From Tradition to Gospel

Die Formgeschichte des Evangeliums

by Martin Dibelius

Book cover: From Tradition to Gospel

Extent: 328 pages

Publisher: James Clarke & Co

Subjects: Religious Studies

Series: Library of Theological Translations

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(January 2022)

ISBN: 9780227177600

9.17 x 6.1 inches

Price: $45.00

In stock

Hardback (No longer our product)

(November 1987)

ISBN: 9780227677520

5.67 x 8.74 inches

Price: $48.00

Out of stock

PDF (Published)

(January 2022)

ISBN: 9780227906590

Price: $33.00

The classic introduction to Form Criticism in the study of the New Testament.


First published in 1919, From Tradition to Gospel introduced and established Form Criticism in New Testament scholarship, and it remains the classic description of the field. Dibelius outlines the twofold object of Form Criticism, firstly to explain the origin of the tradition about Jesus, and secondly to uncover with what objective the earliest Churches learnt, recounted and passed on the stories and sayings of Jesus, which gradually developed into the Gospel narratives. In doing so, he begins to answer questions as to the nature and trustworthiness of our knowledge of Jesus. As new sources come to light and new critical techniques are developed, the original investigation into the Gospels along Form-Critical lines is as relevant as ever.

  • By (author) Martin Dibelius

"Grasping the rich history of New Testament scholarship is crucial for rightly understanding contemporary debates. James Clarke & Co's Foundations in New Testament Criticism makes available once more a rich corpus of influential books. These are classics in the best sense of the term: works of arresting originality and lasting impact. Whoever takes up these volumes will encounter the rewarding erudition of our predecessors and glean fresh insight by grappling with the shapers of biblical scholarship." David Lincicum, Associate Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame