First-Century Gospel Storytellers and Audiences

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The essays present a transformative view of the Gospels, emphasizing their origins as live performances for largely illiterate audiences rather than mere texts. They highlight how storytellers engaged listeners, primarily Hellenistic Judeans, in vibrant, lengthy narratives that shaped their perceptions of Jesus. This dynamic interaction allowed audiences to evolve from passive observers to active disciples, illustrating the Gospels as a form of performance literature intended to spread the message of Jesus globally. The work underscores the communal and experiential nature of these early Christian teachings.