This collection traces the development in thinking of one of the most controversial New Testament scholars as he becomes increasingly aware of the quite revolutionary significance that historical criticism has for the understanding of the Bible. Essays include a reassessment of Schweitzer's The Quest of the Historical Jesus, detailed discussion of the order of events in the Gospel of Mark and the influence of eyewitnesses on the gospel tradition, a brilliant attempt to make sense of the genealogy with which the Gospel of Matthew begins and more general studies of the relationship of the gospels to history and the authority of the Bible.