http://www.clark.net/pub/webbge/jesus.htm

•Good news

•memoirs

•expanded biographical sermons

•Textual Criticism: Establish the text  

The Synoptic GospelsThe Synoptic Gospels

                                         

HistoricalJesus

OralTradition

EarlyCollections

CanonicalGospels

Transmission

Translation

MARK

Author:•Anonymous     •Tradition: John Mark (associate of Peter)

Date: •Earliest,c. AD 65-70

Readers & Circumstances:

•Gentile Christians in Rome during Nero's persecution

Special Purpose: •To call Christians to follow Jesus, the crucified Messiah and Son of God, to death if necessary

The Gospel of Matthew

•To present Jesus as the church's teacher

•To respond to Jewish arguments against the church

•To provide a manual for church faith and discipline

•To offer a middle course between the extremes of legalism and license

 

Date:

Ca. AD 85.

Readers & Circumstances: A Greek-speaking, Jewish-Christian church, perhaps in Antioch of Syria, in conflict with Judaism.

The Gospel according to

Luke

Author: Anonymous

•Traditional: Luke

Date: AD 80 -- 90

Place: Uncertain -- traditions: Caesarea, Antioch, etc.

Readers:    

"Theophilus"

Distinctives

•Jesus’ birth & boyhood

•Joy

•Prayer

•Poor, women & children

Outline of Luke-Acts

Jesus in Galilee (of the Gentiles) -- Luke 1-- 8

Jesus in Judea and Samaria -- Luke 9 -- 19

Jesus in Jerusalem --   Luke 20 -- 24

Church in Jerusalem -- Acts 1-- 7

Church in Judea and Samaria -- Acts 8 -- 12

Church to the Ends of the Earth -- 13-- 28

John

Author:•Anonymous•Traditonal:John, the beloved disciple

Date: •85-100 AD

Readers & Circumstances

• Sophisticated audience– Judaism– Hellenism– Philosophy

• Expulsion from the synagogue

• Exalted Christology

Purposes• To win converts and

confirm faith

• Assist Christians in struggle against “Jews”

• Present Jesus as fully God and man

• Encourage “secret believers”

• Combat Gnosticism

Signs: Water into Wine

•The Bread of Life•The Light of the World•The Door of the Sheep•The Good Shepherd•The Resurrection and the Life•The Way, Truth and Life•The True Vine