Fortress Press

“How is the earthly Jesus remembered in the New Testament documents before and beyond the Gospels? Was their writers’ human Jesus simply constructed to serve theological and pastoral needs? What is the significance of both what they say and what they fail to say about Jesus? How does their material relate to what can be discovered by study of the Gospel narratives? For exploring such questions, Allen’s thoughtful exposition and discussion will provide a very helpful, clear, and accessible orientation.”
—Andrew T. Lincoln
University of Gloucestershire
 
“Historical Jesus studies are in tension today, and their dizzying array of methods on a spectrum—from ‘believe your reconstructions’ to ‘there is no consensus’ to ‘caution, caution, caution’—have led a number of scholars to enter the fray from a different location. David Allen has turned the ‘remembered Jesus’ inside out to suggest that the historical character of Christ takes on a kaleidoscope of options and theologies. In this book, historical Jesus studies learn to become Christology.”
—Scot McKnight
Northern Seminary
 
“In the past two-hundred-year quest of the historical Jesus, investigators have repeatedly fallen back on rounding up the usual suspects: the canonical evangelists plus now Thomas. But what if there’s more to be learned about the historical Jesus from New Testament voices outside the Gospels? Allen’s book offers a stiff challenge to all who are interested in this quest: to step back, listen more broadly, and allows these other previously stifled voices to speak.”
—Nicholas Perrin
Wheaton College
 
“What can we learn from the New Testament about the earthly Jesus apart from the Gospels? David M. Allen poses this seldom-asked question and then proceeds to answer it with clarity and care. . . . His findings are both constructive and instructive. Take up and read!”
—Todd D. Still
Baylor University

Contents

Introduction

Sample Chapter excerpt