Although the conflict stories occupy a large portion of the synoptic Gospels, they have received surprisingly little attention. This book is the first in English devoted entirely to these stories.
Dr. Hultgren has shown that the conflict stories were formulated at various stages in the history of the synoptic tradition. The process of formation had its beginning in the Palestinian church which used them for apologetic purposes. The conflict stories in the Hellenistic church have a different setting. They are cate-chetical, serving the needs of teaching converts and regulating the life of the community.
What is distinctive about all the conflict stories, however, is their constant reference to Jesus—his words, attitude, and conduct— by whom it was claimed God’s gracious call to the kingdom was realized among his children.