An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts

by Charles B. Puskas Jr.; David Crump

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2008

Overview

In this book Charles Puskas and David Crump provide a solid introduction to the four Gospels and the book of Acts. The authors lead readers through the texts, highlighting the various literary devices and themes, and pointing out the historical and cultural contexts. The coverage of the Gospels and Acts is comprehensive and well documented. Maps, charts, outlines, and tables round out the wealth of information offered here.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Offers a solid introduction to the four Gospels and the book of Acts
• Provides maps, charts, outlines, and tables for study
• Highlights various literary devices and themes

Contents

• The Historical Context of the Gospels and Acts
• The Historical Methods of Criticism
• The Gospel of Mark
• The Gospel of Matthew
• Literary Features of Luke-Acts
• Key Themes of Luke-Acts
• The Gospel of John

Top Highlights

“The NT was not written in Aramaic, the native language of Jesus and his disciples, or in Latin, the language of Rome, but in a common Greek dialect of the first century. Why was it written in Greek? The use of this language is chiefly due to the efforts of one extraordinary man: Alexander of Macedon (356–323 b.c.).” (Page 1)

“Source criticism seeks to detect the primary documents used in a book” (Page 42)

“Belief in fatalism strongly influenced Hellenistic thought. Human life was predetermined by higher powers (e.g., Stoicism, apocalypticism), which were often identified as fate (Gk. heimarmenē or anankē, Lat. fatum). Fate, sometimes personified, determined the outcome of nations, individuals, and events, with little or no human control.” (Pages 7–8)

“The idea of emperor worship, for example, was an adaptation of Eastern beliefs about the divinity of the king or pharaoh.” (Page 11)

“Herod (ruled 37–4 b.c.) was a crafty politician, a magnificent builder, a ruthless tyrant, and a passionate Hellenizer.” (Page 21)

Praise for the Print Edition

This well-written book admirably summarizes the contemporary results of the scientific study of the Gospels and Acts in language accessible to the general reader. Puskas and Crump handle the complex and often pedantic scholarly debates in a lucid and non-polemical way. Their documentation covers all sides of the discussion of critical issues. Deftly facing the challenges to a discriminating study of the Gospels, they deal with the problems in a fair-minded manner, providing readers with the scholarly information necessary to make their own decisions.

—Charles W. Hedrick, distinguished emeritus professor of religious studies, Missouri State University

The authors’ stated aim is to fill a gap in current literature by providing a concise, single-volume introduction for students, pastors, and teachers that covers both the Gospels and Acts . . . This concise and affordable introduction succeeds handsomely in what it sets out to accomplish.

—Brandon D. Crowe, assistant professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts is a current, concise, and clear introduction to the historical study of the Gospels and Acts. It is an excellent resource for New Testament introduction courses in colleges and seminaries, particularly because many students today find the historical dimensions of Gospel study so challenging. Students with no previous foundation in academic biblical study . . . will find this book especially valuable.

—Robert Van Voorst, professor of New Testament, Western Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts
• Authors: Charles B. Puskas Jr., David Crump
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 228
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Gospels › Introductions; Bible. N.T. Acts › Introductions
• ISBNs: 9780802845573, 0802845576
• Resource ID: LLS:NNTRDCTNGSPLCTS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-01-16T19:21:44Z

About the Authors

David Crump is professor of religion at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the author of Jesus the Intercessor: Prayer and Christology in Luke-Acts and Knocking on Heaven’s Door: A New Testament Theology of Petitionary Prayer.

Charles B. Puskas Jr. holds a PhD in biblical languages and literature and serves as field sales executive for Convivium Press. His other books include An Introduction to the New Testament and The Conclusion of Luke-Acts: The Significance of Acts 28:16-31.