New Testament Apocrypha: Gospels and Related Writings

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, not authoritative though
Review: I got this book because of the fuss that people make over the council of Nicea supposedly just tossing whatever books it felt like throwing out.

Well, after reading many of these books, it is apparent why. There are stories that are just to unbelievable and obviously fabricated to believe. Some writings were forgeries.

One thing you will see, however, across most of the books is that they all still refer to any of the following that many try to refute: 1) Jesus life, 2) His resurrection, 3) His death, 4) His Lordship, 5) His "Sonship" to the Father.

For every day leading and direction, I'll stick to the Bible.

For casual reading, I'll read the apocrypha.

Rating:
Summary: A Must For Any Biblical Scholar
Review: Note: See my other review on vol. 2 of New Testament Apcrypha

Since there is so much info in this book, I'll give the gist of my opinion. Anyone looking to study the New Testament SERIOUSLY should pick up this book, in fact, both volumes 1 and 2, as well as a good aid, preferably a text by James Charlesworth. These contain the important Gnostic writings found at Nag Hammadi as well as many other important writings, including the Gospel of the Egyptians, the Gospel of the 12, the Gospel of Judas, several Jesus Gospels, several Thomas Gospels (including the infancy Gospel) and all the other important writings from both the 2nd and 3rd century. A must for any Biblical Scholar's library. Oh, and I must say that I was impressed with the translations, especially the translation from the book's original language over to English. While the Apocrypha, despite what some "scholars" say shouldn't be taken seriously, they are important to study and this is the best collection of the NT Apocryphal texts out there.

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding scholarly publishing event!
Review: This book "New Testament Apocrypha: Gospels and Related Writings" is THE definitive scholarly English-language edition of the sub-canonical, post New Testament era gospels and lives of various Gospel personalities.

Each text is expertly translated (with textual variants properly explained) and is preceded by a scholarly introduction discussing issues of critical importance. Appropriate references are also provided, so that the student or researcher has a "jumping-off" point for further study.

Any serious student of the New Testament and post New Testament era cannot affford to be without this text. I highly recommend it.