Using specific examples from the biblical texts, compare the theology of two of the gospels.

Authors Avatar

Student Number 0302062

Year 1 CCRS

New Testament Component

Using specific examples from the biblical texts, compare the theology of two of the gospels.

Matthew

Author: The general belief of many scholars (see Stanton) [Stanton 1989] is that the Gospel according to Matthew was written by the disciple of the same name who was formerly a tax collector ( Matt  9:9-13) . Luke and Mark refer to him by his other name of Levi although later scholars have stressed that Matthew’s apparent reliance on Mark’s Gospel is puzzling if we are to believe that Matthew was an eyewitness to Jesus’ teaching ( 91% of Mark’s Gospel is included in Matthew’s writings according to the NIV Study Bible) [ The NIV Study Bible 1973]. However most still believe in Matthean authorship and that the similarities to Mark were deliberate in order to stress the apostolic tradition was not divided.  

Date: Most scholars date Matthew’s Gospel to between 70-100 AD although those that still believe it to come before Mark’s suggest that it was written around 50 AD. The later date is more commonly believed due to the reliance upon Mark ( see above)

Audience: Matthew appears to have written for a Greek speaking Jewish audience. This can be seen from the outset ( 1:1-17) where Jesus is shown to be the descendant of Abraham and the Son of David ( 1:1, 9:27). In addition, the fulfilling of the Old Testament is a recurrent theme ( see below) and Jewish traditions are not really explained ( indicating that he expected his readers to be familiar with both the Jewish scriptures and way of life.)  It is worth noting, however, that although the audience appears to be of Jewish tradition, Matthew stresses a universal outlook (13:38) that suggest a wider readership.

Mark

Author: There is no reliable evidence for the author’s identity, although the NIV Study Bible says (p1460) ‘it was the unanimous testimony of the early church that the gospel was written by John Mark.’ [ The NIV Study Bible 1973]. John Mark was quoted in early writings as a close associate of Peter from whom he received the teaching of Jesus ( it is thought that the author is the John Mark who accompanies Paul and Barnabas to Antioch)(Ac12:25).

Join now!

Date: As most scholars see Mark as the major source for Matthew and Luke, it is often dated as being written in the late 50’s or early 60’s AD. Given its association with [Peter and] Rome, together with its theme of persecution, it is often dated around the fire of Rome (64AD) which was used to further persecute the Christians.

Audience: Mark appears to have been writing for a gentile audience as indicated by his explanation of Jewish customs (7:2-4 or 15:42). Mark’s special concern for the topic of persecution would be addressing the pressing issues for Roman Christians.

...

This is a preview of the whole essay