Matthew’s Gospel
Matthew was a Galilean Jew and a Tax collector
Written in Aramaic but first known copy is in Greek.
Written around 40-80 C.E
Purpose was to establish the credentials of Jesus
Jesus is a teacher
Jesus is seen as the new Moses
Jesus is a seen as a law giver and Messiah
Use of Old Testament references
Jesus as fulfillment of the Law
Criticises the Scribes and Pharisees
Highlights ‘Church’ and Peter’s role
Galilee is seen as important for Jesus’ ministry Matthew
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Mark’s Gospel
Mark was Peter's interpreter
Mark wrote in Greek
Written around 70 C.E
Purpose was to demonstrate that Jesus was the God-man who came to serve mankind through His death and resurrection
Jesus is seen as the suffering Messiah
Passion and resurrection is the key to understanding Jesus
Uses geography with a theological purpose
Gives a very human portrait of Jesus Mark
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Luke’s Gospel
Written by the "beloved physician" Luke who traveled with Paul.
Written around 90 C.E
Luke writes a religious history
Purpose was to
"weed out the truth of Jesus from all that was being said"
Luke's Gospel only gospel has the story of the Birth of John the Baptist, Christmas story of the shepherds, parables of the good samaritan, the lost sheep and the prodigal son.
Jesus is seen as a prophet and saviour of the oppressed
Concerned with the gentiles and marginalised
Prominence of the Holy Spirit
Greater prominence given to women and other evangelists
Emphasises proper stewardship of wealth
A gospel of compassion, mercy and universal salvation
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John’s Gospel
Written by John the Apostle.
Written around 110 C.E.
Audience seems to be unbelievers
Jesus seen as the Word
Jesus seen as Son of Man, Light of the World, the Way, the Truth and Life
Emphasises community
Signs and symbols used
Theme of eternal life
Shows some reflection over time because it was last to be written
More complex in style and content than other Gospels
Use of metaphoric language
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