Topic 6 Topic 6 Gospels: Gospels: Introduction and ContextIntroduction and Context

I.I. Introduction to the GospelsIntroduction to the Gospels

II.II. The World of Jesus and the NTThe World of Jesus and the NT

I. Introduction to the GospelsI. Introduction to the Gospels

A.A. Overview of the NTOverview of the NT1.1. ChronologyChronology

a.a. Jesus (c. 6 BC – c. 30 AD)Jesus (c. 6 BC – c. 30 AD)b.b. 27 NT books (c. 50-150)27 NT books (c. 50-150)

2.2. Writing the NT booksWriting the NT booksa.a. Gospels (65-100) – Gospels (65-100) – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – accounts of

Jesus’ ministryJesus’ ministry

b.b. History (c. 90) – History (c. 90) – Acts – rise and growth of Christian churchActs – rise and growth of Christian church

c.c. LettersLetters Pauline Letters (c. 50-64) – 13 – Romans-PhilemonPauline Letters (c. 50-64) – 13 – Romans-Philemon General Epistles (c. 65-150) – 8 – Hebrews-JudeGeneral Epistles (c. 65-150) – 8 – Hebrews-Jude

d.d. Apocalypse (c. 95) –Apocalypse (c. 95) – Revelation Revelation

3.3. CanonizationCanonization (gathering into a collection; BPJM, 139-40) (gathering into a collection; BPJM, 139-40)a.a. 100 – Paul’s letters being collected100 – Paul’s letters being collectedb.b. 140 – Marcion’s canon: Luke + 10 letters of Paul140 – Marcion’s canon: Luke + 10 letters of Paulc.c. 200 – core canon taking shape similar to ours200 – core canon taking shape similar to oursd.d. 367 – earliest list of exactly our 27367 – earliest list of exactly our 27

I. Introduction to the GospelsI. Introduction to the GospelsB.B. Origin of the GospelsOrigin of the Gospels

1.1. Oral tradition (30 – 65 AD and beyond)Oral tradition (30 – 65 AD and beyond)a.a. ““Gospel” = “good news.”Gospel” = “good news.”b.b. Gospel was proclaimed orally for 3-4 decades before written gospels Gospel was proclaimed orally for 3-4 decades before written gospels

appeared.appeared.

2.2. Written gospels (65 – 100 AD)Written gospels (65 – 100 AD)a.a. Passing of eyewitness generation; spread of church to new lands.Passing of eyewitness generation; spread of church to new lands.b.b. Need for written accounts emerges.Need for written accounts emerges.

3.3. ““Synoptic Problem”Synoptic Problem”a.a. Matthew, Mark, Luke are called “Synoptic” Gospels because of many Matthew, Mark, Luke are called “Synoptic” Gospels because of many

similarities of content, order, wording (“synoptic” = “viewed together”). similarities of content, order, wording (“synoptic” = “viewed together”). b.b. John stands apart as different in many ways.John stands apart as different in many ways.c.c. Synoptic Problem: Why 3 similar gospels and one different?Synoptic Problem: Why 3 similar gospels and one different?

4.4. SolutionSolutiona.a. Mk. was written first; then it was used by Mt. & Lk.Mk. was written first; then it was used by Mt. & Lk.b.b. ““Q” – a written collection of sayings of Jesus – was also used by Mt. Q” – a written collection of sayings of Jesus – was also used by Mt.

and Lk.and Lk.c.c. Mt. and Lk. supplemented with their own special materials – M and L.Mt. and Lk. supplemented with their own special materials – M and L.d.d. John – written independently of Synoptics.John – written independently of Synoptics.

The Two-Source TheoryThe Two-Source Theory

Mark Q (M) (L)

Matthew Luke

JohnThis theory, first put forward in 1863, is held by a broad majority of NT scholars today.

I. Introduction to the GospelsI. Introduction to the Gospels

B.B. Origin of the Gospels Origin of the Gospels (cont.)(cont.)

5.5. Authorship - uncertainAuthorship - uncertaina.a. Gospels were originally anonymous.Gospels were originally anonymous.

b.b. Titles reflect 2Titles reflect 2ndnd-cent. traditions which may or may -cent. traditions which may or may not be accurate.not be accurate.

6.6. Character of the gospelsCharacter of the gospelsa.a. Not intended as objective biographies or Not intended as objective biographies or

eyewitness documentaries.eyewitness documentaries.

b.b. Faith witnesses to Jesus.Faith witnesses to Jesus. Evangelists want to “preach the gospel” to their Evangelists want to “preach the gospel” to their

readers; not just recalling bare facts but interpreting readers; not just recalling bare facts but interpreting meaning of Jesus’ story for faith.meaning of Jesus’ story for faith.

Each has edited the sources/traditions to shape a Each has edited the sources/traditions to shape a theological message for their readers.theological message for their readers.

I. Introduction to the GospelsI. Introduction to the Gospels

C.C. Four Portraits of Jesus: Four Portraits of Jesus: Each Gospel paints a distinctive Each Gospel paints a distinctive portrait of Jesus for its particular readers.portrait of Jesus for its particular readers.

1.1. Mark: Suffering MessiahMark: Suffering Messiah Written c. 65-70; earliest, shortest gospel.Written c. 65-70; earliest, shortest gospel. Tradition: Mark, disciple of Peter.Tradition: Mark, disciple of Peter. Addresses church under persecution.Addresses church under persecution. Highlights Jesus’ suffering and death.Highlights Jesus’ suffering and death. Calls readers to suffering discipleship.Calls readers to suffering discipleship.

2.2. Matthew: Teaching MessiahMatthew: Teaching Messiah Written c. 75-90; based on Mk., Q, and M.Written c. 75-90; based on Mk., Q, and M. Tradition: Matthew the tax collector.Tradition: Matthew the tax collector. Mark’s story plus 5 blocks of teaching (Q, M).Mark’s story plus 5 blocks of teaching (Q, M). Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7).Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7). Addresses Jewish audience.Addresses Jewish audience. Jesus fulfills OT prophecies. Jesus fulfills OT prophecies. Reveals true meaning of Law.Reveals true meaning of Law.

I. Introduction to the GospelsI. Introduction to the Gospels3.3. Luke: Inclusive MessiahLuke: Inclusive Messiah

Written c. 75-90; based on Mk., Q, and L.Written c. 75-90; based on Mk., Q, and L. Tradition: Luke the physician.Tradition: Luke the physician. Addresses Gentile readers.Addresses Gentile readers. Inclusiveness of the gospel: sinners, outcasts, women, Inclusiveness of the gospel: sinners, outcasts, women,

foreigners.foreigners. Continued in Acts: church’s mission to whole world.Continued in Acts: church’s mission to whole world.

4.4. John: Eternal Word of GodJohn: Eternal Word of God Written c. 90-100; latest of the canonical gospels.Written c. 90-100; latest of the canonical gospels. Tradition: John ben Zebedee.Tradition: John ben Zebedee. Jesus is heavenly Son of God who comes to reveal God’s Jesus is heavenly Son of God who comes to reveal God’s

love.love. Invitation to believe and find life.Invitation to believe and find life. ““Spiritual gospel”: reads theology of church back into the Spiritual gospel”: reads theology of church back into the

story.story.

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NTA.A. The Political SituationThe Political Situation

1.1. Roman Empire – dominated Mediterranean world.Roman Empire – dominated Mediterranean world.2.2. Roman occupation of Palestine – 63 BCRoman occupation of Palestine – 63 BC

a.a. Some Jewish autonomySome Jewish autonomy Jewish king or governor appointed by RomeJewish king or governor appointed by Rome Sanhedrin – Jewish ruling council – high priest appt. by RomeSanhedrin – Jewish ruling council – high priest appt. by Rome

b.b. Roman taxes Roman taxes – heavy; resented; tax collectors were despised.– heavy; resented; tax collectors were despised.

3.3. The Herods The Herods – Jewish rulers; clients of Rome– Jewish rulers; clients of Rome

a.a. Herod the Great (37-4 BC)Herod the Great (37-4 BC) ““King of the Jews”King of the Jews” Great building program; rebuilt TempleGreat building program; rebuilt Temple Ruthless, brutal tyrantRuthless, brutal tyrant Birth of Jesus c. 6 BC (Mt. 2) Birth of Jesus c. 6 BC (Mt. 2)

b.b. Herod Antipas (4 BC-39 AD) – Herod Antipas (4 BC-39 AD) – Galilee and Galilee and PereaPerea Imprisoned, then beheaded John the BaptistImprisoned, then beheaded John the Baptist Governed Galilee during Jesus’ ministry; suspicious of JesusGoverned Galilee during Jesus’ ministry; suspicious of Jesus Capital at Capital at SepphorisSepphoris, 4 miles from Nazareth!, 4 miles from Nazareth!

Herodian Palestine

Sepphoris

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NTc.c. Philip (4 BC-34 AD) – NE districtsPhilip (4 BC-34 AD) – NE districts

d.d. Archelaus (4 BC-6 AD) – Judea and Samaria – Archelaus (4 BC-6 AD) – Judea and Samaria – so brutal that so brutal that he was soon removed, replacedhe was soon removed, replaced

4.4. Procurators (prefects) Procurators (prefects) – – Roman governors beginning in 6 AD.Roman governors beginning in 6 AD.

a.a. Direct Roman rule; new tax; census.Direct Roman rule; new tax; census.

b.b. Provoked unrest – uprising of Judas the Galilean – 2,000 Provoked unrest – uprising of Judas the Galilean – 2,000 crucified.crucified.

c.c. Period of procurators was time of seething resentment and Period of procurators was time of seething resentment and sporadic rebellions.sporadic rebellions.

d.d. Fifth procurator was Pontius Pilate (26-36) – crucified Jesus Fifth procurator was Pontius Pilate (26-36) – crucified Jesus c. 30 AD as suspected rebel.c. 30 AD as suspected rebel.

5.5. Jewish War (66-70 AD)Jewish War (66-70 AD)a.a. Major Jewish revolt against Rome.Major Jewish revolt against Rome.

b.b. 70 AD – Jerusalem sacked; Temple destroyed.70 AD – Jerusalem sacked; Temple destroyed.

c.c. Cataclysmic event for both Jews and Christians.Cataclysmic event for both Jews and Christians.

Map

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NT

B.B. Religious Situation – many different Jewish parties:Religious Situation – many different Jewish parties:1.1. Pharisees (“separated ones”)Pharisees (“separated ones”)

a.a. Devoted to keeping written and “oral law.”Devoted to keeping written and “oral law.”

b.b. Growing body of interpretations by scribes and rabbis.Growing body of interpretations by scribes and rabbis.

c.c. Meticulous rules for Sabbath, tithing, ritual purity, fasting, etc.Meticulous rules for Sabbath, tithing, ritual purity, fasting, etc.

d.d. Believed in doctrines of resurrection; final judgment; rewards Believed in doctrines of resurrection; final judgment; rewards and punishments in afterlife.and punishments in afterlife.

e.e. Nurtured hope for Messiah.Nurtured hope for Messiah.

f.f. Challenged Jesus’ view of Law.Challenged Jesus’ view of Law.

2.2. Sadducees (“Zadokites”)Sadducees (“Zadokites”)a.a. Chief priests and other wealthy aristocrats.Chief priests and other wealthy aristocrats.

b.b. Controlled Temple and Sanhedrin.Controlled Temple and Sanhedrin.

c.c. Cooperated with Rome to stay in power.Cooperated with Rome to stay in power.

d.d. Accepted only written Torah.Accepted only written Torah.

e.e. Rejected doctrines of resurrection and afterlife.Rejected doctrines of resurrection and afterlife.

f.f. Opposed Jesus as potential troublemaker.Opposed Jesus as potential troublemaker.

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NT3.3. Essenes (“pious/holy ones”?)Essenes (“pious/holy ones”?)

a.a. Sectarian group; not mentioned in NT but described by Sectarian group; not mentioned in NT but described by several ancient writers.several ancient writers.

b.b. Probably associated with Dead Sea Scrolls and commune Probably associated with Dead Sea Scrolls and commune at Qumran.at Qumran.

c.c. Originated c. 150 BC out of temple protest; withdrew to Originated c. 150 BC out of temple protest; withdrew to wilderness; “Teacher of Righteousness” organized into wilderness; “Teacher of Righteousness” organized into community claiming to be the true Israel..community claiming to be the true Israel..

d.d. Awaited 2 messiahs; final battle between “Sons of Light” Awaited 2 messiahs; final battle between “Sons of Light” and “Sons of Darkness.”and “Sons of Darkness.”

e.e. Strict discipline and ritual purity; daily baths of purification; Strict discipline and ritual purity; daily baths of purification; sacred meals.sacred meals.

f.f. Many parallels with NT; theory that John the Baptist may Many parallels with NT; theory that John the Baptist may have come out of this group.have come out of this group.

4.4. ZealotsZealotsa.a. Militant revolutionaries; freedom fighters.Militant revolutionaries; freedom fighters.b.b. Zeal for God and Torah motivated violence against pagan Zeal for God and Torah motivated violence against pagan

domination (and against compromise of Jewish law).domination (and against compromise of Jewish law).c.c. Many around Jesus wished him to lead rebellion.Many around Jesus wished him to lead rebellion.

Qumran

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NT

C.C. Jewish Future Hopes (Eschatology)Jewish Future Hopes (Eschatology)““Eschatology” = doctrine of last things or of the end time.Eschatology” = doctrine of last things or of the end time.

Two main types:Two main types:1.1. Hope for a MessiahHope for a Messiah

a.a. Messiah = “anointed one;” comes out of OT royal ideology; Messiah = “anointed one;” comes out of OT royal ideology; kings were anointed to designate as God’s chosen rulers. kings were anointed to designate as God’s chosen rulers.

b.b. Hope for a new king, descended from David who would Hope for a new king, descended from David who would liberate and restore Israel; many notions of how this would liberate and restore Israel; many notions of how this would play out.play out.

c.c. Christ = Greek for anointed one; NT claims Jesus fulfills hope Christ = Greek for anointed one; NT claims Jesus fulfills hope – but in unexpected ways.– but in unexpected ways.

2.2. ApocalypticismApocalypticisma.a. More radical hope, looking not for restoration of nation but for More radical hope, looking not for restoration of nation but for

cataclysmic end of world and creation of another.cataclysmic end of world and creation of another.b.b. God intervenes to defeat powers of evil; resurrection of dead; God intervenes to defeat powers of evil; resurrection of dead;

final judgment; rewards and punishments; glorious new age.final judgment; rewards and punishments; glorious new age.c.c. These themes pervade the NT.These themes pervade the NT.

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NTD.D. Diaspora JudaismDiaspora Judaism

1.1. ““Diaspora” refers to the “scattering” or “dispersion” of Jews outside Diaspora” refers to the “scattering” or “dispersion” of Jews outside Palestine; about 3 times as many Jews lived in Diaspora as in homeland.Palestine; about 3 times as many Jews lived in Diaspora as in homeland.

2.2. Tended to be Greek-speaking; read scripture in Septuagint version, a Tended to be Greek-speaking; read scripture in Septuagint version, a Greek translation produced in Alexandria 250-100 BC.Greek translation produced in Alexandria 250-100 BC.

3.3. Synagogues – Jewish places of study and worship – probably originated in Synagogues – Jewish places of study and worship – probably originated in Diaspora (by NT times, synagogues existed throughout Palestine as well). Diaspora (by NT times, synagogues existed throughout Palestine as well). Synagogues differed from the temple in 2 main ways:Synagogues differed from the temple in 2 main ways:a.a. There was only 1 temple (in Jerusalem); synagogues were found There was only 1 temple (in Jerusalem); synagogues were found

everywhere Jews lived in sufficient numbers; they were very local.everywhere Jews lived in sufficient numbers; they were very local.b.b. No animal sacrifices were performed in synagogues; synagogue No animal sacrifices were performed in synagogues; synagogue

worship revolved around reading/interpreting scripture and reciting worship revolved around reading/interpreting scripture and reciting prayers; influenced early Christian worship.prayers; influenced early Christian worship.

4.4. Proselytes and God-fearersProselytes and God-fearersa.a. Proselytes – Gentiles who converted to Judaism; required Proselytes – Gentiles who converted to Judaism; required

circumcision, baptism, sacrifice in temple.circumcision, baptism, sacrifice in temple.b.b. God-fearers – Gentiles who drew near but did not convert; Cornelius, God-fearers – Gentiles who drew near but did not convert; Cornelius,

the Roman centurion converted by Peter in Acts 10, was a God-the Roman centurion converted by Peter in Acts 10, was a God-fearer.fearer.

5.5. Diaspora Judaism provided a natural network for spread of early Diaspora Judaism provided a natural network for spread of early Christianity.Christianity.

II. The World of Jesus and the NTII. The World of Jesus and the NTE.E. Larger Greco-Roman WorldLarger Greco-Roman World

1.1. Prevailing culture of Roman Empire was Hellenistic; Prevailing culture of Roman Empire was Hellenistic; Greek was most Greek was most widely spoken language; early church was mostly Greek-speaking.widely spoken language; early church was mostly Greek-speaking.

2.2. Empire was filled with many new religions oriented towards Empire was filled with many new religions oriented towards personal salvation of individuals.personal salvation of individuals.

3.3. Popular philosophies like Platonism, Stoicism, and Cynicism were Popular philosophies like Platonism, Stoicism, and Cynicism were preached in marketplaces by wandering teachers.preached in marketplaces by wandering teachers.

4.4. Mystery religions were a category of cults devoted to various deities Mystery religions were a category of cults devoted to various deities (Demeter, Isis, Dionysus, Mithras, etc.).(Demeter, Isis, Dionysus, Mithras, etc.).a.a. Often featured myth of a dying and rising god.Often featured myth of a dying and rising god.b.b. Through secret rituals, initiate experiences death/rebirth of god; Through secret rituals, initiate experiences death/rebirth of god;

becomes immortal, divine – like the god.becomes immortal, divine – like the god.c.c. Christians adopted similar pattern, language.Christians adopted similar pattern, language.

5.5. Gnosticism was a philosophical religion of salvation by knowledge.Gnosticism was a philosophical religion of salvation by knowledge.a.a. Based on dualism considering spirit to be good and matter to be evil.Based on dualism considering spirit to be good and matter to be evil.b.b. Human being is good spirit imprisoned in evil, material body/world.Human being is good spirit imprisoned in evil, material body/world.c.c. Salvation comes by knowledge (Salvation comes by knowledge (gnosisgnosis) which illuminates/liberates ) which illuminates/liberates

spirit.spirit.d.d. Fully developed Gnosticism was 2Fully developed Gnosticism was 2ndnd-cent. Christian heresy; early -cent. Christian heresy; early

Gnostic thought influenced Christianity in NT period.Gnostic thought influenced Christianity in NT period.

Map of Map of Herodian Herodian PalestinePalestine

SepphorisNazareth

Bethlehem

NE Districts

Caesarea Philippi

(Philip)

(Antipas)

(Antipas)

(Arc

helaus

)