Explore the origins of Christian belief through a careful, historical look at the New Testament.
This work surveys the main sources—Paul’s letters, the first three Gospels, and the Gospel of John—to show how early Christians understood Jesus, his life, and his message.
Written in a clear, accessible style, it explains how the Epistles and Gospels relate to each other, and what their writers aimed to express about who Jesus was, how he lived, and what his followers believed. It also addresses common ideas about atonement and the titles used for Jesus, tracing how terms like “Son of God” and “Christ” developed in different strands of early Christian thought.
- How Paul’s writings illuminate the life and teachings of Jesus and the early church.
- How the synoptic Gospels compare with the fourth Gospel in presenting Christ.
- How the language around Jesus’ identity evolved from historical to theological use.
- Why some traditional ideas about atonement appeared later in Christian doctrine.
Ideal for readers seeking a structured, historical view of early Christian sources and their lasting impact on Christian faith and practice.