But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:4)
THE INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD 400 years of silence? Revelatory (yes) a closed OT canon Providentially (no) divine NT preparation
Covenant of Grace
PERSIAN SUPREMACY 539-332 BC Three Jewish returns under Cyrus: 538 - Zerubbabel, 459 - Ezra, 446 - Nehemiah Preceded by Assyrian (722) and Babylonian (605) Impacts cultural enlargement, cosmopolitan character, melting pot experience (e.g. world empire), pluralism
PERSIAN SUPREMACY 539-332 BC Uneventful period (peace and tolerance) Rise of Scribes as a social class Emphasis on Temple & Messianic aspirations Establishment of Aramaic language
GRECIAN SUPREMACY 332-323 BC (Alexander the Great) Alexander dealt kindly with the Jews Jewish observances, privilege to settle in Alexandria Maybe cause of legend? (Jaddua, the high priest) Daniel 8
GRECIAN SUPREMACY 332-323 BC (Alexander the Great) Hellenism (being Greek) Emperor worship Greek language Culture intellectual and economic shift from East to West (architecture, philosophy, highway system, postal system)
A DIVIDED KINGDOM 323 BC (Death of Alexander) Macedonia (Cassander & the Antigonigs) Asia Minor (Lysimachus) Seleucids (Syria/Persia) Ptolemy (Egypt/Palestine)
PTOLEMAIC RULE 323-198 BC Septuagint (LXX) ca. 250-150 B.C. The first time the Bible was translated into another language was during the third century B.C. in Egypt. There, the Hebrew Old Testament was first translated into Greek at Alexandria, Egypt, in an attempt to Hellenize transported Jews who were living in Egypt.
PTOLEMAIC RULE 323-198 BC Septuagint (LXX) ca. 250-150 B.C. This work was done by seventy scholars (maybe seventy-two scholars), which is why it is referred to by the Roman numeral equivalent, LXX. Since Hebrew was becoming a dead language, the LXX made the Scriptures available in the main language of the day.
SELEUCID RULE (ANTIOCHUS III THE GREAT) 198-166 BC Seleucid founded the city of Antioch (300 BC) 5 Syrian/Egyptian wars (274-200) 5 th war Battle of Panius won by Syrians Took control of Palestine from Egyptians Pushed Westward and was defeated by Romans
SELEUCID RULE (ANTIOCHUS IV) 170 BC Vigorous push of Hellenization in Palestine Appoints Hellenist high priest Profaning of temple w/ swine sacrifices ( Abom. of Deso. ) Erection of temple to Zeus Jewish wars erupt
JEWISH HASMONEAN RULE 166-63 BC Mattathias and the Maccabean revolt (1 st Maccabees) Judas Maccabeus retakes Jerusalem (Dec. 25, 164) commemorated by Hanukkah At first the motives of the Hasmonean dynasty (enlarged to Davidic/Solomonic time) was religious but this quickly turned worldly. As a result, civil war broke out in Judea and made them venerable
ROMAN RULE 63 BC NT Writings Roman general Pompey takes Jerusalem in 63 and ends Hasmonean dynasty (though sects/zealots remained) Julius Caesar defeats Pompey (48 BC) and unites the Roman empire (killed in 44 BC) Herod (an Iduamean) becomes king of Judea and Palestine (40 4 BC) Herod s Temple (19 BC) Birth of John the Baptist and Jesus (5 BC)
DIVINE PREPARATION THROUGH ROMAN RULE Pax Romana (unity so that the gospel may spread more easily as war interrupts communication between nations) The presence of Roman rule and law helped to prepare the world for his life and ministry so the gospel could be preached: Mark 1:15, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Communication and Travel (roads & postal perfected) Aramaic (vernacular) & Greek (business) a world speech
DIVINE PREPARATION THROUGH ROMAN RULE The point here is that God was at work preparing the world for a common language and one that was a matchless vehicle of communication for clarity and preciseness to proclaim the message of the Savior. As a result, the books of the NT were written in the common language of the day, Koine Greek. It was not written in Hebrew or Aramaic, even though all the writers of the New Testament were Jews except for Luke, who was a Gentile. Koine Greek had become the second language of nearly everyone.
THE RELIGIOUS WORLD IN THE NT The Christian church was born into a world filled with competing religions which may have differed widely among themselves but all of which possessed one common characteristic the struggle to reach a god or gods who remained essentially inaccessible. Apart from Judaism, which taught that God had voluntarily disclosed Himself to man, there was no faith that could speak with certainty of divine revelation nor of any true concept of sin and salvation.
RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THE NT Pharisees: Spiritual descendants of pious Jews, who fought the Hellenizers (controlled the synagogue) The name Pharisee means, separatists, and was given to them by enemies as meaning nonconformists. Orthodox Jews who were classified by pride and hypocrisy by Christ
RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THE NT Sadducees: Named for Zadok the high priest appointed by Solomon (1 Kgs. 2:35) People of wealth and position who cooperated with Hellenism Controlled the Temple and priesthood Denied the authority of tradition, the doctrine of resurrection and the existence of angels or spirits
RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THE NT Essenes: Ascetic Jews that grew out of the externalism of the Pharisees and the worldliness of the Sadducees. Withdrew from society and gave attention to study of Scripture, prayer and ceremony The true Israel Qumran (DSS) 1947 (800 volumes)
RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THE NT Scribes: Copyists of the law; a profession, not a religious sect They came to be known as authorities in Scripture and served more of a teaching and copying role in society Their thoughts were usually akin to the Pharisees, with whom they are frequently associated in the NT (cf. Matt. 23)
ORDERING THE BOOKS OF THE NT The order of the New Testament books is logical rather than chronological: First come the Gospels, which record the life of Christ; then Acts, which gives the history of the spread of Christianity; then the letters, which show the development of the doctrines of the church along with its problems; and finally the vision of the second coming of Christ in Revelation
Covenant of Grace ORDERING THE BOOKS OF THE NT The order of the writing of the books was approximately as follows
History Letters Prophecy Paul s General Matthew Mark Luke Early during missionary journeys Galatians First imprisonment Later after arrest at Jerusalem Release Second imprisonment James Hebrews Jude Revelation John 1 Thess. 2 Thess. Colossians 1 Timothy Titus 2 Timothy 1 Peter 2 Peter Acts 1 Cor. 2 Cor. Romans Ephesians Philemon Philippians 1 John 2 John 3 John
What Are the Gospels? The Meaning of Gospel The Greek word euangellion means an announcement/ declaration of glad tidings, good news. Eulogy good The English word gospel is a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon godspell, which means God story, good story. The gospel is the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ provided by His death, burial, and resurrection.
What Are the Gospels? Early Church Confirmation of the Gospels Justin Martyr speaks of the Memoirs that are called Gospels Irenaeus in one of his writings states his theme as: The Gospel is essentially fourfold with four Faces. Clement of Alexandria speaks of the Law, the Prophets and the Gospel. Augustine, of the four Gospels, or rather, the four books of the one Gospel.
THE NT CANON The term canonicity comes from a Greek word (kanon) meaning a staff, straight rod, rule, or standard. Derived from a word, which originally meant a reed, it was often used as a measuring rod, or the norm by which something was measured. Regarding the Bible, it refers to the standard that was applied to determine which books were inspired by God. Canonicity did not make a book inspired; it was inspired the moment it was written. Rather canonicity recognized which books were inspired at the time they were written.
FIVE KEY QUESTIONS Although not listed in Scripture, five key questions became the standard by which books were recognized as God s Word. 1. DID IT COME WITH THE AUTHORITY OF GOD? 2. WAS IT WRITTEN BY A MAN OF GOD? 3. DID IT TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD? 4. DID IT COME WITH THE POWER OF GOD? 5. WAS IT ACCEPTED BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD?
What Are the Gospels? The Literary Form The four gospels are neither histories of the events of Christ s life, nor are they biographies of the life of Christ. They are rather portraits of the person and work of Jesus Christ. These four portraits present Him as Lord and Savior, rather than describing all He did in the precise order in which He did it. They introduce us to Him as a person, rather than to His life as a whole.
What Are the Gospels? The Literary Form They are incomplete as a human story, but marvelously complete as a divine revelation of the Son of God, our Savior and Lord. Consequently, 30-plus years of Christ s life are overlooked, and the major emphasis is upon the last three years of His ministry and message, climaxing with His death and resurrection. Specifically the last week of His life receives the major focus.
What Are the Gospels? The Literary Form In all, only about 50 specific days of Jesus ministry are recorded in the four gospels, but they contain the 50 mountain peaks of His life and ministry. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written (John 21:25). The Gospels are just a brief synopsis of what Jesus did during his 33 years on earth.
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Space Allotted The Gospels make up about half the bulk of the New Testament, 46%, specifically. (add Acts = 60%) The intended emphasis of the gospel story is clearly reiterated by the very space devoted to it.
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Subject Matter When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They answered, Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. He said to them, And who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matt. 16:13-16) This passage gives four stock answers or schools of thought for a large number of people in Jesus day concerning who He is.
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Subject Matter Under the inspiration of the Spirit, the Gospel writers set about to reveal just who Jesus really was as to His person and work. All the Bible is the message of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:44). Here, in the Gospels, we see the clearest focus upon Christ. The Christian life is Christ living in and through me. Here, in the Gospels, we see the life of Christ that is being reproduced in each of us as Christians.
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Subject Matter In a four-fold way, each with their own distinctive focus but in accounts that are complementary, the four Gospels answer the questions posed by the Lord to the disciples. They declare just exactly who Jesus is. They show Him to be the Messiah of Old Testament expectation, the Servant of the Lord, the Son of Man, the Son of God, and the one who is the Savior of the World. The Gospels give us God s portrait of the person and work of Christ with four distinct pictures.
What is the Importance of the Gospels? Subject Matter Each of the four Gospels, with its distinctive picture of Christ, seems to have circulated at first in the churches of a particular area, but shortly after the appearance of the fourth (John s Gospel), the four appear to have been bound up together and acknowledged by the church s at large as the authoritative fourfold Gospel of Christ.
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Strategic Location The Old Testament is all preparation for Christ and contains prophesies and type of His person and work. The Gospels record the manifestation of Christ to the world. In Acts, we have the proclamation of Christ and His gospel propagated. In the Epistles, there is the exposition, or explanation, of Christ in its doctrinal and practical meaning. In Revelation, we see the consummation of Christ as the coming Conqueror and King of the world.
An Overview as to Focus Historical The Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Manifestation: Telling the story of the coming of the Savior and His person and work. Acts The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles Manifestation: Proclaiming the message of the Savior who has come. Epistolary Epistles Letters to the churches and individuals (Romans through Jude) Explanation: Developing the full significance of the person and work of Christ and how this should affect the walk of the Christian in the world. Prophetical Revelation The apocalypse of the Lord Jesus Christ Consummation: Anticipating the end time events and the return of the Lord, His end time reign, and the eternal state.
HISTORICAL Matthew: Royalty of Christ Mark: Humility of Christ Luke: Humanity of Christ John: Deity of Christ Acts: Proclamation of Christ
EPISTOLARY (Pauline) Romans: Righteousness of Christ 1 Corinthians: Wisdom of Christ 2 Corinthians: Triumph of Christ Galatians: Freedom in Christ Ephesians: Inheritance in Christ Philippians: Joy of Christ
EPISTOLARY (Pauline) Colossians: Sufficiency of Christ 1 Thessalonians: Return of Christ 2 Thessalonians: Wrath of Christ 1 Timothy: Service of Christ 2 Timothy: Servant of Christ Titus: Duties in Christ Philemon: Pardon in Christ
EPISTOLARY (Non-Pauline) Hebrews: Perseverance in Christ James: Faith in Christ 1 Peter: Holiness in Christ 2 Peter: Growth in Christ 1 John: Assurance in Christ 2 John: Truth in Christ 3 John: Walking in Christ Jude: Denial of Christ
PROPHETICAL Revelation: Glory of Christ --- FROM CREATION TO RE-CREATION
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Strategic Location So the Gospels are the very hub of the Bible. All that precedes in the Old Testament looks forward to the Gospels. And all that follows it in the New Testament look back to the Gospels (with the exception of Revelation which records the second coming of Christ; the Gospels, the first coming).
What Is the Importance of the Gospels? Specific Purpose The rapid spread of Christianity precipitated the need for written accounts of the life and ministry of Christ. In addition, major figures in these stories and eyewitnesses of these events began to die. As such, there was an increasing need for written accounts about what they had both seen and heard. These accounts were undoubtedly part of early Christian worship (Luke 1:1-4) and were used to evangelize and expand Christian missions and to catechize new converts.
Why Four Gospels? What about the pseudopigraphal gospels? Only four were inspired and have a clear apostolic connection. These other gospels were written much later and are of questionable reliability and authenticity. They contain some of the information found in the four NT Gospels, they also added much that is obviously fanciful and legendary, like the story of Jesus condemning a boy to die because he had knocked Him down (1 st Infancy an apocryphal Gnostic writing). In fact, many of these spurious gospel accounts were composed in order to further heretical and antithetical viewpoints.
Why Four Gospels? The four complimentary accounts provide a composite picture of the person and work of the Savior, working together to give depth and clarity to our understanding of the most unique figure in human history. Each gospel has a distinctive dimension to add, so that the total is greater than the sum of the parts.
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written from Different Perspectives Matthew was one of the twelve disciples, an eyewitness of much of the ministry of Christ, a tax collector who left his corrupt business to follow Jesus Christ. Mark never met nor saw Jesus. He was the son of a wealthy, Jewish mother and Gentile father, who accompanied Paul and his cousin Barnabas on the first missionary journey, but failed to stay with them through the entire trip. It is generally agreed that Mark received his information for his Gospel from Peter, who discipled and taught Mark.
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written from Different Perspectives Luke was, likewise, not an eyewitness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. A physician and a close companion of Paul, Luke researched the life of Christ by interviewing eyewitnesses and researching written records. He is the only Gentile author in the Bible. John was the closest of all the twelve disciples, the only eyewitness of much of the events of Christ s trials, death and resurrection. John was a fisherman, a Palestinian Jew, a Galilean who apparently came from a fairly well-to-do home, originally a son of thunder with a hair-trigger temper, who played a leading role in the early church in Jerusalem.
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written for Different Audiences Matthew was written to a Jewish audience, to appeal to a religious mind. Mark was written to a Roman audience, to appeal to a pragmatic mind. Luke was written to a Greek audience, to appeal to an idealistic mind. John was written to the world (all mankind), to appeal to a universal mind.
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written to Be Different Portraits Matthew, writing to a religious Jewish audience, writes to present Jesus as the prophesied Messiah-King, who came to establish the long-awaited Kingdom for Israel.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According the Matthew TERMINOLOGY. Matthew s language evidences this. He uses such terms as kingdom (56 times), kingdom of heaven (32 times), Son of David, holy city and holy place. QUOTATIONS. Matthew also had 129 quotations or allusions to the Old Testament, covering 25 Old Testament books. He assumed his readers had a thorough understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures. 10 fulfillment quotations used by Matthew to show that Jesus, though rejected and crucified, is the long-awaited Messiah of the OT (Matt. 1:23; 2:15; 2:18; 2:23; 4:15; 8:15; 12:18-21; 13:35; 21:5; 27:9-10)
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Matthew GENEALOGY. The book begins with a genealogy that traces Christ s lineage back to Abraham (the father of Israel) and to David (the King of Israel, whose son would inherit the throne and rule Israel). THE KINGDOM OF GOD OFFERED. Jesus began His ministry by offering the Kingdom of God (4:17), defining who enters the kingdom and its law (5-7), authenticated His power as King with miracles (8-11), was rejected (12), was postponed until the second coming and showed its present mystery form (13), and disclosed its final form (24-25).
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Matthew UNIQUE FEATURES. Matthew is the only gospel to report that on the morning of Christ s resurrection, there was an earthquake (28:2). This is important because Jews looked for supernatural signs such as earthquakes as divine credentials of the true Messiah (1 Cor. 1:22).
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written to Be Different Portraits Mark, writing to a pragmatic, Roman audience, writes to present Jesus as the hard-working, obedient Servant.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Mark GENEALOGY. There is no genealogy because the background of a servant is unimportant. Though Jews were vitally interested in the lineage of a person who claimed to be the Messiah, Romans would not share this interest. MIRACLES. Here is a man of action serving humanity. See Him as a servant who heals the demoniac, the leper, the paralytic, the man with the withered hand, Jairus daughter, and blind Bartimaeus.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Mark ACTION. The Romans were action-oriented, so Mark presents Jesus as a man of action. The word immediately occurs 15 times, indicating His swift service. Mark emphasizes Christ s action, or work, by citing 18 miracles (more proportionately than any other Gospel), writing in the present tense (emphasizing the present work, not past lineage), and omitting much of Christ s discourses and teaching (the words of a servant are not as important as his actions). MISSION. Mark presents Jesus as a servant who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (10:45).
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written to Be Different Portraits Luke, writing to an idealistic, philosophical Greek mind, writes to present Jesus as the perfect Man, or the Son of Man.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Luke LITERATURE. As a physician and a man of culture, Luke uses a rich vocabulary and the refined style of Greek literature. GENEALOGY. Because he is writing for Gentiles, he emphasizes the gospel s universality. He demonstrates this by tracing Christ s lineage to Adam, the father of the entire human race.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Luke FOR ALL CLASSES. Luke stresses that the Gospel has come for everyone, even the despised, lonely, social outcast. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost (19:10). He alone includes accounts of Bethlehem s shepherds receiving the angel s announcement; the sinful woman anointing Jesus; the Good Samaritan; the banquet invitation to the poor, crippled, blind and lame; the lost sheep, lost coin and lost soul; the rich man and Lazarus; the cleansing of the 10 lepers; the persistent widow; the Pharisee and the tax collector; and Zacchaeus.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to Luke WOMEN. Luke has a particular concern for women. This Gospel gives the details about Elizabeth, Gabriel s appearance to Mary, Mary s poetic rejoicing. Anna s joy at the prospect of Messiah s birth, the widow of Nah, whose son was raised, the sinful woman who anoints Jesus, the women who follow Jesus, the woman with the hemorrhage, Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, the Queen of the South, the crippled woman, the poor widow who gives two small coins and the women who came to the tomb.
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written to Be Different Portraits John, writing to the world, to all mankind, writes to present Jesus as God, the Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to John GENEALOGY. John traces Christ s lineage back, not to Abraham, and not to Adam, but God himself in eternity past. Jesus is more that the Son of Abraham and the Son of Man; He is the Son of God, the Word, who has always existed from eternity past, the Creator of heaven and earth; the Lord of Abraham and the Creator of Adam. TERMINOLOGY. John uses universal language that reflects his purpose. For example, the word life appears 35 times, light 21 times, and believe 98 times. Also, Jesus is uniquely called the Son of God 9 times.
Four Portraits of Christ The Gospel According to John I AM Statements. In the Old Testament, God identified Himself to Moses with the highest name of deity, I AM THAT I AM (Ezekiel 3:14), indicating His sovereignty, autonomy, eternity and self-sufficiency. Jesus laid claim to that divine name with seven I AM statements, the strongest claims to deity that Jesus could have made. I am the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Door of the Sheep; the Good Shepherd; the Life of the Resurrection; the Way, the Truth and the Life; and the True Vine. In other I AM statements, Christ made implicit claims to be the I AM-Yahweh of the Old Testament (4:24, 26; 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19)
Why Four Gospels? They Are Written to Be Different Portraits MATTHEW Christ is portrayed as a Lion, from the tribe of Judah, the long-awaited Messiah-Sovereign King MARK He is the Servant who became the sacrifice for sin (e.g. the sacrificial calf, Heb. 9:12, 19) LUKE He is the Son of man ; the second Adam JOHN He is a flying eagle, a linkage between earth and heaven, a creature that can look into the face of the sun and not be dazed, the divine Son of God
Why Four Gospels? Revelation 4:7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. Many NT scholars see similarity between the four living ones here in this verse and the fourfold manner in which Christ is portrayed in the Gospels, which mirrors Ezekiel 1:10 in which God s attributes are likewise personified.
Why Four Gospels? Revelation 4:7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. As Sovereign He comes to reign and rule. As Servant He comes to serve and suffer. As Son of man He comes to share and sympathise. As Son of God He comes to reveal and redeem. Sovereignty, Humility, Humanity, Deity!
Covenant of Grace The King Has Come
The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels. The Greek word synoptikos means to see together, or to have a common view, and it is an appropriate description of these gospels because of their common viewpoint and similar characteristics.
The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke present very similar material about the life of Christ. They have a more or less common view of His activities and teaching and of the chronology of events. For example, all but 31 verses in Mark have parallels in either Matthew or Luke. On the other hand, most of John (92%) is not found in the synoptics.
The Maverick Gospel John is sometimes referred to as the maverick gospel. Passion Focus 11 of 21 chapters are devoted to the final week in Jesus life here on earth. The remainder of John s Gospel account adds up to only 13 additional days in the life of Christ. The reason for this difference is because of the style of writing. For example, the Synoptic Gospels present Jesus and His teachings in short, pithy sayings - quick short stories. On the other hand, John s presentation of Jesus is in the form of long and lofty discourses that go on for chapters (e.g. John 13-16 Upper Room Discourse).
Synoptic vs. Maverick Synoptic Gospels similar recording of incidents, similar ordering of events, similar wording Maverick Gospel different set of events unique to John s Gospel, different ordering of events, richer theological vocabulary
Synoptic vs. Maverick The Synoptics emphasize the humanity of Christ. John emphasizes the deity of Christ. The Synoptics give more of a historical record of His ministry. John gives a theological record of His message. The Synoptics are less unique (Matthew 42% unique; Mark 7%; Luke 59%). John is more unique (92%).
Synoptic vs. Maverick The Synoptics are more chronologically focused in time (only one Passover is mentioned). John is more broad (four Passovers are mentioned). The Synoptics concentrate on His Galilean ministry (northern, popularity). John concentrates on His Judean ministry (southern, adversity). The Synoptics teach with parables. John teaches with allegories.
Synoptic vs. Maverick The Synoptics record more ethical, practical teachings. John records more evangelistic, doctrinal teachings. The Synoptics were written first in time (55-68 A.D.). John was written last (80-90 A.D.). The Synoptics contain more of Jesus public ministry to the multitudes. John contains more of His private ministry to the disciples.
The Synoptic Gospels Events Unique to the Synoptic Gospels Birth narratives (Matthew/Luke) Jesus Baptism Temptation of Jesus Preaching concerning the Kingdom of God Exorcisms Parables The Lord s Prayer ( Model Prayer )
The Synoptic Gospels Events Unique to the Synoptic Gospels Jesus, Friend of Sinners (Luke) Galilean ministry Caesarea Philippi (Christ discloses His true identify and the nature of His mission to His disciples here) Transfiguration Mount of Olives Discourse The Lord s Supper Jesus Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane
The Maverick Gospels Events Unique to the Maverick Gospel (John) Cana Miracle (only seven miracles are recorded in John, five of which are unique to John) Nicodemus (Jn. 3) Judean ministry Samaritan Woman Bethesda healing I Am sayings
The Maverick Gospels Events Unique to the Maverick Gospel (John) Blind man healing Raising of Lazarus Foot washing Farewell discourses Consecration prayer Beloved Disciple Doubting Thomas
Synoptic vs. Maverick Accounts Events Handled Differently Faith and Calling of the Disciples (Synoptics later; John early) Cleansing of the Temple (Synoptics end; John beginning) Death of Jesus (Synoptics Nisan 15 on the first day of Passover; John Nisan 14 on Passover eve)
Synoptic vs. Maverick Accounts The Synoptic Problem How do you account for similarities and differences? Was there a common source (e.g. Luke)? Did the Gospel writers compose independently of one another? Which Gospel came first?
Synoptic vs. Maverick Accounts The Synoptic Problem First, the resemblances can be accounted for by the fact that each had a direct connection with the events, being either an eyewitness or acquainted with an eyewitness of the events. The accuracy of their selections from their experience and oral traditions was made certain by the superintendence of the Holy Spirit.
Synoptic vs. Maverick Accounts The Synoptic Problem Secondly, the differences in the three presentations can be accounted for by the different purposes, which motivated each of the gospel writers The differences in the Gospels supplement each other without contradiction, and the similarities complement each other. The result is a comprehensive record of the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ.
Synoptic vs. Maverick Accounts The Synoptic Problem Concerning no other person or event in history does the Bible give such a muti-faceted and detailed account as that of Christ in the gospels. The Gospel accounts present a composite view of Christ and His ministry with varying details which dovetail together in a common, accurate picture
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) The Background to Christ s Coming The Deity of the Messiah (John 1:1-18) The Ancestry of the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17, 3:23b-38; Luke 3:23b-38) The Men Who Wrote the Gospels (Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4) The Promise to Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25) The Promise to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56) John the Baptist s Birth (Luke 1:57-80)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Birth and Childhood Jesus birth and visit of the shepherds (Luke 2:1-20) Presentation at the temple (Luke 2:22) Visit of the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) Flight from Palestine (Matthew 2: 13-15) Childhood home of Jesus (Matthew 2:19-23) Interview with the teachers (Luke 2:41-50) Return to His home (Luke 2:51)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Preparation for Jesus Ministry Baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17) Temptation by the devil (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus attracts early followers (John 1:35-51) First miracle of Jesus (John 2:1-11) Brief visit with His family (John 2:12)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Manifestation to Israel Cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-22) Interview with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) Traveling with His disciples (John 3:22) Discussion with the woman at the well (John 4:1-42)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Authentication of Jesus Mission by Healing Healing the nobleman s son (John 4:43-54) Rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:14-31) A new hometown (Matthew 4:13-17) Gathering disciples (Luke 5:1-11, 2-32) Healing ministry (Mark 1:21-2:12_ A discourse on the Sabbath (John 5:1-47) Additional Sabbath controversies (Mark 2:23-3:12)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Sermon on the Mount The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-8:1; Luke 6:20-49)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Opposition to Jesus Ministry Healing the centurion s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Raising the widow s son from the dead (Luke 7:11-17) Anointing by a sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50) Opposition from the religious leaders (Matthew 12:22-45) Teaching by parables (Matthew 13:1-53) Stilling the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Expansion of Jesus Ministry Curing the demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) Healing Jarius daughter (Matthew 9:18-26) Rejection of Jesus (Mark 6:1-6) Sending out the twelve (Mark 6:7-13) Return of the twelve (Mark 6:30) Feeding the 5,000 (Mark 6:34-44) Walking on Water (Mark 6:45-52) Discourse on the Bread of Life (John 6:22-71)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Further clashes with the Pharisees Controversy with the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-23) Healing the Canaanite woman s daughter (Mark 7:24-30) Feeding the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-10) The Pharisees demand a sign (Mark 8:11-12) Healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Training Disciples Peter s great confessions (Mark 8:27-30) Jesus foretells His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31-9:1) The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13) Healing a demon-possessed boy (Mark 9:14-20) Return to Capernaum Peter and the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27) A discourse by Jesus (Luke 9:46-50) Traveling to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-62)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Encounters in Jerusalem Discourse on Living Water (John 7:11-53) Mercy for an adulteress (John 8:1-11) Jesus teaching about Himself (John 8:12-59) Healing a blind man (John 9:1-41) Discourse on the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21) Seventh laborers sent out (Luke 10:1-24) The good neighbor (Luke 10:25-37) Visiting Mary & Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Teaching Despite Opposition Instruction on prayer (Luke 11:1-13) Opposition by the religious leaders (Luke 11:14-36) Denunciation of the religious leaders (Luke 11:37-54) Warnings to the people (Luke 12:1-13:9) Healing in a synagogue (Luke 13:10-21)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Teachings In Light Of Rejection Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son (Luke 15:1-32) Teaching His disciples (Luke 16:1-17:10) Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46) Healing the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) Speaking about the Messianic Kingdom (Luke 17:20-37)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Teachings in Light of Rejection (cont.) Two parables on prayer (Luke 18:1-14) Marriage and divorce (Matthew 19:3-12) Jesus and the children (Matthew 19:13-15) The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-20:16) Rebuking James and John (Matthew 20:17-28)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Healing a blind man (Luke 18:35-43) Visit with Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) Parable of the pounds (Luke 19:11-28) Visit with Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:55-12:1) The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) Withdrawal for the night (Mark 11:11) Cursing the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem (cont.) Second cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) The visit of the Greeks (John 12:20-50) Withdrawal for the night (Mark 11:19) The withered fig tree (Matthew 21:19-22) Three parables of warnings (Matthew 21:28-22:14) Three questions by the opposition (Matthew 22:15-40) Jesus questions (Matthew 22:41-46)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Final Instructions to His Disciples Preparation for the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-13) Partaking of the Passover (Luke 22:14-16, 24-30) Washing the disciples feet (John 13:1-20) Betrayal foretold (Matthew 26:2125) Institution of the Lord s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Final Instructions to His Disciples (cont.) Discussion on where Jesus was going (John 13:36-14:31) Discourse on fruit bearing (John 15:1-27) Revealing the future (John 16:1-33) High priestly prayer (John 17:1-26) Peter s denial predicted (Matthew 26:31-35)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Gethsemane to Calvary The agony of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42) The betrayal (Luke 22:47-54) Interrogation by Annas (John 18:12-14) Interrogation by Caiaphas (John 18:24) Trial before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71) Peter s denial (Matthew 26:58, 69-75)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Gethsemane to Calvary (cont.) Religious trial before Annas (John 18:12-14) Religious trial before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57-68) Religious trial before Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:1-2) Civil trial before Pilate (John 18:28-38) Civil trial before Herod (Luke 23:6-12) Civil trial before Pilate again (John 18: 39-19:6; Luke 23:13-25)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Gethsemane to Calvary (cont.) Judas suicide (Matthew 27:3-10) Jesus crucified (Luke 23:26-49) Jesus buried (John 19:41-42)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Resurrection and Commission The resurrection morning (Mark 16:1-8) Appearance to the women (Matthew 28:9-10) Appearance to two disciples (Luke 24:13-33a) Appearance to the ten apostles (John 20: 19-25) Appearance to the apostles and Thomas (John 20:26-31)
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ (A Harmony of the Gospels) Jesus Resurrection and Commission (cont.) Appearance to the seven apostles (John 21:1-25) The great commission (Matthew 28:16-20) The commission repeated (Luke 24:44-49) Christ s ascension (Luke 24:50-53)