The Gospels – Historical Information and Some Comparisons PDF

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The Gospels – Historical Information and Some Comparisons Class Focus: The class focus is an overview of the Gospels and their historical formation, cultural setting and the writer’s overall purpose and the unique characteristics of each Gospel. Read: UB, 333 – 395 (Chapter 11) – excluding pgs 347-349. See Worksheet for specific readings from the chapter by Gospel writer outlined below: Team members should divide the assignment, with one member covering one of the Gospels: Mark - p. 334 “Mark’s Historical Setting”; through page 346. Matthew - p. 351 “Matthew’s Gospel: A Link Between Old and New Testaments” through page 365. Luke – p. 366 “Luke’s Historical Vision, through page 380. John – p. 380 “A Different Gospel” through page 395. NISB, “Matthew” (The Introduction) Pgs. 1745-1746; “Mark” ” (The Introduction) Pgs. 1801-1803; “Luke” ” (The Introduction) Pgs. 1847-1850; “John” ” (The Introduction) Pgs. 1905-1907; Words or identifications to know for class: Eschatological ----- (from the Greek ἔσχατος, Eschatos meaning "last" and -logy meaning "the study of") is a part of theology and philosophy concerned with what is believed to be the final events in the history of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world. Parousia ----- the Second Coming is the anticipated return of Jesus from Heaven to earth, an event that will fulfill aspects of Messianic prophecy, such as the general resurrection of the dead, the last judgment of the dead and the living and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth (also called the "Reign of God"), including the Messianic Age. Views about the nature of this return vary among Christian denominations. The original Greek of the New Testament uses the term parousia (παρουσία), the "appearance and subsequent presence with" (in the ancient world referring to official visits by royalty). Ekklesia (or alt. Ecclesia) ----- word church are used to denote both a Christian association of people and a place of worship. Paraclete ----- comes from the Koine Greek word παράκλητος (paraklētos, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a comforter or an advocate"). Holy Spirit. Christology ----- the theology of Christ and the theological interpretation around the person of Jesus. Group Discussion Question: No individual group discuss for this class. From each group, the person that researched one of the Gospels will contribute findings to an open course discussion in creating a list answering the

questions below.

Questions for Consideration: This class is designed to discuss and uncover the historical and theological details of each of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I would strongly encourage each small group to “assign” one person in the group to gather information on one of the Gospels. In other words with the four group members, each one take one of the Gospels and do the reading on that Gospel as outlined in the reading above. ---- Once back in class you may compare notes on all four Gospels. --------- We will compile the list as a class, with each group contributing. For each Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) answer the following questions: 1. What was the approximate date the Gospel was written? 2. Where (country or area) was the Gospel written? 3. What were some of the important historical / cultural things occurring in the place and time the Gospel was written? 4. Who was the primary group (e.g. Gentile Christians) that the Gospel was written for and directed to help? Everyone, no one was excluded. Written exclusively for gentile community. 5. “Who” is Jesus primarily depicted as (the Christology) in the Gospel? (e.g. John’s ‘Logos’ or Mark’s “Son of Man”; Matthew’s fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, etc.) Luke uses “Savior” 6. What are some of the unique features of this Gospel? (i.e. unique in the fact that a specific story is only mentioned in this Gospel or the “theological” emphasis of the Gospel is very different, etc.) Centralizing Ideas: In the reading of the Bible’s “Gospels” it is often forgotten that each Gospel was written at a different time and place, and directed toward a specific group of new Christians. There was probably not a sense by the writers they were writing scripture that would be preserved in a book for generations to come. These were people living and writing in what they believed were the end of times, and passionately writing to voice the “Good News” as they understood it to the unique group the narrative was directed. – In studying the Gospels they can be seen both with similarities but very distinctive differences specific to their audience, culture and time. Mark

1. 2. 3. 4.

65-70 CE (Nero) Rome/ Syria Jewish Revolt against Rome “Son of Man”- “Ben Adam” a. Judge, teacher, representative of humans for God- end of time 5. Possessed swine/ healing a. hits on relatives and disciples- not messiah? b. No nativity c. “Carry your own cross”- persecution d. No last chapter Matthew- Jewish Gospel 1. 70-100 CE (80) 2. Syria or Galilee 3. Jewish revolution- start of split of christian 4. Son of David, Messiah, Agent of God “Teacher” (Rabbi) 5. “Church”- Ekklesia a. Nativity (Kingdom) b. “I” (“I am”) discourses/ writing style-- redefine what messiah is c. Counter Culture d. Teacher- authority (new law) e. miracles Luke- Gentile Community 1. 70-80 CE 2. Unknown- Asia, minor 3. Post Fall of jerusalem- movement to gentiles 4. “Savior” (writing to everyone) 5. Poor “outcasts” - No unclean a. women b. 25% of the NT- Gospels and Book of Acts c. Historical writer (matthew and mark are narrative) d. “Holy Spirit”- Jesus is Gone i. reinterpretation for gentile community e. Nativity (short) f. Genealogy to David g. Prodigal son and good samaritan stories- because this focuses on outcasts John 1. 90 - 110 CE 2. Syria or Asia minor 3. Post destruction (70 CE) a. Kicked out of synagogues i. Messiah shifts to christ

4. “Logos”= “word”- creates 5. Jesus revealed as “word” a. Jesus is “God” (later in gospel) b. “Life” in jesus= “oneness” c. Passion- wine to water → water/ blood d. Passover/ Last Supper e. “I AM” statements - directing himself back to god again...