Francis Watson holds a research chair in biblical interpretation at Durham University, England. Well known for his work in both theological interpretation and Pauline studies, he is also the author of Paul and the Hermeneutics of Faith.
Library Journal (STARRED review)
"This brilliant work is likely to be a touchstone in early
Christian studies for years to come. Essential for academic and
seminary libraries and an ornament to the scholar's study." Journal
of Theological Studies
"In this impressive, energetic new magnum opus, Francis Watson sets
out to topple key conventional paradigms of gospel origins in favor
of a far-reaching new construct. . . . This reviewer finds himself
profoundly instructed and expects to assign Gospel Writing to his
students for a long time to come." Journal of the Evangelical
Theological Society
"Gospel Writing is filled with engaging material, and it is a
thought-provoking and well-researched book." Reviews in Religion &
Theology
"Wide-ranging, striking, powerful, and breathtaking are just some
of the ways that Francis Watson's Gospel Writing has been
described. To call this book a substantial contribution to the
field is an understatement. . . . Watson's presentation is
compelling and his argumentation thorough." Theological Book
Review
"A highly integrative account of gospel formation and reception
that looks to embrace and understand the positive role played by
apparent incongruence experienced when reading texts together."
Review of Biblical Literature
"An impressive book both in the range of topics it discusses and in
the depth in which it discusses them." Simon Gathercole
-- University of Cambridge
"A wonderfully wide-ranging book, full of learning and insight. One
of the most significant books on the gospels in the last hundred
years, this work will undoubtedly shake up the current study of the
gospels." Lewis Ayres
-- University of Durham
"Francis Watson offers here a striking and powerful argument for
the importance of reading Scripture as a canon. The argument is
constantly historical as well as theological, exploring the
character of the early church's decision to accept a fourfold
symphonic gospel. . . . All should celebrate the manner in which
Watson sets a new agenda for those who ask why we continue to read
the gospel in this form." Dale C. Allison Jr.
-- Princeton Theological Seminary
"The scope of this major contribution is breathtaking. Watson
expertly moves from Augustine to Lessing to Q to Thomas to the
synoptic problem to the sources of John's Gospel to the Gospel of
Peter to the emergence of the fourfold gospel canon to Origen to
early Christian art and liturgy. The upshot is a slew of new
observations and intriguing proposals that open up fresh lines of
inquiry. Required reading for all students of the gospel
tradition." Bible Study Magazine
"A refreshing approach. . . . Watson explains how the Gospels
should be treated as a necessarily interrelated whole. Believing
each Gospel is worth studying independently, he details the
reception history of each and compares them with the non-canonical
gospels of Thomas and Peter, among others. He concludes that
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together comprise 'a new text, more
than the other than the sum of its parts.'" Southeastern
Theological Review
"Francis Watson has written an ambitious and impressive work that
seeks to undermine the prevailing position on the construction of
the gospels and to replace it with a new paradigm. . . . Watson
displays an incredible depth and wide range of knowledge. . . .
[He] boldly takes on several major scholarly paradigms and is a
force to be reckoned with, even if his proposals do not ultimately
win the day. . . . A fascinating read and one which deserves a
careful consideration by all serious scholars of gospel
literature."
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