The Messages of the New Testament Gospels: The Unique Perspectives of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John

(Tu22-F25Aug, B002 JFSB)

Education Week, August 2006

 

 

 

More on this subject can be found at my Rel 211 website or in the newly published Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament

 

Eric D. Huntsman, Assistant Professor of Ancient Scripture, Affiliate Faculty Classics and Ancient History
 

Class Lectures

  • 1a. Introduction to the Gospels and Their Composition
    • What does the term “gospel” mean?  What are the gospels?  When were the gospels “written?”  What were the gospels’ sources?  Kērygma, sayings, hymns, and revelation.  Gospel Sources: Position of Paul.  Paul and “the gospel.”  Book of Mormon parallel: King Benjamin on the ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.
  • 1b. Mark and the Apostolic Proclamation of Christ
    • Mark’s Gospel.  Authorship, audience, and date.  Features of Marcan Style.  Sources for Mark.  Speeches of Peter.  Peter’s Speech to Cornelius: A Model for Mark?  Structure: “A Drama in Three Acts.” Marcan Christology.  Other Themes.
  • 2. Matthew the Scribe
    • Authorship, Internal and External Evidence. Gospel Sources: Matthew. The Synoptic Problem. Composing Matthew. Matthew the Publican. Audience and Date. Matthean Christology. Structure and Outline of Matthew. Fulfilling the Prophecies: Matthew’s Infancy Narrative. Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus. Matthean Themes in the Infancy Narrative. Fulfilling the Law: Examples from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus and the Law of Moses. Six Antitheses.
  • 3. Luke, the Compassionate and Detailed Evangelist
    • Authorship, Internal and External Evidence. Luke the Physician. Luke’s Original Audience. Gospel Sources for Luke. Composing Luke. Style and Characteristics. Lucan Christology. Structure of Luke’s Gospel. Examples: Luke’s Infancy Narrative, the Genealogy of Jesus, and the Galilean Ministry. Luke’s Account of Gethsemane. Lucan Additions in the Rest of the Passion. Luke’s Testimony of the Resurrection.
  • 4. John the Theologian
    • Appeal of the Fourth Gospel. Some Contrasts Between the Synoptics and John. Authorship, Internal and External Evidence. John the Beloved. Gospel Sources for John. Audience. Johannine Christology. Structure of John. The Logos Hymn of the Prologue. Signs in John. Seven Important Signs, Discourses, and "I Am" Sayings. Examples: First Sign (Water Made Wine), Discourse on the Bread of Life, Seventh Sign (Raising of Lazarus). John’s "Book of Glory." Some Unique Johannine Aspects Elements of the Passion Narrative. John’s Symbolism: A Spear Pierced His Side . . . Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene. The Resurrection: Final Signs.

 

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