"Gospel" initially referred to oral proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, but was later used to refer to four written accounts of the life of Jesus. How did this happen? Graham Stanton uses new evidence and fresh perspectives to tackle this controversial question. He also examines the earliest criticisms of Jesus, and early Christian addiction to the codex (book) format in place of the ubiquitous roll.

This book argues that an account of the life and character of Jesus formed an integral part of the early church's preaching. Against many modern scholars, Dr Stanton seeks to show that interest in the life of Jesus was not a late development within primitive Christianity. A study of Luke's Gospel indicates that in his own day reference to the life and character of Jesus was an important part of missionary preaching. In this respect at least, Luke was no innovator. The references in the speeches in Acts to the life of Jesus can be traced to Luke's use of earlier traditions. Dr Stanton then...

"Gospel" initially referred to oral proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, but was later used to refer to four written accounts of the life of Jesus. How did this happen? Graham Stanton uses new evidence and fresh perspectives to tackle this controversial question. He also examines the earliest criticisms of Jesus, and early Christian addiction to the codex (book) format in place of the ubiquitous roll.

For over one hundred years, the International Critical Commentary series has held a special place among works on the Bible. It has sought to bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic and textual no less than archaeological, historical, literary and theological-with a level of comprehension and quality of scholarship unmatched by any other series.

No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought. The...

The renowned Anglican biblical scholar Charlie Moule, as he was popularly known, came from an eminent church and missionary family. He obtained a first at Cambridge and trained for ordination at Ridley Hall where his grandfather was once Principal and where he himself became Vice-Principal at the age of 28. His Cambridge career culminated in his appointment as Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, a post he held for 25 years, where he influenced a generation of Anglican leaders including Rowan Williams (at whose wedding he officiated), John Sentamu and the late Graham Stanton, his successor as...