Book Review: Jesus and The Gospels by Craig Blomberg

This is an excellent starting point for understanding Jesus Christ and the times that surrounded Him. The text delves into the all aspects of Christology without going so deep as to alienate a new believer striving to understand their Savior. From the publishers website I quote: 
In my own critique I would say that this is an excellent conservative work of scholarship by Craig Blomberg. It is broken down into five comprehenive sections that include:

• Part One: Historical Background for Studying the Gospels
• Part Two: Critical Methods for Studying the Gospel
• Part Three: Introduction to the Four Gospels
• Part Four: A Survey of the Life of Christ
• Part Five: Historical and Theological Syntheses

These sections help digest the breadth and scope of Christ's life and His times (including the Jewish background). This book aids in understanding the Gospels themselves collectively and individually. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and the players of the New Testament (and inter-testamental) world. What is truly great about this book is that you do not need to be a bible scholar to appreciate it. If there is a notable drawback in this book it is in Part Two: Critical Methods of Studying the Gospel concerning literary and historical criticism. It becomes a little dense and seems to bog down a tad in this area. Once you are through this portion things speed up again.

Rating: 95 out of 100

A sample chapter can be found here:
Part One: Historical Background for Studying the Gospels

"This second edition of Jesus and the Gospels prepares readers for an intensive study of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the events they narrate. Craig Blomberg considers the historical context of the Gospels and sheds light on the confusing interpretations brought forth over the last two centuries. The original 1997 book won a Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and this updated version, factoring in new scholarship, debate, critical methods, and the ongoing quest of the historical Jesus, ensures the work will remain a top tool for exploring the life of Christ through the first four books of the New Testament"