Comparison of Themes in the Four Canonical Gospels

Comparison of Themes in the Four Canonical Gospels

Mark (ca. 65-75CE)

Matthew (ca. 75-85CE)

Luke (and Acts) (ca. 85-95CE)

John (ca. 85-110CE)

1. Not clear where this was 1. Likely written in Palestine.

1. Not clear where this was written 1. Long thought to have been written

written. Geography is flawed 2. Christology slightly higher than Mark. but likely not Palestine as

in Ephesus, so it is influenced by

and understanding of

The Holy Spirit only guides Jesus.

architectural references (i.e. tiles on Gentile understandings.

Judaism / traditions around 3. Has a more positive view of the

roofs) imply knowledge of only 2. Definitely the highest Christology.

1st Century Palestine seem

Disciples. They are sometimes slow metropolitan / Gentile influence /

The Word (Logos) was God and

forced (not clear)

in understanding, but they get it

understandings.

(literally) pitched tent in the body of

2. Probably the lowest

eventually. Probably has the highest 2. Christology slightly higher than

Jesus and lived among us. God is in

Christology. Jesus has God's view of Peter.

Mark. The Holy Spirit only guides

the Logos and the Logos is in us

authority to forgive sins but 4. Definitely the most Jewish Gospel

Jesus.

(and vice versa). Jesus is always in

is not seen as God. In fact

while sadly having strong anti-Semitic 3. Has a more positive view of the

control ? even of the Holy Spirit.

the Holy Spirit DRIVES Jesus themes.

Disciples. They are sometimes slow 3. Has a fairly positive view of

? Jesus has no control.

5. Jesus is the "new and better Moses" in understanding, but they get it

Disciples with emphasis given to

3. The disciples do NOT get it! who gives a new or re-interpreted

eventually.

the un-named "beloved disciple"

Don't be like them! The

law. The two are often compared. 4. God desires to redeem people.

and NOT Peter.

Gospel ends with the

6. Conflict of Kingdoms (i.e. the

5. Salvation is equally available to all, 4. Against the "Jews." This has led to

women disciples not getting Kingdom of God / Heaven vs. the

including sinners, tax collectors,

much anti-Semitism (sadly)

it, as they are afraid and

kingdoms of this age / Caesar / Satan / Samaritans, women, the poor, etc. 5. No ascension story, though it is

don't tell the good news.

etc.)

6. God will (and we should) bless

implied.

4. Discipleship, Discipleship, 7. The Church / Community (Matthew and lift up the poor, but there are 6. Seems to go to lengths to show

Discipleship! Jesus is the

is the only Gospel with the word

dangers in wealth.

differences (? perceived

perfect example!

eklesia ? i.e. Church / assembly in 7. Table fellowship ? share your food discrepancies ?) with other Gospels.

5. Has little concern for "sin" Greek)

and fellowship with all people,

7. Contains no story of "Holy

or "sins" (not even

8. How to continue now that there is

including the outcast, for there you Communion" at the last supper,

mentioned as a topic after

separation between Judaism &

experience Christ.

only a foot washing. This may be

chapter 3).

Christianity.

8. Discipleship.

because John has Jesus being

6. There is much immediacy in 9. Discipleship.

9. Prayer.

crucified the day the lambs are

this Gospel as Jesus will

10. No ascension story; thus, Jesus is 10. The Holy Spirit is important.

being prepared (slain), making the

"immediately" do something with us always until the end of the 11. Luke and Acts have two quite

Passover meal taking place the night

else after completing a task. age (when two or more are gathered). different ascension stories.

AFTER Jesus' death (not before as in

7. No ascension story.

11. Probably used Mark and possibly 12. Probably used Mark and possibly the other Gospels). However,

8. Only one Passover is

other sources such as Q.

other sources such as Q.

Communion theology is found in

mentioned. Is Jesus' ministry 12. Matthew is the ONLY Gospel that 13. Contains birth narrative focusing

John 6:22-59.

only 1 year long?

says the "cup of the covenant" is for

on Mary (and her family) and

8. Implies Jesus' ministry lasts 3 years

the forgiveness of sins.

Shepherds.

as 3 Passovers take place.

13. Contains birth narrative focusing on 14. Only Gospel with adolescent

9. Jesus is ALWAYS in control in John!

Joseph & Wise Men

Jesus

10. The Logos ABIDING in us and vice

14. Only one Passover is mentioned. Is 15. Only one Passover is mentioned. versa (as God abides in the Logos &

Jesus' ministry only 1 year long?

Is Jesus' ministry only 1 year long? vice versa) is important in John.

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