Eyewitness to Jesus

Not only does the book present convincing analysis, it prompts us to look for the re-evaluation of manuscript fragments in other collections using the techniques described so well by Thiede. The book really should receive more serious consideration from scholars. It's been sadly neglected. Thiede is obviously something of a radical, but Biblical scholarship needs men who are willing to explore completely new avenues, particularly when they are as skilled as Thiede is. The question of when and how the gospels were written is really wide open. We have a monumental heap of investigation and speculation proving very little or nothing. We need new approaches. Those who don't seek can't find. Anne Rice, New Orleans, La.

Thiede makes a potentially dry subject interesting. His discussion of ancient writing scripts is reserved but forceful. In short a must read for those interested in the New Testament.My favorite chapter was the fourth. Its summary of Huleatt, the Victorian missionary and scholar, gives us a small window of life in the last half of the 19th century.This book is a good counterpoint for those who claim that the Gospels were written long after Christ died.

This volume presents "non-theological," papyrological evidence for the early dating (pre-70 AD) of the gospels. Without theological bias, the authors have presented the technical and scholarly evidence that revolutionizes New Testament studies. It is my opinion, sadly, that many New Testament scholars will ignore this volume because it overturns the methodological procedures of the historical-critical school of scholarly study.

I am amazed that this book has not received more attention. The cynicism and skepticism of the Booklist reviewer seen above is evident. This book provides more evidence that the gospels were written as eyewitness accounts. This is no surprise to evangelical scholars, but it is more vindication nonetheless. The most amazing fact to me continues to be the lack of attention to this amazing find by the theological, cultural and media establishments. It should rightly turn Biblical scholarship on its head, but this age's disdain for truth in the face of comfortable old paradigns (e.g. holding to the theory of evolution despite mounting evidence that it is impossible in a thousand different ways) is exasperating!!

This is one of the most interesting books I've ever read. Reads like a detective story. Those interested in the Bible, ancient mysteries, and archaeology will love this book. I did a review for my Website which is THE CRITICAL REVIEW under Concentric at concentric.net /~Mando Ties in indirectly to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Great reading!!