Gospels & General Epistles Flashcards
What perspective became popular in during second temple Judaism that gives shape to much of the New Testament?
Eschatological Apocalypticism
What does eschatological apocalypticism expect?
The now hidden justice and faithfulness of God will someday burst onto the scene and become visible.
What does apocalypse mean?
The ‘uncovering’ of something obscured.
What are the four canonical gospels?
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
What is the primary task of the gospels?
To remember Jesus
To clarify his relevance for later Jesus-believing communities.
Who wrote each gospel?
We don’t know. They are anonymous!
What interpretation of Jesus earthly ministry do all four gospels have in common?
That Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to their ancestors and the beginning of the full revelation of God’s justice and mercy. (“The kingdom of God is at hand!”)
What are five key discourses in Matthew?
- Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
- Missionary discourse (10)
- Parables of the kingdom (13)
- Regulations for church life (18)
- Denunciations/apocalylptic warnings (23-25)
Which book presents Jesus as an interpreter of Torah?
Matthew
Which book presents Jesus as a tragic figure in a cosmic drama?
Mark
Which book clarifies what it means to follow Jesus and how is it clarified?
Mark.
- Following Jesus means being misunderstood by others.
- Following Jesus will inevitably result in suffering.
How does Mark view traditional Torah observance?
As non-essential.
What is the three part structure of Mark?
- A growing awareness of Jesus (1:1-8:21)
- Begins and ends with human blindness (8:22-10:52) alongside a confession of Jesus as Messiah moving towards his followers needing to learn the true nature of the Messiah and the true nature of God’s kingdom.
- The fated collision between Jesus and the Jewish establishment. (11:1-16:8)
How does geography play into the structure of Mark?
In Mark, Jesus moves steadily southward from Galilee towards Jerusalem.
Who is the reader of Luke?
Theophilus (“Friend of God”)
Which book presents Jesus with a focus on God’s love for the weak and marginalized?
Luke
Which book emphasizes that Jesus came for sinners?
Luke
How is Luke laid out in four parts?
- Introduction recounting stories about John and Jesus (1-2)
- Stories about Jesus’ work in Galilee (3:1-9:50)
- Various teachings of Jesus (9:51-19:27)
- Jesus passion in Jerusalem (19:28-24:52)