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Abstract
The exodus story was the single most important story in Israel's sacred national narrative. For influence on Judaism and early Christianity in late antiquity among the books of Moses the book of Exodus was eclipsed only by the book of Deuteronomy, the most often quoted book of Moses. It is not surprising that Jesus and the major authors of New Testament literature draw so heavily upon the book of Exodus. Themes and stories from Exodus play significant parts in some of Paul's most important theological discussions. In some cases the stories of Exodus provide Paul with analogies that offer practical guidance. The Prologue of John (John 1:1-18) is one of the most fascinating passages in the writings that make up the New Testament. The Exodus takes its place alongside Genesis as a book that contributes major theological ideas to the thinking of Jesus and his early followers.