Bringing together the internationally recognized excellence of Macquarie University faculty -- renowned for their knowledge of the New Testament's Greco-Roman background -- and the theological expertise of scholars affiliated with the Australian College of Theology, this book provides a major, integrated, and distinctively Australian contribution to the study of the content and setting of the New Testament Gospels. Seventeen scholars here delve into the archaeology, the manuscripts, and the political, social, and religious context of the Gospels, as well as their place and use in the early churches. Even more, however, they offer in-depth, in-context examinations of Jesus' life and ministry as recounted in the Gospels. Contributors: Evelyn Ashley Scott D. Charlesworth Johan Ferreira Chris Forbes Greg W. Forbes Mark Harding Timothy J. Harris James R. Harrison Theresa Yu Chui Siang Lau Erica A. Mathieson Robert K. McIver Alanna Nobbs Brian Powell Van Shore Ian K. Smith Murray J. Smith Stephen Voorwinde