Examine the Order of Writing

Examine the Order of Writing [∞]

The commonly accepted chronological order of Gospel composition is Mark → Matthew → Luke → John, based on internal evidence, historical testimony, and textual analysis. Here's an analysis of how each Gospel builds upon its predecessor:

1. Mark (ca. 65–70 AD)

Characteristics:

Focus: A concise, action-oriented account of Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing His deeds over extended teachings.

Audience: Likely a Gentile audience, unfamiliar with Jewish customs, as Mark explains Jewish traditions (e.g., Mark 7:3–4).

Theological Themes: Jesus as the suffering servant and the Son of God (Mark 10:45; 15:39).

Contribution to Later Gospels:

Foundation: Mark provides the basic structure of Jesus’ ministry, including His baptism, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.

Simplicity: The Gospel is relatively straightforward, lacking the genealogies, infancy narratives, or deeper theological reflections seen in later Gospels.

2. Matthew (ca. 70–85 AD)

How It Builds on Mark:

Expanding the Narrative:

Retains much of Mark’s content but enhances it with teachings, parables, and discourses (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7).

Adds a genealogy beginning with Abraham to connect Jesus to Jewish history (Matthew 1:1–17).

Focus on Fulfillment:

Matthew frequently cites the Old Testament to demonstrate Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy (e.g., Matthew 1:22–23; 2:15; 2:23).

Emphasizes Jesus as the new Moses (e.g., parallels between Moses and Jesus in the infancy narrative).

Audience: Primarily Jewish Christians, explaining its strong emphasis on Jewish customs and prophecy fulfillment.

Theological Growth:

Expands Mark’s portrayal of Jesus by presenting Him as the Jewish Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.

3. Luke (ca. 80–90 AD)

How It Builds on Mark and Matthew:

Universal Perspective:

Luke begins Jesus’ genealogy with Adam (Luke 3:38), emphasizing Jesus’ role as the Savior for all humanity, not just Jews.

Incorporates broader themes of social justice, care for the marginalized, and inclusion of Gentiles.

Historical Detail:

Luke provides detailed historical and geographical context, aiming for an orderly account (Luke 1:3).

Includes unique material, such as the infancy narrative, the parables of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32).

Audience: Likely Gentiles, as Luke explains Jewish customs (e.g., Luke 22:1, “the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover”).

Theological Growth:

Deepens the theological understanding by emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises to all people, not just Israel.

Reflects an understanding of Jesus’ role as both a prophet and the divine Savior.

4. John (ca. 90–100 AD)

How It Builds on Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke):

High Christology:

John begins with a theological reflection: “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1), presenting Jesus as preexistent and divine.

Focuses on Jesus’ identity as the incarnate Word of God, emphasizing His divinity (John 1:14; 10:30).

Selective Content:

Omits much of the Synoptic material (e.g., parables) and focuses on unique events and discourses (e.g., the “I Am” statements, the raising of Lazarus in John 11).

Reinterprets familiar events with theological depth (e.g., the cleansing of the temple is placed at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in John 2:13–22).

Hermeneutic Mastery:

Reflects advanced understanding of Hebrew word formations and sensus plenior, aligning Jesus with the first words of Genesis and other Old Testament motifs.

Audience: A broader, more theologically mature audience, possibly including both Jews and Gentiles.

Theological Growth:

John presents the culmination of theological reflection, showcasing Jesus’ preexistence, His intimate relationship with the Father, and the mystical union of Christ and believers.

Comparison and Progressive Revelation

Mark → Matthew:

Mark’s brevity is expanded by Matthew’s focus on Jewish prophecy and Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s story.

Matthew emphasizes teaching (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount) and provides genealogical context.

Matthew → Luke:

Luke shifts focus from a Jewish Messiah to a universal Savior, expanding the scope of Jesus’ mission and audience.

Includes more historical details and unique parables to illuminate Jesus’ compassion and inclusivity.

Luke → John:

John moves beyond narrative to theological exposition, presenting Jesus as the eternal Word and delving into the mystical union between Christ and believers.

Reflects advanced understanding of Old Testament shadows and typologies.

Conclusion

The Gospels demonstrate a progression in understanding and presentation of Jesus’ life and mission. Each builds upon its predecessor:

Mark: Foundation of Jesus’ ministry.

Matthew: Jewish Messiah fulfilling prophecy.

Luke: Universal Savior for all people.

John: Preexistent Word, theological culmination.

This progression supports the hypothesis that the Gospels reflect the disciples’ growing application of the hermeneutic taught on the Road to Emmaus.