Fortress Introduction to the Gospels, Second Edition - 2nd Edition by Mark Allan Powell (Paperback)

About the Book

"With clarity and verve, Mark Allen Powell introduces the beginning student to the contents and structure of the Gospels, their distinctive characteristics, and their major themes. An introductory chapter surveys the political, religious, and social world of the Gospels, methods of approaching early Christian texts, the genre of the Gospels, and the religious character of these writings. This second edition has been updated to take fuller account of different theories regarding the Gospels, with new chapters on the historical Jesus and on gospel literature not included in our New Testament, and with a pleasing new format. Special features include illustrations and more than two dozen special topics."--Back cover

Book Synopsis

With clarity and verve, Mark Allen Powell introduces the beginning student to the contents and structure of the Gospels, their distinctive characteristics, and their major themes. An introductory chapter surveys the political, religious, and social world of the Gospels, methods of approaching early Christian texts, the genre of the Gospels, and the religious character of these writings. This second edition has been updated to take fuller account of different theories regarding the Gospels, with new chapters on the historical Jesus and on gospel literature not included in our New Testament, and with a pleasing new format. Special features include illustrations and more than two dozen special topics.

Review Quotes

"Informed by current scholarship but also understandable to the average reader -- one of the most readable introductory works I have read. Replete with visual aids and verbal illustrations, it frequently bridges the gap between 'then' and 'now, ' helping modern Western readers to understand the nature and cultural assumptions of the Gospels. It also explains the views of a range of modern scholarship in intelligible ways." --Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Introduction to the Gospels covers the vast terrain of Gospels scholarship with ease and clarity. Written in Powell's characteristically accessible style, this comprehensive update of the original includes an expanded chapter on noncanonical gospels. A welcomed reinvigoration of what was already becoming a classic." --Jeannine K. Brown, Bethel Seminary

"A reliable and lucid description of contemporary Gospel studies for the general reader. Mark Allan Powell writes so clearly that this book will easily serve individual study and church groups, as well as introductory Bible courses." --Pheme Perkins, Boston College

"Mark Allan Powell has managed to present information that is essential to a sound understanding of the origin and nature of the Gospels. This gem of a book is enhanced by numerous charts and diagrams, making it an ideal classroom textbook." --Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary