Gospels

Gospels represent a variation of Greco-Roman biography, for example, in similar vein as Xenophon's Memoirs of Socrates. Ancient biographies were typically written shortly after the subject's death and included substantial historical material. They are meant to convince people that Jesus was a miracle-working holy man and provide examples to emulate. As such, they present the Christian message of the second half of the first century AD. Biblical scholars are therefore cautious of relying on the gospels uncritically as historical documents, and although they afford a good idea of Jesus' public career, critical study has largely failed to distinguish his original ideas from those of the later Christian authors, and the focus of research has therefore shifted to Jesus as remembered by his followers, and understanding the Gospels themselves.