Gospels Theology and Ethics - An Introduction to Bible

This article discusses the different perceptions of the gospel and how the writers of the Gospels focused mainly on the theological viewpoint with Christlike ethics. It also explains the different styles of sharing about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ by each writer of the Gospels. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the author's intent, style of writing, and cultural tendencies while reading the Gospels.

RUNNING HEAD: GOSPELS THEOLOGY AND ETHICS 1
18SU105: INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE
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According to Foster (2018), many people have got various perceptions of the gospel. Some argue
that the gospels have focused mainly on the reporting of the historical events that occurred
during the time of Jesus Christ. Others have a different perception of the gospels. They say that
the gospel should be comprehended as theoretical and ethical report of what Jesus did to the
society which we as Christians should learn and apply in our daily lives. Traditional cultures had
different foundational aspects than the cultures of modern times, especially the Western culture.
The writers of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), wrote mainly with a theological
viewpoint with Christlike ethics (Hardy2017). Though, Luke is more of historian and uses
chronological order with a logical account of Jesus in his writings. If the reader was to view each
of the Gospels as a chronological historical account of Jesus Christ, they will find themselves
questioning the authenticity of the books. Matera (2017), states that the reader must become
familiar with the style of writing the author is focusing on and the cultural perspectives of that
time period, so they can rightly understand the writings. Starting with the understanding that the
writers focus more on the theological aspects rather than concerning themselves with the
chronological ordering, the reader will read the content in a different light.
According to Simkins et al, (2017), each writer of the Gospels focuses on a different style
of sharing about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Mark guides the reader to find the
answer for the question of who is Jesus and why. After Mark presents the answers to the reader
he guides them onto Christ’s mission and how that mission was accomplished. Matthew focused
on portraying Jesus as Emmanuel, God’s wisdom. Which he shares Jesus’ narratives and
teachings on wisdom. Matthew clearly presented Jesus as the Word incarnate that fulfilled and
surpassed the Old Testament wisdom teachings. John showcased Jesus as the “I am”, the Perfect
One. Unlike the other Gospel writers, John left out parables, exorcisms, and miracles that were

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found in the other Gospels. He took on his own focus and shared the signs of Christ, displaying
Him as King of Kings. Lastly, Luke was a writer who focused on presenting the Gospel through
a historian’s perspective. He used outside sources and cross-referenced his writing to keep with
historical accuracy. (Williams,2018). Luke’s point of view is presented so that those of every
sector of society would be included in accepting the salvation of Christ.
Overall, if one is to look at reading the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
through a chronological order they will find themselves befuddled. As with any book that is
written, you must come with understanding on the author’s intent, style of writing, and the
cultural tendencies. The history presented in the Gospels is correct and the ethics are true to
Christianity, the order of which it is presented is not to be taken as chronological.

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References
Foster, G. M. (2018). The Social Gospel in American Religion. A History., by Christopher H.
Evans. Church History and Religious Culture, 98(2), 306-307.
Hardy, C. (2017). Global Gospel: An Introduction to Christianity on Five Continents. Journal of
the Evangelical Theological Society, 60(3), 667-669.
Matera, F. J. (2017). The Fourfold Gospel: A Theological Reading of the New Testament
Portraits of Jesus by Francis Watson
Simkins, R. A., Cameron, M. G., O'Keefe, J. J., & Harmless, W. S. (2017). Bibliographies for
Theology: New Testament: The Gospels
Williams, C. H. (2018). Faith, Eternal Life, and the Spirit in the Gospel of John. The Oxford
Handbook of Johannine Studies, 347.