A thorough introduction to the four biblical Gospels and their subject-the life and person of Jesus.

Like different artists who render the same subject using unique styles and points of view, the Gospels paint four distinctive portraits of the same Jesus of Nazareth. To Christians worldwide, he is the centerpiece of history, the object of faith, hope, and worship. Even those who do not follow him admit the vast influence of his life.

With clarity and insight, biblical scholar Mark Strauss illuminates these four books, addressing the following important areas:

• The nature, origin, methods for study, and historical, religious, and cultural backgrounds of each of the Gospels.
• A closer study of the narratives and themes found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; and their contribution to our understanding of Jesus.
• A detailed examination of what the Gospels teach about Jesus' ministry, message, death, and resurrection-with excursions into the quest for the historical Jesus and the historical reliability of the Gospels.

For anyone interested in knowing more about Jesus, study of the four biblical Gospels is essential.

This fully-updated textbook-together with its workbook, video lectures, and laminated sheet-gives students everything they need for a thorough and enriching study of Jesus and the Gospels.

About the Author
Mark L. Strauss (PhD, Aberdeen) is university professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary, where he has served since 1993. His books include Four Portraits, One Jesus; How to Read the Bible in Changing Times; The Essential Bible Companion; and commentaries on Mark and Luke. He also serves as vice chair of the Committee on Bible Translation for the New International Version translation.

Reviews
'Extraordinarily well written and thoughtfully organized. This book will be useful to anyone in need of a concise, clear, and knowledgeable guide through the four Gospels.' * FRANK THIELMAN, Presbyterian Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School *
'Hands down, the best textbook I've found for my Life of Jesus classes. It is superbly organized and very student-friendly with its many illuminating charts, sidebar discussions, chapter summaries of key points, study questions, and glossary of key terms. Fair, even-handed treatment of divergent scholarly views while offering solidly reasoned conclusions grounded in careful scholarship. My students routinely comment on how well-written, interesting and accessible it is. The additional features and updated information contained in this latest edition simply enhance an already stellar book. I heartily recommend it for undergraduate or graduate level students alike.' * JEANNINE GRAHAM, associate professor of religious studies, George Fox University *
'I have used Mark Strauss' delightful Four Portraits as my main textbook for many years. It is a favorite of mine and my students. I'm thrilled to see this new edition and highly recommend it!' * JONATHAN T. PENNINGTON, associate professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *
'This is the best textbook available for a course on Jesus and the Gospels and now Professor Strauss has made it even better, updated with new material and a fresh look. Rarely do both the instructor and the students rave about a textbook.' * E. RANDOLPH RICHARDS, provost and professor of biblical studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University *
'This textbook for studying the Gospels and the historical Jesus presents various views evenhandedly and consistently comes to careful and balanced conclusions. It introduces both older and newer approaches and treats all the major topics. Now augmented and improved!' * CRAIG S. KEENER, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary *



Book Information
ISBN 9780310528678
Author Mark L. Strauss
Format Hardback
Page Count 656
Imprint Zondervan Academic
Publisher Zondervan
Weight(grams) 1894g
Dimensions(mm) 239mm * 197mm * 45mm