Markus Barth (1915-1994) studied Protestant theology in Bern Basel, Berlin, and Edinburgh, and received his Th.D.from the University of Goettingen in 1947. He served as pastor in Bubendorf, Switzerland, from 1940-1953. Thereafter, he taught New Testament at theological schools in Dubuque, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Basel. His books include Israel and the Church, Justification, Rediscovering the Lord's Supper, and Jesus the Jew.

The People of God
Several factors make this a compelling and topical book:
- The anti-Jewish sentiments that can still disfigure much Christian teaching and writing
- The baffling fate and often shocking politics of the State of Israel in recent years and months
- The faltering progress towards ecumenical unity of Jews and Christians
- The need for a united witness to Jesus as Jew and as Son of God
Markus Barth, Professor of New Testament in the University of Basel, combines passion and scholarship in this summons to a recognition of the brotherhood of Jews and Christians. He discusses with authority both the current theological climate and the biblical basis--in particular, the writings of Paul--on which a true doctrine of the 'People of God' should be built; and he calls for a new relationship characterized by frank and honest criticism, but especially by fraternal love.