From Good News to Gospels
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The good news about Jesus spread like wildfire through the Roman Empire in the decades between his death and the writing of the first gospels—but how? What exactly did the first Christians say about Jesus?
In From Good News to Gospels, David Wenham delves into the Gospels, Acts, and the writings of Paul to uncover evidence of a strong and substantial oral tradition in the early church. With implications for the historicity of the New Testament, the Synoptic problem, the composition of the gospels, and other topics of vital concern, From Good News to Gospels will inform, engage, and challenge readers, inspiring them to better understand and appreciate the earliest gospel message.
- Examines the relevance of oral storytelling and history for the New Testament
- Surveys topic of orality for the entire New Testament
- Functions as an evidence-based study of how early written scriptures were used among Christians
- Good News to Gospels
- The Teaching of Jesus and the Story of Acts
- The Evidence of Mark, Matthew, and John
- The Evidence of Paul
- The Oral Tradition in the Gospels
- Two Examples of the Oral Tradition
- The Extent of the Oral Tradition
- The Message of the First Christians
Today, scholars tout their portrayal of “the real Jesus” or the “historical Jesus.” They throw grave doubt on the historical reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In such a climate, the argument of David Wenham’s excellent book becomes very important. The underlying oral tradition provides the solid bedrock on which the canonical gospels depend, and by its very nature substantiates their trustworthiness.
—Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
David Wenham is a well-known British theologian who has specialized in Christian origins during his teaching career at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and Trinity College, Bristol, among other places. His previous books include The Parables of Jesus and Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?