Matthew Essays - Religion, Christianity, Messianism, Free Essays

Matthew Essays - Religion, Christianity, Messianism, Free Essays Matthew Mark Luke John Community Situation - Addressed to whom Jewish Audience (refers to things only Jewish people would know). Audience is educated Jews Newly converted Christians with little background in Jewish Religion. Explains Jewish customs. Group experiencing persecution Gentile audience with social Classes - Rich and Poor. Possibly becoming complacent in their beliefs. Possibly belonging to a Jewish Christian sect in conflict with other local synagogues. Author (Traditional/ Implied) Tax Collector and Apostle Mark 3:18; Matt 9.9 Luke 6:15= if Matthew/ Jewish Christian or Ex Jewish individual 2nd Generation Christian Hellenistic Influence = Gentile Convert/ Educated - possibly a doctor Presents himself as a Historian Beloved Disciple of Jesus - John Time of writing After Mark 75-80 Persecuted Christians 65 CE 80-85 Certainly after Mark and Possibly after Matthew 90 Latest Gospel Sources Used Mark Q (M) ? Mark Q (L) Book of signs? Purpose Fulfillment, Demonstrate Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and show why they should believe this. Followers who are doubting or people considering becoming followers. Tries to encourage them to be followers despite the persecution they are facing. Shows that even Jesus disciples doubted. Encourage complacent (Rich) followers to put their faith into practice. To tell the truth of what happened according to Luke 1:1-4. -Encourage a group in conflict with other Jews, -John 20:31- these are written so that you might believe Jesus is the Messiah -Shows who Jesus is=God themes Fulfillment Teaching - New Moses Forgiveness Misunderstanding/ Disciples Failure Messianic Secret -Jesus as suffering Servant -Poverty and Wealth -Salvation in the here and now I Am statements High Christology Key Passages Matt. 5:17 Mark 3:20-27 (satan); Mark 8:29 Luke 4:14-30 Luke 1:1-4 John 1:1-17 John 20:31 Style of Writing Influenced by Jewish (Hebrew) language Grammatically poor Greek Elegant, well written Greek