What Can We Know about Jesus [Paperback]

An analysis of Jesus from a broad range of sources spans ancient pagan and Jewish texts to the earliest Christian sources, including the New Testament apart from the gospel, the canonical gospels, and later Christian texts.An analysis of Jesus from a broad range of sources spans ancient pagan and Jewish texts to the earliest Christian sources, including the New Testament apart from the gospel, the canonical gospels, and later Christian texts.This book analyzes the evidence about Jesus in a broad range of sources, from ancient pagan and Jewish texts to the earliest Christian sources, including the New Testament apart from the gospel, the canonical gospels, and later Christian texts not included in the Christian canon. Each source is examined in light of the social and cultural context in which it was written. Kee concludes that although the various portrayals of Jesus differ, there is indeed a convergence of evidence about his activities and his message.Introduction: knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus; 1. What can we learn from sources outside the New Testament?; 2. What can we learn from early Christian writings outside the Gospels?; 3. What can we learn from the oldest Gospel source?; 4. What can we learn from our oldest Gospel?; 5. What can we learn from the other Gospels?; Conclusion; Questions for exploration; Index. This book provides a helpful compilation of evidence for Christ's historicity. It's written in a scholarly yet sensitive style and should help those who want to broaden their grasp of early Christian literature. Bookstore Journal It was a happy day for the common reader when Cambridge launched its series on 'Understanding Jesus Today.' If the first four titles are a true indication it is time to cheer. These handy 5 1/8 x 7 1/8 , neatly, securely, and colorfully bound books are an invitation to 'take up and read.'...All who seek to know more about the Way, the Truth, and the Light in Jesus will applaud this series of handy and handsome litlC»