Year 10 Religious Education: The Gospels

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions of key terms, author details, and thematic concepts related to the study of the Gospels.

Gospel

Derived from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news”; the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

Matthew (Gospel Author/Date)

Traditionally attributed to Matthew, written approx. $80-90$ AD, presenting Jesus as the Messiah and teacher.

Mark (Gospel Author/Date)

Traditionally attributed to Mark, written approx. $65-75$ AD; the shortest Gospel focused on Jesus' actions, suffering, and identity.

Luke (Gospel Author/Date)

Traditionally attributed to Luke, written approx. $80-90$ AD, presenting Jesus as compassionate and inclusive with a concern for outsiders.

John (Gospel Author/Date)

Traditionally attributed to John, written approx. $90-100$ AD; more theological/symbolic, strongly emphasizing Jesus' divine identity.

Synoptic

A term meaning “seen together” or “with the same view,” referring to the Gospels that share many of the same stories and teachings.

Synoptic Gospels

The specific group of Gospels consisting of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Two-Source Theory

A scholarly explanation proposing that Mark was a major source for Matthew and Luke, along with a hypothesized collection of Jesus' sayings called “Q”.

Q

A hypothesized collection or source of Jesus' sayings that scholars propose was used by Matthew and Luke; no physical document has been discovered.

Jesus as the Living Word of God

A concept in John's Gospel describing Jesus as God's revelation made human, showing people what God is like through his actions and teachings.

Justice

The act of treating people fairly and recognizing their dignity and rights.

Mercy

Showing compassion and forgiveness rather than giving someone the punishment they might deserve.

Integrity

Doing what is right even when it isn't easy; acting according to strong moral principles.

Disciple

A follower or learner of Jesus.

Apostle

A person sent out as a messenger, particularly associated with Jesus' chosen Twelve.

Parable

A story used by Jesus to communicate moral or spiritual teachings.

Miracle

An extraordinary event understood as demonstrating God's power or Jesus' authority.

Oral tradition

Information, stories, or teachings passed verbally from one person or community to another.

Scripture

Sacred writings, particularly the Bible in the context of Christianity.

Incarnation

The Christian belief that God became human in the form of Jesus.

Symbolism (Gospel Technique)

A technique where an object, action, or event is used to represent a deeper religious meaning.

Contrasts (Gospel Technique)

A technique where the writer places two people or ideas against each other, such as faith versus doubt or rich versus poor.

Characterisation (Gospel Technique)

The specific way a writer presents Jesus or another character to convey meaning.

Messiah

The “anointed one”; Christians identify Jesus as this promised figure who fulfills God’s promises to Israel.