synoptic gospels + distinctive features Flashcards
author of mark
tradition: mark
who was mark thought to be by tradition
interpreter to apostle peter
mark’s features
likely not from Palestine, therefore not eyewitness to Jesus
very imperfect Greek
audience of mark
tradition: Christians in Rome persecuted by Emperor Nero
content: persecuted Christians
date of mark gospel
65-75 A.D.
special characteristics of Gospel of Mark
theme: discipleship requires sacrifice + suffering
-negative portrayal of Jesus’ disciples
-no infancy narrative
author of matthew
a Christian of Jewish origin
tradition: Matthew the apostle, 1 of 12 disciples
audience of matthew
primarily Jewish-Christian
-struggled with how Christianity should relate to Judaism
date of matthew
80-90 A.D.
special characteristics of matthew
theme: Jesus fulfills the Hebrew scriptures
-begins Gospel with long genealogy of Jesus
-prophecy fulfillment
-OT allusions
-stresses putting faith into action
-improves mark’s portrayal of disciples
-infancy narrative
author of luke
-not an eyewitness to Jesus’ life
-Christian of Gentile origin
-tradition: Luke, physician + traveling companion of Paul
audience of luke
Gentile-Christians
who was luke addressed to?
theophilus
-perhaps leader of Christian community
-perhaps a symbolic name meaning “one who loves God”
date of luke
80-90 A.D.
special characteristics of luke
theme: God favors poor + marginalized
-greater roles for women in life of Jesus
-many references to joy, prayer, and the Holy Spirit
-infancy narrative
