The Resurrection in the Work of Klaus Berger

Abstract

This article offers selected thoughts of the recently deceased New Testament scholar Klaus Berger (1940–2020). In the first part of the text, I will introduce some of his systematising theses concerning the theme of Easter. I will first present three critical suggestions on the topic under discussion and then give space to an equal number of his positive statements. In the second part of the text, I will introduce the original interpretation of 1 Cor. 15 as found in Berger’s monumental work Kommentar zum Neuem Testament. Berger’s interpretation of 1 Cor. 15 will thus complement the reflection on Easter themes as presented in his confrontation-oriented attempt Bibelfälscher from 2013. In conclusion, we will attempt to place the aforesaid within the broad framework of Berger’s historical, biblical, and theological hermeneutics.