What is a Gospel? 1. Origin of “Gospel” a. Hebrew World Isaiah 40:9; 52:7 b. Greco-Roman World Augustus (9 B.C.) c. New Testament World Matt, Mark, Luke,

What is a Gospel?What is a Gospel?What is a Gospel?What is a Gospel?

1. Origin of “Gospel”1. Origin of “Gospel”

a. Hebrew WorldIsaiah 40:9; 52:7

b. Greco-Roman WorldAugustus (9 B.C.)

c. New Testament WorldMatt, Mark, Luke, John


2. Collection of Materials2. Collection of Materials

a. From the Life of JesusHealings, miracles, parables, teachings, crucifixion account

b. Interpreted thru an OT “lens”Mark 1:2; 15:34 Matt 1:22; Matt 5

c. Into Four Gospels


Luke 1:1-4Luke 1:1-41Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.


3. Shape of Material (Luke 1:1-4)3. Shape of Material (Luke 1:1-4)

a. Orderly Account, NarrativeWhat Order?

b. Eye-witness accountsWhat accounts? Oral? Written?

c. Theological explanationWhat purpose?

What is this Gospel?What is this Gospel?What is this Gospel?What is this Gospel?

John 20:30-31John 20:30-3130Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.

31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


John 20:30-31John 20:30-3131But these are written that

you may believe (decisively believe) 20:31

pisteu,ÎsÐhte pisteushte aorist subjunctive

or

you may believe (continue to believe) pisteu,the present subjunctive

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


John 20:30-31John 20:30-3131 that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

or

that the Christ is Jesus, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


Questions of JohnQuestions of John1. Is it for evangelism or for discipleship?

2. Is it written to Jews or to a larger audience?

Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers?Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers?Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers?Why John’s Appeal to (Early) Readers?

1. Apostolic Authorship

• But so were Matthew, Mark, Luke

2. Theological and Literary Character

• Both telling a story and expounding its theological meanings

• Clement of Alexandria (190’s A.D.)

“Last of all John, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the gospel, being urged by his friends and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual gospel.” (E.H. 6.24.7)


2. Theological and Literary Character (continued)

• Clement of Alexandria’s statements are often taken negatively, as if John’s Gospel has no correlation to history

• Positive side is that Clement perfectly captures the interrelationship of history, theology, and interpretation.

• Story and theology are intertwined

• External facts internal meaning

• Readers are asked to read more than just events

• Questions Jesus asks his conversation partners become our questions.


2. Theological and Literary Character (continued)

• Narrator comments directly on the story to ensure that we as readers grasp its significance (2:21; 7:39; 8:27; 11:51-52; 12:33; 18:32; 19:35).

• Prologue

Documents

What is a Gospel? 1. Origin of “Gospel” a. Hebrew World Isaiah 40:9; 52:7 b. Greco-Roman World Augustus (9 B.C.) c. New Testament World Matt, Mark, Luke,