Scripture: A Portrait of Jesus 7th grade Chapter 3

Gospel – good news All books were written by 125AD Testify to the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Jesus is Son of God, is Messiah, Savior that was to be expected Written after Pentecost Inspired by the Holy Spirit God is the real author of the Gospels Living Word of God

Others may have done writing and editing but credited evangelists Q German for quelle which means source

Gospels 4 accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus Meant to be pictures of Jesus’ life Each author : Wrote what he thought most impt. Wrote for a certain audience But say same message,”Jesus is the Messiah”

We are not certain who wrote the Gospels Tradition gives credit to: Matthew Mark Luke John Evangelists – proclaimers of the Good News.

Mark was the first Gospel writer Writers for Matthew and Luke took material from Mark and from another source – Q Synoptic Gospels – same view

John’s Gospel Last written Written in different style that of a poem Contains speeches and stories not found in the other books

Mark 63-70 AD Companion of Peter Written for persecuted Christians Portrayed Jesus as a man of action and suffering

Matthew 80-100 AD apostle Written for Jewish converts Used quotations from Old Testament b/c followers understood them Portrayed Jesus as a teacher and the new Moses

Luke 70-90 AD Greek doctor Companion of Paul Written for Gentiles (non Jews) Infancy stories Portrayed Jesus as Savior and friend of all

John 90-100 AD Apostle Written for Christians defending their faith Poetic, symbols and reflective writings Portrayed Jesus as the Son of God and Giver of life.

Inspiration – action of God which moves people to communicate what God wants made known using their own Background Culture Language Style

Other Inspired Books Acts of the Apostles – Luke tells the story of the early Church -begins with Ascension of Jesus -tells how first Christian communities were formed -Peter realizes that the Holy Spirit is calling all people of the world.

Paul – persecuter of Christians - He is converted -becomes greatest missionary for Jesus -he establishes Christian communities around the Meditteranean -

Letters (Epistles) Most written before the Gospels Most written by Paul who never met Jesus Other letters Peter John James Jude Stories of issues the Church had to face

Revelation Last book of the Bible Uses symbols to tell a story Very hard to understand Encourages us to believe in Jesus especially in times of suffering