Reading the Synoptic Gospels: Basic Methods for Interpreting Matthew, Mark, and Luke

by O. Wesley Jr. Allen

Overview

This revised and expanded introductory text introduces students of the Bible to the layers of meaning that can be uncovered by serious study of the synoptic gospel texts. Included are two new chapters introducing ideological exegetical approaches to the gospels and a concluding chapter that helps the student synthesize the exegetical discoveries they have made using the methods taught in the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780827232259
Publisher:	Christian Board of Publication
Publication date:	08/30/2013
Edition description:	Revised, Expanded ed.
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

O. Wesley Allen, Jr. is the Associate Professor of Homiletics and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary. An ordained United Methodist elder, he has served as a pastor and campus minister. He is the author of several books, including Good News from Tinyville, Preaching Resurrection, Reading the Synoptic Gospels, and Preaching and Reading the Lectionary.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition viii

Preface to the First Edition x

Introduction: How Hard Can It Be? 1

1 Establishing the Pericope, Text, and Plain Sense 10

Excursus 1 Development of the Synoptic Gospels 27

2 Social and Historical Background 30

3 Literary Background 40

4 Form and Function 54

Excursus 2 Conventional Forms 71

5 Theological Editing 77

6 Narrative Reading 108

Excursus 3 Select Literary Terms for Narrative Exegesis 124

7 The Experience of the Implied Reader 131

8 Reading for Ideology 143

9 Synthesizing Exegetical Observations for a Unified Reading 159