The Lord of the Entire World: Lord Jesus a Challenge to Lord Caesar by Joseph D. Fantin is a crucial addition to the Logos library for anyone seeking to understand the theological and political weight behind the early Christian confession, “Jesus is Lord.” This book explores how first-century believers would have understood that statement—not merely as a personal act of devotion, but as a bold, implicit challenge to the Roman imperial order, where “lordship” was attributed to figures like Caesar. Fantin masterfully unpacks the complex usage of the title kyrios in both Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts, showing how Paul’s application of this title to Jesus drew heavily from the Septuagint’s use for Yahweh while simultaneously subverting Roman authority structures. Its scholarly depth and historical insight make it an indispensable resource for pastors, theologians, and students of Scripture seeking to grasp the explosive implications of early Christian faith in its original context.
