Gospel Formation
The texts listed on this page have all been adapted from Background to the Gospels by John Wijngaards.
To understand the Gospels correctly we need to know the way in which the Gospels came about:
from Jesus’ teaching,
through oral catechesis
and written records
to the composition of the Gospels of Matthew,
Mark,
and Luke.
- Introduction to what ‘Gospel’ means
name,
date
inspiration
how to read the gospels
biographies
written copies
apocrypha
translations - Jesus Christ
original teacher
adaptation to social culture
growth in wisdom
prophetic teaching
images
conflicts
rabbinical style
open to women
equality for all
deferred decisions - Oral and written traditions
oral traits
mnemonic devices
memorising
Paul’s use of oral sources - Matthew’s Gospel
author
sources
structure
texts proper to Matthew
community
Jewish traits
themes of authority
Jesus’ words
Messiah
self study on authority
Ignatius of Antioch - Mark’s Gospel
author
structure
character
themes of Peter
God’s household
basic community - Luke’ Gospel
author
structure
character
hellenist milieu
themes of joy
salvation
meal
business
Jerusalem
witness
women
Mary
Luke’s portrait of Mary
discipleship
women’s ministry
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