Review of Peter J. Williams, The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal About the Greatest Teacher (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023). 113 pages, $14.59 (paperback).

Abstract: Peter Williams, an independent biblical scholar, has written an analysis of the parable of the prodigal son in a fascinating attempt to demonstrate two truths. The first is that one of the most overlooked attributes of the Savior is his brilliant and analytical mind. In the process, Williams reveals many intricacies hidden in the parable. He also reminds readers of the role of the Old Testament in the understanding and appreciation of the teachings of Jesus. These contributions, by themselves, demonstrate the value of the book. The second truth is that Jesus, himself, and not the gospel writers or the Apostle Paul, was the source of his teachings. However, an even greater value (and a third truth, if you will) may be a powerful demonstration of the process of looking deeply at scripture to uncover and “see” easily missed insights.





Every so often, one stumbles upon a truly enjoyable tidbit of new information, and it is only human nature to wish to share it. Such is the case with Peter Williams’s new book, The Surprising Genius of Jesus.1 Short though it may be, it is long in learning.

Williams is the CEO of Tyndale House, an independent biblical research library located in Cambridge, England. He also serves [Page 404]as a member of the English Standard Version (ESV) Translation Oversight Committee as well as the chair of the International Greek New Testament Project. As such, he is in an excellent position to guide readers, including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through various aspects of the New Testament.

The thesis of his delightful little book is best described in Williams’s own words:

Many believers would describe Christ as kind, loving, strong, or powerful. Few would first think of the word genius. When studied in detail, however, Jesus’s teachings and interactions with others reveal a combination of profound wisdom, verbal dexterity, simplicity, and creativity. (back cover)

He adds,

Probably about two billion Christians would claim to follow his teachings, which is more than follow the teachings of any other person in history. But most of the Christians I mix with would be more likely to see Jesus’s intelligence as a necessary corollary of his divine nature than to point to specific things he said as examples of remarkable intellect. (pp. 1–2)

To prove his point, and to demonstrate that the teachings of the Savior really come from Jesus and not from the Gospel writers or from the Apostle Paul, as some have contended,2 Williams meticulously dissects Christ’s parable of the prodigal son as found in Luke 15:11 –24.

The Amazing Intellect of Jesus

I fully acknowledge that different people will draw different lessons from any given book. For some, the main takeaway will be Williams’s thesis that Christians need to recognize and appreciate more fully the genius of Jesus. Williams demonstrates that genius in a most convincing and enlightening manner. I see this as the first contribution of this book. So, for those happy to add intellect to Christ’s usual repertoire of attributes, this 113-page book is well worth the enjoyable and rewarding read.

However, this lesson, as valuable as it may be, is not the main [Page 405]contribution of the book, at least for me.