The The Framework of the Story of Jesus: Literary-Critical Investigations of the Earliest Jesus Tradition

Karl Ludwig Schmidt's The Framework of the Story of Jesus is a groundbreaking work in New Testament studies, demonstrating that the Synoptic Gospels are collections of individual stories that circulated orally and independently in the earliest Christian communities. Schmidt's thesis has undergirded Gospel interpretation for much of the twentieth century, but until now, it has been neglected and misinterpreted among Anglophone scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

Karl Ludwig Schmidt's groundbreaking work, "The Framework of the Story of Jesus (Der Rahmen der Geschichte Jesu)," has been a cornerstone of New Testament studies for decades. Through meticulous analysis, Schmidt unveils the fascinating truth that the Synoptic Gospels, which are commonly regarded as a unified narrative, are, in fact, collections of individual stories that circulated orally and independently within the earliest Christian communities.

Schmidt's profound insights shine a light on the origins and development of these oral traditions. He demonstrates convincingly that, in their original oral forms, most of these stories existed independently of any specific sequence or temporal or geographic context. The evangelists who compiled and recorded these traditions later applied the chronology and locations that we now find in the Gospels.

For much of the twentieth century and even into the present day, Schmidt's thesis has provided a solid foundation for Gospel interpretation. However, the lack of an English translation of "The Framework of the Story of Jesus" has meant that Schmidt's ideas have been overlooked and misunderstood by many Anglophone scholars.

Engaging with the evidence and arguments presented in Schmidt's original work will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the Synoptic Gospels and broader New Testament studies. It will allow us to appreciate the depth and complexity of Schmidt's insights and to gain a fresh perspective on the origins and development of the Christian faith.

In conclusion, Karl Ludwig Schmidt's "The Framework of the Story of Jesus" is a seminal work that has transformed our understanding of the New Testament. Its translation into English is a significant milestone that will enable a wider audience to engage with Schmidt's ideas and gain a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of Christian tradition.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227178874