Why Four Gospels? : The Historical Origins of the Gospels

by Black, David Alan

• ISBN13: 9780825420702
• ISBN10: 0825420709
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Kregel Pubns

Summary

This succinct but comprehensive treatment of the Synoptic Problem provides a broadly understandable look at the Markan priority debate regarding the historical origin of the gospel writings and offers in its place the "fourfold gospel hypothesis." By taking into account data within the gospels themselves and evidence from the early church fathers, Dr. Black affirms the traditional view that Matthew was the first gospel written, and suggests that Luke was written as its Gentile counterpart. Peter, whose recollections form the basis of Mark, provided the apostolic stamp of approval for Luke's gospel by drawing from both prior sources and bridging the gap between the two books.

Author Biography

David Alan Black (D.Theol., University of Basel) is professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is the author or editor of 16 books, including Learn to Read New Testament Greek; Interpreting the New Testament, and Rethinking the Synoptic Problem. He has written more than 100 articles in journals such as New Testament Studies, Biblica, and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 7
The Development of the Gospels	p. 13
The Jerusalem Phase	p. 15
The Gentile Mission Phase	p. 20
The Roman Phase	p. 25
The-Johannine Supplement	p. 30
Conclusion	p. 32
The Origins of the Gospels	p. 35
The Principal Patristic Witnesses	p. 37
Evaluation of the Patristic Witnesses	p. 42
An Evaluation of Markan Priority	p. 47
The Credibility of the Fourfold-Gospel Hypothesis	p. 59
Conclusion	p. 62
The Making of the Gospels	p. 65
The Composition of Matthew	p. 66
Luke's Use of Matthew	p. 69
The Markan Synthesis	p. 76
The Background of John	p. 85
Conclusion	p. 90
Postscript	p. 93
Bibliography	p. 95
Index	p. 113
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