Lesson 2: Introduction to the Gospels

INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPELS

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4

WHAT IS THE "GOSPEL"?

The gospel is the translation of the Greek noun euangelion (occurring 76 times) “good news,” and the verb euangelizo (occurring 54 times), meaning “to bring or announce good news.” Both words are derived from the noun angelos, “messenger.” In classical Greek, a euangelos was one who brought a message of victory or other political or personal news that caused joy. In addition, euangelizomai (the middle voice form of the verb) meant “to speak as a messenger of gladness, to proclaim good news.”

The term "euangelion" initially referred to a message that brought joy, whether it was political or private in nature. However, over time, this noun evolved into a technical term specifically used to describe a message of victory. This message of victory could pertain to a variety of subjects, ranging from military triumphs to spiritual conquests. Despite this evolution in meaning, the term still carried with it a sense of joy and celebration, reflecting the original connotation of the word.

• “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)

• “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3

THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPELS

The purpose of the canonical Gospels is to offer historical and factual records of Jesus Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection. With four Gospels, we get multiple witnesses and varied perspectives that, when pieced together, give a very good picture of Jesus's life, teachings, and life.

THE REAL GOSPELS OF JESUS CHRIST

Synoptics ("viewing together") - A harmony of the gospels. There are commonalities, or complementary details that help paint a picture of the life and teachings of Jesus.

1. Mark (50s) - Written to Romans. The Portrait of Christ is as a lowly servant.

2. Matthew (60s) - Written to Jews. Portrait of Christ is King Messiah.

3. Luke (60s) - Written to Hellenists. Portrait of Christ is the Son of Man.

4. John (80s) - Written to the Greek World. Portrait of the Son of God.

 An excellent book that deals with the dates of the New Testament books: F.F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? 5th ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1983)

RELIABILITY OF THE GOSPELS

 AD 100 to AD 1500 - The original writings are copied and circulated so that by approximately AD 150 there is wide enough use of them to speak of the "New Testament" ("New Covenant"), AD 100

AD 200 to AD 1650—Church fathers accepted the writings of the Gospels and Paul's letters as canonical, AD 200-300. Fine-quality animal skins from calves or antelope (vellum) and sheep or goats (parchment) were used for over 1,000 years to make copies of the Bible, approximately AD 300-1400.

•      Chester Beatty Papyri (AD 250) - Most of the NT writings

•      Bodmer Papyri (AD 200) - Contains most of John

•      Rylands Papyri (AD 130) - Discovered in Egypt and contains fragments of the Gospel of John

•      Clement of Rome - Sent a letter to Corinth in AD 95 referencing all four gospels to the churches.

•      Ignatius (115) quotes from the Gospels and other NT writings, along with Polycarp, a pupil of the Apostle John.

 1. ORAL TRADITION

The Hebrews' oral traditions date back centuries. Their ability to retain information through audible learning is incredible. It certainly transferred many of the teachings and played a huge part in preserving the integrity of true events.

2. TRANSMISSION

Westcott and Hort state that we have a copy 98.33% accurate to the original. A.T. Robertson gave a figure of 99% accuracy to the original. As historian Sir Fredric Kenyon assures us, "...the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established."

Greg Koukl's expertise in apologetics offers a clear and reasoned approach to appreciating the reliability of the Gospels as historical documents that provide a credible account of Jesus' life, ministry, and impact on humanity.

Here’s the real issue. We have one body of detailed information about Jesus: the canonical Gospels. We can accept them as divinely inspired or not. We can accept them (as many scholars do) as non-inspired human documents that are, on the main, historically accurate. We can even accept them as error-ridden musings by primitive people about God and Jesus. What we cannot do, though, is reject the Gospel accounts out of hand and then advance our own personal opinion of the Jesus of the Gospels, since there will be no Jesus left to have a personal opinion about. Reject the record, and you forfeit your opinion of the man of the record. It’s that simple. Of course, if you cherry-pick verses to fashion a Jesus in your own image, then I have nothing to offer you. If that’s your project, you are welcome to your fantasy, but do not mistake the views of your make-me-up Christ for the views of Jesus of Nazareth. That legend will reflect your opinions, not his. (Greg Koukl, “The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus,” Stand to Reason, November 1, 2021, https://www.str.org/w/the-legend-of-the-social-justice-jesus.)