During the process of writing and editing the book “Jesus' Stenographers” the editor regularly gave expression to what he saw as a privilege on working on this project. He has given permission to share with you his experiences.
Chapter 1
In this chapter the reader is invited to consider the way how Jesus’ writers worked. The three basic texts for the documentation theory are introduced and discussed here.
Editor:
“Have to tell you again how much I am enjoying this! Can't wait to get this book to some friends of mine; they will love it also!”
“I have to tell you of a wonderful result of my reading and re-reading this chapter. I became aware of a ‘nearness’ (for lack of a better word), to the historical situation of the days in which our Lord actually walked the earth, in a way that I have never before experienced while working on it. Can't explain it any better than that, but I hope you can understand what I am saying. More real than ever before!!”
Chapter 2
In this chapter the reader is faced with the fact that the theological world in general has accepted the theory that Jesus spoke Aramaic in his teaching and consequently lost the belief that we possess the original words of Jesus Christ. Main question is: But is it true?
Editor:
“First, I must tell you again what a privilege it is to read your work. I am learning so much! It is a great experience.”
“The arguments you give against the ‘Aramaic theory’ are outstanding. Very clear, very conclusive, and very convincing. Wonderful!”
Chapter 3
In this chapter the author takes you to the first age B.C. and the first age A.D. in the Roman Empire. How did one deal with the spoken word in written text? Than the focus is on the invention of stenography by slaves. The foundations of this art of writing – one writing sign per syllable – are still practised in today’s stenography, though it is more sophisticated now.
Editor:
“Well, you were very correct. This is a very complicated chapter! But so interesting, too!”
Chapter 4
Who were Jesus’ stenographers? Is it possible to trace them? Also the inadequacy of usual theories concerning the gospels.
Editor:
“As always, it was a fascinating read for me. I really am enjoying this!!”
“I just had to re-read Chapter 4, one more time. It is so informative!”
Chapter 5
In this chapter we are confronted with four different types of reports being made in Jesus’ Ministry. They became the ingredients for the four gospels respectively.
Editor:
“Yes, it does give me great pleasure to work on this, and a joy as well!”
Chapter 6
In this chapter we see the coherence between the four gospels. Luke’s gospel represents the first generation, the bystanders of Jesus. The gospels of Matthew and John, books of real apostles, are connected with the second generation, the church in Jerusalem under Peter’s leadership after Pentecost. Mark represents the common (everyman's) gospel. We also see that they were written side by side for the first Christians in Jerusalem.
Editor:
“I have been superbly blessed by this activity! I am truly enjoying this!”
“Yes, I am truly enthused about your book project. For me it is a super opportunity, and I have told many here about it, and they really can't wait to read it, too!”
Chapter 7
Here the reader is confronted with the rules followed by the stenographers in presenting the sayings of Jesus. The introductions of the sayings (said, answered and said etc.) are signals whether a complete representation is given or only in part. Most differences between the gospels concerning the spoken word are related with rules. It is possible for us to use the rules of Jesus’ writers to analyze the spoken word. And so the differences disappear as snow in the sun.
Editor:
“VERY interesting. The single/multiple ‘speaking’ verb business is most interesting. I am learning SO MUCH, sometimes I think I should be paying you ‘tuition’! So many things that the ‘casual’ reader, (even though a serious student), of the Word simply does not get without teachings such as you have in this book. Truly amazing to me, and great!”
“I am really excited about this book of yours. There are so many things that it brings out that most of us have NEVER even thought about, and NEED TO! I just wish that I could arrange it so that many, many folks could read and study it. I surely intend to try to get it into the hands of a number of my brothers and sisters who are really serious about their study of the Word. I think that it is very important for people to read and learn from.”
Chapter 8
In this chapter the notion of Living Patterns is introduced. As the gospels are reports of events it is quite natural to deal with many details showing the living context of an event. A living context is not infrequently a Living Pattern that is profitable in gospel explanation.
Editor:
“It is a super chapter. I am again, learning so much.”
Chapter 9
Having presented the premises of gospel explanation from the point of view of stenography the time has come to compare many stories concerning their similarities and dissimilarities.
Editor:
“I think it reads very well; especially for such a ‘deep’ subject that you are covering. Very impressive.”
“The parts about the ‘rich young ruler’ (sic), were particularly beneficial. Not only the entire fabrication of that ‘term’, but also the real meaning of what Jesus told them they should do. Wonderful!!! I had heard that term so many times that I at first didn't really believe what you were saying. So I looked it up, and – of course – you are absolutely correct!”
"I am repeatedly amazed by reading things that I not only didn't know, but had never even THOUGHT about before!"
Chapter 10
A chapter about the New Testament canon of 27 books. Many theologians have their doubts about the canon. Is it possible to reconsider this subject and conclude that we have without hesitation the right books in the New Testament?
Editor:
“VERY interesting subject, and a very thought-provoking discussion of it!”
“I really enjoyed the contents. The whole subject of the canon is very interesting to me, and, as you point out, inseparable from our consideration of the veracity of the Word. So it is only fitting that a book such as yours deal with that subject. Very enlightening!”
“I really appreciated your many historical supports for your views, particularly the information about the songs being ‘quoted’, and their place in the establishment of the canon, so to speak, even though they had been ‘lost’. Very interesting, and just one more topic that I had never even thought about.”
“As I said, I REALLY enjoy learning these things, and thank you again for the ‘education’. It is very satisfying.”