The Synoptic Gospels Bible 333

PURPOSES OF COURSE Gain a better understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Develop an understanding and appreciation for the Jewish culture in which Jesus lived and taught Study Jesus’ teachings within the Jewish cultural setting of his time

Purposes of Course Learn how to study the gospels individually as well as together Study the distinctive aspects of each of the four Gospels Trace the development of the early Church

Purposes of Course Learn how to apply the teachings of Jesus to our own lives even though his culture was very different from ours Learn about different theories of gospel origins and the birth and development of early Christianity

TOPICS WE WILL STUDY Israel’s history Israel’s culture The Roman world Religious groups in Israel Theories of Gospel origins Important events in Jesus’ life Jesus’ teachings People who worked with Jesus Characteristics of each Gospel

Things to Remember When Studying the Life of Jesus Jesus was Jewish He was speaking to Jewish people in a Jewish setting The discussions Jesus had with the Jewish authorities were about Jewish issues None of this means Jesus’ teachings are not relevant today – just that we need to allow Jesus to be Jewish – not make him American

Things to Remember When Studying the Gospels There are four – each should be studied for its individual message about Jesus The four should not be blended into one Each was written to help Christians in different settings/places The same story can be told with a different emphasis and/or perspective

Things to Remember When Studying the Gospels The Gospels contain biographical information, but were not intended to be what we call biographies Much of Jesus’ teaching was handed down orally before it was put in writing The Gospels do not contain all that Jesus said and did – the authors selected what to include (guided by Holy Spirit and the needs of their readers)

Possible Reasons the Gospels Were Written The Church was expanding rapidly – help in evangelization and teaching new converts Some things might be forgotten or neglected Some things might be changed in the oral transmission process

Studying the Gospels on Three Levels The historical context of Jesus’ ministry The historical context of the author and his audience The message for us today

The Gospels and History A Negative Perspective –By the time the gospels were written stories were already being “made up” about Jesus. –These stories addressed their problems. –These stories were included in the gospels. –WWJD/ WWJS Led to creation of stories and sayings of Jesus. –Gospels lack historical verifiability

The Gospels and History A Negative Perspective –The gospels tell us more about the early Christian communities than about Jesus.

The Gospels and History A Positive Perspective –Disciples and other eyewitnesses preserved the teachings of Jesus. –Disciples applied Jesus’ teachings and actions to their own. –Used Jesus’ teachings to encourage struggling disciples. –WJD/WJS – applied to their situation

History and Theology Not an either/or situation – one finds both history and theology in the gospels. Gospel writers shaped (not created) the stories. Interpreted Jesus’ teachings and actions for the early Christians.

Theology in the Gospels Helped them see the significance of Jesus for their lives. Helped them see the connection between: – Jesus and the Jewish law Sabbath, food, purity, temple, etc. –Jesus and the prophets –Their faith and everyday life