Fortress Introduction to the Gospels

by Powell, Mark Allan

• ISBN13: 9780800630751
• ISBN10: 0800630750
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-11-01
• Publisher: Fortress Pr

Summary

This book is designed to provide essential information in a convenient format for anyone beginning the historical study of the Christian Gospels. With clarity and verve, Mark Allan Powell describes the contents and structure of the Gospels, their distinctive characteristics, and their major themes. An introductory chapter surveys the political, religious, and social world of the Gospels, methods of approaching early Christian texts, the genre of the Gospels, and the religious character of these writings. Included also are comments on the Gospels that are not found in the New Testament. Special features: map, illustrations, and more than two dozen special topics provide information that is important for the understanding of the Gospels.

Table of Contents

Figures	vii
INTRODUCTION Four Stories of Jesus	1	(9)
The World of the Gospels	1	(5)
Genre	6	(2)
Sermons in Story Form	8	(2)
CHAPTER 1 From Jesus to Us	10	(28)
The Historical Jesus	12	(3)
Early Tradition: Written Stories and Oral Transmission	15	(8)
Redaction of the Gospels	23	(3)
Preservation of Manuscripts	26	(4)
Translation	30	(6)
Reception	36	(2)
CHAPTER 2 The Gospel of Mark	38	(23)
Characteristics of Mark's Gospel	40	(5)
Historical Context	45	(5)
Major Themes	50	(11)
CHAPTER 3 The Gospel of Matthew	61	(24)
Characteristics of Matthew's Gospel	66	(5)
Historical Context	71	(4)
Major Themes	75	(10)
CHAPTER 4 The Gospel of Luke	85	(27)
Characteristics of Luke's Gospel	89	(6)
Historical Context	95	(5)
Major Themes	100	(12)
CHAPTER 5 The Gospel of John	112	(27)
Characteristics of John's Gospel	116	(6)
Historical Context	122	(6)
Major Themes	128	(11)
APPENDIX The Other Gospels	139
Abbreviations	144	(2)
Notes	146	(22)
Map of Palestine in the Time of Jesus	168	(1)
Glossary	169	(5)
Scripture Index	174	(8)
Index of Names	182