Jesus's words of wisdom can become a companion on your own spiritual journey.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are not the only record we have of the words spoken by Jesus. Designed to challenge, enlighten and inspire, they are also quoted in a wide variety of other ancient sources-including the Qur'an, writings by early Christian church fathers, and fragments of lost gospels only recently discovered. Some of these sayings are familiar; many are surprising; all expand our conventional understanding of the scope and essence of Jesus's original teachings.
More than a "Christian" compilation, this collection of more than three hundred sayings reveals a Jesus whose words encapsulate spiritual truths that resonate across religious boundaries. From the encouraging "I am hope for the hopeless," to the wise and practical "Love those who hate you and you will not have an enemy," to the candid "Give no opportunity to the evil one," these pointed sayings not only reveal how Jesus was understood and portrayed across a wide variety of cultures long ago-they will also penetrate to your heart, challenge your assumptions, and energize your own spiritual quest. Now you can experience the wisdom and power of Jesus's sayings even if you have no previous knowledge of these little-known texts.
These sayings and annotations will give us a fresh understanding of the teachings of Jesus and reflect the diversity of early Christianity. Some sayings are taken from later Jewish and Islamic tradition, as well as from Greek and Egyptian collections. Readers will find that many of the sayings are of equal value to those found in the canonical gospels or in the Gospel of Thomas, but they are even more striking because of their unfamiliarity. Meet Jesus as a spiritual teacher who taught using the ancient form of proverbs, parables, and pithy aphorisms. See what he had to say for himself.
"Marvelous.... Will provide spiritual seekers, committed Christians and academic scholars [insight into] sayings attributed to Jesus that they may not know existed. A valuable sourcebook and significant contribution to the study of the history of Christian ideas."
-Stevan Davies, professor of religious studies, College Misericordia and author of The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated & Explained
"A fascinating kaleidoscope of 'other takes' on Jesus from early Christianity's closest religious neighbors."
-Cynthia Bourgeault, author of Encountering the Wisdom Jesus
"An invaluable contribution to historical Jesus research.... Insightful, even-handed and refreshingly succinct ... an essential collection."
-Rev. Jeffrey J. Bütz, author of The Brother of Jesus and the Lost Teachings of Christianity
"Compelling and enlightening.... Allows us to hear the wisdom that was Jesus."
-Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice
"If the gospels represent the tip [of Jesus's sayings], Andrew Phillip Smith has provided the rest of the iceberg. Here is proof that [Jesus's] voice has never fallen silent."
-Robert M. Price, professor of scriptural studies, Johnnie Colemon Theological Seminary
"Excellent ... an invaluable aid in our endeavor to hear [Jesus's] authentic voice."
-Ron Miller, author of The Hidden Gospel of Matthew: Annotated & Explained
