1. First three Gospels look at Christ from same perspective. John is like a supplement.
2. The Problem - How can three Gospels be so close in viewpoint, Greek words and phrases, but each is a little different than the others?
3. Mark has 93% agreement with others, but John has 92% differences.
4. Ideas of why this problem - there are theories of literary dependence
a. Common Original Theory - the other two copied from the first
b. Mutual Dependence Theory - two used the other, but they were mutually dependent on each other
c. Many different fragments were used
d. Two Document Theory - Mark as original, Matthew, Luke, and Mark. Mark was chosen because it was shortest. In the evolution of literature, you have the layer development coming later. Another document, "Q", contained what the two had but Mark did not.
e. Four Document Hypothesis - other documents contained differences and likenesses of all three books, but that would have been plagerism (B. H. Streeter).
5. We reject this because we believe in inspiration. We believe that "Q" is a figment of someone's imagination. This document has never been found. These views are mostly held by liberals.
6. Form criticism
7. The oral tradition theory - the story was told again and again, in the same manner so that the basic content followed the general outline. An example is a nursery rhyme. This theory does not go far enough.
8. A balanced solution
a. Writers were early witnesses, each with their own point of view. Mark got information from Peter. Luke got his from eyewitnesses. Matthew was there. Each Gospel presents a different viewpoint.
b. Each writer probably did follow a certain oral tradition
c. The writers may have used short written accounts. Luke suggests this.
d. The writers were verbally inspired. Their words were inspired.
9. Different views of Christ
a. Matthew - Oral Apolstolic testimony, research and short written accounts (Luke). Matthew had personal knowledge and showed Him as King.
b. Mark - servant (beast => ox), key verse is Mark 10:45, Son of man came to minister
c. Luke - Son of man (seek and save lost) - perfect man
Tom of Bethany "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
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