The Prodigal Prophet

Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy

By: Timothy Keller

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

An angry prophet. A feared and loathsome enemy. A devastating storm. And the surprising message of a merciful God to his people.

The story of Jonah is one of the most well-known parables in the Bible. It is also the most misunderstood. Many people, even those who are nonreligious, are familiar with Jonah: A rebellious prophet who defies God and is swallowed by a whale. But there's much more to Jonah's story than most of us realize. 

In The Prodigal Prophet, pastor and New York Times best-selling author Timothy Keller reveals the hidden depths within the book of Jonah. Keller makes the case that Jonah was one of the worst prophets in the entire Bible. And yet there are unmistakably clear connections between Jonah, the prodigal son, and Jesus. Jesus in fact saw himself in Jonah. How could one of the most defiant and disobedient prophets in the Bible be compared to Jesus?

Jonah's journey also doesn't end when he is freed from the belly of the fish. There is an entire second half to his story - but it is left unresolved within the text of the Bible. Why does the book of Jonah end on what is essentially a cliffhanger? In this audiobook, Timothy Keller provides an answer to the extraordinary conclusion of this biblical parable - and shares the powerful Christian message at the heart of Jonah's story.

©2018 Timothy Keller (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Unlike most suburban megachurches, much of Redeemer is remarkably traditional. What is not traditional is Dr. Keller’s skill in speaking the language of his urbane audience... Observing Dr. Keller’s professorial pose on stage, it is easy to understand his appeal.” (The New York Times)

“Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.” (Christianity Today)

“Timothy Keller puts a contemporary spin on the familiar story of the prophet who disobeyed God and was swallowed by a whale.” (Publishers Weekly)

Keller's writing is rich; narrator does a poor job

One can always count on Tim Keller's words to be weighty, beautifully expressed, and theologically sound. As far as I did get with this audiobook, I found it to be a very insightful exploration of the Book of Jonah. However, the narrator ruins the audiobook for me with his bored, sarcastic tone, which seems at odds with the content of the material and does not reflect Tim Keller's speaking style. I'll buy the physical book instead.

Encouraging!

I have always loved the story of Jonah and in the past few years the book of Jonah has become one my favorites. As a pastor's daughter who grew up in the church, Jonah's self righteousness is incredibly relatable. I was so excited when I heard that Keller had written a book about the Prodigal Prophet!! This book is filled with the hope of God and His glory. I would highly recommend it.

Multifaceted Applications

Keller wrote a well-argued account of Jonah, from connection to the parable of the prodigal son, the concept of grace, Jesus’s death on the cross, and other New Testament ideas. Jonah has a multifaceted application to our theology and our Christian lifestyles.

SUPERB BOOK TOLD SUPERBLY

Once again, Timothy Keller plumbs the depths of Scripture revealing what is not always seen at first glance. Once again, I am richer for having read his work.

Thank you Tim Keller!

Another beautiful book- exactly the word of hope, faith and forgiveness I needed to read. I’ve never seen Jonah or myself so clearly.

This was a great listen

I really enjoyed this study of the book of Jonah. As a person who often feels more prodigal than son or prophet , this story was both inspiring and simply thought provoking.

Wow. Keller delivers the Good News

Whatever you live for and love the most controls you. I’m Jonah Thanks to the God who pursues rebel prophets.

Eye opening

Love the way the author ties the story of Jonah, the prodigal son and Jesus.

Life changing wisdom

This is so much more than a book about Jonah. It is about one’s focus in life and a reason to keep trying even in those seasons of life when the world has left you unsatisfied and discouraged.
The secret to life, to joy, to overcoming frustration is found through trusting Jesus as our Savior, trusting that God is in control and submitting our desires and our plans to God. So how do we do that? It’s a life long process, through prayer and Bible study and accepting God’s relationship and pursuit of us, where by the Holy Spirit changes us and conforms us to the likeness of Jesus Christ. I can know this and truly believe it in my head and my heart and yet still struggle with day to day discouragements and other practicalities of living.

Books like this one remind me of the importance of having the right perspective and renewing my mind with Biblical truths to keep from falling under the weight of worldly perspectives and priorities and day to day difficulties. It’s a book with so much truth in it, it can be listened to multiple times and still be a treasure trove of wisdom to discover new each time. After listening, I feel renewed in my faith, gratefully joyous of God’s love and greatness, and encouraged to keep on the path. Truly a marvelous work.

Great book!

Great book. Much that I learned about Jonah that I never realized or picked up on before. Well worth the time investment to read and grow.