English summary: This book presents the first comprehensive study of the Matthean controversy stories. The study draws the conclusion that they are motivated by the continuing mission to Israel and by the attempt to delegitimize Pharisaic leadership within formative Judaism. German description: Mit diesem Buch wird die erste ausfuhrliche Studie

"Calling on her almost encyclopedic knowledge of conditions in the first-century Mediterranean world, Professor Cotter discusses the miracle stories reported in the Gospel of Mark in terms of the likely reaction of contemporary people upon seeing them or hearing of them. This enables her to portray the Jesus of these

Authoritative chapters chart new developments of gospels interpretation in four main areas: background, content, interpretation and impact.

A fascinating anthology of quotes and stories popular in Mediterranean society during the first centuriesfamiliar tales often reflected in the gospel stories. The pages of this unique reference work draw a vivid and colorful picture of popular culture in the ancient world

"The authors give the reader an up-to-date, comprehensive view of forms in the New Testament that is rivalled by no other book available to readers of English".--Vernon K. Robbins, Emory University.