Alfred Edersheim (1825-1889) was born and reared in a Jewish home in Vienna. He was given a New Testament while studying medicine at the University of Pest (Budapest) and soon afterwards came to believe in Jesus as his Messiah. He held several teaching positions in the United Kingdom before settling at the University of Oxford. From 1882 until his death, he was Grinfeld Lecturer on the Septuagint. He is still considered a leading authority on Jewish life and customs in the time of Jesus. He wrote many books on a variety of topics, most famously The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. The Wisdom of Alfred Edersheim includes hundreds of quotations from his various works, many of which are rare and out of print. Edersheim is remembered and loved for his devotional commentary as much as for his scholarship.

As members of the LDS Church, we owe our understanding of the scriptures to many scholars, both inside and out of the LDS community. Perhaps the most influential non-LDS scholar was a man named Alfred Edersheim. Born in 1825 to Jewish parents, he became an Anglican minister, a prolific writer, and a gifted linguist. His works have been studied and quoted by Church authorities and scholars for more than a hundred years. Edersheim used his knowledge of Jewish customs, language, and beliefs to increase Christianity's understanding of the events and teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. His scholarship, coupled with a fervent testimony of Jesus Christ, has made him one of the most influential scripture scholars of our time. Alfred Edersheim: Jewish Scholar for the Mormon Prophets explores his life, his writings, and his influence on LDS writers, scholars, and authorities. Whether or not you are already familiar with Edersheim's work, you will enjoy reading the words of this inspiring disciple of Christ. His powerful testimony of the Savior will strengthen your own faith in the mission of Jesus Christ.