The Framework of the New Testament Stories

Dr. Ehrhardt considers that New Testament teaching could benefit by being more closely related to its context and background than is often the case. He suggests that the method of the presentation of the Gospel is important, as well as the intention behind it. In an examination of the background, Dr. Ehrhardt deals principally with two aspects. The first is the fact that the New Testament and the form Christianity took in the first few centuries after the death of Christ were subject to several influences. One of the most important was Greek and Dr. Ehrhardt traces Hellenistic influence in St. Paul's treatment of Christ, in Greek modes of thought in the preaching of the Gospel and the historical tradition in the Book of Acts. He then turns to Jewish and Roman practices and ideas which played a part in forming Church doctrine and ritual, such as ordination and baptism. Secondly, he discusses the daily life of the newly-converted Christians, the problems they met with and the changes that took place. It is hoped that these essays, many of which aim at giving a fresh, rather than a final view, may prove stimulating by asking unfamiliar questions and offering new solutions.