1. The Four Gospels

2. The Four Gospels Talks 1 man, 1 truth, 1 influence
Authorship, Date, The Plan, Features, Provenance (Place of origin), and Purpose

3. The Four Gospels Main Learning Objectives:
Distinguish between external/internal evidence for such issues like authorship/dating of the Gospels.
Explain a method for arriving at the date for the writing of each of the four Gospels.
Give the unique features of each of the four Gospels.
Discuss the purpose for the writing of each Gospel.
Present a brief discussion of the plan and content of each Gospel.

4. The Four Gospels The Literature of the Four Gospels
They are much more than a record of miraculous events.
They are not solely a memoir or biographies of Jesus.
THE GOSPELS ARE GOOD NEWS! THEY REPRESENT THE PROCLAMATION OF THE ACTIONS OF JESUS FOR OUR SALVATION WRITTEN FROM A SPECIFIC THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE.
- Much of the Gospels omit historical background of Jesus, character analysis, and an investigation of the inner life of the main character
-They show us not the life of Jesus, BUT that Jesus IS life.
- Good News = Kerygma

5. The Four Gospels

6. The Four Gospels
Main Purpose To convince readers that this proclamation is TRUE AND REQUIRES A DECISION.
 Jesus *said …,  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14: 6).
The Gospels point us to Jesus, thus, pointing us to the Father!

7. The Four Gospels
Evidence concerning authorship of each of the Gospels come from two sources: EXTERNAL EVIDENCE AND INTERNAL EVIDENCE.
EXTERNAL EVIDENCE: the opinion of leaders in the early church as seen through other religious texts
INTERNAL EVIDENCE: found within the Gospel
EXTERNAL EVIDENCE AND INTERNAL EVIDENCE AKA HISTORICAL AND BIBLICAL EVIDENCE
External corroborate the writings of the Gospel after the Gospel was written down and distributed

8. The Four Gospels
MATTHEW

9. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
External Evidence
Eusebius: a 4th century church historian
Papias: lived from 60 – 163 AD- Bishop of Hierapolis in Greece that wrote about early Christian oral tradition and on the origins of the canonical Gospels (95 – 120 AD)
Eusebius presents us with the opinions of Papias,“
Matthew wrote the oracles in the Hebrew language , and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
What is meant by term oracle? The context suggests it refers to the Gospel but we only have Matthew in Greek, but no evidence suggest that it is a translation from a Semitic (Hebrew, Arabic, or Aramaic) original PLUS Matthew does not read like Greek translated from a Semitic source (if translated then why include Semitic original and only a few Greek translations such a Golgotha in 27: 33) THIS GIVES STRONGER EVIDENCE THAT THE ORACLES BEING REFERRED TO IS THE Q SOURCE, A COLLECTION OF SAYINGS AND EVENTS APPEARING IN MATTHEW AND LUKE NOT MARK.
What does it means to say Matthew wrote in Hebrew language or dialect? Matthew wrote this Greek gospel in a Hebrew style, but not necessarily using the Hebrew language- THEN no need for a Semitic original or a translation of it – strengthens Q argument
What sense did interpretation occur? Not translation, but application and explanation of content.

10. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
Internal Evidence
Organization Method: 5 teachings of the mindset of one was a tax collector (1) 5:1-7:29; (2) 10:1-11:1; (3) 13: 1- 52; (4) 18: 1-35; (5) 24:1-25:46.
Only Gospel that contains the story Jesus’ payment of the temple tax (17: 24-27)
The call of Matthew to discipleship (9: 9-13).
5 teachings: the sermon on the mount, the commission to the 12, the parables of the Kingdom, instructions about humility and forgiveness, and preparation for persecution and Christ’s return.
A fact of great interest to a publican or tax collector
Matthew used in Matthew vs Levi in Mark and Luke- refers to Matthew the tax collector in Matthew vs just Matthew in Mark, Luke, and Acts reflects the Matthew viewed himself as unworthy of the place of apostle give to him by Christ

11. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
Date
No clear links to secular history.
Writings emphasizes his interest in the doctrine of the church, and there evidence he wrote to evangelize the Jews.
A date prior to 70 AD is most likely.
-Matthew wrote to evangelize the Jews, and he could done so more easily before 70 AD because after the relationship between the church and synagogue worsened (Rome overtakes Jerusalem and burns temple)

12. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
The Plan
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as Messiah (21:1- 11) and the church as God’s news people who have temporarily replaced the covenant nation of Israel (21: ).
Aims to proves the Messiahship of Christ throughout 5 teachings.
5 Teachings: Ex. Sermon on the mount taught the meaning of true righteousness- AUTHORITY OF HIS TEACHINGS PROVED MESSIAHSHIP ALSO in section on healings and miracles

13. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
Features
The early church viewed Matthew as written for a largely Hebrew audience, and evidence for this is clear:
- Contrast Jesus’s teaching with Moses' teachings (5: 21,27,31, 22,38, and 43).
Repetitive emphasis on Jesus’ fulfillment of law and OT Testament prophecy (1: 22-23; 2;15; 17:18;23)
Traces Jesus’ genealogy through David to Abraham
-Ex. Jesus quotes the Pentateuch and gives his interpretation IMPLYING that He was greater that Moses – a Jewish audience would have carefully taken note of this.
-Genealogy- a fact that would attract the interest of the Jewish people

14. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
Provenance
The Gospel of Matthew has no specific information concerning its place of origin, but its Jewish nature suggests it was written from Antioch:
Many Jewish converts migrated there fleeing persecution (Acts 11:19).
The use of the Gospel by 2nd century Christian leader Ignatius, who was Bishop of Antioch.

15. The Four Gospels: The Book of Matthew
Purpose
Matthew lacks an exact statement of purpose, however, we can see indications of purpose through the characteristics of his Gospel:
Focus on reaching Jewish people.
Concerned with readers understanding the person and work of Jesus in order to make an intelligent decision about Him.
Wanted everyone to make a commitment to Jesus’ teaching, grow in them , and obey them, and fulfil the Great Commission.
After writing to convince Jews of the Messiahship of Christ, He command them to fulfill the Great Comission, not only in Judea and Samaria, but everywhere.

16. The Four Gospels
MARK

17. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
External Evidence
The church historian Eusebius quotes the early Christian leader Papias as saying: “This also the presbyter said: ‘Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not indeed in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by the Christ.”
1) Mark served as Peter’s interpreter.
2) Wrote accurately, but not in order.
2 Facts about the Gospel of Mark
1- Mark likely used Peter as a source of information in writing this second Gospel and helped make Peter’s views known.
Ex. Mark has the testimony of Peter as an eyewitness to events, which explains the vividness and freshness that sets Mark apart from the other Gospels – 5 loaves/2 fish, Jesus tells them to sit, and Mark is only one that describes the grass as green
2- Mark followed a thematic principle of organization vs a chronological plan.
Ex. Mark 2:1 – 3:6 is a collection of stories about the theme of conflict development with the scribes and Pharisees vs. an in order telling of events.

18. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
Internal Evidence - History and the Bible tell us there was a Mark, and Early Christians identify him with John Mark of Acts 12:12.
John Mark- the young man who left his home in Jerusalem to follow Paul and Barnabas as an assistant on the 1st missionary trip

19. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
Date
Giving a specific date to Mark’s Gospel is difficult.
Mark urges believers to follow Jesus in a commitment to discipleship (Mark 8: 34-36).
The most likely time appears to be the late 50’s AD.
This could coincide with the period of persecution by Nero in the late 50’s and mid 60 AD
Late 50’s AD: Mark may have been Peter at this time in Rome, and encouraging believers facing persecution, PLUS we knew that Peter never ran from a good fight.
If we date Mark in the 50’s then we know it was the 1st gospel to be written, and if Acts were dated in the early 60’s it makes sense that Luke used Mark in writing both Luke and Acts.

20. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
The Plan
The Gospel of Mark focuses on the actions of Jesus.
Mark focuses on the emotional life of Jesus.
Mark gives special attention to Jesus preparation of the disciples for future ministry.
Mark’s Gospel contains a high degree of Christology (the study of the person, nature, and role of Christ).
1- contains over 40 repetitions of the Greek adverb translated “immediately or at once”- an expression that gives the impression of the rapid development of activity
2- mentions His compassion, His indignation, His sorrow, the sighing of Jesus
3- Mark 1: 1 starts off introducing Jesus as Messiah and Son of God- repeated by the Father, demons, by Jesus Himself, and by the centurion at the cross.

21. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
Provenance
Early Christian writers suggest that Mark wrote his Gospel while in Rome:
Papia’s statement that Mark was with Peter:
Mark is helping an imprisoned Paul in Rome(2 Tim 4:11).
Mark is in Rome with Peter (1 Peter 5: 13).

22. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
Features
Internal evidence suggests Mark wrote for a Roman/Gentile audience:
Explanation of Jewish Customs and Practices to a people unacquainted with them (7: 3-4).
Frequently translated Aramaic expressions so that his Roman audience could understand them (3:17; 5:41; 7:34, 14: 36; 15: 34).
Sometimes used Latin equivalents to explain Greek expressions (12: 42; 15:16).

23. The Four Gospels: The Book of Mark
Purpose
Mark does not include a statement of purpose, but, internal evidence helps us understand why he wrote:
Concerned with presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1).
Emphasizes the person and work of Jesus (8:31; 9:31; 10: ).
Need for people to repent (1:15).
Mark sets up a guide for the church to imitate: Christians must con’t to preach the Gospel.

24. Who wrote most of the NEW TESTAMENT?
The Four Gospels
ASK: Who wrote most of the NT?
Who wrote most of the NEW TESTAMENT?

25. The Four Gospels
LUKE
Luke is the longest single book of the NT, if assume that Luke also wrote Acts, then made the largest quantitative contribution to the NT.
Luke/Acts: 37,933 words
Paul’s 13 Letters: 32, 407

26. The Four Gospels: The Book of Luke
Internal Evidence Several features point to the identity of the same author of both Luke and Acts: 1) Both begin with dedications to Theophilus. 2) Acts 1: 1 mentions “a former book.” 3) Both reflect an interest in historical facts. 4) Both use excellent quality Greek. 5) “We” statements (Acts: 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18, & 27:1- 28:16).
2- we can use this to link acts with Luke as a single work
*ACTS CONTAINS SEVERAL “WE” STATEMENTS, SUGGESTING THAT THE AUTHOR IS PHYSICALLY ACCOMPANYING PAUL ON THOSE OCCASSIONS EACH OF THE 3 TRIPS- OUT OF THE 10 PEOPLE THE BIBLE MENTIONS WERE WITH PAUL, THE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION OF ANALYZING HOW PPL ARE REFERRED TO, WHETHER THEY REMAINED WITH PAUL, AND WHEN THEY JOINED PAUL THE ONLY LOGICAL CONCLUSION IS LUKE- HE WAS THE ONLY ONE OF THE TEN THAT REMAINED WITH PAUL IN EVERY SINGLE TRIP*

27. The Four Gospels: The Book of Luke
Date
The date of Luke and Acts linked.
Acts ended abruptly with Paul imprisoned for 2 years awaiting trial before Caesar, and we know that Paul was imprisoned in Rome in the early 60’s.
The most likely time appears to be the early 60’s AD.
-This makes the most and obvious sense is we consider LUKE-ACTS as a single volume of writing.

28. The Four Gospels: The Book of Luke
The Plan
The Gospel of Luke follows a plan that in content to Matthew and Mark.
Luke is the only one that gives us information on the boyhood of Jesus (2:41-52).
*except look is the only one who gives us info

29. The Four Gospels: The Book of Luke
Features -Luke’s Gospel is uniquely interested in Jesus affinity for outcasts of Jewish society- Gentiles (2: 32); moral outcasts (7: 36-50); social outcasts (19: 1-10), and the poor (14: 12-14). -The role of women in Jesus’ ministry. -Jesus social skills- Socializing with Pharisees and publicans (7: 36-50). -Focus on the teaching and practice of Prayer. -The work of the Holy Spirit.

30. The Four Gospels: The Book of Luke
Purpose The opening of Luke in 1: 1-4 clearly gives us his purpose: 1) He intended to be accurate. 2) He wrote an orderly account. 3) He wrote to give the reader a certain foundation for their knowledge.
He wrote with 3 aims in mind
2- a detailed account vs exactly chronological.

31. The Four Gospels
JOHN
The simple style and vocab of John conceals the depth of literary genius and content that should provoke us to study it and reflect upon it.

32. The Four Gospels: The Book of John
External Evidence The early Christian historian, Irenaeus, references Polycarp and John’s relationship, and says, “John, the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned upon His chest, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.”
*Polycarp was born around AD and early church documents dating back to the late 1st to mid 2nd century have Polycarp as being a disciple of John and in fact record John as being the one to ordain Polycarp as Bishop of Smyrna where he served for over 60 years- The same Church of Smyrna that Rev. 2: 10 prophesized about.

33. The Four Gospels: The Book of John
Internal Evidence
1: 14 and 19: 35 suggest the author is an eyewitness to the life of Jesus Christ.
The writer is knowledgeable of Palestinian geography from the period before 70 AD when the temple was destroyed (5: 2; 19: 13).
21: John identifies himself as the one who “wrote these things.”

34. The Four Gospels: The Book of John
Date
The dates of the 4th Gospel range from 70 AD to a period 100 AD.
In 1935, the discovery of a fragment of John 18 revealed a date of 135AD, suggesting that the original writing of the Gospel occurred several decades earlier.
The most likely time appears to be the early 60’s AD.
-This suggestions of an earlier dates makes sense if you consider the dates for the time it may have taken to copy and carry the Gospel to the deserts of Egypt, where it was discovered.

35. The Four Gospels: The Book of John
Features
The style of John’s Gospel involves a simple profundity.
The simplicity comes from two sources:
The terms he uses (light, darkness, life).
The writing style (Parataxis: connecting sentences/idea using “and/but” vs “because/in order that” – John 1:1-5.
*The Words of Jesus claim His deity (10:30)and His deeds prove His deity (5:36).*
1- familiar terms that do not require must critical/abstract thinking
2- produces a flowing text that is easier to read/understand
This is how John can introduce deep theological concepts like the deity of Christ, His incarnation, and preexistence, the Logos, and the 7 I’am statements.

36. The Four Gospels: The Book of John
Purpose
John had the most precise statement of purpose in his Gospel compared to the other Gospel writers:
“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20: 30-31
1) John was selective 2) Gospel is evangelistic
1- suggests he knew of many other signs, but selected to record only some of them
2- to help others believe in Jesus as the Christ

37. The Four Gospels