Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

• The material aims to help distinguish the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John by examining their unique attributes.

New Testament Canon and Manuscripts

• The New Testament contains 27 books.
• These books were originally written in Greek.
• Irenaeus in 180 AD recognized only 4 Gospels.
• Athanasius in 367 AD acknowledged all 27 books of the New Testament.
• There are over 5500 Greek New Testament manuscripts.
• Papyrus manuscripts are the earliest but fragmentary, made from plant fiber.
• Parchment manuscripts are more durable, made from animal skin.
• Significant variants exist in the endings of Mark and the adulteress passage in John 7:53-8:11.

Jewish and Roman World Context

• The Second Temple was rebuilt, giving rise to synagogues, the Torah, and scribes.
• Hellenism, influenced by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, led to Jewish apocalypticism and belief in resurrection.
• The Maccabean revolt was led by Judas the Maccabee, resulting in Hanukkah and the Hasmonean dynasty, beginning in December 164 BCE.
• Key Jewish groups included Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Samaritans, and figures like Josephus.
• Jewish identity was defined by covenant, monotheism, ritual purity, the Temple, Sabbath observance, circumcision, scriptures, and morality.
• Significant figures include Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Pontius Pilate.
• Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE.
• Roman culture was characterized by polytheism, nationalism, economic inequality, and a focus on honor/shame.

Jesus and the Gospels

• Non-Christian sources like Josephus, the Talmud, and Tacitus mention Jesus.
• Christian sources include the earliest writings of Paul and the four Gospels.
• Apocryphal sources are considered too late, secondary, and biased.
• The "earthly Jesus" or "Jesus of history" is contrasted with the "exalted Jesus" or "Christ of faith", around 30 CE.
• The Gospels are considered a unique genre, potentially biographies, apologies, or portraits.
• The term "gospel" comes from oral traditions about Jesus, recorded by figures like Papias, with anonymous titles.
• The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) share similar content, wording, and arrangement, while John is distinct.
• The "Synoptic Problem" explores the relationship between these Gospels, proposing theories like Mark being written first, Matthew and Luke using Mark and a source called "Q", the Farrer Theory, and the Two-Source Hypothesis.
• Luke's statement of method outlines the purpose and target audiences for the Gospels.

Gospel of Mark

• Mark is significant as the earliest, shortest, and most abrupt Gospel, lacking a birth narrative and resurrection appearances.
• It is attributed to John Mark, associated with Rome, around 70 CE, during the First Jewish Revolt.
• The structure follows a geographical progression from Galilee to Jerusalem.
• The Christology features few titles, emphasizing Jesus' humanity alongside divine authority and predictions.
• The Gospel focuses on the crucifixion.
• Discipleship is marked by secrecy, misunderstanding, martyrdom, and the disciples' failures, with no restoration in the text.
• John the Baptist is a key figure.
• The baptism of Jesus includes the presence of the Spirit and a voice from heaven.
• The teachings are few.
• The mighty deeds are many.
• There is frequent controversy.
• Caesarea Philippi marks a turning point with Peter's confession.
• There are three Passion Predictions.
• There is also the Transfiguration.
• Jesus makes one trip to Jerusalem, protests in the Temple, and delivers the Olivet Discourse predicting the destruction of Jerusalem/Temple and the return of the Son of Man.
• Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus after the Passover Seder.
• Events include predictions, Gethsemane, Peter's denial, Pilate's judgment, Barabbas' release, and Simon of Cyrene's assistance.
• Four extraordinary events surround Jesus' death: darkness, Jesus' last words (15:34), the temple veil tearing, and the Roman centurion's declaration.
• Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus.
• The tomb is found empty by Mary Magdalene.
• Mark ends abruptly, with various endings in the manuscripts.

Gospel of Matthew

• Matthew is significant for its famous passages like the visit of the Magi, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Great Commission.
• It is considered the most Jewish Gospel and was favored in the early church.
• Authorship is attributed to Matthew, possibly Levi the tax collector, son of Alphaeus, with potential origins in Antioch of Syria, around AD 70-90.
• The Gospel reflects tension with Jewish synagogues.
• Its structure is geographical and transitional, featuring five large sermons.
• The Christology emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God.
• Divine authority and a trinitarian statement are present.
• There is a strong focus on the fulfillment and interpretation of the Old Testament, with hostility towards Jewish leaders.
• Discipleship involves inner purity, opposition to hypocrisy, mercy, love, and compassion.
• Infancy narratives include the visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• The temptations of Jesus are recounted.
• The Sermon on the Mount includes the Beatitudes, teachings on salt and light, six Antitheses, guidance on avoiding publicizing spirituality, the Lord's Prayer, teachings on treasure in heaven, active obedience, and the Golden Rule.
• Matthew's passion narrative includes Judas' regret and death, Pilate's wife's dream, and Pilate washing his hands.
• The Gospel ends with the risen Jesus appearing on a mountain in Galilee, giving the Great Commission.

Gospel of Luke

• Luke is significant as the longest Gospel, with unique material and forming a two-volume work with Acts.
• It is addressed to Theophilus and was written around AD 70-90.
• Its structure is geographical, centered on a journey to Jerusalem.
• The Christology emphasizes Jesus' calmness facing death and the necessity of the cross.
• There is a strong emphasis on outcasts and marginalized groups, including Gentiles, Samaritans, tax collectors, the poor, and women.
• It downplays the delayed expectation of the end, emphasizing the kingdom of God as present through the Spirit.
• Discipleship involves God's favor for all people, repentance, money/wealth, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and insight/understanding.
• Infancy narratives include the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, the census, and the manger scene.
• The Gospel includes the inaugural sermon in Nazareth, the Sermon on the Plain, parables on lostness (Luke 15), and mentions the destruction of Jerusalem in Luke 21, dating to 70 CE.
• The Roman trial includes Pilate's three attempts to dismiss Jesus and emphasizes Roman innocence through Pilate, Herod Antipas, and the centurion.
• Jesus makes three statements from the cross.
• Resurrection appearances occur in and around Jerusalem, followed by enlightenment and ascension.

Gospel of John

• John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels, with unique elements not found in them and vice versa.
• Authorship is attributed to the Beloved Disciple.
• It was written in the AD 90s.
• It is structured around signs and glory.
• The Christology emphasizes Jesus' divinity: pre-existence, omniscience, oneness with the Father, "I am" statements, and control over events.
• Jesus' death is portrayed as his glory.
• Discipleship involves exclusivity, eternal life, abundance, abiding in Christ, loving one another, the Paraclete, and separation from "the world."
• The Gospel begins with a prologue, introducing Jesus as the Word/Logos, being "born of God."
• It focuses on Judea/Jerusalem, with six trips to Jerusalem including three Passovers and emphasizes "the hour."
• Miracles are presented as signs, with seven signs including the raising of Lazarus as a "clincher."
• It includes long dialogues and misunderstandings, such as with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman.
• The Last Supper features Jesus washing the disciples' feet and giving a Farewell Address.
• John's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' control during his arrest, trials, and crucifixion.
• There are three statements from the cross.
• Resurrection appearances include Mary Magdalene, the Beloved Disciple, Thomas, and a miraculous catch in Galilee.
• Jesus is in control during his arrest, trials, and death and fulfills scripture as the "Lamb of God."