The Gospels Flashcards

Flashcards for the Gospels in Theology.

What are the Gospels?

The heart of the scriptures.

It includes: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

What do the Gospels do?

They bring the Good News of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and herald that Jesus came to fulfill the promises God made to our ancestors, and to overcome the slavery of sin and death.

Characteristics of the Gospels

• Main source of Information about Jesus’ life and teachings.

• They are God’s Revelation.

• God’s most definitive and perfect Revelation

Do all Gospels have the same perspective on Jesus?

No. Each Gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus.

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels that are similar in style and share much of the same content: Matthew, Mark, Luke

Synoptic

Comes from a Greek word meaning “seeing the whole together.”

Who do scholars believe that Matthew and Luke took inspiration from when writing their Gospels?

Mark

What is a second source that Luke and Matthew were believed to have used?

The Quelle/Q source

Who was Matthew?

Jewish Christian who was well-versed(Had a lot of knowledge) in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Symbol: Winged-Man (NOT AN ANGEL)

Matthew Approximate Date of Authorship

AD 85

Matthew Intended Audience

Mixed community of Jewish Christians and Gentiles.

Matthew Issues Addressed

A possible rejection and even some persecution of Jewish Christians for their belief in Jesus.

Matthew’s Image of Jesus

• Wanted his Jewish Christian readers to know that believing Jesus was a continuation of their tradition.

• Highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of many Old Testament hopes and prophecies.

• Validates the community's link to the covenant promises of the past, while justifying their new devotion to Christ and his mission.

Who was Mark?

Gentile Christian who may have been a disciple of Peter.

Symbol: Winged-Lion

Mark approximate date of authorship

AD 65-70

Mark Intended Audience

Non-Jewish Christians

Mark Issues addressed

Members of the community being persecuted (even to death) for their beliefs.

Mark’s image of Jesus

• Includes an aura of secrecy in the Gospel known as the Messianic Secret.

• Those who should recognize Jesus as the Messiah fail to do so.

• Emphasizes the humanity of Jesus.

• Central to Mark’s Christology is the the image of Jesus as the suffering servant.

Who was Luke?

Gentile convert to Christianity

SYMBOL: Winged-Ox

Luke Approximate date of authorship

AD 80-90

Luke Intended Audience

The audience of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the apostles is identified as Theophilos, meaning “lover of God.”

Luke’s image of God

• Jesus is the compassionate Savior who welcomes all.

• Much of Jesus’ ministry and preaching is directed towards the plight of the anawim (poor ones).

• Emphasizes the presence of women in the ministry of Jesus.

• The final groups given special attention in the Gospel of Luke are those who are sick and sinners.

The Gospel of John

The Gospel of John was not one of the Synpotic Gospels.

Who wrote the Gospel of John?

• Many people credit the Gospel to a man named John, the Beloved Disciple. However, the true author is unknown and is believed to be a member of a Christian community founded by the Beloved Disciple.

• Tradition and teachings represent the whole Johannine community rather than one individual

SYMBOL: Soaring eagle

John Approximate date of authorship

AD 90-100

John Two fold purpose

• To evangelize Gentiles and Jews

• To strengthen the faith of the local community as well as Christians everywhere.

John Two books in one Gospel

• In the first half of the Gospel, Jesus teaches mainly through signs that reveal his identity.

  • These signs are found in John 1:19-12:50 and are known as the Book of Signs.

• The second half of the Gospel focuses on the Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension — the events that glorify Jesus.

Which Gospel is the longest?

Luke. It was separated into the Gospel of Luke and the Act of the Apostles.