Ancient Christian Gospels: Their History and Development

This is a scholarly, well-researched study of ancient writings about Jesus and his sayings. It compares many quotes from other authors with the four Gospels in our Bible, and discusses the oral traditions that were current after Jesus' death. I would recommend it to a studious person who is interested in history and wants to understand why the stories may vary and offer a different viewpoint.

I use the book for my studies.

Very pleased.

This is an excellent volume with which to get an overall view of ancient works related to our Christian heritage. I like the fact that Koester is willing to use writings that are outside the Canon. Works like, The Gospel of Thomas, though not considered part of the Christian literary ethic certainly have a bearing on our total education. The Dead Sea Scrolls have a definite impact on our way of thinking and Koester presents them in an unbiased manner.

This book is loaded with tables and footnotes. It's an excruciatingly detailed study of the various New Testament gospels and related sources. You'll find a detailed breakdown of the derivation of the Q synoptic sayings source from Luke and Matthew; comparisons between lost gospels like the Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Thomas and the canonical texts; a study of the birth accounts; a catalog of the Jesus stories; a bunch of other stuff.I found it slow going, but it's amazing how much obscure knowledge you can glean from reading through this. I wouldn't recommend it as an introductory text on the Gospels, however.

Still after 18 years the reference for scholastic analysis. Appears accessible at first.But after several hours down rabbit holes in related works, Alice is still elusive, and the Chesire cat still vaperous. Koester is something for everybody, a reference work.But hey, two thousand years, where the power loom was created 200 years ago - and 6 billion people compared to the usual 200 million world population. Koester is up there with Lyman Bushman's Puritan to Yankee to frontier embodiement (1500-1800 indians woven into 1800s Yankees). Koester is Meyers and Budge in ancient understanding for compiliation. Koester:library reference another 20 years. Funny how when scholars start talking, xeroxes of this or that table from Koester come out of the briefcase.So my last two Koester's were loaned and not returned. Still they bring over $20 on Amazon (thrashed) - amazing for a 20 year old tome. The OED comes to mind. Similarly, much first hand research, difficult to gain access, went into compiliation, albeit christian lit not english morphology, equally inciteful on unwritten mutation.Highly recommended, or essential.

While an academic book, this was surprisingly easy to read. A great review of the texts, and while Koester is a Christian, he in no way is pushing that agenda.

Diversity of Gospels in the 2nd century onwards