Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture
A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Introduction
by Joshua W. Jipp
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Pub Date Mar 19 2024 | Archive Date Apr 02 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Baker Academic
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Description
In part 1, respected New Testament scholar Joshua Jipp focuses on these two questions: What are the Gospels? How did we get four canonical Gospels? In part 2, Jipp explores the role that history, narrative, and theology play in our reading of the Gospels. Part 3 examines each of the four canonical Gospels from the perspectives of history, narrative, and theology, particularly emphasizing the role the Gospels play in discipleship.
This is the third volume in a series of survey textbooks that will cover the Old and New Testaments. Beautifully designed in full color with maps, sidebars, images, and illustrations to hold interest and aid learning, Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture offers a faith-friendly introduction to students of the Gospels. Additional resources for instructors are available through Textbook eSources.
Advance Praise
“This wide-ranging treatment of the Gospels does not suffer from bland generalities. Instead, Jipp both reiterates established teaching and offers fresh insights. An untrained reader acquires an introduction to the central issues and even complicated debates with a clear presentation of what really matters. The scholar is equipped with a pedagogical resource that makes connections to art, literature, and culture. Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture comforts the common anxieties inherent in Gospels studies as well as sparks passion to read, understand, and live these texts. I look forward to sharing this in my parish and my classroom.”—Amy Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College
“Intertwining literary, historical, and theological inquiry, Jipp introduces the complexities and possibilities Christians face when reading the Fourfold Gospel. He draws on a diverse panoply of scholars and poets, theologians and activists to illuminate how these stories have transformed the world by challenging and inspiring followers of Jesus. Both accessible and challenging, this book is an ideal teaching tool for the classroom and a helpful companion for anyone looking to learn anew the shape of the gospel.”—Eric D. Barreto, Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary
“I can hardly wait to share Jipp’s Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture with students in my Introduction to the New Testament course. Undergraduate and masters-level students will find this book highly instructive and accessible. Jipp offers clear yet nuanced explanations of major scholarly questions and debates in Gospels studies, along with helpful comparative charts and summaries of key points that emphasize their practical implications. The best contribution of Jipp’s book is the way it guides us to actually read each of the Gospels in light of their key historical, literary, and theological themes. Readers will gain ‘wise sensibilities’ and principles for engaging the Gospels as disciples for the purpose of being transformed.”—Janette H. Ok, associate professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Joshua Jipp pursues the questions of what the Gospels are, where they come from, what they say, and, most important of all, why they still matter. Jipp provides a historically informed and theologically sensitive reading of the Gospels that is full of great quotes and amazing insights. He shows with wisdom and erudition that the Gospels are among the most transformative books in the Christian canon.”—Michael F. Bird, deputy principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781540963345 |
PRICE | $47.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 360 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
This text is very informative and, I believe, can be a transformative way of looking at the gospels with exegesis. It goes over the history, narrative, and discipleship of each of the four gospels after explaining what the gospels are, the different gospel forms, the relationships between the gospels, the differences between the gospels, how these four were chosen, etc. Excellent, thorough work!
A very helpful overview of what the Gospels are, how we got them, and how to best read them. I will return to this as a resource for historical questions I have regarding the origins and purpose of the four canonical Gospels
In understanding and/or interpreting scripture, it is usually important to know the context in which they are written. Most of the commentaries that I have encountered spend a lot of time on the details, often debating the interpretation of the original language, marching verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book … rarely looking at the work as a whole. Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture fills the gap here well, giving a brief over of how we got the Gospels in Part 1, before providing a general, historical context by which to read the Gospels in Part 2, before diving into each of the four (4) Gospels specifically in Part 3 … and it is this last part that is the best part (and accounts for nearly half of the total book … and is extremely well organized for each Gospel. Each Gospel will have an historical discussion followed by a literary analysis (structure, form, emphasis, et al) and concluding with how this view should impact living the faith of the Gospel. While perhaps not as interesting to those outside of the Christian faith, I found it to be extremely helpful to my personal growth and understanding of my faith.
In "Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture," Jipp provides a comprehensive analysis of the Gospels, emphasizing their function as sacred scriptures within the Christian tradition. The book is structured to guide readers through a detailed examination of each Gospel, exploring their unique characteristics while also highlighting their common themes and theological messages. Jipp’s goal is to help readers understand how the Gospels convey the story of Jesus and its significance for Christian faith and practice.
While "Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture" is a comprehensive and insightful work, some readers may find the detailed academic analysis challenging, especially if they are new to biblical studies. Additionally, Jipp’s emphasis on the theological and narrative unity of the Gospels may not resonate with readers who prefer a more historical-critical approach that emphasizes the differences and tensions between the texts.
This book is recommended for students of theology, pastors, and lay readers who wish to deepen their understanding of the Gospels and their significance for the Christian faith. Jipp’s work invites readers to engage with the Gospels in a way that is both intellectually enriching and spiritually nourishing, making "Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture" a must-read for anyone serious about studying the New Testament.
Learning about the Gospels from a theological standpoint is always something I enjoy. Understanding Biblical teachings bring me closer to God.
I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for honest statements.
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