This work investigates the fundamental relationship between the historical Jesus and the emergence of the Christian church as a community of faith. John Knox, a prominent New Testament scholar, examines how the early church interpreted the reality of Christ within the context of its own existence and mission. The text utilizes historical-critical analysis to bridge the gap between the life of Jesus and the theological developments of the early Christian movement.

This text is regarded as a significant contribution to mid-twentieth-century American theology, reflecting the scholarly rigor typical of Knox's academic career. The subject matter points to a dense, specialist text intended for students of theology and church history who are interested in the intersection of historical criticism and ecclesiology.