the Gospels Why FOUR Gospels How did we
- Slides: 8
& the Gospels Why FOUR Gospels?
How did we get the Gospels? Jesus’ ministry AD 30 – 33 • Eyewitness accounts • Probably notes from Jesus’ ministry • Early preaching • Numerous early writings (Luke 1: 1) Matthew Mark Luke John AD 60 - 90
“Synoptic” Gospels : Matthew, Mark & Luke Some sort of dependence Each combines & paraphrases Ex 23: 20 & Mal 3: 1 in the same way. Ex 23: 20 “Behold, I send an angel before [your face] to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. ” Mal 3: 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. ” Mat 11: 10 “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way [before You]. ” How did we get the Gospels?
Most common theory: Mark Luke Other source(s) Matthew How did we get the Gospels?
Why these four Gospels? • Many early “gospels” – Gospel of Thomas – Gospel of Judas • Only four from the apostles – Church used these four – Each is historically & theologically accurate – Each has different themes & emphases
• • Events of Jesus’ death & L M Criminal saved • Earthquake & angel resurrection • M L Centurion M M L J • Group of women • M J • Veil rent M M L J • Mary Magdalene M Earthquake & graves • Two men/angels. L J • M M L J • Women afraid. M Joseph’s tomb • Jesus & women M Nicodemus • MM J • Disc. unbelief M L Scripture fulfilled • M Tomb guarded • Priests lie M • J Peter & John M J Jesus & Mary M L Road to Emmaus M L Jesus & disciples J Thomas J Peter’s restoration MM Great commission Ascension M L Why these four Gospels?
Each Gospel writer chose: • What to include • What to leave out • How to arrange the material • What truth he wanted to communicate “The evangelists wrote with more than, but not less than, historical interest. ” Why these four Gospels?
Why FOUR Gospels? Because… the story of Jesus is too important life-changing pivotal vital central crucial big to be told from only one perspective.
