Gospels

Definition

The gospels are a collection of texts in the New Testament that recount the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They serve as the foundational narratives of Christianity and play a crucial role in the spread of the religion throughout the Roman Empire. Each gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus' message and mission, contributing to a diverse understanding of early Christian beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The gospels were written between approximately 70 CE and 100 CE, reflecting different audiences and theological perspectives.
2. Mark is considered the earliest gospel and is often seen as a source for both Matthew and Luke due to its straightforward narrative style.
3. John's gospel differs significantly from the Synoptic Gospels, emphasizing more on Jesus' divinity and spiritual teachings.
4. The gospels were crucial in the missionary efforts of early Christians, as they provided a narrative that could be shared across diverse cultures within the Roman Empire.
5. The early church recognized four canonical gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—while many other gospels were written but were ultimately deemed non-canonical.

Review Questions

• How do the differences among the gospels contribute to our understanding of early Christianity?
  • The differences among the gospels provide insights into the diverse interpretations of Jesus' life and teachings within early Christianity. For instance, while Matthew focuses on Jesus as a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, John emphasizes his divine nature. This variety allows scholars to understand how different communities shaped their beliefs around Jesus’ message and how those beliefs resonated with various cultural contexts within the Roman Empire.
• Discuss how the gospels played a role in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
  • The gospels served as essential tools for early Christian missionaries by providing a structured narrative of Jesus’ life, teachings, and resurrection. Their accounts made it easier for missionaries to articulate their faith to diverse audiences, adapting their messages based on local cultures while maintaining core Christian beliefs. This adaptability helped facilitate the rapid spread of Christianity across different regions within the Roman Empire.
• Evaluate the impact of the inclusion or exclusion of certain texts in shaping the canon of gospels recognized by early Christians.
  • The process of canonization significantly shaped Christian doctrine and identity by determining which texts were considered authoritative. The inclusion of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John emphasized particular theological views that aligned with emerging orthodoxy while excluding others that might have challenged those beliefs. This selection process influenced not only how Christianity was practiced but also how it defined itself against other religious traditions within the Roman Empire, ultimately solidifying its distinct identity.

Related terms

Synoptic Gospels: The first three gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—that share similar stories and structure, providing a cohesive view of Jesus' life.

Acts of the Apostles: A book in the New Testament that details the early spread of Christianity and the activities of the apostles after Jesus' resurrection.

New Testament: The second part of the Christian biblical canon, which includes the gospels and other writings that discuss Jesus' life and the establishment of Christianity.