What is a Gospel? 1. Origin of “Gospel” a. Hebrew World Isaiah 40:9; 52:7 b. Greco-Roman World Augustus (9 B.C.) c. New Testament World Matt, Mark, Luke, John

What is a Gospel? 2. Collection of Materials a. From the Life of Jesus Healings, miracles, parables, teachings, crucifixion account b. Interpreted thru an OT “lens” Mark 1:2; 15:34 Matt 1:22; Matt 5 c. Into Four Gospels

What is a Gospel? Luke 1:1-4 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

What is a Gospel? 3. Shape of Material (Luke 1:1-4) a. Orderly Account, Narrative What Order? b. Eye-witness accounts What accounts? Oral? Written? c. Theological explanation What purpose?

What is this Gospel? John 20: Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

What is this Gospel? John 20: But these are written that you may believe (decisively believe) 20:31 pisteu,ÎsÐhte pisteushte aorist subjunctive or you may believe (continue to believe) pisteu,the present subjunctive that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

What is this Gospel? John 20: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. or that the Christ is Jesus, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

What is this Gospel? Questions of John 1.Is it for evangelism or for discipleship? 2.Is it written to Jews or to a larger audience?

Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers? 1.Apostolic Authorship But so were Matthew, Mark, Luke 2.Theological and Literary Character Both telling a story and expounding its theological meanings Clement of Alexandria (190’s A.D.) “Last of all John, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the gospel, being urged by his friends and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual gospel.” (E.H )

Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers? 2. Theological and Literary Character (continued) Clement of Alexandria’s statements are often taken negatively, as if John’s Gospel has no correlation to history Positive side is that Clement perfectly captures the interrelationship of history, theology, and interpretation. Story and theology are intertwined External facts  internal meaning Readers are asked to read more than just events Questions Jesus asks his conversation partners become our questions.

Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers? 2. Theological and Literary Character (continued) Narrator comments directly on the story to ensure that we as readers grasp its significance (2:21; 7:39; 8:27; 11:51- 52; 12:33; 18:32; 19:35). Prologue