Originally published: Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1997.
Revision of the author's thesis (doctoral)--University of Cambridge, 1994.

Includes bibliographical references and index

Preface; Abbreviations; 1. Introduction and a history of research; 2. Method and approach; 3. The rich young ruler (Matthew 19. 16-22; Mark 10. 17-22; Luke 18. 18-23); 4. Jesus's rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13. 53-38; Mark 6. 1-6a); 5. Walking on water (Matthew 14. 22-33; Mark 6. 45-52); 6. Arguments concerning Jesus's emotions, 'inability' and questions; 7. The worship of Jesus and the passion narratives; 8. Christology and titles: Jesus as teacher and Lord; 9. Jesus as messiah; 10. Jesus as Son of God; 11. Jesus as 'the Son of Man'; 12. The messianic secret; 13. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

This book makes a major contribution to the ongoing debate about which of the synoptic gospels was written first. Using the christological criterion, Dr Head argues against the revival of interest in the Griesbach Hypothesis (this claimed that Mark had used, conflated and abbreviated Matthew and Luke) in favour of Markan priority.