.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Wright’s argument is logically progressive, interdisciplinary, and deeply convincing. He meticulously constructs the case that only the bodily resurrection of Jesus can account for the historical emergence of Christianity.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

The book represents a paradigm shift in resurrection studies. By fusing Jewish eschatology, Greco-Roman cultural context, and early Christian writings, Wright delivers a comprehensive and original theological-historical synthesis.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Wright employs extensive textual exegesis, historical comparison, and philosophical rebuttal. He critiques both liberal demythologisers and conservative reductionists, insisting on a historically grounded, theologically rich resurrection.

d. Style and Accessibility

While densely written and technical in places, Wright’s prose remains clear, engaging, and pastorally attuned. The book is suited for scholars, advanced students, and serious readers of theology and history.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Some critics note the length and complexity of the book as barriers to broader readership. Others challenge Wright’s historical methodology or find his conclusions overly Christocentric within pluralistic frameworks. However, few question the scholarly weight and influence of the work.

6. Comparative Context

Wright’s book stands apart from:

  • Rudolf Bultmann’s existential demythologising
  • Gerd Lüdemann’s naturalistic rejection of bodily resurrection
  • John Dominic Crossan’s metaphorical interpretation

Instead, it aligns with and deepens the orthodox Christian view, while grounding it in the best of historical methodology.

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

This book is essential for New Testament studies, Christology, systematic theology, apologetics, and eschatology. It reasserts the resurrection as a central event with cosmic and personal significance.

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Wright’s study invites readers to embrace the resurrection as a transformative reality, not just a past miracle or future hope. It shapes Christian mission, ethics, and worldview by rooting faith in new creation inaugurated in Christ.

9. Conclusion

The Resurrection of the Son of God is a landmark work of theological scholarship and historical investigation. It restores the resurrection to its rightful place at the heart of Christian faith, offering a compelling defence of its historical and spiritual truth.

Recommended for: Theologians, historians, apologists, clergy, and any reader seeking a substantive exploration of Christianity’s central claim.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • Surprised by Hope – A more accessible follow-up on resurrection and new creation.
  • Jesus and the Victory of God – Historical and theological account of Jesus’ mission.
  • The Day the Revolution Began – Theology of atonement through crucifixion.
  • Paul and the Faithfulness of God – On Pauline theology and worldview.

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • Gary Habermas & Michael Licona – The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus
  • Dale Allison – Resurrecting Jesus
  • Wolfhart Pannenberg – Jesus: God and Man
  • William Lane Craig – Reasonable Faith

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Bultmann, R. (1953) Kerygma and Myth.
  • Crossan, J.D. (1995) The Historical Jesus.
  • Licona, M.R. & Habermas, G. (2004) The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.
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