From Tradition to Gospel

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.



Dr. Martin Dibelius (1883-1947) was responsible for the term Formgeschichte and was both the pioneer and the best exponent of the method. His earliest theological studies were directed mainly towards the Semitic languages, and he took a doctorate in Semitic Philology at Tubingen. From 1915 until his death, he held the Chair of New Testament Exegesis and Criticism in Heidelberg.



Author's Preface to the English Edition Biographical Note Translator's Note Glossary of Principal Technical Terms I. Formgeschichte, or the Criticism of Literary Form II. Sermons III. Paradigms IV. Tales V. Legends VI. Analogies (i) Rabinnic (ii) Greek (a) Chriae (b) Tales (iii) Patristic Apothegms VII. The Passion Story VIII. Synthesis IX. Exhortations X. Mythology XI. Form, History, Theology General Index Index of Scriptural Passages (a) Old Testament (b) New Testament (i) Subjects (ii) Verses