This study of Jesus and the Gospels considers not simply the historical figure of Jesus, but also the particular 'image' or 'images' of Jesus that are conveyed by these texts. The four Gospels are the primary source of our knowledge of Jesus, but it is clear that many other factors influence our understanding of this intriguing figure. Indeed, though the evangelists record some biographical details, their task was not simply to record 'history', but to preach the Gospel. Our images of Jesus are formed by this interplay of faith and history, which is what the Gospels are all about. This book looks at the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospels (including the apocryphal Gospels), using the tools of historical and literary criticism. It shows how the material has been used by modern scholars - such as Sanders, Wright, Crossan and Borg - in their writings about Jesus.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Mark's Gospel; 3. Matthew's Gospel; 4. Luke's Gospel; 5. John's Gospel; 6. Apocryphal Gospels; 7. Jesus: Prophet of Doom? 8. Jesus: Witty Word-Spinner? 9. Jesus, Gospels and Different Interests; 10. How Christology Works: the Gospels in Practice; Appendix; Further Reading; Bibliography; Index

Author Biography

Clive Marsh is Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee and a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church in Britain. He is professionally involved in theological education in church and university settings. Steve Moyise is Professor of New Testament at the University of Chichester and author of "The Old Testament in the Book of Revelation" (Sheffield, 1995) and "The Old" "Testament in the New "(Continuum, 2001). He is the series editor of The T&T Clark Approaches to Biblical Studies.