GETTING THE GOSPELS: Understanding the New Testament's Accounts of Jesus' Life

HWith its short but packed chapters, accessible writing style and allusions to pop culture, this introduction to the four gospels contains enough meat for scholars, presented in a way that will be palatable for the general reader. Bridge argues that much of the gospels' original context has been lost, and helps readers understand that crucial context. For example, some of Jesus' sayings have been misunderstood, he writes, because modern readers don't realize things his first-century Jewish audience would have recognized instantly—such as when he was quoting from the Hebrew scriptures. Bridge carefully separates the unique strands of the gospels and shows readers the different ways they present Jesus' birth, ministry and passion. With contagious enthusiasm and a fine attention to detail that never loses sight of the big picture, this little book is a gem of accessible biblical scholarship. (Nov.)