An Introduction to the Gospels

Rating:
Summary: From the Synoptic Problem to the Historical Jesus
Review: Reddish begins with a discussion of the formation of the Gospels, a discussion which must inevitably deal with the Synoptic Problem and John's relationship to the Synoptics. From there he goes on to explore the world of the Evangelists, and then he presents a chapter on each Gospel. The individual Gospel chapters discuss the social settings and major themes of the Gospels, and give both an outline and a reading guide to the Gospels.

After dealing with the Canonical Gospels, Reddish considers the apocryphal/pseudepigraphical gospels, giving a description of each and discussing its relationship, if any, to the canonical Gospels. Finally, Reddish turns to the Quest for the Historical Jesus, setting out and discussing in detail the scholarly criteria for determining historicity of the various Gospel accounts.

This slender volume has more breadth than depth, but it claims to be no more than an introduction to Gospel study. It serves that purpose well.

Rating:
Summary: From the Synoptic Problem to the Historical Jesus
Review: Reddish begins with a discussion of the formation of the Gospels, a discussion which must inevitably deal with the Synoptic Problem and John's relationship to the Synoptics. From there he goes on to explore the world of the Evangelists, and then he presents a chapter on each Gospel. The individual Gospel chapters discuss the social settings and major themes of the Gospels, and give both an outline and a reading guide to the Gospels.

After dealing with the Canonical Gospels, Reddish considers the apocryphal/pseudepigraphical gospels, giving a description of each and discussing its relationship, if any, to the canonical Gospels. Finally, Reddish turns to the Quest for the Historical Jesus, setting out and discussing in detail the scholarly criteria for determining historicity of the various Gospel accounts.

This slender volume has more breadth than depth, but it claims to be no more than an introduction to Gospel study. It serves that purpose well.

Rating:
Summary: A great read!
Review: This book has it all--it reviews the history of the Gospels, explains each canonical gospel verse by verse, and even summarizes the "other" gospels, including the Q source. It is easy to read and enjoyable, not at all dry like a lot of biblical commentaries. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: A great read!
Review: This book has it all--it reviews the history of the Gospels, explains each canonical gospel verse by verse, and even summarizes the "other" gospels, including the Q source. It is easy to read and enjoyable, not at all dry like a lot of biblical commentaries. Highly recommend!