The Gospel Authors. The Gospel Authors as a whole are referred to as the Four Evangelists The Gospel...

The Gospel The Gospel AuthorsAuthors

The Gospel Authors as The Gospel Authors as a whole are referred a whole are referred to as the Four to as the Four EvangelistsEvangelists

When comparing the When comparing the Four Gospels, one will Four Gospels, one will notice that there are notice that there are many differences many differences between each of them. between each of them.

The major differences The major differences are found between the are found between the Synoptic Gospels and Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John.the Gospel of John.

Evangelist is a term that Evangelist is a term that basically means ‘one who basically means ‘one who enthusiastically proclaims the enthusiastically proclaims the Word of God.’ Word of God.’

Within these Four Gospels Within these Four Gospels there are many differences there are many differences and individual stories and and individual stories and themes that are not themes that are not represented in all of the other represented in all of the other Gospels.Gospels.

The major division is between The major division is between the Synoptic Gospels and the the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John.Gospel of John.

The Synoptic GospelsThe Synoptic Gospels This set of Gospels This set of Gospels

includes Matthew, includes Matthew, Mark and LukeMark and Luke

The term “Synoptic” The term “Synoptic” refers to the idea refers to the idea that these three that these three books come from books come from “one-view” “one-view”

These are more These are more historical in naturehistorical in nature

The Gospel of JohnThe Gospel of John

Is significantly different in Is significantly different in terms of themes and terms of themes and chronology so much so that it chronology so much so that it is not thought to be of the is not thought to be of the same view as the other three same view as the other three Gospels.Gospels.

““So are they Divinely So are they Divinely Inspired?”Inspired?”

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Four_Evangelists_Jordaens_Louvre_Inv1404.jpg

From the Mouth of GodFrom the Mouth of God

Some Some Protestant Protestant denominations denominations believe that the believe that the Bible is the Bible is the direct words of direct words of God that were God that were merely written merely written down by the down by the bible writers.bible writers.

Divinely InspiredDivinely Inspired As Catholics, we As Catholics, we

believe that they believe that they are divinely are divinely inspired.inspired.

They are the They are the recorded recorded accounts of how accounts of how God has moved in God has moved in the lives of God’s the lives of God’s people.people.

By looking at how the Gospel By looking at how the Gospel were written…..were written…..

We are not challenging the Truth, We are not challenging the Truth, religious or historical or otherwise, religious or historical or otherwise, but merely examining how the but merely examining how the Gospels were created.Gospels were created.

The power of the Bible is of course The power of the Bible is of course displayed every day in the impact displayed every day in the impact that it has had on our lives and on that it has had on our lives and on our history and the history of our history and the history of society.society.

The Four Evangelists The Four Evangelists are represented by four are represented by four

creatures:creatures: As found in both the visions of As found in both the visions of

Ezekiel and in the Book of Ezekiel and in the Book of Revelations there are references Revelations there are references to the four creatures: the winged to the four creatures: the winged lion, the eagle, the winged man lion, the eagle, the winged man and the winged ox.and the winged ox.

They represent the completion of They represent the completion of nature in that these four animals nature in that these four animals are separate and perfect in their are separate and perfect in their creation (much like the creation (much like the Gospels…..) Gospels…..)

The GospelsThe Gospels The Gospel authors may or may not have The Gospel authors may or may not have

actually been named Matthew, Mark, Luke or actually been named Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. John.

Their names may represent a group of Their names may represent a group of followers or a specific figure from the early followers or a specific figure from the early Church. Church.

The author may have chosen the name to give The author may have chosen the name to give credence to their account or because they credence to their account or because they were a direct follower of the person. were a direct follower of the person.

In any case our biographical information on In any case our biographical information on the Gospel authors is limited.the Gospel authors is limited.

The Gospel of MarkThe Gospel of Mark

Mark is Mark is represented by represented by the Winged Lion.the Winged Lion.

http://www.pbase.com/pcwing/venice


This was the earliest Gospel to be This was the earliest Gospel to be written with an approximate date of written with an approximate date of 60 to 70 a.d.60 to 70 a.d.

The most plausible date is c. 70 -75 The most plausible date is c. 70 -75 A.D., because of the reference to the A.D., because of the reference to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalemdestruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

Evidence suggests that the Gospel of Evidence suggests that the Gospel of Mark was written in Mark was written in RomeRome

In terms of its style the Gospel of In terms of its style the Gospel of Mark was written as an action packed Mark was written as an action packed narrative. narrative.


This is because the Gospel is the This is because the Gospel is the shortest in overall length. shortest in overall length. Although, individual stories in Although, individual stories in Mark are longer, there are fewer Mark are longer, there are fewer stories and even less narration in stories and even less narration in between the stories. between the stories.

The Gospel is a collection of The Gospel is a collection of stories as opposed to a developed stories as opposed to a developed narrative.narrative.

AuthorshipAuthorship The Gospel of Mark is The Gospel of Mark is

anonymousanonymous Only sometime during the Only sometime during the

second century was the title second century was the title “The Gospel of Mark” affixed “The Gospel of Mark” affixed to the workto the work

However, there is internal, However, there is internal, indirect evidence to consider indirect evidence to consider that may help give us an idea that may help give us an idea of who the author wasof who the author was

Authorship: Internal, Indirect Authorship: Internal, Indirect EvidenceEvidence

The Gospel of Mark is non-The Gospel of Mark is non-literary, having a simple literary, having a simple and popular style and popular style

One can infer that the One can infer that the author’s first language was author’s first language was not Greeknot Greek

Probably spoke a Semitic Probably spoke a Semitic language (most likely language (most likely Aramaic)Aramaic)

Likely a Palestinian JewLikely a Palestinian Jew

The author uses vivid descriptions. For The author uses vivid descriptions. For example: example: James and John leave their father in James and John leave their father in

the boat with the servants when the boat with the servants when they heed Jesus' call to follow him they heed Jesus' call to follow him (1:20) (1:20)

Jesus takes Peter's mother-in-law by Jesus takes Peter's mother-in-law by the hand and raises her to her feet the hand and raises her to her feet (1:31)(1:31)


The vividness of description in the The vividness of description in the Gospel of Mark implies that the Gospel of Mark implies that the author:author: Was an eyewitness to the events Was an eyewitness to the events

documented documented Had access to eyewitness Had access to eyewitness

accountsaccounts


Authorship: External Authorship: External EvidenceEvidence

Eusebius quotes from what he Eusebius quotes from what he identifies as the five treatises identifies as the five treatises written by Papias, Bishop of written by Papias, Bishop of HierapolisHierapolis

In it, he states that:In it, he states that:Mark was Peter’s interpreter Mark was Peter’s interpreter

and recorderand recorderMark had not met Christ, but Mark had not met Christ, but

followed Peter later onfollowed Peter later on

AudienceAudience Most likely a non-Jewish Most likely a non-Jewish

community (or a community (or a Diaspora Jewish Diaspora Jewish community) for two community) for two reasons:reasons:

1.1. It was written in GreekIt was written in Greek

2.2. Aramaic phrases are Aramaic phrases are interpreted and Jewish interpreted and Jewish customs are explained customs are explained for the audiencefor the audience

Gospel InformationGospel Information

It is the shortest Gospel It is the shortest Gospel However, individual stories in However, individual stories in

Mark are longerMark are longer The Gospel is a collection of The Gospel is a collection of

stories (not a developed narrative)stories (not a developed narrative) Mark is composed of an introduction Mark is composed of an introduction

and of four portionsand of four portions

Gospel InformationGospel Information It has a 3-part plan: It has a 3-part plan:

PsychologicalPsychological: It rests upon the idea : It rests upon the idea of the development of the Jewish of the development of the Jewish opposition and the disciples' lack of opposition and the disciples' lack of intelligenceintelligence

Logical and ChronologicalLogical and Chronological: It shows : It shows the reactions after the welcome given the reactions after the welcome given to Jesus to Jesus

GeographicalGeographical: It divides the history of : It divides the history of Jesus into three periods: Galilean, Jesus into three periods: Galilean, itinerant, and Jerusalem itinerant, and Jerusalem

Gospel InformationGospel Information It has been called a story of the death of Jesus It has been called a story of the death of Jesus

with a long introductionwith a long introduction Jesus is referred to as a the “Son of Man”Jesus is referred to as a the “Son of Man” Demons and unclean spirits recognize Jesus’ Demons and unclean spirits recognize Jesus’

divinitydivinity The only Gospel where Jesus is referred to as The only Gospel where Jesus is referred to as

a carpentera carpenter

Gospel InformationGospel Information Written in Greek for Greco-Roman Written in Greek for Greco-Roman

audienceaudience ““Markan priority” is a term that Markan priority” is a term that

describes Mark being written first describes Mark being written first Aramaic words are translated for its Aramaic words are translated for its

audience.audience. Messianic Secret-Jesus tells the Messianic Secret-Jesus tells the

disciples and spirits not to proclaim His disciples and spirits not to proclaim His divinitydivinity

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew Matthew is symbolized Matthew is symbolized

by the winged manby the winged man

Date: Internal, Indirect Date: Internal, Indirect EvidenceEvidence

The Gospel of Matthew speaks of the role of the Temple The Gospel of Matthew speaks of the role of the Temple in the life of the Jewish people. This suggests that it was in the life of the Jewish people. This suggests that it was written before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. written before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

However it might be that the author is simply being However it might be that the author is simply being historically accurate by including these passageshistorically accurate by including these passages

Date: External Date: External EvidenceEvidence

Ignatius quoted a phrase from the Gospel Ignatius quoted a phrase from the Gospel of Matthew around 100 A.D.of Matthew around 100 A.D.

Clement of Rome (c. 90 A.D.) used Clement of Rome (c. 90 A.D.) used sections of the Gospel of Matthew in a sections of the Gospel of Matthew in a quotationquotation

This implies that the Gospel of Matthew This implies that the Gospel of Matthew was in general circulation before 90 A.D.was in general circulation before 90 A.D.

If Matthew used Mark as a source, then If Matthew used Mark as a source, then had to be written after the mid 70’shad to be written after the mid 70’s

LocationLocationProbably written in Probably written in

or near Palestine, or near Palestine, where there were where there were many Jewish many Jewish believersbelievers


The Gospel of Matthew is anonymousThe Gospel of Matthew is anonymous Sometime early in the 2Sometime early in the 2ndnd century the century the

Gospel of Matthew was designated as Gospel of Matthew was designated as suchsuch

As far as internal, indirect evidence is As far as internal, indirect evidence is concerned, three data should be concerned, three data should be

noted:noted:

Authorship: Internal Authorship: Internal evidenceevidence1.1. Much of the material Much of the material uniqueunique to to

the Gospel of Matthew is only the Gospel of Matthew is only fully understandable by and of fully understandable by and of interest to Jewsinterest to Jews

2.2. It explicitly cites Old Testament It explicitly cites Old Testament messianic prophecies as having messianic prophecies as having been fulfilled by Jesusbeen fulfilled by Jesus

3.3. Only the Gospel of Matthew Only the Gospel of Matthew refers to "Matthew the tax refers to "Matthew the tax collector". Only Jews would collector". Only Jews would have discussed the negative have discussed the negative role of the tax collectorrole of the tax collector

Authorship: External Authorship: External evidenceevidence

This Gospel was most likely written in This Gospel was most likely written in Hebrew or AramaicHebrew or Aramaic

Evidence:Evidence: Papias (60-130 A.D.): "Matthew composed Papias (60-130 A.D.): "Matthew composed

the sayings in the Hebrew language and the sayings in the Hebrew language and everyone interpreted as he was able.”everyone interpreted as he was able.”

Irenaeus (130-200 A.D.): "Now Matthew Irenaeus (130-200 A.D.): "Now Matthew brought forth among the Hebrews a written brought forth among the Hebrews a written gospel in their language."gospel in their language."

Audience: Internal, Indirect Audience: Internal, Indirect EvidenceEvidence

The intended readers were probably Jews The intended readers were probably Jews because:because: Much of the material Much of the material uniqueunique to the Gospel of to the Gospel of

Matthew is only fully understandable by and Matthew is only fully understandable by and of interest to Jews of interest to Jews

The concern of the author to present the The concern of the author to present the fulfillment nature of Jesus' ministryfulfillment nature of Jesus' ministry

Gospel InformationGospel Information Throughout the Throughout the

Gospel the term Gospel the term ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ is used 32 times is used 32 times

Jews also did not say Jews also did not say or write ‘God’ so or write ‘God’ so calling it the calling it the ‘Kingdom of God’ ‘Kingdom of God’ would not have been would not have been appropriateappropriate

Gospel InformationGospel Information In this Gospel, Jesus is a teacher who used In this Gospel, Jesus is a teacher who used

parables and the Beatitudes to convey His parables and the Beatitudes to convey His missionmission

The Magi appear only in this Gospel The Magi appear only in this Gospel Moses and Jesus connectionsMoses and Jesus connections The difference being that Moses delivered The difference being that Moses delivered

the Law and Jesus fulfilled itthe Law and Jesus fulfilled it

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew The author and audience of this Gospel The author and audience of this Gospel

are Jewish Christians.are Jewish Christians. This is shown by the fact that the This is shown by the fact that the

Matthean account:Matthean account: follows the Sabbath follows the Sabbath fulfills Old Testament predictions about the Messiah fulfills Old Testament predictions about the Messiah observes the Sabbathobserves the Sabbath aligns Jesus with Mosesaligns Jesus with Moses Jesus a descendant of DavidJesus a descendant of David does not explicitly explain Jewish references and does not explicitly explain Jewish references and

customs because the audience would already have customs because the audience would already have knowledge about these things.knowledge about these things.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew Some biblical tradition points to the fact that Some biblical tradition points to the fact that

this Gospel was named Matthew by its author this Gospel was named Matthew by its author in tribute to the apostle Matthew (the tax in tribute to the apostle Matthew (the tax collector)collector)

Throughout the Gospel the term ‘Kingdom of Throughout the Gospel the term ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ is used 32 times which would serve Heaven’ is used 32 times which would serve as a source of hope for a persecuted people so as a source of hope for a persecuted people so that they would know that their focus should that they would know that their focus should be more concerned with the afterlife than be more concerned with the afterlife than what they are experiencing on earth. what they are experiencing on earth.

(Jews also did not say or write ‘God’ so calling (Jews also did not say or write ‘God’ so calling it the Kingdom of God would not have been it the Kingdom of God would not have been appropriate.)appropriate.)

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew In this Gospel, Jesus is a teacher who used In this Gospel, Jesus is a teacher who used

parables and the Beatitudes to convey His parables and the Beatitudes to convey His mission.mission.

The Magi appear only in this Gospel and this The Magi appear only in this Gospel and this starts the Moses and Jesus connections starts the Moses and Jesus connections including such similarities as the massacre of including such similarities as the massacre of the innocents, a flight (in and) out of Egypt, the innocents, a flight (in and) out of Egypt, time in the desert (40 days versus 40 years), time in the desert (40 days versus 40 years), Manna versus bread of life and the Manna versus bread of life and the responsibility to lead a disempowered peopleresponsibility to lead a disempowered people

The difference being that Moses delivered the The difference being that Moses delivered the Law and Jesus fulfilled it.Law and Jesus fulfilled it.

The Gospel of LukeThe Gospel of Luke The Gospel of Luke’s author is The Gospel of Luke’s author is

symbolized by a winged ox.symbolized by a winged ox.


The Gospel of Luke was written The Gospel of Luke was written before the Book of Actsbefore the Book of Acts

At the end of the Book of Acts Paul At the end of the Book of Acts Paul has been a prisoner in Rome for two has been a prisoner in Rome for two years (60-62 A.D.) years (60-62 A.D.)

It is arguable that the Book of Acts, It is arguable that the Book of Acts, and therefore the Gospel of Luke, and therefore the Gospel of Luke, was written before Paul's release was written before Paul's release from his first imprisonmentfrom his first imprisonment


However, Paul’s release may be missing However, Paul’s release may be missing because Luke was not an eyewitness of because Luke was not an eyewitness of these events (and did not have access these events (and did not have access to other eyewitness accounts)to other eyewitness accounts)

This would mean that Luke’s Gospel This would mean that Luke’s Gospel may be dated after 62 A.D.may be dated after 62 A.D.

Date: External Date: External EvidenceEvidence

Luke implies that he used sources in Luke implies that he used sources in writing his Gospel writing his Gospel

The Anti-Marcionite Prologue says that The Anti-Marcionite Prologue says that Luke had Mark available to him when he Luke had Mark available to him when he wrote his own Gospelwrote his own Gospel

If he used the Gospel of Mark as a If he used the Gospel of Mark as a source, the earliest date that the Gospel source, the earliest date that the Gospel of Luke could have been written was the of Luke could have been written was the mid 70’smid 70’s

LocationLocation

The Anti-Marcionite Prologue The Anti-Marcionite Prologue states that Luke composed his states that Luke composed his Gospel “in the regions around Gospel “in the regions around Achaia.” (Southern Greece)Achaia.” (Southern Greece)

This is consistent with Luke's being This is consistent with Luke's being an associate of Paul, because Paul an associate of Paul, because Paul worked in Achaia. worked in Achaia.


The author described the process by The author described the process by which he prepared himself to write which he prepared himself to write his Gospel in Luke 1:2-3his Gospel in Luke 1:2-3

This implies that he was not an This implies that he was not an eyewitness to the events that he eyewitness to the events that he narratednarrated

Judging from the quality of the Judging from the quality of the Greek, the author was not a Greek, the author was not a Palestinian Jew, and, therefore, not Palestinian Jew, and, therefore, not an apostlean apostle


It is possible to compile a list of candidates It is possible to compile a list of candidates for authorship of the Gospel of Luke on the for authorship of the Gospel of Luke on the assumption that the author of the Book of assumption that the author of the Book of Acts is the same as the author of the Gospel Acts is the same as the author of the Gospel of Lukeof Luke

There are "we-sections" in the Book of Acts, in There are "we-sections" in the Book of Acts, in which the author describes events in the first which the author describes events in the first pluralplural

This implies that the author was a participant This implies that the author was a participant in the events relatedin the events related

The author appears to have been a companion The author appears to have been a companion and co-worker of the apostle Pauland co-worker of the apostle Paul


22ndnd century sources agree unanimously century sources agree unanimously that Luke wrote the Gospel that bears that Luke wrote the Gospel that bears his namehis name

Evidence:Evidence: The Muratorian Canon (c. 170 A.D.): The Muratorian Canon (c. 170 A.D.):

"Luke, the physician... wrote in his own "Luke, the physician... wrote in his own name what he had been told, though he name what he had been told, though he himself had not seen the Lord in the flesh." himself had not seen the Lord in the flesh."

Irenaeus (130-c.200 A.D.): "Luke the Irenaeus (130-c.200 A.D.): "Luke the companion of Paul set forth in a book the companion of Paul set forth in a book the Gospel preached by him (Paul)" Gospel preached by him (Paul)"


More Evidence: (Don’t write this down…)More Evidence: (Don’t write this down…) The Anti-Marcionite Prologue: “Luke is a Syrian of The Anti-Marcionite Prologue: “Luke is a Syrian of

Antioch, a physician by profession. Having been a Antioch, a physician by profession. Having been a disciple of the apostles and later having accompanied disciple of the apostles and later having accompanied Paul until his martyrdom.” Paul until his martyrdom.”

Eusebius says that Luke was a companion of Paul and by Eusebius says that Luke was a companion of Paul and by race an Antiochean. According to Eusebius, Paul race an Antiochean. According to Eusebius, Paul adopted Luke’s Gospel as his own Gospel: “And they say adopted Luke’s Gospel as his own Gospel: “And they say that Paul was actually accustomed to quote from Luke’s that Paul was actually accustomed to quote from Luke’s Gospel … he used to say, ‘According to my Gospel’” Gospel … he used to say, ‘According to my Gospel’”

Jerome reports that Luke was from Antioch, was a Jerome reports that Luke was from Antioch, was a competent writer of Greek, and was associated with competent writer of Greek, and was associated with Paul: "Luke, a physician of Antioch as his writings Paul: "Luke, a physician of Antioch as his writings indicate, was not unskilled in the Greek language. An indicate, was not unskilled in the Greek language. An adherent of the apostle Paul, and companion of all his adherent of the apostle Paul, and companion of all his journeying, he wrote a Gospel"journeying, he wrote a Gospel"


The information in The information in the external the external sources tells us:sources tells us:That Luke was a That Luke was a

physicianphysicianA gentile from A gentile from

AntiochAntiochA companion and A companion and

co-worker of Paulco-worker of Paul

AudienceAudience Luke identifies Theophilus as Luke identifies Theophilus as

his intended reader in the his intended reader in the ProloguePrologue

Theophilus may have paid Theophilus may have paid whatever costs were incurred whatever costs were incurred by the writing of the Gospelby the writing of the Gospel

But Luke probably also But Luke probably also intended a wider readership intended a wider readership than just Theophilus. Most than just Theophilus. Most likely the Greek gentile worldlikely the Greek gentile world

Gospel InformationGospel Information (Like in Mark and Matthew) (Like in Mark and Matthew)

Jesus, after having restricted Jesus, after having restricted his ministry to Galilee and his ministry to Galilee and surrounding regions, sets surrounding regions, sets out for Jerusalemout for Jerusalem

The section before this major The section before this major transition can be divided into transition can be divided into four sections:four sections: Prologue (1:1-4) Prologue (1:1-4) Birth Narrative and Events in Birth Narrative and Events in

Jesus' Childhood (1:5-2:52) Jesus' Childhood (1:5-2:52) The Preparation for Jesus' The Preparation for Jesus'

Ministry (3:1-4:13) Ministry (3:1-4:13) Jesus' Galilean Ministry (4:14-Jesus' Galilean Ministry (4:14-

9:50)9:50)

Gospel InformationGospel Information The section after the major The section after the major

transition can be broken down transition can be broken down into two sections: into two sections: The Travel Narrative and The Travel Narrative and

Judean Period of Jesus' Judean Period of Jesus' Ministry (9:51-19:27) Ministry (9:51-19:27)

The Passion and The Passion and Resurrection Narratives Resurrection Narratives (22:1-24:53)(22:1-24:53)

Luke used four blocks of Luke used four blocks of Markan materialMarkan material

Also, Luke generally follows Also, Luke generally follows the Markan order of the the Markan order of the materialmaterial

Gospel InformationGospel Information Luke explains that his mission is Luke explains that his mission is

to systematically and historically to systematically and historically explain and verify the events in explain and verify the events in the life and mission of Jesusthe life and mission of Jesus

Stresses the concerns for Stresses the concerns for outcasts and the poor outcasts and the poor

Emphasizes strong, faith-Emphasizes strong, faith-filled womenfilled women

The visit to Elizabeth is told The visit to Elizabeth is told only in this Gospelonly in this Gospel

Also included is the Also included is the Magnificat which is Mary’s Magnificat which is Mary’s song of praise for Godsong of praise for God

The Gospel of LukeThe Gospel of Luke Begins with a letter to a person/group named Begins with a letter to a person/group named

“Theophilus” (Theo = God, phile = one who “Theophilus” (Theo = God, phile = one who studies e.g. Bibliophile a book lover)studies e.g. Bibliophile a book lover)

Luke explains that his mission is to Luke explains that his mission is to systematically and historically explain and systematically and historically explain and verify the events in the life and mission of verify the events in the life and mission of Jesus of NazarethJesus of Nazareth

The Gospel author may have been a close The Gospel author may have been a close follower of Paul and so he also wrote the Acts follower of Paul and so he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles which chronicled the Apostles of the Apostles which chronicled the Apostles after the death and Resurrection of Jesus after the death and Resurrection of Jesus

The Gospel of LukeThe Gospel of Luke Stresses the concerns for the poor and Stresses the concerns for the poor and

outcasts with an emphasis on strong outcasts with an emphasis on strong faith-filled womenfaith-filled women

Audience was for the Christians of Audience was for the Christians of Greek Background.Greek Background.

The visit to Elizabeth is told only in this The visit to Elizabeth is told only in this Gospel. This story is also used to Gospel. This story is also used to formulate the Hail Mary (the other formulate the Hail Mary (the other parts are from the Angel’s visitation to parts are from the Angel’s visitation to Mary).Mary).

Also included is the Magnificat which is Also included is the Magnificat which is Mary’s song of praise for God.Mary’s song of praise for God.

Matthew, Luke & QMatthew, Luke & Q

Scholars have proposed a theory known Scholars have proposed a theory known as the two-source theory to explain the as the two-source theory to explain the similarities between the Gospels of similarities between the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew and Luke.

This theory revolves around the idea that This theory revolves around the idea that Matthew and Luke used both the Gospel Matthew and Luke used both the Gospel of Mark and a proposed source called of Mark and a proposed source called “Q”“Q”

Q is basically a book of Quotes from the Q is basically a book of Quotes from the mouth of Jesus.mouth of Jesus.

QQ

How scholars have identified this How scholars have identified this is to look at the common phrases, is to look at the common phrases, stories, quotes in Mk, Mt, & Lk. stories, quotes in Mk, Mt, & Lk.

From there they eliminated all From there they eliminated all lines that were common only to lines that were common only to Mt and Lk and what they found Mt and Lk and what they found was that most of this is quotes was that most of this is quotes from an additional source “Q”from an additional source “Q”

QQ

This was reinforced by the finding This was reinforced by the finding of other documents, such as the of other documents, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, that were dated Dead Sea Scrolls, that were dated to the First Century.to the First Century.

Within these documents was a Within these documents was a book of Quotes (Gospel of Thomas) book of Quotes (Gospel of Thomas) therefore giving credibility to the therefore giving credibility to the fact that people were collecting fact that people were collecting books of Jesus’ sayings.books of Jesus’ sayings.

The Gospel of JohnThe Gospel of John John is symbolized by an EagleJohn is symbolized by an Eagle

DateDate

The most common date given to the The most common date given to the Gospel of John is between 90 and 100 A.D. Gospel of John is between 90 and 100 A.D.

Some scholars argue for a date before 70 Some scholars argue for a date before 70 A.D.A.D.

Many scholars of the past generation Many scholars of the past generation believed John came from the 2believed John came from the 2ndnd century century

DateDate The date of 90 to 100 The date of 90 to 100

A.D. fits both:A.D. fits both: The church traditions The church traditions

of John being the final of John being the final "spiritual" Gospel "spiritual" Gospel

The anti-Jewish tone The anti-Jewish tone of the Gospel and the of the Gospel and the focus on Phariseesfocus on Pharisees

LocationLocation

Believed that John was written in Believed that John was written in EphesusEphesus

There is really no evidence that would There is really no evidence that would give us a clear indication of where the give us a clear indication of where the Gospel was writtenGospel was written

However, the use of Greek However, the use of Greek philosophical categories in John fits philosophical categories in John fits with what we know about Ephesuswith what we know about Ephesus

Authorship: Internal, Direct Authorship: Internal, Direct EvidenceEvidence

Of all the gospels, the Gospel of John Of all the gospels, the Gospel of John is the most disputed concerning is the most disputed concerning authorshipauthorship

There are two pieces of internal, There are two pieces of internal, direct evidence to consider:direct evidence to consider:


John 21:20-24 John 21:20-24 (DON’T WRITE (DON’T WRITE ) ) 20 Peter, turning 20 Peter, turning

around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned following them; the one who also had leaned back on his breast at the supper and said, back on his breast at the supper and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays you?" 21 "Lord, who is the one who betrays you?" 21 So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, "Lord, and So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." 23 Therefore that to you? You follow me." 23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but not say to him that he would not die, but only, "If I want him to remain until I come, only, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his these things, and we know that his testimony is true.testimony is true.


Evidence in John 21:Evidence in John 21: ““The disciple whom Jesus The disciple whom Jesus

loved" is said to be the one loved" is said to be the one who witnessed what is who witnessed what is written in and wrote the written in and wrote the Gospel of JohnGospel of John

Since Peter asks Jesus about Since Peter asks Jesus about this disciple, Peter is this disciple, Peter is eliminated as a candidate for eliminated as a candidate for "the disciple whom Jesus "the disciple whom Jesus loved" loved"

Authorship: Internal, Direct Authorship: Internal, Direct EvidenceEvidence John 19:25-35 John 19:25-35

(DON’T WRITE… AGAIN (DON’T WRITE… AGAIN ) ) 25 Therefore the soldiers did these 25 Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus then saw his mother, and the disciple whom he 26 When Jesus then saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." your son." 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. 28 From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to his the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to his mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished." And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. said, "It is finished." And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that 31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with him; 33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that he crucified with him; 33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. you also may believe.


Again, the author identifies "the disciple whom he [Jesus] Again, the author identifies "the disciple whom he [Jesus] loved" as the one whose testimony is true and worthy of loved" as the one whose testimony is true and worthy of belief belief

One can speculate from John 19:25-35:One can speculate from John 19:25-35: The author, one of the twelve disciples, wrote the Gospel The author, one of the twelve disciples, wrote the Gospel

designating himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" designating himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" The author refrained from identifying this disciple by The author refrained from identifying this disciple by

name in any of the narratives in which he appeared name in any of the narratives in which he appeared His original readership presumably knew his identityHis original readership presumably knew his identity However, an editor, concerned that there might be However, an editor, concerned that there might be

future readers who would not know the connection future readers who would not know the connection between the author and "the disciple whom Jesus loved," between the author and "the disciple whom Jesus loved," added 21:24 and 19:35 to ensure that this connection added 21:24 and 19:35 to ensure that this connection was made explicit in the textwas made explicit in the text


The author is familiar with the The author is familiar with the geographical, social and religious geographical, social and religious features of Palestinefeatures of Palestine

He is also familiar with the city of He is also familiar with the city of Jerusalem and the TempleJerusalem and the Temple

Likewise, he is also familiar with Likewise, he is also familiar with Jewish and Samaritan religious beliefsJewish and Samaritan religious beliefs

To have such detailed knowledge To have such detailed knowledge about these things implies that the about these things implies that the author was a Palestinian Jewauthor was a Palestinian Jew

AuthorshipAuthorship Careful analysis of the Gospel has Careful analysis of the Gospel has

caused many people to question caused many people to question whether John the Apostle was the whether John the Apostle was the authorauthor

The concept of the Logos (Word), as The concept of the Logos (Word), as well as other sections in John, seem well as other sections in John, seem to reflect a sophisticated to reflect a sophisticated understanding of Greek philosophy understanding of Greek philosophy that we wouldn't expect from a that we wouldn't expect from a Jewish fishermanJewish fisherman

Yet, other portions of the Gospel Yet, other portions of the Gospel are very Jewish and almost require are very Jewish and almost require an eyewitness accountan eyewitness account

AuthorshipAuthorship What is believe by most scholars What is believe by most scholars

today:today: John the Apostle collected a group John the Apostle collected a group

of teachings and events from Jesus' of teachings and events from Jesus' ministry in Palestineministry in Palestine

He moved to Ephesus and He moved to Ephesus and gathered a group of young gathered a group of young followers around himfollowers around him

One of those younger followers One of those younger followers wrote the first edition of the wrote the first edition of the Gospel under John's supervisionGospel under John's supervision

Later another student produced a Later another student produced a second edition which is the form of second edition which is the form of John we now haveJohn we now have

AudienceAudience Most likely written for those within Most likely written for those within

the surrounding communitythe surrounding community Therefore it was probably written for Therefore it was probably written for

the Ephesians or maybe the churches the Ephesians or maybe the churches in Asia Minor in generalin Asia Minor in general

Gospel InformationGospel Information Focus was on Jesus Focus was on Jesus

as the life-giving as the life-giving savioursaviour

Does not give ‘Mary’ Does not give ‘Mary’ her name; calls her her name; calls her ‘woman’ or ‘the ‘woman’ or ‘the mother of Jesus’mother of Jesus’

There is no Nativity There is no Nativity story in itstory in it

Jesus’ first miracle in Jesus’ first miracle in this Gospel is the this Gospel is the turning of water into turning of water into wine at the Wedding wine at the Wedding at Canaat Cana


The Beloved Disciple (a.k.a. the The Beloved Disciple (a.k.a. the one whom one whom Jesus lovedJesus loved, etc.) is a character in this Gospel, etc.) is a character in this Gospel

This character is meant to represent John This character is meant to represent John who Jesus treats as little brotherwho Jesus treats as little brother

This special treatment allows John to be privy This special treatment allows John to be privy to some of Jesus thoughts and experiences, to some of Jesus thoughts and experiences, such as the visits to Nicodemussuch as the visits to Nicodemus

Gospel InformationGospel Information The Beloved Disciple also takes a place The Beloved Disciple also takes a place

beside Jesus at the Last Supper which beside Jesus at the Last Supper which leads to you DaVinci Code conspiracy leads to you DaVinci Code conspiracy theorists thinking that boy that person theorists thinking that boy that person does look like a woman except for a does look like a woman except for a couple of sticking points couple of sticking points

1) DaVinci’s painting is not a snapshot of the Last Supper it is a 1) DaVinci’s painting is not a snapshot of the Last Supper it is a painting (1400 years later) painting (1400 years later)

2) Modern copies of the pictures paint that person as even more 2) Modern copies of the pictures paint that person as even more effeminate than DaVinci dideffeminate than DaVinci did

3) If John was much younger than the other Apostles well then he 3) If John was much younger than the other Apostles well then he may really have appeared without a beard (some support to may really have appeared without a beard (some support to authorship)authorship)

4) When Mary appears at the foot of the cross with the BD Jesus 4) When Mary appears at the foot of the cross with the BD Jesus gives Mary to the BD as a mother and the BD to Mary as a “son” gives Mary to the BD as a mother and the BD to Mary as a “son” so I am pretty sure Mary Magdalene would not have qualified.so I am pretty sure Mary Magdalene would not have qualified.

Gospel InformationGospel Information What we do know of the Beloved What we do know of the Beloved

Disciple:Disciple: Strong in faith, he stayed out in the open Strong in faith, he stayed out in the open

when most of the other disciples were unsure when most of the other disciples were unsure what to do when Jesus was arrestedwhat to do when Jesus was arrested

Jesus loved and trusted him enough to have Jesus loved and trusted him enough to have him care for his mother after He diedhim care for his mother after He died

Gospel InformationGospel Information Includes a collection of “I Includes a collection of “I

am” sayingsam” sayings Jesus is referred to as the Jesus is referred to as the

Word (logos)Word (logos) There is a great deal of There is a great deal of

dialogue within the dialogue within the GospelGospel

Peter makes many Peter makes many mistakes but is still the mistakes but is still the rock upon which the rock upon which the Church is to be builtChurch is to be built

John the Baptist is clearly John the Baptist is clearly the forerunnerthe forerunner


John 3:16 “So God so loved the world”John 3:16 “So God so loved the world” This is one of the mostly widely studied This is one of the mostly widely studied

and celebrated Bible verses because it:and celebrated Bible verses because it: Affirms God’s love and lets us know that Affirms God’s love and lets us know that

we can attain Eternal Salvationwe can attain Eternal Salvation Implies that in John’s Gospel Jesus knew of Implies that in John’s Gospel Jesus knew of

his fate at the beginning of his public his fate at the beginning of his public ministry and so his death was for a higher ministry and so his death was for a higher purposepurpose

Gospel InformationGospel Information The story of Doubting Thomas is not found in any The story of Doubting Thomas is not found in any

other Gospelother Gospel This is so important because the story blesses all of This is so important because the story blesses all of

those who believe in God and Jesus without seeing those who believe in God and Jesus without seeing So in more than one sense this is a blessing to all of So in more than one sense this is a blessing to all of

us because we do not have concrete proof, just faith us because we do not have concrete proof, just faith This Gospel is meant for all readers who want to have This Gospel is meant for all readers who want to have

faithfaith

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