Description
Book SynopsisAn engaging introduction to Jesus and the gospels, this second edition of Four Portraits, One Jesus has been updated to meet the needs of today's students. With clarity and insight, Mark Strauss guides readers to understand the four distinctive portraits each gospel paints and ultimately to a deeper understanding of life and person of Jesus.
Trade Review'Extraordinarily well written and thoughtfully organized. This book will be useful to anyone in need of a concise, clear, and knowledgeable guide through the four Gospels.' *
FRANK THIELMAN, Presbyterian Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School *
'Hands down, the best textbook I've found for my Life of Jesus classes. It is superbly organized and very student-friendly with its many illuminating charts, sidebar discussions, chapter summaries of key points, study questions, and glossary of key terms. Fair, even-handed treatment of divergent scholarly views while offering solidly reasoned conclusions grounded in careful scholarship. My students routinely comment on how well-written, interesting and accessible it is. The additional features and updated information contained in this latest edition simply enhance an already stellar book. I heartily recommend it for undergraduate or graduate level students alike.' *
JEANNINE GRAHAM, associate professor of religious studies, George Fox University *
'I have used Mark Strauss' delightful Four Portraits as my main textbook for many years. It is a favorite of mine and my students. I'm thrilled to see this new edition and highly recommend it!' *
JONATHAN T. PENNINGTON, associate professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *
'This is the best textbook available for a course on Jesus and the Gospels and now Professor Strauss has made it even better, updated with new material and a fresh look. Rarely do both the instructor and the students rave about a textbook.' *
E. RANDOLPH RICHARDS, provost and professor of biblical studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University *
'This textbook for studying the Gospels and the historical Jesus presents various views evenhandedly and consistently comes to careful and balanced conclusions. It introduces both older and newer approaches and treats all the major topics. Now augmented and improved!' *
CRAIG S. KEENER, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *
Table of ContentsPart One 1. What Are the Gospels? 2. Exploring the Origin and Nature of the Gospels: Historical-Critical Methods of Gospel Research 3. Reading and Hearing the Gospel Stories: Literary-Critical Methods of Gospel Research Part Two 4. The Historical Setting of the Gospels 5. The Religious Setting: First-Century Judaism 6. The Social and Cultural Setting of the Gospels Part Three 7. Mark: The Gospel of the Suffering of the Son of God 8. Matthew: The Gospel of the Messiah 9. Luke: The Gospel of the Savior for All People 10. John: The Gospel of the Son Who Reveals the Father Part Four 11. Searching for the Real Jesus 12. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels 13. The Contours and Chronology of Jesus’ Ministry 14. Jesus’ Birth and Childhood 15. The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry 16. The Message of Jesus 17. The Miracles of Jesus 18. The Messianic Words and Actions of Jesus 19. The Death of Jesus 20. The Resurrection of Jesus Conclusion Glossary Index
