Synopses & Reviews
This authoritative volume by leading experts in New Testament studies discusses the origin, composition and reception of the canonical gospels in the early church. The argument unfolds in five steps: The first traces the origin of the 'gospel' of Jesus and its significance in Jewish and Hellenistic contexts of the first century. The second examines the progression from that proclaimed oral gospel to the composition and the publication of written gospels. The third focuses specifically on the design and intentions of each of the four canonical gospels, while the fourth explores the view of gospel-writing from a variety of ancient perspectives, including those of Jews, pagans, and non-canonical Christian authors. Finally, three more synthetic chapters reach forward to the gospels' reception history in the formation of the canon, the development of a commentary tradition, and in the life of the church.
Review
"The Written Gospel is a wonderfully helpful collection, packed with excellent and useful contributions that are sure to be of lasting value. The authors and editors are to be warmly congratulated with this deserving tribute to Graham Stanton."
Bryn Mawr Classical Review 10.26.2006
Review
"The volume would be an admirable text for seminary or graduate-level courses, particularly in view of its broader than usual scope, and it will be a worthwhile addition to libraries at all levels." - Michael Holmes, Bethel University
Review
"A comprehensive examination of the canonical Gospels in the early church, this volume specifically uncovers the contexts in which these texts were composed."
Interpretation
Synopsis
Leading experts in New Testament studies discuss the origins, composition and reception of the canonical gospels in the early church within this volume. Beginning with their earliest oral forms during the lifetime of Jesus and moving through the processes of oral tradition to their written composition by the evangelists, the book then traces the continuation of this history in the gospels' subsequent reception among pagans, Jews and Christians--down to the emergence of the earliest gospel commentaries.
Synopsis
This book comprehensively surveys the origin, production and reception of the canonical gospels in the early church. The discussion unfolds in three steps. Part One traces the origin of the 'gospel' of Jesus, its significance in Jewish and Hellenistic contexts of the first century, and its development from eyewitness memory to oral tradition and written text. Part Two then more specifically examines the composition, design and intentions of each of the four canonical gospels. Widening the focus, Part Three first asks about gospel-writing as viewed from the perspective of ancient Jews and pagans before turning to the question of reception history in the proliferation of 'apocryphal' gospels, in the formation of the canon, and in the beginnings of a gospel commentary tradition.
Synopsis
Discussion of the origins, composition and reception of the canonical gospels in the early church.
Synopsis
Leading experts in New Testament studies discuss the origins, composition and reception of the canonical gospels in the early church. Beginning with the earliest oral forms during the lifetime of Jesus, this book traces the gospel's reception among pagans, Jews and Christians - down to the emergence of the first commentaries.
About the Author
Markus Bockmuehl is Reader in New Testament Studies at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Fitzwilliam College. His publications include (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Jesus (2001).Donald A. Hagner is the George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His publications include commentaries on Matthew (1993) and Hebrews (1990).
Table of Contents
Introduction Markus Bockmuehl and Donald A. Hagner; Part I. Before Writing: 1. 'Gospel' in Herodian Judaea William Horbury; 2. The gospel of Jesus Klyne Snodgrass; 3. Q1 as oral tradition James D. G. Dunn; 4. Eyewitness memory and the writing of the gospels Martin Hengel; Part II. Writing the Four Gospels: 5. Who writes, why and for whom? Richard A. Burridge; 6. How Matthew writes Richard C. Beaton; 7. How Mark writes Craig A. Evans; 8. How Luke writes David P. Moessner; 9. How John writes Judith Lieu; 10. Beginnings and endings Morna D. Hooker; Part III. After Writing: 11. The four among Jews James Carleton Paget; 12. The four among pagans Loveday Alexander; 13. Forty other gospels Christopher Tuckett; 14. The one, the four and the many Ronald A. Piper; 15. The making of gospel commentaries Markus Bockmuehl.