sacred scripture: a catholic study of god’s word discovering the good news similarities in the...
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Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordSacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s Word
Discovering the Good News Similarities in the Synoptic Gospels Dating the Gospels Formation of the Gospels Authorship of the Gospels The Gospel of Mark The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Luke The Gospel of John Acts of the Apostles Strategies for Reading, Studying,
and Praying the Gospels
Discovering the Good News Similarities in the Synoptic Gospels Dating the Gospels Formation of the Gospels Authorship of the Gospels The Gospel of Mark The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Luke The Gospel of John Acts of the Apostles Strategies for Reading, Studying,
and Praying the Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Good News
1. Gospel comes from an Old English word for “good news”
2. Most references to “Good News” in the New Testament refer to Jesus’ preaching rather than his life
3. The word “gospel” did not originally mean “a narrative of Jesus’ life”
4. The four Gospels narrate Jesus’ life and teach about the events of the Paschal Mystery
5. The Gospels hold the central place of all the inspired and Sacred Scriptures in the liturgy
The Good News
1. Gospel comes from an Old English word for “good news”
2. Most references to “Good News” in the New Testament refer to Jesus’ preaching rather than his life
3. The word “gospel” did not originally mean “a narrative of Jesus’ life”
4. The four Gospels narrate Jesus’ life and teach about the events of the Paschal Mystery
5. The Gospels hold the central place of all the inspired and Sacred Scriptures in the liturgy
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Synoptic Gospels1. Because Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain a great deal of
common material, they are called the Synoptic Gospels2. The similarities suggest that one of the three was used
as a primary source when the other two were written 3. For a variety of reasons, most scholars
agree that Mark was a source used by both Matthew and Luke
The Synoptic Gospels1. Because Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain a great deal of
common material, they are called the Synoptic Gospels2. The similarities suggest that one of the three was used
as a primary source when the other two were written 3. For a variety of reasons, most scholars
agree that Mark was a source used by both Matthew and Luke
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Dating the Gospels
1. Scholars date Mark’s to the period of the destruction of the Temple (AD 68-72) due to clues given in Mk 13:4
2. Because Matthew is quoted by both canonical and noncanonical sources, scholars date it to AD 85–90
3. While Luke cannot have followed Mark by too late a date, he does not seem to know of Paul’s letters leading scholars to place it somewhere during the AD 80s
4. John is difficult to locate in time but scholars tend to place it as early as AD 90 but not later than AD 120-130
Dating the Gospels
1. Scholars date Mark’s to the period of the destruction of the Temple (AD 68-72) due to clues given in Mk 13:4
2. Because Matthew is quoted by both canonical and noncanonical sources, scholars date it to AD 85–90
3. While Luke cannot have followed Mark by too late a date, he does not seem to know of Paul’s letters leading scholars to place it somewhere during the AD 80s
4. John is difficult to locate in time but scholars tend to place it as early as AD 90 but not later than AD 120-130
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Formation of the Gospels
1. The Gospel was handed down in two ways:
orally in preaching
in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
2. Three stages in the formation of the Gospels:
Formation of the Gospels
1. The Gospel was handed down in two ways:
orally in preaching
in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
2. Three stages in the formation of the Gospels:(a) the period of the public life and teaching of Jesus
(b) a period of oral tradition and preaching by the early disciples in 3 key forms:
(c) the writtenGospels themselves
The kerygma or preaching to unbelievers
The Didache or Catechesis
The liturgy or worship of Christians
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Authorship
1. The Gospels never state the identities of their authors
2. Authorship by tradition: Matthew was identified as a tax collector called by Jesus; Mark was a companion of Paul; Luke was Paul’s beloved physician; John was the brother of James and son of Zebedee
3. Though a connection with the apostolic tradition cannot be disputed, the position that Apostles or companions of Jesus undertook the actual authorship is not certain
Authorship
1. The Gospels never state the identities of their authors
2. Authorship by tradition: Matthew was identified as a tax collector called by Jesus; Mark was a companion of Paul; Luke was Paul’s beloved physician; John was the brother of James and son of Zebedee
3. Though a connection with the apostolic tradition cannot be disputed, the position that Apostles or companions of Jesus undertook the actual authorship is not certain
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Mark
1. Background:
The Gospel of Mark
1. Background:
Date: approximately
AD 66-70
The shortest, and probably
the first, Gospel
Two main parts:(a) A long introduction
that details Jesus’ ministry and travels
(b) The Passion narrative
Audience:largely Gentileliving in Rome
or Syria
The literary stylesuggests it was written
from the perspectiveof a peasant living
shortly after thetime of Jesus
Hypotheses: it was written
for a community that was suffering,
possibly evenpersecuted
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Mark2. Characteristics:
Jesus is portrayed as very human and inquisitive
Though God, Jesus understands painful human moments
Jesus makes three predictions of his coming crucifixion
Jesus uses parables to communicate his teaching
The evil spirits are sometimes slow to obey Jesus
The Passion narrative is grim, somber, heart wrenching
Because Mark’s community had difficulty being faithful disciples in the midst of their suffering; his message: Jesus is right there with you, sharing your pain
The Gospel of Mark2. Characteristics:
Jesus is portrayed as very human and inquisitive
Though God, Jesus understands painful human moments
Jesus makes three predictions of his coming crucifixion
Jesus uses parables to communicate his teaching
The evil spirits are sometimes slow to obey Jesus
The Passion narrative is grim, somber, heart wrenching
Because Mark’s community had difficulty being faithful disciples in the midst of their suffering; his message: Jesus is right there with you, sharing your pain
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Matthew
1. Background:
The Gospel of Matthew
1. Background:
Date:some time in
the AD 80s
Sources:Mark, “Q” and “M”
Audience:Jewish
Christians
While generally faithfulto Mark’s outline of events,Matthew also edited and
compacted several of Mark’s passages
Most of the common material
between Matthew andLuke is made up of
sayings and parables
Matthewedited and compacted
several of Mark’spassages
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Matthew
2. Characteristics: The disciples understand his instructions more clearly
Matthew intended his Gospel to help Jewish Christians understand the Jewish roots of their faith
He is aware of Jewish sensibilities, practices, and beliefs
He is concerned to help his largely Jewish-Christian readers understand that Jesus was the Messiah
He makes numerous comparisons between Jesus and Moses
He presents Jesus as the founder of the Church
The Gospel of Matthew
2. Characteristics: The disciples understand his instructions more clearly
Matthew intended his Gospel to help Jewish Christians understand the Jewish roots of their faith
He is aware of Jewish sensibilities, practices, and beliefs
He is concerned to help his largely Jewish-Christian readers understand that Jesus was the Messiah
He makes numerous comparisons between Jesus and Moses
He presents Jesus as the founder of the Church
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Luke
1. Background:
The Gospel of Luke
1. Background:
Date:approximately
the 80s AD
Sources:Mark, “Q”
and “L”
Audience: both Luke andthe Acts are addressed to “Theophilus” There are
various theories about where Luke wrote
Luke’s eloquence marks
him as well educated, almost certainly from
a well-to-do background
Heart of the Gospel:“Jesus is
Lord”
Luke has a good vocabulary and the desire to be accurate and
orderly
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of Luke1. Recurring themes: the needs of the poor; the
importance of prayer and the Holy Spirit as the constant companion to prayer; the importance of woman in Jesus’ life and ministry
2. The first events in the life of Jesus through the eyes of a woman (Mary) rather than through the eyes of a man
3. Differences in the Passion narrative: the portrayal of the disciples more positively; Jesus is in control until the very end; the centurion present at the crucifixion acknowledges that Jesus was truly innocent
4. An important theme: follow in the footsteps of Jesus as he followed the will of his Father
The Gospel of Luke1. Recurring themes: the needs of the poor; the
importance of prayer and the Holy Spirit as the constant companion to prayer; the importance of woman in Jesus’ life and ministry
2. The first events in the life of Jesus through the eyes of a woman (Mary) rather than through the eyes of a man
3. Differences in the Passion narrative: the portrayal of the disciples more positively; Jesus is in control until the very end; the centurion present at the crucifixion acknowledges that Jesus was truly innocent
4. An important theme: follow in the footsteps of Jesus as he followed the will of his Father
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of John
1. Background:
The Gospel of John
1. Background:
Date:approximately
AD 90Sources:independent
traditions and doesnot rely on the
synoptics
Authorship:tradition attributes
to the “beloveddisciple”
Focuses on Jesus as God’s
Revelation
Organization:Prologue
Book of Signs: 7 miraclesBook of Glory: Last Supper & Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Epilogue
1, 2, & 3 John,& Revelation are also attributed to
this author
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of John
1. Differences between John and the synoptic Gospels:
new characters such as Nicodemus and Lazarus
Jesus’ public ministry lasts three years, not one
Jesus’ teaching takes the form of long discourses
Jesus’ teachings are very poetic
presents a more solemn and holy Jesus
use of literary techniques: irony, plays on words, metaphors, figurative language
The Gospel of John
1. Differences between John and the synoptic Gospels:
new characters such as Nicodemus and Lazarus
Jesus’ public ministry lasts three years, not one
Jesus’ teaching takes the form of long discourses
Jesus’ teachings are very poetic
presents a more solemn and holy Jesus
use of literary techniques: irony, plays on words, metaphors, figurative language
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Gospel of John
2. John is concerned with defining and clarifying love
3. Jesus teaches using metaphors
4. Nicodemus seems to represent Christians silent or fearful about expressing their commitment to Christ
5. The Johannine community was aware of Peter’s primacy in the Church
6. John’s Christology stresses Jesus’ heavenly origins, his fundamental identity as the Son of God, and his preexistence as the Word of God
The Gospel of John
2. John is concerned with defining and clarifying love
3. Jesus teaches using metaphors
4. Nicodemus seems to represent Christians silent or fearful about expressing their commitment to Christ
5. The Johannine community was aware of Peter’s primacy in the Church
6. John’s Christology stresses Jesus’ heavenly origins, his fundamental identity as the Son of God, and his preexistence as the Word of God
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Acts of the ApostlesThe Acts of the Apostles
Paul’s vision helped inspire the Church’s outreach
to Gentiles
Ends withambiguous news that Paul remained in Rome
for two years, proclaimingthe reign of God and
teaching about Jesus Christ
Provides achronology of events in the early Church
Two Apostlesare primarily
featured: Peterand Paul
Christ’s transcendent Ascension
acts as a bridge connecting the end of Luke and the
beginning of Acts
Features theChurch’s new outreach to the Gentiles
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Acts of the Apostles
1. Symmetry of Luke and Acts:
2. Many themes and events parallel the life and ministry of Jesus
3. The first Church in Jerusalem illustrates: the importance of prayer; the presence of women disciples; the central role of Mary
4. Parallelism of the Spirit who hovers: over creation, at the Annunciation, at the beginnings of the Church
The Acts of the Apostles
1. Symmetry of Luke and Acts:
2. Many themes and events parallel the life and ministry of Jesus
3. The first Church in Jerusalem illustrates: the importance of prayer; the presence of women disciples; the central role of Mary
4. Parallelism of the Spirit who hovers: over creation, at the Annunciation, at the beginnings of the Church
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s WordPart 2A The Gospels
The Acts of the Apostles
5. The Church was not a perfect community, but it overcame the challenges and continued to grow
6. Jerusalem is the epicenter: In Luke, Jesus is resolutely determined to journey there while in Acts the Church begins there and moves out from there
7. A recurring pattern involves Paul bringing many Gentiles to the faith but experiencing rejection from many Jews
The Acts of the Apostles
5. The Church was not a perfect community, but it overcame the challenges and continued to grow
6. Jerusalem is the epicenter: In Luke, Jesus is resolutely determined to journey there while in Acts the Church begins there and moves out from there
7. A recurring pattern involves Paul bringing many Gentiles to the faith but experiencing rejection from many Jews