Synopses & Reviews
This book offers a new explanation of the development of the first three gospels based on a careful examination of both patristic testimony and internal evidence among the books themselves. / James Edwards posits a number of fascinating theories in his coherent hypothesis of the origins of these gospels. He argues that the original language of the Hebrew Gospel was Hebrew, rather than Aramaic. He further discusses why the Hebrew Gospel is no longer extant, including the role anti-Judaism played in its demise and neglect in Christian scholarship. Perhaps his most controversial assertion, however, comes on the heels of his thorough review of the origin of and scholarly evidence for the Q hypothesis proposed by Schleiermacher: Edwards concludes that Q is no longer necessary or even scholarly defensible. Instead the canonical Greek Matthew concludes the synoptic tradition and Mark and Luke draw directly from it. / Each chapter in this book plows new ground and challenges assumptions in the New Testament guild that have long been held but that lack solid evidence. Edwards has written a groundbreaking book that will force scholars to reconsider the way they conceive of the formation of the synoptic tradition.
Synopsis
This book offers a new explanation of the development of the first three Gospels based on a careful examination of both patristic testimony to the "Hebrew Gospel" and internal evIdence In the canonical Gospels themselves. James Edwards breaks new ground and challenges assumptions that have long been held In the New Testament guild but actually lack solid evidence.
About the Author
James R. Edwards is the Bruner-Welch Endowed Professor of Theology at Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- References to a "Hebrew Gospel" in early Christianity -- Quotations from the Hebrew Gospel in early Christianity -- Taking stock of the Hebrew Gospel in early Christianity -- Semitisms in the Gospel of Luke -- The Hebrew Gospel -- The neglect of the Hebrew Gospel in Christian tradition -- Adieu to "Q" -- The Hebrew Gospel and the Gospel of Matthew.