Conceptions of "Gospel" and Legitimacy in Early Christianity

The struggles to define what "gospel" was and to bolster a leader's or a group's legitimacy amidst inter-ecclesial competitors are hallmarks of much early Christian literature. Commencing with James A. Kelhoffer's inaugural lecture at Uppsala University, this volume makes available sixteen revised and updated articles, originally published between 1998 and 2013, focusing on method, "gospel" and legitimacy. In regard to method, it is argued that the so-called "historical-critical method" should not be construed as just one method in contrast to (or, as an alternative to) newer methods and approaches to biblical studies. Kelhoffer's investigations of "gospel" in early Christian literature include when came to designate a written "Gospel," whether Basilides of Alexandria wrote a Gospel, Paul's concept of Heilsgeschichte, and patristic debates about the original conclusion to Mark. Examinations of struggles for legitimacy survey a range of topics and literature - the prayers attributed to the Maccabees, miracles as a confirmation of Paul's legitimacy as an apostle, Luke's apologetic portrayal of Paul as a former persecutor of the church, a readiness to withstand persecution as a source of authentication according to Paul and the Revelation of John, Hippolytus of Rome's attacks against miracle-working 'heretics,' and the allegedly higher status of maimed "confessors" at the Council of Nicaea. Those already familiar with Kelhoffer's Miracle and Mission (2000), Diet of John the Baptist (2005) and Persecution, Persuasion and Power (2010) will find in this volume refreshing insights suggested but not developed in his other books.