Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

by Pheme Perkins

In this book respected New Testament scholar Pheme Perkins delivers a clear, fresh, informed introduction to the earliest written accounts of Jesus -- Matthew, Mark, and Luke -- situating those canonical Gospels within the wider world of oral storytelling and literary production of the first and second centuries. Cutting through the media confusion over new Gospel finds, Perkins's Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels presents a balanced, responsible look at how the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke came to be and what they mean.

Genres: Theology, New Testament

328 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2007

About the author

Pheme Perkins (PhD, Harvard University) is professor of theology at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. She is the author of numerous books, including Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels, Reading the New Testament, Peter: Apostle for the Whole Church, Gnosticism and the New Testament, and several commentaries.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Introduction" is a misnomer. A reader needs a background in first century history,including both Greek and Roman cultures,to fully absorb this text. I found the writing disjointed and filled with unnecessary minutiae. Tangents often proved longer than significant text.

I would ask college theology professors to select a more appropriate text rather than financially supporting a fellow colleague through requiring the purchase of this text for any beginning course. Very disappointing.

[Geoff Atwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, a professor of Theology, provides a textual analysis of each of the three Synoptic Gospels including critical commentary of the work of other academics. She reviews the sources and methods used in the writing of each of the Synoptics the takes away some of the mystery, but sheds light on the purpose of the author’s intent.
- Mark uses the geography of the Biblical lands to place the teachings of Jesus in every Jewish area. Also, Mark’s gospel was likely meant to be a reading performance.
- Matthew was the most popular gospel due to the many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.
- Luke was the best written and includes some of the most well-known stories : the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, etc.
This is an academic work with many thoughtful observations and footnotes; it is not a book for the casual reader.

[Daniel Crouch · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a technical introduction, it's not very systematic in its approach.

[Benjamin Falcon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overall introduction to the Synoptic gospels. More comparison between the Synoptics would have been good. Would also have been interested in more coverage of Gospel of Thomas in the final section about non-canonical gospels.

[Elisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Barta's Class: There is so much packed into even one paragraph - it can be hard to get through - but so full of information!

[Ben Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite academic and heavy, but a good and thoughtful read if you invest time in understanding the material. Helpful in understanding better clarity concerning the Synoptic Gospels