Preface -- Reference codes and abbreviations -- Introduction to the commentary -- The historian's preface -- Part One: Beginnings 1:5-2:52 -- Announcement of the conception of John -- Announcement of the conception of Jesus -- Prophetic words of Elizabeth -- Encounter with Mary -- The magnificat -- Return of Mary -- The birth of John -- Birth and circumcision -- The Benedictus -- John's retirement to the wilderness -- The birth and childhood of Jesus -- The birth of Jesus -- The shepherds -- The naming of the infant -- Part two: John the Baptist and Jesus -- Ministry of John the Baptist -- Jesus introduced -- Part three: Outreach to Israel -- Engagement in the task -- Collision course -- Kingdom candidates and requirements -- Jesus' Credentials -- Expansion on the theme of faith -- Partners in the kingdom -- Part four: we go up to Jerusalem -- First phase -- Second phase of the journey to Jerusalem -- Third phase of the journey to Jerusalem -- Final phase of the journey to Jerusalem -- Part five: the ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem 19:28 - 21: 38 -- The king's claim -- Misunderstanding -- News about the end time -- Teaching in the temple -- Part six: The passion account -- The plot of Judas and discourse in the upper room -- Agony on the Mount of Olives -- The arrest -- In the custody of the hierarchy -- Jesus before Pilate and Herod -- The crucifixion -- The burial of Jesus -- Part seven: the exalted Lord 24 -- Experience of the women -- Peter's Unbelief -- Two witnesses on the road to Emmaus -- With the eleven and others -- Parting words and ascensions -- The historian's summary -- Selected bibliography -- Index of ancient authors and writings