1. Four Gospels, One Jesus

Download: Four Gospels, One Jesus The Gospels The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) form the first four books of the New Testament. Purposes for the Gospels Historical—the need for a faithful and authoritative record of the words and deeds of Jesus. Catechetical—the need to instruct converts in the Christian faith. Liturgical—the need for worship material in the church. Exhortatory—to encourage and assure believers in their faith. Theological—the need to settle internal disputes. Apologetic—the need to respond to external attacks on the church. Evangelistic—the need to call people to faith in Jesus. Why Four Gospels? With different emphasizes, different portrayals, and different vantage points a historical record deepens and becomes richer and more dynamic. Why not synthesize into one Gospel? Diatessaron (Tatian c. 170 AD) What is Unique about Each Gospel? Matthew Portrait of Jesus: The King Audience: Primarily Jewish Mark Portrait of Jesus: The Servant Audience: Likely Gentile Luke Portrait of Jesus: The Savior Audience: Gentile, especially Greek-speaking John Portrait of Jesus: The Son of God Audience: Mixed, Jewish and Gentile The Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John Synoptic Gospels Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke “Synoptics” means “to see together” Contain overlapping content. Share a significant literary connection. Have generally the same narrative development. Have an episodic narrative structure. Synoptic Gospel Distinctives Jesus’ ministry can fit into a single year time frame. Focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. Salvation is described as entrance into the “kingdom of God.” Gospel of John Lots of geographic movement Jesus’ ministry seems to extend beyond 1 year Jesus’ miracles (“signs”) are a thematic focus Development of confrontations with Jewish religious leaders. Jesus as the Son of God who reveals the Father. Salvation is described as “life in the age to come.” The Gospels as Literature · The ‘Gospel’ Genre NT Gospels have some resemblance to ancient biographies Bioi (“Lives”) · The Gospels Are Historical Literature · The Gospels Are Narrative Literature · The Gospels Are Theological Literature How to Read the Gospels Reading “Vertically” Advantages: The Author’s Intent Clarity of Message Theological Emphasis Literary Features Disadvantages: The “Full” Picture Differences or Tensions One Dimensional Limited Study Reading “Horizontally” Advantages: Complete Picture Clarifying Details Author Emphases Diversity Disadvantages: Narrative Blending Over Harmonization Gospel Flattening Complex and Time-Consuming Reading the Gospels as Theological Narrative “Theological narrative” tells a story and conveys an important point with it. Narrator Setting Characters Plot Sequence (Causation) Drama (Conflict/Struggle) Climax (Resolution) The post 1. Four Gospels, One Jesus first appeared on Living Hope.