Exploring Myths, Narratives, and Biblical Stories, Themes and Structure of Paul's Letters, Understanding Jesus in the Four Gospels

myth

A traditional story conveying foundational truths, often involving supernatural elements.

narrative

A structured story with characters and events that conveys meaning or values.

worldview

A set of beliefs and values that shape how we interpret the world.

literary analogue

A story from another culture/text with similar themes or structure.

examples of literary analogues

Cindy-Ella and Cinderella; Noah's Ark and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

primordial realm

A mythic time before recorded history where foundational stories are set.

meaning of the Exodus story

It represents liberation, covenant, and God's justice and power.

function of the Exodus story

It creates national identity, unites people, and expresses political/religious meaning.

function of the story 'Tortoise and the Hare'

It teaches humility and the value of perseverance.

Cindy-Ella

A literary analogue that reinterprets Cinderella with Australian culture.

meaning of the Priestly Creation Story

It shows God as powerful, orderly, and sovereign.

function of the Priestly Creation Story

To express religious truth, establish divine authority, and explain creation.

Dillon's six functions of stories (HINT: SPICED) or SPICES

- Social Knowledge

- Persuasion

- Identity

- Communication

- Empathy

- Decision Making/Simulation

six functions of stories according to Dillon

Entertainment, moral teaching, explanation, social control, sacred expression, and identity formation.

political functions of stories

They persuade people and show how power is used or justified.

religious functions of stories

They express beliefs about the divine and guide faith and worship.

national functions of stories

They shape identity and unify people with shared values (e.g., Anzac story).

Enheduanna

The first named author in history, a Sumerian priestess and poet who wrote hymns.

Documentary Hypothesis

A theory that the Torah is made up of four sources: J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), and P (Priestly).

themes linking the Old and New Testaments

Covenant, redemption, prophecy, messianic expectation, justice and mercy.

structural link between the Old and New Testaments

Events like the Passover mirror the Last Supper; prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.

OT-NT reference connection

Isaiah 53's Suffering Servant is fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion.

structure of Paul's letters HINT GTBEF

Greeting → Thanksgiving → Body → Exhortation → Farewell.

key teachings in Paul's letters

Grace, salvation, unity in Christ, and ethical living.

biblical narrative

A story in Scripture that reveals theological truths through characters, events, and divine interaction.

understanding worldview in Scripture

It clarifies author intent and helps readers understand meaning and application.

authors of the four Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Synoptic Problem

The question of why Matthew, Mark, and Luke share so much content—possibly from common sources.

audiences of the Gospels

Matthew: Jewish Christians; Mark: Roman Christians; Luke: Gentile Christians; John: Theological audience.

representation of Jesus in each Gospel

Matthew: Teacher/New Moses; Mark: Suffering Servant; Luke: Compassionate Savior; John: Divine Son of God.

difference among the Gospel narratives

Each includes unique events—e.g., John's I AM statements, Luke's parables, Matthew's genealogy.

similarities across the Gospel narratives

All include Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, but emphasize different aspects.

How many NT books?

27

NT written within how many years

30-40

4 components in order of NT hint TAER

-The Gospels

- Acts of the Apostles

-. Apostolic Letters/Epistles

- Revelation

Gospels

Narrative books telling Jesus Life and death

Good News about Jesus

Acts of the Apostles

Describs Jesus apostles spread his message

Episltes

13 Letters connected to Paul

Some from James Jude Peter and John

Provide taeching and guidance for christians

Revelations

Prophetic letter to 7 chruches

reveals a message of challenging comfort for Jesus' followers

4 Source Theory/Document Hypothesis

-J Yahwist

-Elohist

-Deut

-Priestly

Markan Priority

The view that Mark was the first of the Synoptic Gospels to be written and was one of the sources used by Matthew and Luke

Q Source

a hypothetical written collection of the teachings of Jesus shared among the early followers of Christianity surmised by Scripture scholars to be a source for both Matthew and Luke

worldview

a person's way of thinking about and understanding life, whichdepends on their beliefs and attitudes

Author's Intention

The author's intention is why the author has written this narrative.It is connected to the meaning and function of a narrative, andthe way the author has written a narrative both informs and isinformed by the culture around them

Literary Analogue

an individual motif, character, or event which resembles one found in one or more other works.

Gilgamesh story

Babylonian flood story. Similar flood story to Noah

Enuma Elish

The Babylonian creation myth

similarities to Genesis

National Meaning

Nations have national identities, and we tell ourselves stories thatconvey national meaning. The Anzac story is one Australians tell to expressand share our identity as larrikins who value mateship

Political Meaning

Sometimes stories are told to persuade people towards a particular politicalposition or behaviour. It can also indicate the nature of power and how it canbe used.

Religious Meaning

Obviously, many stories have something to say about faith, god, religiousobservances etc. Some stories will show the nature of gods, how humansrelate to them, or how to worship. E.g. the Yahwhist Creation Story inGenesis 2

Central theme connecting the Old and New Testaments

Fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus Christ.

Structure of Paul's letters

Typically begins with an opening greeting identifying the sender and recipients.

Theological concept emphasized by Paul

Justification by faith in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament event pointing to Christ's sacrifice

The bronze serpent lifted by Moses.

Common feature in the body of Paul's letters

Addressing specific issues, teachings, or theological points.

Closing remarks of Paul's letters

Final greetings and blessings.

Role of the Holy Spirit according to Paul

The transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

Paul's approach to divisions within the church

By advocating for unity and promoting harmony.

Guidance provided by Paul in his letters

Ethical living and moral conduct.

Thanksgiving section of Paul's letters

Gratitude for the recipients' faith and actions.

Matthew depiction of Jesus

Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy; He is the new Moses.

Matthew's Focus

- Teach Jesus' ethical teachings (Sermon on the Mount)

- Show continuity with Jewish tradition

- Present Jesus as Messiah and lawgiver

Matthew's Audience

Primarily Jewish Christians who knew the Old Testament.

Mark depiction of Jesus

Jesus is the suffering servant who brings salvation through suffering and death.

Mark's Focus

- Emphasize Jesus' humanity, suffering, and urgency

- Encourage faith in times of persecution

- Present Jesus as misunderstood Messiah

Mark's Audience

Roman Christians facing persecution; Gentile audience.

Luke depiction of Jesus

Jesus is the Savior of all people, especially outcasts, women, and the poor.

Luke's Focus

- Highlight Jesus' compassion and inclusion

- Universal message of salvation

- Emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit and prayer

Luke's Audience

Gentile Christians (non-Jews); likely a wealthier, educated audience.

John depiction of Jesus

Jesus is the divine Son of God, the Word made flesh who brings eternal life.

John's Focus

- Deep theological reflection

- Emphasize belief, signs, and eternal life

- Portray Jesus as fully divine and pre-existent

John's Audience

Mixed audience (Jews and Gentiles), possibly second-generation Christians seeking deeper spiritual understanding.