New Testament Lecture 2 Notes

Overview

• Focus: Understanding New Testament histories: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.
• Objective: Explore what constitutes a gospel or New Testament history, their purpose, and their task.

Types of New Testament Histories

1. Synoptic Gospels
   • Includes: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
   • Characteristics: Biographical histories, share material and order.
2. Gospel of John
   • Characteristics: Unique structure and content, stands apart from Synoptics.
3. Acts of the Apostles
   • Connection: Second part of Luke's Gospel.
   • Focus: Work of the Holy Spirit in the church.

Understanding Histories

• Histories vs. Theologies:
  • Histories focus on real events, foundations for theology.
  • They provide historical information from which theology is derived.

Approaches to History

• Types of History:
  • Events themselves and writings about them.
  • History involves selection and narration, offering meaningful narratives.

Gospels as Histories

• Purpose: Convey events and intentions of Jesus Christ, written with an agenda.
• Terminology: Should refer to them as "Gospel according to [Author]".

Literary Criticism

• Definition: Examines how Gospels function as literature.
• Debate on Genre: Some scholars consider "Gospel" a literary genre.

The Synoptic Gospels

• Origin: Term coined by J.J. Griesbach.
• Shared Characteristics:
  • Common material, geographical structuring.
  • Shared events, teachings, and focus.

Synoptic Problem

• Challenge: Understand agreement and uniqueness among Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• Two-Source Hypothesis:
  • Marken Priority: Mark is the earliest Gospel.
  • Hypothetical Source "Q": Explains material in Matthew and Luke not in Mark.

Gospel of John

• Unique Aspects:
  • Lacks some synoptic material, includes unique events and dialogues.
  • Written with the purpose "that you may believe."

Acts of the Apostles

• Connection to Luke: Part two of Luke's narrative.
• Focus: Early church history, growth of the church through the Holy Spirit's work.

Conclusion

• Histories Categorized: Synoptics, John, Acts.
• Meaningful Narratives: Narratives convey the events and intentions, written under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
• Diversity in Writing: Each Gospel offers a unique perspective, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Jesus' life and ministry.