Other Early Christian Gospels

Other Early Christian Gospels collects all the recently-recovered Greek manuscripts containing parts of long-lost early Christian gospels into a single volume.

Other Early Christian Gospels collects all the recently-recovered Greek manuscripts containing parts of long-lost early Christian gospels into a single volume.

Parallel Gospels: A Synopsis of Early Christian Writing is an indispensable guide that enables readers to examine more easily how and where the early Christian gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Thomas, and Q--agree and disagree. Using his own unique approach to translating the original Greek texts into English, Zeba A. Crook offers the most literal, word-for-word translation available, helping readers to compare the structure, order, style, theology, and vocabulary of each gospel with the others. FEATURES: * The word-for-word translation (one English word for every Greek word) allows readers who are not proficient in ancient languages to accurately compare the various versions of the gospels * A detailed Introduction explains the purpose of this book, while a "How to Read a Synopsis" section outlines how to use it * Synoptic Study Guides clarify and expand on concepts covered in the gospels and in biblical scholarship * A Glossary of Greek Terms enables students to look up every English word in the translation and find the Greek word behind it Ideal for university and seminary courses in the New Testament, the Gospels, the historical Jesus, and Christian origins/early Christianity, Parallel Gospels is also an invaluable resource for clergy and interested lay readers. PACKAGING & SAVINGS Consider packaging this book with The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, Fifth Edition, or A Brief Introduction to the New Testament, Second Edition, both by Bart D. Ehrman, for use in your course and SAVE YOUR STUDENTS 20%! Please contact your Oxford University Press sales representative at 800.280.0280 for details.

The twenty-seven books of the New Testament were not the only writings produced by early Christians. Nor were they the only ones to be accepted, at one time or another, as sacred Scripture. Unfortunately, nearly all the other early Christian writings have been lost or destroyed. Butapproximately twenty-five books written at about the same time as the New Testament have survived--books that reveal the rich diversity of early Christian views about God, Jesus, the world, salvation, ethics, and ritual practice.This reader presents, for the first time in one volume, every Christian writing known to have been produced during the first hundred years of the church (30-130 C.E.). In addition to the New Testament itself, it includes other, noncanonical Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Apocalypses, as well asadditional important writings, such as those of the Apostolic Fathers. Each text is provided in an up-to-date and readable translation (including the NRSV for the New Testament), and introduced with a succinct and incisive discussion of its author, date of composition, and overarching themes. Thissecond edition adds The Martyrdom of Polycarp, an important text that will enhance the collection's utility in the classroom. It also features Ehrman's new, accessible translations of many of the noncanonical works and provides updated introductions that incorporate the most recent scholarship.With an opening overview that shows how the canon of the New Testament came to be formulated--the process by which some Christian books came to be regarded as sacred Scripture whereas others came to be excluded--this accessible reader will meet the needs of students, scholars, and generalreaders alike. An ideal primary text for courses in the New Testament, Christian Origins, and Early Church History, it can be used in conjunction with its companion volume, the author's The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 3/e (OUP, 2003).

Presents the original teachings of Jesus written by his contemporaries and early followers

In this magisterial volume, which is destined to become the standard text for studying the tradition and history of the early Christian Gospel literature, the author treats more than a dozen Gospel writings from the first two centuries. These Gospels include more than the standard canonical Gospels, covering also such writings as the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocryphon ofJames, the Gospel of Mary and others.

In this book, through a distinctive evangelical and critical approach, Michael Bird explores the historical development of the four canonical Gospels. He shows how the memories and faith of the earliest believers formed the Gospel accounts of Jesus that got written and, in turn, how these accounts further shaped the early church. Bird's study clarifies the often confusing debates over the origins of the canonical Gospels. Bird navigates recent concerns and research as he builds an informed case for how the early Christ followers wrote and spread the story of Jesus -- the story by which they believed they were called to live. The Gospel of the Lord is ideal for students or anyone who wants to know the story behind the four Gospels. Watch an interview with Michael Bird from our Eerdmans Author Interview Series: