The word 'gospel' derives its origin from the Greek word 'evangelion' and can be translated as 'good news'. The four gospels are part of the New Testament and mainly tell about the Nativity, the work of Christi, his crucifixion and his resurrection. Whereas the gospel of John stands out with its narrative, the other three, Mark, Matthew and Luke, mainly coincide in the structure and array of their gospels. Therefore they are known as the Synoptic gospels. Often they are replicated side by side, which makes it easier to compare them to each other. But all four gospels superficially concentrate on the life and doing of Jesus, connected to his death and resurrection.
This paper is going to concentrate on the synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke to compare them with each other regarding not only structure and chronological order, but also regarding their content and illustrate the differences and consonances. Every analysis of a gospel starts with a main overview about the complete gospel, including the structure, the author, the recipient and the time when the gospel was written. The content review concentrates on the most important parts of the Passion narrative.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Constitution of the Synoptic Gospels with Emphasis
On the Passion Narrative
2.1. The Gospel According to St. Mark
2.1.1. An Introduction to the Gospel of St. Mark with Emphasis
on Structure and Outline
2.1.2 An Analysis of Chosen Passages of the Passion Narrative
in the Gospel of St. Mark
2.1.3 An Abstract about the Gospel of St. Mark
2.2 The Gospel According to St. Matthew
2.2.1 An Introduction to the Gospel of St. Matthew with
Emphasis on the Structure and Outline
2.2.2 An Analysis of Chosen Passages of the Passion Narrative
in the Gospel of St. Matthew
2.2.3 An Abstract about the Gospel of St. Matthew
2.3 The Gospel According to St. Luke
2.3.1 An Introduction to the Gospel of St. Luke with Emphasis
on the Structure and Outline
2.3.2 An Analysis of Chosen Passages of the Passion Narrative
in the Gospel of St. Luke
2.3.3 An Abstract about the Gospel of St. Luke
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This academic paper examines the synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke to analyze and compare their structural and content-related differences and similarities, specifically focusing on the Passion narrative. By exploring how these gospels correspond with or deviate from one another, the study seeks to illustrate how each author presents the events surrounding the death and interment of Jesus to address specific audiences and theological perspectives.
- Comparison of the narrative structure of the synoptic gospels
- Examination of the Passion narrative across Mark, Matthew, and Luke
- Analysis of the "Two-Source Theory" as a framework for gospel composition
- Investigation of differences in the depiction of the Last Supper and the crucifixion
- Comparison of the final moments and death of Jesus in each version
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.2 An Analysis of Chosen Passages of the Passion Narrative in the Gospel of St. Mark
To get a better impression, there is going to be a closer analysis of the most important chapters of the gospel of Mark, mainly concentrating on the Passion narrative. First of all, there is the decision of the Jewish authorities on the death of Jesus in chapter 14. The reader isn't surprised by the decision, given the fact, that Mark already mentioned the coming death of Jesus in the preceding narrative. Followed by that, Mark points out, that it is Judas Iscariot, who goes to the authorities to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10). The passage about the preparations for the Last Supper reveals Jesus' wondrous foreknowledge. When he sends forth two of his disciples, he describes exactly what will happen and when the two of them come to the city, they “... found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover“ (Mark 14:16). This passage emphasizes the divinity of Jesus, he knows what is going to happen and is awaiting the coming event.
One of the main scenes of the gospel is the Last Supper itself. This depiction can be divided into two parts. First, Jesus reveals that one of his disciples is going to betray him. So far, his disciples only knew that someone is going to betray him, but they didn't know, that it is going to be one of them. Of course, Judas knows, as he decided to betray him before, but Jesus is not exposing him. His disciples cannot believe that it is one of them, asking him “... Is it I? And another said, Is it I? “(Mark 14:19). By not exposing the traitor and just telling them “..., It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish“ (Mark 14:20) he implies, according to Gielen, that all of them have the potential to do so (64). Again, his foreknowledge and foregivness shows his divinity.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the term "synoptic gospels" and outlines the research objective to compare the narratives of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, particularly regarding the Passion.
2. The Constitution of the Synoptic Gospels with Emphasis on the Passion Narrative: This section provides a detailed comparative analysis of the three gospels, examining their structures, authors, and specific portrayals of events like the Last Supper and the crucifixion.
3. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that while the gospels differ in content and emphasis based on their respective audiences, they consistently prioritize the narrative of Jesus as the Son of God.
Keywords
Synoptic Gospels, Passion Narrative, Mark, Matthew, Luke, Two-Source Theory, Jesus Christ, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Gospel analysis, Biblical studies, Narrative structure, Divinity, Betrayal, Testament
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper fundamentally focuses on a comparative study of the synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, specifically analyzing how they narrate the Passion of Jesus.
Which central thematic fields are covered?
The core themes include the structural commonalities between the gospels, the depiction of Jesus' foreknowledge, the role of betrayal, and the theological significance attributed to the events of the Passion.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The objective is to illustrate the differences and consonances between the three gospels and to understand how each author uses narrative variation to suit their specific audience and intent.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author employs a comparative literary analysis, utilizing established biblical research (such as the Two-Source Theory) to evaluate the text's structure and theological emphasis.
What topics are discussed in the main part?
The main part analyzes specific passages from each gospel, covering the decision of the authorities, the preparations for the Last Supper, the crucifixion scene, and the interment of Jesus.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
The study is best characterized by terms like Synoptic Gospels, Passion Narrative, Two-Source Theory, and comparative gospel exegesis.
How does the gospel of Mark differ from the others in its depiction of the Last Supper?
Mark portrays Jesus as having divine foreknowledge and does not identify the traitor by name, emphasizing that any of the disciples had the potential to betray him.
Why does the gospel of Luke change the final words of Jesus on the cross?
Luke alters the final words to express confidence and trust in God rather than the despair found in Mark and Matthew, reflecting Luke's unique theological focus.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2014, A Comparison of the Synoptic Gospels according to the King James Bible, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/356672
