Jesus and Gospel
Cambridge University Press, 7/8/2004
EAN 9780521810326, ISBN10: 0521810329
Hardcover, 252 pages, 21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
'Gospel' initially referred to oral proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, but was later used to refer to four written accounts of the life of Jesus. How did this happen? Here, distinguished scholar Graham Stanton uses new evidence and fresh perspectives to tackle this controversial question. He insists that in the early post-Easter period, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was heard against the backdrop of a rival set of 'gospels' concerning the Roman emperors. In later chapters Stanton examines the earliest criticisms of Jesus and of claims concerning his resurrection. Finally, he discusses the early Christian addiction to the codex (book) format as opposed to the ubiquitous roll, and undermines the view that early copies of the Gospels were viewed as downmarket handbooks of an inward looking sect. With half the material previously unpublished and the rest carefully gathered from sources difficult to access, this is a timely study with broad appeal.
1. Introduction
Part I. Jesus and Gospel
2. Jesus and gospel
3. The fourfold gospel
4. Jesus traditions and gospels in Justin martyr and Irenaeus
5. The law of Christ and the gospel
Part II. Jesus
6. Jesus of Nazareth
a magician and a false prophet who deceived God's people?
7. Early objections to the resurrection of Jesus
Part III. The Gospels and Papyri Codices
8. Why were the early Christians addicted to the Codex?
9. What are the gospels? New evidence from papyri?