Good news memoirs expanded biographical sermons
Textual Criticism: Establish the text
The Synoptic Gospels
Historical Jesus Oral Tradition Early Collections Canonical Gospels Transmission Translation
MARKMARK
Author: Anonymous Tradition: John Mark (associate of Peter) Date: Earliest, c. AD 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 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 Jesus in Judea and Samaria -- Luke Jesus in Jerusalem -- Luke Church in Jerusalem -- Acts Church in Judea and Samaria -- Acts Church to the Ends of the Earth
John Author: Anonymous Traditonal: John, the beloved disciple Date: 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