What was the original meaning of the term "Gospel" in Christianity, and how did its usage evolve by the second century AD?

Originally, "Gospel" referred to the Christian message, often translated as "good news." However, by the second century AD, the term, derived from the Koine Greek word "euangelion" (meaning "good news"), began to be used to refer to the written accounts that reported this message, specifically the books detailing the life and teachings of Jesus.

How is a "gospel" defined in the context of the books detailing Jesus' life and teachings?

In this context, a gospel is understood as a loosely structured, episodic narrative that recounts the words and deeds of Jesus. This narrative typically culminates in his trial and death, and concludes with various accounts of his post-resurrection appearances.

What literary genre are the Gospels most commonly compared to by modern scholars, and what does this comparison imply?

Modern scholars commonly classify the Gospels as a variation of Greco-Roman biography, known as "bios." This comparison suggests they were intended to provide examples for readers to emulate while preserving and promoting the reputation and memory of their subject, Jesus.

What was the primary purpose of the Gospels, and why are modern scholars cautious about using them as purely historical documents?

The Gospels were intended to convince readers that Jesus was a charismatic, miracle-working holy man, providing examples for them to follow. Scholars are cautious about treating them as purely historical documents because they are also considered propaganda and "kerygma" (preaching), and critical study has found it difficult to fully distinguish Jesus' original ideas from those of later Christian authors.

What is the scholarly consensus on the focus of modern research concerning Jesus and the Gospels?

Modern scholarship tends to focus on Jesus as he is remembered by his followers and on understanding the Gospels themselves as literary and theological works, rather than solely relying on them as uncritical historical records.

Which four books are recognized as the canonical Gospels within the New Testament?

The four canonical Gospels, which appear in the New Testament of the Bible, are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

What is the estimated timeframe for the composition of these four canonical Gospels?

These four canonical Gospels were likely composed between approximately AD 66 and AD 110, a period that suggests their writing may have occurred within the lifetimes of some eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, including potentially his own family members.

What is the scholarly consensus regarding the authorship of the canonical Gospels, particularly concerning eyewitness accounts?

The majority of scholars believe that all four canonical Gospels were originally anonymous, with the names of the "Four Evangelists" being added in the second century. Furthermore, it is widely held that none of the Gospels were written by direct eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, although their authors likely consulted eyewitnesses.

According to the majority of scholars, what is the likely order of composition for the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and what sources did they utilize?

The majority scholarly view posits that the Gospel of Mark was written first. Subsequently, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke were composed independently, both drawing upon Mark as a primary source for Jesus' life narrative, and supplementing it with a collection of sayings known as the "Q source," along with unique material specific to each.

What is the "Q source," and how is it theorized to have been used in the creation of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke?

The "Q source" (from the German word "Quelle," meaning source) is a hypothesized collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. Scholars theorize that both Matthew and Luke independently used this source, in addition to the Gospel of Mark, to compile their own narratives, though alternative theories exist.

What does the text suggest about the relative popularity of the four canonical Gospels in the early centuries of Christianity?

Based on manuscript evidence and citation frequency by early Church Fathers, the Gospels of Matthew and John were the most popular in the early centuries, while the Gospels of Luke and Mark were less frequently cited.

What are the approximate dates scholars assign to the composition of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John?

Scholars generally date the Gospel of Mark to around AD 70, Matthew and Luke to approximately AD 80-90, and the Gospel of John to between AD 90-100.

How did the author of the Gospel of Luke likely interact with the material found in the Gospel of Mark?

The author of Luke's Gospel followed Mark's narrative structure more closely than Matthew did, but also expanded upon the source material, corrected Mark's grammar and syntax, and omitted certain passages, such as much of chapters 6 and 7 of Mark.

What are the key differences in the portrayal of Jesus' identity and divinity between the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John?

The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as an emissary of God and does not explicitly call him "God" or claim he existed before his earthly life. In contrast, the Gospel of John is more overtly theological, presents a significantly different picture of Jesus' career, and is the only Gospel that explicitly calls Jesus "God," according to Delbert Burkett, though other scholars see possible divine Christology in the Synoptics as well.

In what language were the canonical Gospels written, and what was the primary motivation for their creation?

The canonical Gospels were written in Koine Greek. The primary motivation for their creation arose as the initial expectation of Jesus' imminent return faded, eyewitnesses began to die, and the missionary needs of the growing Christian church increased, creating a demand for written accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.

What is the scholarly consensus on the anonymity of the Gospels and the later addition of their traditional names?

Scholars generally agree that the canonical Gospels were originally anonymous. The names associated with the "Four Evangelists" (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were likely added in the second century to provide authority and tradition to the texts.

What role did oral traditions and other sources play in the composition of the Gospels?

The Gospels are understood to be based on a combination of oral traditions, Christian preaching, and interpretations of Old Testament texts. Scholars also recognize the use of written collections of sayings (like the hypothesized "Q source") and material unique to each Gospel (the "M" and "L" sources).

What is the significance of the "Signs Gospel" in relation to the Gospel of John's origins?

There is a near-consensus among scholars that the Gospel of John originated from a "Signs Gospel," a source document thought to have circulated within a specific "Johannine community" before being expanded with a Passion narrative and discourses.

How did the Gospels utilize Jewish scriptures, and which version of the scriptures were they primarily familiar with?

All four canonical Gospels extensively used Jewish scriptures by quoting, referencing, alluding to, or echoing biblical themes. The text suggests they were primarily familiar with the Greek translation of the scriptures, known as the Septuagint, although some scholars argue Matthew may have also known Hebrew.

What is the scholarly consensus regarding the genre of the Gospels, and what does this imply about their purpose?

The scholarly consensus is that the Gospels belong to the ancient genre of "bios," or ancient biography. This genre implies a purpose of providing examples for readers to emulate, alongside their function as propaganda and "kerygma" (preaching) to promote Jesus as a holy man.

Beyond biography, what other functions did the Gospels serve, according to scholars?

Scholars view the Gospels not just as biographies but also as forms of propaganda and "kerygma" (preaching). They were intended to convince people of Jesus' status as a charismatic, miracle-working holy man and to provide examples for readers to emulate.

What are the main points of debate among scholars regarding the historical reliability of the Gospel of John compared to the Synoptic Gospels?

While historically considered less reliable than the Synoptics, some modern scholarship, particularly since the "third quest," views the Gospel of John as having more historical value than previously thought, with some scholars even considering it potentially more reliable in certain aspects, such as its sayings and topographical details.

What challenges do scholars face when attempting to reconstruct the "historical Jesus" from the Gospel texts?

Scholars face challenges due to the Gospels being theological documents, containing potentially irreconcilable differences, and having undergone transmission and editing over time. Distinguishing Jesus' original ideas from those of later Christian authors and understanding the impact of memory and oral tradition are also significant challenges.

How do scholars like James D.G. Dunn and Dale Allison approach the concept of memory and tradition in relation to the Gospels?

James D.G. Dunn suggests that the earliest traditions reflect the "remembered Jesus" as preserved by the first disciples, providing fairly direct access to Jesus' ministry. Dale Allison emphasizes the weaknesses of human memory but advocates trusting the general impressions left by the Gospels, arguing they often "got Jesus right."

What is Craig Keener's argument for the historical accuracy of the Gospels, based on memory theory and oral tradition?

Craig Keener utilizes memory theory and oral tradition studies to argue that the Gospels are historically accurate in many ways, drawing on the idea that communities with strong oral traditions tend to preserve stories with a relatively fixed form and phraseology.

What is the scholarly view on the extent to which the Gospels have been edited or corrupted over time?

Scholars acknowledge that the Gospels have been edited and potentially corrupted over time, as noted by Origen in the 3rd century. While many textual variations are insignificant, some are considered significant, potentially altering the original meaning or intent, such as changes implying the pre-existence of Jesus.

What are the main categories into which apocryphal Gospels are typically organized?

Apocryphal Gospels are typically organized into categories such as Infancy Gospels (detailing Jesus' childhood), Ministry Gospels, Sayings Gospels (like the Gospel of Thomas), Passion, resurrection, and post-resurrection Gospels, and Gospel harmonies (like the Diatessaron), which combine the canonical Gospels into a single narrative.

What unique theological concepts or narratives are introduced in the Gospel of James (Protoevangelium)?

The Gospel of James, also known as the Protoevangelium, is noted as the first text to introduce the concept of the perpetual virginity of Mary, detailing events from her birth and early life, as well as the birth of Jesus.

What is the Gospel of Peter known for, particularly regarding its depiction of Jesus' trial and its theological elements?

The Gospel of Peter is a fragmentary text that describes Jesus' trial and emergence from the tomb. It is notable for being hostile towards Jews and includes "docetic" elements, suggesting Jesus' suffering and death were only apparent, not real. It also uniquely asserts that Herod Antipas, rather than Pontius Pilate, ordered Jesus' crucifixion.

What is the significance of the Gospel of Thomas, and what unique parables does it contain?

The Gospel of Thomas is significant as it may represent a tradition independent of the canonical Gospels, though it also shows influences from Matthew and Luke. It contains two unique parables: the parable of the empty jar and the parable of the assassin.

What is the Gospel of Judas, and how does it portray the relationship between Jesus and Judas?

The Gospel of Judas purports to tell the story from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. It presents Judas's actions not as betrayal, but as obedience to Jesus' instructions, offering an unusual view of their relationship. The text was recovered in Egypt and dates to at least AD 180.

What are the primary characteristics and historical context of the Gospel of Barnabas?

The Gospel of Barnabas, dating from the 14th-16th century, contradicts the canonical New Testament's account of Jesus' ministry. It strongly denies Pauline doctrine, aligns with Islamic beliefs by mentioning Muhammad, and portrays Jesus as a prophet rather than the Son of God.

What is the Islamic perspective on the Injil, and how does it relate to the canonical Gospels?

In Islam, the Injil is considered one of the four major divine scriptures revealed by God to Jesus. Mainstream Islamic belief holds that the original Injil has been lost or altered (*tahrif*), and the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) do not represent this original text, although they may contain some of Jesus' authentic teachings.

What is the Islamic belief regarding the fate of the original Injil?

Mainstream Islamic belief posits that the original Injil, the scripture revealed to Jesus, has been lost or altered over time through a process known as *tahrif*. Consequently, the current Gospels are not considered the pure, original revelation.

What criticisms do some modern Christian scholars raise against the Islamic view of the Injil?

Some modern Christian scholars and apologists criticize the Islamic view by stating there is no manuscript evidence for a distinct, lost Gospel that matches the Quranic description of the Injil. They also contend that the charge of corruption (*tahrif*) might be a later theological development rather than a claim made during Jesus' time.

How do Muslim scholars generally respond to criticisms regarding the corruption (*tahrif*) of the Injil?

Muslim scholars generally respond that the Quran does not necessitate the survival of the original Injil in its complete form. They emphasize that its essential message was revealed to Jesus and has since been superseded by the Quran, which is believed to be the final and preserved word of God.

What is identified as the oldest known Gospel text fragment, and when does it date from?

The oldest known Gospel text fragment is identified as Papyrus 52 (P52), a fragment of the Gospel of John, which dates from the first half of the 2nd century AD.

What was the "fourfold gospel" as described by Irenaeus of Lyons?

Irenaeus of Lyons described the four canonical Gospels collectively as the "fourfold gospel" (*euangelion tetramorphon*). He argued for the necessity of having exactly four Gospels, correlating them with the "four corners of the Earth" and viewing them as the four pillars of the Church.

What is the significance of the "Q source" in relation to the composition of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke?

The "Q source" is a hypothesized collection of Jesus' sayings that scholars believe was used by both the authors of Matthew and Luke, in addition to the Gospel of Mark, to form their respective Gospels. This theory helps explain the shared material found in Matthew and Luke that is absent from Mark.

How does the Gospel of John's portrayal of Jesus' identity differ from that in the Gospel of Mark?

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus primarily as an emissary of God, without explicitly claiming his divinity or pre-existence. In contrast, the Gospel of John is more overtly theological and explicitly identifies Jesus as "God," presenting a more developed Christology from the outset.

What is the scholarly consensus on the anonymity of the Gospels and the later addition of their traditional names?

Scholars generally agree that the canonical Gospels were originally anonymous. The names associated with the "Four Evangelists" (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were likely added in the second century to provide authority and tradition to the texts, rather than being the names of the original authors.

Gospel Wiki: The Gospels: Ancient Narratives of Jesus' Life and Teachings

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

The Message and the Texts

The term "Gospel" originally signified the Christian message itself—the "good news." By the second century AD, it evolved to denote the books that documented the life, teachings, words, and deeds of Jesus, culminating in his trial, death, and post-resurrection appearances.^{^[1]}^{^[2]} These narratives are understood as a distinct variation of Greco-Roman biography, intended to persuade readers of Jesus's significance and provide exemplary models for emulation.^{^[3]}^{^[4]}

Historical Context and Scholarly Scrutiny

While presenting Jesus's public career, modern biblical scholarship approaches the Gospels with caution, recognizing that they are theological documents shaped by their authors' perspectives and the early Christian communities. Distinguishing Jesus's original teachings from those of later Christian writers remains a complex area of academic inquiry.^{^[8]}^{^[9]}^{^[10]}^{^[11]}^{^[12]}^{^[13]}

Temporal Proximity and Authorship

The canonical Gospels were likely composed between AD 66 and 110, potentially within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, including Jesus's family.^{^[14]}^{^[15]}^{^[16]}^{^[17]}^{^[18]} However, scholarly consensus suggests they are anonymous works, with the traditional attributions to the Four Evangelists added later in the second century. Most scholars posit that none were authored by direct eyewitnesses, though the author of Luke-Acts may have been an eyewitness to Paul.^{^[19]}^{^[20]}^{^[21]}

Etymology

Greek Origins

The English word "Gospel" originates from the Koine Greek term euangélion (\u03b5\u1f50\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd), meaning "good news" or "good message." This term was subsequently Latinized to evangelium and then translated into Old English as gōdspell ("good news"), a term that persisted through Middle English into Modern English.^{^[40]}

Canonical Gospels

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew's Gospel, likely composed around AD 80-90, presents a narrative that incorporates elements from Mark and the hypothesized Q source, supplemented by unique material (M source). It emphasizes Jesus's divinity and fulfills Old Testament prophecies, often using more explicit theological language than Mark.^{^[14]}^{^[50]}

Gospel of Mark

Considered the earliest Gospel, likely dating to around AD 70, Mark's account begins with Jesus's baptism and ministry, highlighting his role as an emissary of God. It omits infancy narratives and, in its earliest form, lacked post-resurrection appearances, ending at Mark 16:8.^{^[46]}

Gospel of Luke

Luke, also likely written around AD 80-90, follows Mark's structure but expands upon it, correcting grammar and syntax, and omitting certain passages. It includes unique infancy and resurrection narratives that differ from Matthew's account.^{^[55]}

Gospel of John

John's Gospel, dated AD 90-100, presents a distinctively theological perspective, omitting many details found in the Synoptics (like infancy, baptism, temptation) while emphasizing Jesus's divine nature and open proclamation of his identity. Its historical reliability is debated, with some scholars viewing it as less historically precise than the Synoptics, while others argue for its significant historical value.^{^[39]}^{^[42]}^{^[56]}

Composition Theories

Synoptic Relationships

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their significant similarities in content, arrangement, and language. The dominant scholarly hypothesis posits that Mark served as a primary source for both Matthew and Luke, who independently incorporated material from Mark and a hypothetical collection of Jesus's sayings known as the "Q source." Alternative theories regarding the direct use of Matthew by Luke, or vice versa, are also gaining traction.^{^[24]}^{^[25]}^{^[26]}^{^[27]}

Scholarly models for the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels include:

Markan Priority: Mark was written first and used by Matthew and Luke.
Q Source: A hypothetical collection of Jesus's sayings used by Matthew and Luke, independent of Mark.
Unique Material: Matthew (M source) and Luke (L source) contain material not found in the other Synoptics or Q.

The precise nature and extent of these sources, and the order of their composition, remain subjects of ongoing scholarly debate.^{^{[note 4]}}

Oral Tradition and Memory

The formation of the Gospels is understood to involve a complex interplay of oral traditions, Christian preaching, and the interpretation of Jewish scriptures. While some scholars emphasize the reliability of memory and oral transmission in preserving authentic traditions about Jesus, others highlight the potential for alteration and development within these traditions over time.^{^[29]}^{^[30]}^{^[31]}^{^[32]}^{^[33]}^{^[34]}^{^[108]}

Genre and Historical Reliability

Ancient Biography and Theological Purpose

The Gospels are generally classified within the ancient genre of bios (biography). However, they transcend simple biographical aims, functioning also as propaganda and kerygma (preaching). Their purpose was to present Jesus as a charismatic, miracle-working figure and to convey the Christian message of the late first century AD.^{^[4]}^{^[6]}^{^[5]}^{^[7]}

Scholarly Perspectives on Accuracy

Modern scholarship exhibits diverse views on the Gospels' historical reliability. While they offer valuable insights into Jesus's public career, critical analysis is necessary to discern his original teachings from those of later authors.^{^[93]}^{^[36]}^{^[94]}^{^{[note 7]}}^{^{[note 8]}}^{^[95]}^{^[96]} Some scholars argue for the historical value of specific details, particularly in John's Gospel, while others maintain a more skeptical stance regarding the historical accuracy of many Gospel accounts.^{^[97]}^{^[98]}^{^[99]}

Textual Integrity and Transmission

The Gospels have undergone textual transmission and editing over centuries. While most variations are minor, some alterations may have influenced interpretations, such as changes implying Jesus's pre-existence.^{^[102]}^{^[103]}^{^[104]} This necessitates careful critical study to reconstruct the earliest possible forms of the texts and understand their historical context.^{^[105]}

Textual History and Canonization

Early Manuscripts and Canon Formation

The earliest known Gospel text is Papyrus 52, a fragment of John dating to the first half of the 2nd century AD.^{^[121]} The establishment of the Christian canon, including the four canonical Gospels, was partly a response to figures like Marcion, who proposed his own limited canon.^{^[122]} Irenaeus of Lyons notably advocated for the necessity of four Gospels, likening them to the four corners of the Earth and the pillars of the Church.^{^[1]}^{^[123]}

Canonical Acceptance

The Muratorian canon, an early list of canonical texts, included Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Irenaeus referred to these four collectively as the "fourfold gospel," solidifying their unique status within early Christianity.^{^[1]}^{^[124]}

Non-Canonical Gospels

Diverse Traditions

Numerous apocryphal Gospels emerged from the 1st century onward, often attributed to apostles or other significant figures to lend them authority. These texts frequently originated from groups whose theological views diverged from the developing mainstream Christian tradition, leading to their eventual exclusion from the canon.^{^[125]}^{^[126]}

Major Apocryphal Gospels (Content commentary by Bart Ehrman unless noted)
Title	Probable Date	Content
Epistle of the Apostles	Mid 2nd c.	Anti-gnostic dialogue emphasizing the reality of Jesus's flesh and resurrection.
Gospel According to the Hebrews	Early 2nd c.	Events in Jesus's life; Jewish-Christian with possible Gnostic elements.
Gospel of the Ebionites	Early 2nd c.	Jewish-Christian text emphasizing anti-sacrificial concerns.
Gospel of the Egyptians	Early 2nd c.	Features Salome prominently; Jewish-Christian text stressing asceticism.
Gospel of Mary	2nd c.	Dialogue of Mary Magdalene with apostles, detailing Jesus's secret teachings. Often interpreted as Gnostic, though not typically considered a gospel by scholars as it doesn't focus on Jesus's life.^{^[129]}
Gospel of the Nazareans	Early 2nd c.	Aramaic version of Matthew, possibly omitting the first two chapters; Jewish-Christian.
Gospel of Nicodemus	5th c.	Narrative of Jesus's trial, crucifixion, and descent into Hell.
Gospel of Peter	Early 2nd c.	Fragmentary account of Jesus's trial, death, and emergence from the tomb. Hostile towards Jews and contains docetic elements.^{^[130]} Attributes crucifixion order to Herod Antipas, not Pilate. Rediscovered in the 19th century.^{^[130]}
Gospel of Philip	3rd c.	Mystical reflections attributed to the disciple Philip.
Gospel of the Saviour	Late 2nd c.	Fragmentary account of Jesus's final hours.
Coptic Gospel of Thomas	Early 2nd c.	Contains unique parables; its relationship to canonical Gospels is debated, with some seeing independent tradition and others dependence.^{^[131]}^{^[132]}^{^[133]} Lacks characteristic Gnostic features despite Gnostic interpretations.^{^[131]} Discovered at Nag Hammadi.^{^[131]}
Infancy Gospel of Thomas	Early 2nd c.	Miraculous deeds of Jesus between ages five and twelve.
Gospel of Truth	Mid 2nd c.	Focuses on the joys of salvation.
Papyrus Egerton 2	Early 2nd c.	Fragmentary, containing four episodes from Jesus's life.
Diatessaron	Late 2nd c.	Gospel harmony by Tatian, potentially intended to supersede separate Gospels. Accepted liturgically in Syria for centuries.^{^[136]}
Protoevangelium of James	Mid 2nd c.	Details the birth and early life of Mary, and the birth of Jesus. First to introduce Mary's perpetual virginity.
Gospel of Marcion	Mid 2nd c.	Marcion's edited version of Luke, differing significantly from the standard text and downplaying Jewish scriptures. He rejected other Gospels, alleging they were forged.^{^[128]}
Secret Gospel of Mark	Uncertain	Allegedly a longer version of Mark for an elect audience.
Gospel of Judas	Late 2nd c.	Presents Judas's actions as obedience to Jesus's instructions, not betrayal. Authenticated document dating to at least 180 AD.^{^[128]}
Gospel of Barnabas	14th–16th c.	Contradicts canonical accounts and Pauline doctrine, aligning with Islamic theology. Jesus is a prophet, not Son of God.^{^[129]}

The Gospel in Islam

The Injil

In Islam, the Injil (Arabic: \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0646\u062c\u064a\u0644) is considered one of the four major divine scriptures, revealed to Jesus (\u02bf\u012as\u0101), who is revered as a prophet.^{^[139]} The Quran states the Injil provided guidance and light, confirming preceding scriptures.^{^[142]}

Alteration and Supersession

Mainstream Islamic belief holds that the original Injil has been altered (taḥrīf) over time, and the canonical Gospels do not represent this original text, though they may contain authentic teachings.^{^[143]}^{^[144]} The Quran is considered the final, complete, and preserved revelation, superseding earlier scriptures.^{^[146]}^{^[147]}

Critical Perspectives

Scholarly and Theological Critiques

Some Christian scholars question the Islamic view of the Injil, citing a lack of manuscript evidence for a distinct, lost Gospel matching the Quranic description.^{^[148]} Conversely, Muslim scholars assert that the Quran does not mandate the survival of the original Injil in its entirety, emphasizing its role as guidance superseded by the Quran.^{^[150]}

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Gospel" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about gospel while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

department of foreign affairs and trade

brave words bloody knuckles

united nations interim security force for abyei

south carolina

beverly center

References

The priority of Mark is accepted by most scholars, but there are important dissenting opinions: see the article Synoptic problem.

Ferda: "I have no doubt that the First Evangelist could read Hebrew, and here I stand with a host of other interpreters."

1 Corinthians 15:3â8

Galatians 1:11â19

Ehrman 2005a, p. 34: "Marcion included a Gospel in his canon, a form of what is now the Gospel of Luke"

Funk, Hoover & Jesus Seminar 1993, "The Gospel of Thomas".

[Quran 5:46]

[Quran 3:3]

[Quran 5:48]

[Quran 2:285]

A full list of references for this article are available at the Gospel Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Scholars

This content has been generated by an AI, adopting the persona of a PhD Professor, for educational and informational purposes. It is based on data from Wikipedia and aims for academic rigor but does not substitute primary source analysis or peer-reviewed scholarly research.

This is not theological or historical advice. The information provided is intended to supplement, not replace, rigorous academic study and critical engagement with primary texts and scholarly literature. Users are encouraged to consult original sources and consult with qualified academics or theologians for in-depth understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The Gospels

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 📜

🗣️ The Message and the Texts

🌍 Historical Context and Scholarly Scrutiny

⏳ Temporal Proximity and Authorship

Etymology 💡

🇬🇷 Greek Origins

Canonical Gospels 📖

Ⓜ️ Gospel of Matthew

Ⓜ️ Gospel of Mark

🇱 Gospel of Luke

🇯 Gospel of John

Composition Theories ✍️

🔄 Synoptic Relationships

📜 Oral Tradition and Memory

Genre and Historical Reliability 🤔

🏛️ Ancient Biography and Theological Purpose

⚖️ Scholarly Perspectives on Accuracy

📜 Textual Integrity and Transmission

Textual History and Canonization 📚

📜 Early Manuscripts and Canon Formation

⚖️ Canonical Acceptance

Non-Canonical Gospels ❓

📜 Diverse Traditions

The Gospel in Islam ☪️

📖 The Injil

📜 Alteration and Supersession

Critical Perspectives 🧐

❓ Scholarly and Theological Critiques

Related Topics 🔗

📚 Further Study

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

⚖️ Important Notice for Scholars

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Message and the Texts

Historical Context and Scholarly Scrutiny

Temporal Proximity and Authorship

Etymology

Greek Origins

Canonical Gospels

Gospel of Matthew

Gospel of Mark

Gospel of Luke

Gospel of John

Composition Theories

Synoptic Relationships

Oral Tradition and Memory

Genre and Historical Reliability

Ancient Biography and Theological Purpose

Scholarly Perspectives on Accuracy

Textual Integrity and Transmission

Textual History and Canonization

Early Manuscripts and Canon Formation

Canonical Acceptance

Non-Canonical Gospels

Diverse Traditions

The Gospel in Islam

The Injil

Alteration and Supersession

Critical Perspectives

Scholarly and Theological Critiques

Related Topics

Further Study

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Scholars