十一月新書推介

Writing and rewriting the gospels : John and the synoptics / James W. Barker.

Grand Rapids, Mich. : William B. Eerdmans, c2025.

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Biblical scholars have long debated the Synoptic problem and the literary relationship between the Gospel of John and the Synoptics. During the twentieth century, the consensus shifted decisively to the Two-Source hypothesis for the Synoptic problem along with the view that John’s Gospel was independent of the Synoptics. In recent decades all consensus has dissolved—yet these questions retain currency and significance.
 
James W. Barker takes up these questions and reappraises the evidence. Drawing on his expertise in ancient compositional practices, he makes a persuasive case for a snowballing trajectory, whereby each canonical gospel drew upon other canonical gospels. Thus, Mark was written first; Matthew draws on Mark; Luke draws on Mark and Matthew; and the last of the four, John, is dependent on all three Synoptics and was meant to be read alongside them.
 
This judicious and ambitious study will be of interest to New Testament scholars as well as general readers who want to know more about the literary relationships between the gospels.

“Writing and Rewriting the Gospels is a significant and stimulating work that deserves the close attention of New Testament scholars. It challenges established assumptions, reinvigorates old debates, and opens new lines of inquiry into how the story of Jesus came to be told and retold in written form. While some of its claims invite further testing and dialogue, the book succeeds as a creative and substantive contribution to this field. Scholars interested in the literary formation of the gospels, the relationship between John and the Synoptics, and the theological dynamics of early Christian narratives will find this volume to be a thought-provoking and valuable resource.”--Review of Biblical Literature

“James Barker is one of the most creative and engaging scholars working in Gospels research today. This book combines his pedagogical sensitivities with an encyclopedic knowledge of ancient Christian texts and compositional practices. The end result is a potentially field-altering study that argues for a ‘snowballing trajectory’ for our canonical gospels and ably demonstrates the Fourth Gospel’s awareness of and dependence upon the Synoptics. This book is a game-changer!”--Christopher W. Skinner, Loyola University Chicago

“Utilizing analogies from Pinocchio to Pier Paolo Pasolini, Barker’s book seeks to draw attention to where scholars complicate what may have been relatively simple and simplify what may have been extremely complicated in the production of Gospels. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the interrelationship of Gospels and how they came to be written. Barker’s close attention to detail highlights things that are easy to miss even if you’ve studied these texts for decades.”--James F. McGrath, Butler University

“This entertaining book will shape Gospel scholarship for decades. Barker documents a snowballing trajectory of influence from Mark through Matthew, then Luke, and finally John, each building upon the others. His work on the mechanics of ancient writing will enrich every reader. Although this book is deeply learned, sparkling writing and creative pop culture references make it a joy to read.”--Greg Carey, Lancaster Theological Seminary

“Writing and Rewriting the Gospels isn’t so much a study as a revelation―a convincing glimpse into the hidden processes behind the creation of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Examining a wide range of ancient evidence and drawing on his firsthand experience preparing waxed tablets and papyrus rolls, Barker demolishes many common assumptions about how the gospels were composed. Read it and see the gospel authors come to life.”--Hugo Méndez, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill