Works of Edgar J. Goodspeed

Volume 1: New Testament Translation

One of the earliest “Modern English” translations during the 20th century, it introduced to many readers a more vernacular New Testament translation (before it became  a trend) produced by a very credible translator and Greek scholar. Now hard to find and expensive to obtain in print, Biblesoft brings you this valuable resource with all of our extra tools for comparison, search, topical study and note-taking.

Volume 2: Introduction to the New Testament

Probably Goodspeed's most familiar work (besides his Translation), and touches on many critical issues. A typical Goodspeed treatment of the basic introduction to the New Testament as a collection of “published” documents. His emphasis is on the intent of the early church and New Testament writers to produce the gospels and letters from the beginning as something to be published and distributed.

The science of New Testament Introduction has paid too little attention to the part played by publication in ancient life and in the development of the New Testament literature. We must not forget that there was really just as much difference in antiquity as there is now between a letter written and a letter published. (E. J. Goodspeed, Preface vii).

Volume 3: The Story of the New Testament

An excellent global overview of the New Testament with copious background material.

From Goodspeed’s introduction:

“…it is hoped that a brief constructive presentation of the background of each book without technicality or elaboration may bring back particularly to intelligent laymen and young people the individuality and vital interest of the writings of the New testament.” (introduction page ix).
 

Includes study questions at the end of each chapter, in a bible study format.

Volume 4: New Chapters in New Testament Study

The first half of the 20th century was an exciting time for NT Studies and Criticism, with the discovery and publication of many new manuscripts and critical editions, as well as producing further studies in the wake of the pioneering late-19th century work of scholars such as Harnack, Lightfoot, Westcott & Hort, et al. Here many of the most important critical issues and theories are addressed - a kind of snapshot of early 20th century New Testament studies.

Goodspeed’s own take on the general publication framework of the New Testament. For example, he examines the question of whether many of the letters of Paul were intended for “publication” (copying), or for private reading only. He also examines the early church fathers and their reception of various New Testament documents as well as giving generous background information on the recipients of the letters. Several chapters on other writings of the period, such as the Pseudepigraphy and “Modern Apocrypha” round out the book.

Volume 5: Commentary on the Gospel of John

In this brief but intense study of the Gospel of John and its background, Goodspeed introduces how he believes the book came into being and its place in the canon. Good for both the scholar and the layman, each section of the epistles is divided into daily thoughts and questions for the serious student. This is an excellent resource to give the Bible teacher ideas for study outlines and thought questions.

Organized as a 5-month study, with a reading, thoughts and questions for each day, along with study questions at the end of each 'month'.

Volume 6: Commentary on Hebrews

In typical Goodspeed fashion, the author focuses not only on the literary and early distribution history of the epistle to the Hebrews, but gives intensive exegetical commentary on the text, with a good critical introduction. He also gives strong case evidence from many sources for Pauline authorship of the epistle.