This book is written to assist the reader in understanding and appreciating the Jesus who is portrayed in the four gospels. An introductory chapter considers matters pertinent to the proper appreciation of the gospel writings: the centrality of the resurrection experience, the development of Christology, as well as the nature of the gospel writings themselves. A chapter is devoted to each of the gospels in turn, giving an outline and storyline before examining its Christological portrait. A further chapter discusses what can be known about the historical Jesus, and a concluding chapter shows that, despite their diversity, the gospels do show a remarkable consistency in their portraits of Jesus. "A useful primer for students, it could also prove very helpful to believing Christians who may be confused by the popularization of scholarly views and critical discussion."--Catholic Life. "Presents the fruits of biblical scholarship in an accessible and digestible form for the general reader... He gives an excellent outline of each Gospel, its setting and distinctive qualities... Excellent for an adult Scripture class, for study groups, for an introductory course in a seminary. It will be useful to anyone who desires to be better acquainted with the central question of the New Testament and Christian life."--The Irish Catholic.
