JESUS AND GOSPEL
Book Description
In the earliest days of Christianity, the word "gospel" carried a revolutionary power that extended far beyond religious circles. Distinguished biblical scholar Graham N. Stanton explores how this term evolved from spoken proclamation about Jesus Christ into the four written accounts we know today, revealing a fascinating transformation that shaped the foundation of Christian faith.
Stanton presents compelling evidence that early Christian gospel messages emerged in direct competition with imperial propaganda surrounding Roman emperors. This historical backdrop illuminates why the Christian message resonated so powerfully with ancient audiences who were already familiar with "gospel" announcements about their political rulers.
Through careful examination of historical sources, Stanton addresses some of Christianity's most challenging questions. He investigates the earliest criticisms leveled against Jesus and explores how claims about the resurrection were received in the ancient world. His research also uncovers why early Christians chose the codex book format over traditional scrolls, challenging assumptions about how these communities viewed their sacred texts.
Rather than portraying early Christians as an isolated, inward-looking group, Stanton demonstrates how they engaged dynamically with the broader cultural and political landscape of their time. This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers fresh insights into how the gospel message took shape, providing a deeper understanding of Christianity's origins and its enduring influence on spiritual seekers throughout history.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 239 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Jesus christ
- ✓ Explore Bibel
- ✓ Explore Evangelie
- ✓ Explore Jesus, the Gospels & Acts
- ✓ Explore New Testament
- ✓ Explore Vroege kerk
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
