Description
Book SynopsisThis is an introductory guide to the ways Jesus is depicted in the New Testament. Both college students and the general reader will find here a variety of New Testament understandings of Jesus that are rooted in critical reading of the four Gospels and Pauline letters.
This new edition adds historical context to the portraits of Jesus as each document is somewhat shaped by historical factors. This work presumes neither religious faith nor lack of faith; its aim is to inform and to stimulate some fundamental questions as well as to give the readers portraits as synthetic balance to the vital work of analysis.
Trade ReviewI do believe that the kind of New Testament survey material that Dr. Imperato has prepared can stimulate the interest of newcomers to the field, especially college undergraduates and others who have a cultural connection to the Bible but very slender acquaintance with it. The observation of parallel versions of the same pericope in the gospels is usually a new and intriguing experience for this constituency, which is often predisposed to consider the sacred texts dryly uniform and threadbare. In respect to Paul, there is next to no undistorted prior exposure to build upon, especially among Catholics, so an introduction to his prominent themes—but only with understanding of his texts as genuine letters, not treatises—can arouse interest in further assisted reading. Dr. Imperato's sketches are properly dedicated to such reading assistance, not to furnishing "cliff notes" in place of the Bible. This is why I think his work can be of considerable educational value. -- The Rev. Dr. Richard J. Dillon, senior professor emeritus of Theology (New Testament), Fordham University, 76th president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America
Dr. Imperato makes Jesus come alive in the pages of his Portraits of Jesus. In a scholarly fashion, he portrays Jesus to the everyday individual, giving a more than adequate overview of the salient features of our Lord's life and ministry.
I teach New Testament to college freshmen and sophomores who have little or no formal background in the New Testament. I find that they relate well to the models provided by Dr. Imperato. Many who know something of the life of Jesus have "aha" moments when we read and discuss the portraits from his perspective. -- Paul McCuistion, Doctor of Ministry Program Director, South University
Table of ContentsIntroduction
I. Mark’s Portrait of Jesus
II. Matthew’s Portrait of Jesus
III. Luke’s Portrait of Jesus
IV. John’s Portrait of Jesus
V. Paul’s Portrait of Jesus
VI. Appendix: Historical Background to the New Testament
Works Cited
Index
About the Author
