Delve into the fascinating world of ancient literature with Jesus and the Manuscripts, a captivating exploration by renowned Bible scholar Craig A. Evans. This compelling volume navigates the rich tapestry of texts that chronicle the life and teachings of Jesus, venturing beyond the familiar New Testament Gospels to uncover hidden gems from the Rabbis, the Qur’an, and enigmatic extracanonical narratives. Evans masterfully deciphers the original languages of seminal texts and engages with the latest scholarly debates, presenting a persuasive case for the Gospel of Thomas as a late-second-century work, rather than an early, independent account. He also casts a critical eye on the authenticity of Secret Mark and the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife, concluding that these texts are likely modern forgeries. A particularly intriguing aspect of this study is the investigation into the longevity of the autographs of New Testament writings, with Evans arguing that these original manuscripts remained in circulation for over a century, thereby stabilizing the text. This richly illustrated book features over 20 pages of stunning color photographs, providing a visually stunning accompaniment to Evans’ erudite analysis. Key features include: A masterful exploration of ancient literature by a leading Bible scholar; A comprehensive survey of biblical and non-biblical texts that mention Jesus; Expert analysis of original languages and engagement with current scholarly debates; Stunning color photographs that bring the ancient world to life.