And There Was Light

This is an excellent book on the Aramaic language Jesus spoke. If Christians really want to understand what Jesus said and meant, they need to read this book. The author, Dr. Rocco Errico, has devoted his life to understanding Aramaic. He made the profound statement that Aramaic speakers always expressed themselves in the strongest words possible in order to make their point, and Aramaic hearers would consider mild accuracy weakness. But strong statements were not to be taken literally. For example, Jesus chided the nitpicking Pharisees exclaiming, "You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." This one is obvious hyperbole in that no man has ever swallowed a camel. But there are more instances in which Jesus used Aramaic expressions literal-minded Christians interpret literally and thus live in fear of God and eternal torment in hell fire. I have explained this in much more detail and given examples in my second book, "Christianity Without Insanity: For Optimal Mental/Emotional/Physical Health."Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D., author of, "Spiritual Terrorism: Spiritual Abuse from the Womb to the Tomb."

I purchased this book shortly after it was originally released. It was helpful in clarifying concepts such as "The Kingdom" and "Perfection" as well as clarifying some confusing idioms. This work can help you grow. Some people who have read the book are threatened by the way it conflicts with their dogma, but if you don't find this book ringing your bells of truth what is the harm if it doesn't match what you have been taught?

very good, most needed for Bible study, it turned on the lights of understanding of Bible verbiages.

I am currently reading this book, I've read the first in this series. I love the translation of the Aramaic language. It is very helpful in understanding the meaning behind the words and customs of biblical times.

Very much worth reading.......especially if you have an intrest in History or the New Testment.......Read this. Rocco is tryly an educated man that might change your mind when you read this...

Excellent book to better understand the teachings of Jesus, based on understanding the idioms of Aramaic, the language Jesus and his contemporaries spoke, as well the semitic mindset.

A good read that will give you insight into biblical passages from an eastern mindset.

thank you

I came across Dr Rocco Errico by chance on the internet as a seeker after Truth. Like Dr Errico I too was awakened to Jesus the Christ through the Holy Spirit which happened to me in 1979. As I awakened and as I had no knowledge of the Bible I sought to understand it. This book has helped me understand some of the verses I grappled with ie My God My God why have you forsaken me. To read from Aramaic the actual real translation of what Jesus said while dying on the cross has enlightened me tremendously.