Apocryphal Gospels - by Gregory R Lanier (Paperback)

About the Book

Pop-culture hype has distorted the story of Jesus, but this book pulls back the curtain. Discover why the apocryphal gospels crumble under scrutiny and how scripture stands firm as the faithful, factual account of Christ.

Book Synopsis

What do the Gospels of Thomas, Mary, and Judas have in common? Despite their cultural popularity--thanks largely to sources like The Da Vinci Code--these are works of fiction, commonly known as the apocryphal gospels, that fail to tell the faithful and true story of Jesus Christ.

In Apocryphal Gospels: Separating the Real Jesus from the Fan Fiction, Gregory R. Lanier provides readers with a sober, balanced, and historically grounded treatment of this body of literature. He meticulously compares these fascinating, yet unreliable texts with the four canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), demonstrating the veracity and historical reliability of the New Testament accounts and making a compelling case for the true Jesus.

Review Quotes

"My assumption has always been that there is nothing to be gained by reading apocryphal writings about Jesus and those connected to him since they do not carry the authority of Scripture and often conflict with Scripture. But Greg Lanier has convinced me otherwise. In this concise overview, Lanier applies his expertise to bring together in one brief volume an engaging presentation and evaluation of these writings, opening up a window into how second-century Christians processed the story of Jesus and sought to fill in the gaps left in the canonical Gospels."

--Nancy Guthrie, author and Bible teacher

"It is expected when sharing our faith that the conversations will include unexpected turns and questions. Often these are good faith inquiries, but at times they are used as defeaters to expose Christianity as a flawed or false religion. Perhaps no question has derailed more evangelistic conversations over the last few decades than the apocryphal gospels. Their ability to stir up a media sensation built on the mystique of something lost (or intentionally hidden) and come to light has led many to question the truth of the Christian Scriptures and Christianity itself. We are often left fumbling for incomplete and insecure answers. Thankfully, here, Greg Lanier has offered us a thorough and entertaining guide to the questions. For our readiness to give an account of the hope within us, this book is a necessary tool."

--Skyler Flowers, program director, the Carson Center for Theological Renewal at the Gospel Coalition

"Apocryphal gospels tend to fascinate or to repel modern readers. In this careful and highly readable volume, Gregory Lanier avoids such polarization and instead brings balance and helpful analysis to bear on these ancient texts. Readers are skillfully guided through a vast array of early Christian writings and offered deep insights into the meaning and purpose of these texts. This volume is a first-rate and up-to-date overview of these sometimes bizarre and perplexing gospel texts, which are not found among the writings of the New Testament."

--Paul Foster, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

"Greg Lanier is a sure-footed guide for understanding early non-biblical writings about the life of Jesus. Apocryphal Gospels is faithful to Scripture, historically accurate, well written, and beautifully illustrated. This book is a timely gift for Christ's church."

--Robert L. Plummer, Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The so-called apocryphal gospels never seem to die. Either the works themselves or the ideas that undergird them seem to rise up in every generation. Rather than avoid or dismiss these books, Gregory Lanier has done a great service to the church by tackling them head-on. The result is a master class in historical, biblical, and theological reflections on how these books get Jesus wrong and why we should trust the Scriptures God has given us."

--Brandon D. Smith, associate professor of theology and early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University

"With engaging and lively prose, Gregory Lanier has once again produced another important contribution to New Testament studies. With the precision and skill of a seasoned scholar and with the pastoral sensitivity of a wise pastor, Lanier makes accessible for readers years of scholarship on the historical Jesus and the ancient sources about him. This book separates facts from myth and the canonical Gospels from fantasy and fiction with an eye toward providing readers with a coherent and trustworthy presentation of the superiority of the canonical Gospels over later traditions about Jesus. Students, pastors, and professors should read this book and gain a deeper love for and a better appreciation of the canonical Gospels and the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ whom they proclaim."

--Jarvis J. Williams, professor of New Testament interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

Gregory R. Lanier (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, and academic dean of RTS Global.