PhariseesThe Pharisees were the dominant religio-political party.

They defended
the Jewish way of life against all foreign influences. They were stringent legalists.

SadduceesThe Sadducees were the wealthy and socially-minded who wanted to

rid Israel of tradition. They were liberal in theology and opposed the Pharisees

ScribesThe scribes were professional expounders of the Law, stemming back

from the days of Ezra. They were hair-splitters more concerned with the letter of the Law than with the spirit of the Law.

HerodiansThe Herodians were strictly political opportunists. They sought to keep

the Herods on the throne, because they wanted their party in power.

Some Comparative Overview Charts

by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

The Four Gospels:

Historical Background Issues:

GOSPEL acc. to... MARK MATTHEW tax collector & apostle (Mark 3:18; Matt 9:9; 10:3; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) multi-lingual (Aramaic & Greek) early Jewish Christian; trained "scribe"of 13:52? LUKE JOHN

"John Mark of Jerusalem" WHO? (Acts 12:12; 15:37; Col traditionally attributed author? 4:10; Phlm 1:24; 1Pet 5:13) WHO? implied author? bilingual (Aramaic & Greek) Christian of the 2nd generation; "young man" of 14:51-52?

physician & companion of John, son of Zebedee; Paul (Col 4:14; 2Tim 4:11; one of 12 apostles (Mark Phlm 1:24 only) 1:19; 3:17; cf. John 21:2) Gentile Christian convert; well educated Greek "historian"; client of Theophilus (1:1-4)? the "beloved disciple" and his Jewish Christian followers (19:35; 21:2024) very mixed: mostly Jews, some Gentiles, Samaritans, etc.

mostly Gentiles, fairly new better educated Jews who wealthier Gentile TO WHOM? believe in Jesus, but Christians in an urban implied audience? in their faith, and facing persecutions argue over the Law setting, becoming complacent WHERE? written from and/or to? WHEN? approximate date? probably Rome; possibly Decapolis, Syria or Alexandria?

possibly Galilee; probably probably Greece; possibly originally Galilee or Syria; in or near Antioch in Syria Syria/Antioch (Pauline traditionally Ephesus missions) (Asia Minor) main edition 90's (early edition 50's? epilogue after 100?)

first written "Gospel"; very late 70's or 80's (w/ older mid to late 80's (incl. late 60's or early 70's sources, incl. one written "many" earlier written (Jewish War 66-70) by Matthew?) sources)

WHAT? subtype of "Gospel" genre?

narrated "good news" (1:1) about Jesus, esp. his actions & his death

book of "heritage" of an "orderly account" for Jesus (1:1) & much of his attaining "secure "teaching" (28:20) knowledge" (1:1-4)

much "testimony" and "signs" for believers (20:30-31; 21:24-25)

WHY? community to encourage a group circumstances & undergoing difficult trials author's purpose? and persecutions

to teach a community with to challenge believers to to strengthen a group internal divisions and put their faith into practice ostracized by other Jews external enemies more fully for their faith

See also my related webpage: Who Really Wrote the Gospels? Literary, Stylistic and Thematic Comparisons:
# GOSPEL acc. to... MARK 1 Number of chapters (verses and words) 2 Style of Greek 3 Geographical Focus 4 Literary Features 16 ( 678 / 11304 ) MATTHEW 28 ( 1071 / 18345 ) LUKE 24 ( 1151 / 19482 ) JOHN 21 ( 879 / 15635 )

grammatically poor Greek

Semitic influenced Greek

good, elegant, literary simple, but highly symbolic Greek Greek one long journey to the multiple visits back & forth to goal: Jerusalem Jerusalem any story pairs (with "Amen, Amen, I say to male/female you."; irony; paradox; doublecharacters); meanings focus on prayer; many extra parables "Orderly Account" (1:1- Cosmic Hymn (1:1-18) 4) J. B. points to "Lamb of God"; first disciples come (1:19-51)

Galilean towns & Galilee, esp. villages; some Gentile mountains; mostly territory Jewish areas quick action ("and then"; "immediately"); episodes connected loosely, but grouped "Beginning of Good News" (1:1) John the Baptist's preaching; Jesus' ministry begins (1:2-15) [to unspecified crowds]: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (1:15) Jesus' birth is not narrated; but he's called "Son of Mary" (6:3) and "the Nazarene" (14:67) Exorcism in the Synagogue five major discourses; well-organized sections of collected pericopes "Book of Genealogy" (1:1)

5 Literary Introduction 6 Gospel Beginning

Jesus' heritage: David parallel birth stories: (royal), Abraham John the Baptist & (Jewish), Emmanuel Jesus (1:52:52) (God with us) (1:2 2:23) [to John the Baptist, before his baptism]: "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness" (3:15) focus on men: David, Joseph, Herod, Magi; power: King of Jews? murder of infants! [12-year-old, to his parents in Jerusalem]: "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (2:49)

7 First Words of Jesus

[to two disciples of John the Baptist]: "What are you looking for?" (1:38) and "Come and See" (1:39)

8 Birth of Jesus (narrative emphasis)

focus on women: theology of incarnation: "Word Elizabeth, Mary, Anna; became flesh and dwelt among angels; shepherds; us" (1:14) Holy Spirit

9 Inaugural Event

Sermon on the Mount: Jubilee reading from Fulfillment of Isaiah 61:

Wedding Feast at Cana: first of Jesus' "signs" (2:1-11)

of Capernaum (1:2128) 10 Jesus' Major Opponents

Torah/Law (ch. 57)

Rejection at Nazareth (4:14-30) "the Jews" (esp. leaders in Jerusalem); Pharisees; High Priest Caiaphas "Woman, behold, your son"; "Behold, your mother" (19:2627); "I am thirsty" (19:28); "It is finished" (19:30)

1- Pharisees & "scribes & Pharisees"; unjust authorities (civil "hypocrites & blind & religious); Herodians; guides" rich & corrupt people 2- chief priests, scribes & elders "My God, my God, [same as in Mark] why have you forsaken (Mt 27:46) me?" (15:34) "Father, forgive them..." (23:34); "You will be with me in Paradise" (23:43); "Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit" (23:46) Jesus' innocence; forgiveness (ch. 22 23)

11 Jesus' [Seven] Last Words on the Cross

12 Focus of Passion

horrible suffering; tragic death (ch. 14 15) Empty Tomb, outside of Jerusalem (16:1-8)

authorities' plots & treachery (ch. 26-27)

Jesus' exaltation/glorification (ch. 1819) 1: disciples & Thomas (20:1929) 2: [Peter & Beloved Disciple (21:1-23)] 1: many more signs (20:3031) 2: [many other books, 21:2425] JOHN Eternal Logos; Divine Word made Flesh; Only-begotten Son; sent from Father; Passover Lamb; "I Am" / "Equal to God" speaking God's words; doing God's works; revealing his intimate relationship with God see, believe, know, remain in Jesus & God, despite hostility; love one another; be in unity; serve humbly

13 Last Major Event

Great Commission, on Ascension, from Mountain in Galilee Bethany just East of (28:16-20) Jerusalem (24:50-53) disciples return to Jerusalem temple with joy praising God (24:53) LUKE great Prophet (in word & deed); Lord (of Israel, and of all nations); Savior (of all, but esp. of the poor)

14 Final Literary Ending

women leave tomb in Jesus tells the fear & silence disciples, "I am with (16:8) [16:9-20 added you always" (28:20) only later] MATTHEW Son of David; Son of Abraham; King of the Jews; New Lawgiver & Great Teacher (like Moses); Emmanuel ("God with us") Christ/Messiah & Son of God; Suffering Son of Man; Eschatological Judge

. GOSPEL acc. to... MARK 15 Christology I: Main Titles for Jesus

16 Christology II: Jesus' Major Actions 17 Discipleship I: Teachings about Disc.

miracles; overcoming evil powers; arguing with religious authorities persevere in faith despite suffering; follow Jesus "on the way" to the cross; be ready for his return anon. women (5:25; 7:24; 12:41; 14:3); Jairus (5:21); Bartimaeus (10:46) Spirit descends at Jesus' Baptism; conflict with

teaching his disciples; healing sick & decrying religious impaired people; hypocrisy forgiving sinners & debtors be righteous; forgive always; live ethically (Golden Rule); fulfill God's commands, esp. in charitable deeds Peter (16:13-20); children (18:1-5); faithful servants (24:4525:46) Mary with child from the H.S.; God's Spirit in Jesus' leave everything to follow Jesus; share with poor; accept everyone, esp. outcasts, women, enemies Mary of Nazareth (1:262:51); Good Samaritan (10:25-37); Zacchaeus (19:1-10) H.S. esp. active in Infancy Nnarrative; Jesus receives

18 Discipleship II: Role Models for Disc.

John [the Baptizer] (ch. 1); man born blind (ch. 9); Martha (11:27); the B.D. (13:23ff); Mary Magdalene (20:1-18) H.S. as Spirit of Truth; Paraclete/Advocate/Comforter

19 Pneumatology

unclean/demonic spirits 20 Eschatological Expectations imminent and suddenly, but no one knows when; so "Keep awake!" (13:1-37) whether you persevere in faith despite persecutions (13:13) Messianic secret; main disciples don't understand, but minor characters do believe

actions & speech false prophets will arise; many will fall away; Gospel must first be preached to all (24:1014) what you do for "the least" people; Sheep & Goats parable (25:31-46) fulfillment of Scripture; divisions within the community; final separation of good vs. bad Human [or Angel] September 21 Year A

prophetic anointing after Jerusalem is destroyed & Gentiles' time is fulfilled; not so soon; pray! (21:20-24, 28, 36) how you use wealth / possessions; parables of Rich & Poor (16:1-31) fulfillment of God's plan; eschatological reversal; tax collectors & sinners favored Ox October 18 Year C realized eschatology; all who hear & believe have eternal life already now, are not judged (5:21-25)

21 Basis for Final Judgment

whether or not you believe in Jesus (3:16-18; 5:19-24; 12:44-50) "eternal life" = "life in his name"; Paraclete = Holy Spirit; Christian unity; mutual indwelling of God/Jesus/us Eagle December 27 mixed, esp. Lent & Easter Christ the Revealer Orthodox Xns (esp. logos Christology)

22 Other Major Themes

23 Evang.Symbols (cf. Lion Rev 4:7) 24 Liturgical Feast Day 25 Use in Sunday Lectionary 26 Typical Portrait 27 Emphasized by Whom? April 25 Year B Jesus on the Cross Modern Historians (oldest historical account)

Sermon on the Mount Jesus Heals the Sick Catholics (esp. ecclesial structures) Protestants (esp. social justice focus)

Definitions to Remember: Covenant: Agreement between God and His people Testament: Bears witness to Canonical: Official 27 books of the New Testament Non-Canonical: Books deemed unnecessary for New Testament; separate from the apocalypse Apocalypse: Anonymous Jewish or Christian texts containing prophetic or symbolic visions that did not make it into the bible Theophilus: Lover of God

Gospel is a term used to define the written accounts of Jesus of Nazareth. The four widely known gospels are the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However the term can also refer to the apocryphal gospels, non-canonical gospels, the Jewish gospels, and the gnostic gospels.

Despite the gospel of Matthew being the first book in the new testament, the majority view today is that Mark was actually the first gospel followed by Matthew and Luke. It is believed that Matthew and Luke borrowed passages from Mark's gospel and one other source lost to history. This view is known as the two-source hypothesis. Due to Matthew and Luke borrowing passages from Mark these three gospels are known as the synoptic gospels. Synoptic meaning having the same view. John was the only author who actually knew Jesus and his gospel takes a different view than the first three. Below you will find a comparison table that helps better visualize the differences and similarities between the four gospels.

Luke John A Gentile A second An unknown Christian, generation Jewish traditionally Luke The "beloved Christian, Christian, Writer the physician disciple" the possibly a traditionally and Paul's Apostle John follower of the Apostle traveling Peter Matthew companion Date Written 65-70 CE 75-80 CE 80-85 CE 90-110 CE Promised Messiah of Jewish people, Merciful, greatest Healer, Miracle Compassionate, prophet, Noble, Worker, Prayerful teacher teacher of Powerful Who is Teacher, with special the "new divine--fully Jesus? Misunderstood concern for law" calling in control of by those women, the people to be His destiny closest to Him poor, and nonfaithful of Jews (Gentiles) the Old Testament covenant with God A Gentile Christian A Jewish Jews, The Author's community in Written to Christian Gentiles, and Community Rome "Theophilus" community Samaritans undergoing persecution The Romans Written after Written when the Jewish subdue armed Romans had persecution of leaders Hisotrical Jewish destroyed all Jews and banned Situation rebellions. of Christians was Christians Christians Jerusalem intensifying from the

Mark

Matthew

Mark experiencing persecution in Rome Where the books were written Rome

Matthew

Luke

John synagogues

Most likely Antioch of Syria

Possibly Rome or Caesarea

Probably written in Ephesus

Differences are: Matthew: Jesus was Presented as Messiah Genealogy through Abraham (legal) What Jesus said To the Jews First Miracle - Leper cleansed (Jew = sin) Ends with Resurrection Style: Groupings Key Word: Fulfilled Symbol: Lion Ensign: Judah Camp Side: East Mark Presented as: Servant Genealogy: none (Servant pedigree is not important) What Jesus did To the Romans First Miracle: Demon expelled Ends with Ascension Style: Snapshots Key word: Eutheos Symbol: Ox Ensign: Ephraim Camp side: West Luke: Presented as: Son of Man Genealogy: Adam (blood line) What Jesus felt To the Greeks First Miracle: Demon expelled Ends with: Promise of the spirit (Acts) Style: Narrative Key Word: It came to pass Symbol: Man

Ensign Reuben Camp Side: South John Presented as: Son of God Genealogy Eternal (preexistence) What Jesus was To the church First miracle: Water turned to wine Ends with the promise to return (Revelations) Style: supernatural Key word: Verily Verily Symbol: Eagle Ensign: Dan Camp Side: North