resurrection and death in order to connect modern preaching with the excitement of a changed world. Although we may be jaded by sermons that chase Bible verses tediously for twenty minutes or more, original listeners heard the gospel as a huge excitement...The apostles announced a changed world. The human world, they claimed, had begun all over again; we are living now in a 'new creation.' They invited startled listeners to join God's new humanity. --From the Introduction Buttrick's teatment is no romanticizing of early Christianity. The church then was as dismaying as it is now. Instead, this book focuses on the early Christian sense that they had passed from death to new life--a reversal that began with Jesus' resurrection, then explored his passion, and finally his ministry and life. This book carefully examines the Gospel traditions so that this great reversal can be captured in Christian theology and proclamation.