This book provides a clear scholarly introduction to study of the life of Jesus and of the four New Testament gospels. In the second edition, special attention is given to ways of assessing the relevant literary and archaeological evidence. Current scholarly debates are considered, but the main emphasis is on thorough study of key passages in the gospels.

First published in 1994, and revised in 2005, this classic edition includes updated suggestions for further reading at the end of the book.

Contributions by internationally known scholars from the United States, Germany, Scotland, Spain, and Canada move beyond many of the impasses in historical Jesus research. Includes essays using social sciences, social history, and traditional historical methods.

Why are there differences in the stories of the Gospels? Licona turns to Greek classicist Plutarch for an answer, assessing differences that appeared when Plutarch told the same story more than once in his Lives. He suggests the differences in the Gospels often resulted from their authors employing the same compositional devices used by Plutarch.

Engaging, scholarly, and theologically honest, this introductory textbook will be welcomed by students and professors alike. What do we really know about Jesus and how do we know it? Jesus in the Gospels and Acts: Introducing the New Testament explores these questions from the perspective of the New Testament--specifically the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, as well as the extracanonical gospels. Using language and concepts considerate of a religiously diverse undergraduate audience, the author explores issues of authorship, historicity, culture, and theology. Features include: "Check Your Reading" questions check the students' basic comprehension. "Do You Have the Basics?" puzzles check for comprehension through crosswords, word finds, sequencing, and matching activities. "Questions for Reflection" challenge the students to think more deeply about the reading's meaning and the implications for us today. "This book focuses on the central figure of the Christian Scriptures: Jesus. Arguably, no other figure in history has had more influence in shaping many of the religious and cultural norms in the world today. Whether you belong to a specific faith tradition or none at all, possessing a working knowledge of Jesus and the Gospels is important for religious, historical, and cultural literacy." --from the author's introduction

An uplifting study of Jesus, his times and his teaching