Introduction to the Gospels PDF

Introduction to the Gospels Document # TX004711 Four Criteria for Canonicity (why certain books were eventually accepted into the NT Canon, while others were rejected): 1. Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation a...

Introduction to the Gospels Document # TX004711 Four Criteria for Canonicity (why certain books were eventually accepted into the NT Canon, while others were rejected): 1. Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation apostles (or their closest companions). 2. Universal Acceptance - acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by the end of the fourth century). Four Criteria for Canonicity (why certain books were eventually accepted into the NT Canon, while others were rejected): 3. Liturgical Use - read publicly along with the OT when early Christians gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services). 4.Consistent Message - containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. the divinity and humanity Jesus). FOUR-FOLD ROLE OF THE EVANGELISTS AS AUTHORS (what they contributed, even if "God is the Author" of all scripture): Selectors - from among the many things Jesus said and did, they chose which stories they wanted to include and which to omit. Arrangers - they organized the materials in a particular sequence, not necessarily chronologically but often in thematic blocks. Shapers - they adapted and edited the individual stories from their sources so as to emphasize the themes they wanted to stress. Proclaimers - they were not objective historians, but preached the "good news" about Jesus in ways appropriate to their audiences.  The Gospels The Gospels are the heart of the Scriptures. The four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels bring the Good News of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. They also herald that Jesus came to fulfill the promises God made to our ancestors and to overcome the slavery of sin and © Sain t Mary’ s Press death.  Characteristics of the Gospels The Gospels are the main source of information about the life and teachings of Jesus. The Gospels are God’s Revelation. When we encounter Jesus in the Gospels, we encounter God’s most definitive and perfect Revelation. Each Gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus. © Ahturner / Shutterstoc k.com  THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called synoptic Gospels. These Gospels are similar in style and share much of the same content. Public domain  The Gospel of Matthew Who Was Matthew? Jewish Christian well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures Approximate Date of Authorship: AD 85 Intended Audience: Mixed community of Jewish Christians and Gentiles Issues Addressed: A possible rejection and even some persecution of Jewish Christians for their belief in Jesus Public domain  MATTHEW’S IMAGE OF JESUS Matthew wanted his Jewish Christian readers to know that believing in Jesus was a continuation of their tradition. Matthew highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of many Old Testament hopes and prophecies. Jesus is presented with clear ties to Jewish ancestry. The genealogy at the beginning of the Gospel is one example. Public domain  THE GOSPEL OF MARK Who Was Mark? Gentile Christian who may have been a disciple of Peter Approximate Date of Authorship: AD 65–70 Intended Audience: Non-Jewish Christians Issues Addressed: Members of the community being persecuted (even to death) for their beliefs Public domain MARK’S IMAGE OF JESUS Mark includes an aura of secrecy in this Gospel known as the messianic secret. Mark emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. Central to Mark’s Christology is the image of Jesus as the Suffering Servant. True discipleship must imitate Jesus in both his ministry and his suffering. Public domain  THE GOSPEL OF LUKE Who Was Luke? Gentile convert to Christianity, and the author who wrote not only the Gospel of Luke but also the Acts of the Apostles Approximate Date of Authorship: AD 80–90 Intended Audience: The audience of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is identified as Theophilus, meaning “lover of God.” Public domain LUKE’S IMAGE OF JESUS Jesus is the compassionate Savior who welcomes all. Much of Jesus’ ministry and preaching is directed toward the plight of the anawim. Luke emphasizes the presence of women in the ministry of Jesus. The final groups given special attention in the Gospel of Luke are those who are sick and sinners. , OSC e Plaisted osiers/Gen © The Cr  THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Who Was John? The actual author is unknown. Many believe the author was a member of a Christian community founded by the Beloved Disciple. Approximate Date of Authorship: AD 90–100 Public domain CHARACTERISTICS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL Twofold purpose: To evangelize both Gentiles and Jews To strengthen the faith of the local community as well as Christians everywhere Two books in one Gospel: In the first half of the Gospel, Jesus teaches mainly through signs that reveal his identity. c domain Image in publi The second half of the Gospel focuses on the Passion, Public domain death, Resurrection, and Ascension— the events that glorify Jesus.  JOHN’S IMAGE OF JESUS The synoptic Gospels emphasize the humanity of Jesus. The Gospel of John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus. John uses high Christology—a term used to describe how John proclaims from the very beginning that Jesus is God, the Eternal Word of the Father. Public domain