Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

General Facts Concerning the New Testament

A Comparative Chart of the Four Gospels Robert H. Gundry. A Survey of the New Testament . Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

Probable Date of Writing

Probable Place of Writing

First Intended Audience

Theme and Focus

Mark

50’s

Rome

Gentiles in Rome

Jesus’ redemptive activity

Jesus the Jewish Messiah, and the disciples as the new people of God

Matthew

50’s or 60’s

Antioch in Syria

Jews in Palestine

Interested Gentile seekers

The historical certainty of the Gospel account

Luke

60’s

Rome

General Population in Asia Minor

Believing in Jesus as the Messiah for eternal life

John

80’s or 90’s

Ephesus

Old Testament Apocrypha Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament . Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998.

Roman Catholics and some Eastern Orthodox churches recognize the writings listed below as Scripture. Protestants acknowledge their literary value and historical significance but do not view them as possessing spiritual authority

Judith Letter of Jeremiah 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees 3 Maccabees 4 Maccabees Prayer of Azariah

Additions to Esther Baruch Bel and the Dragon Ecclesiasticus (Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach)

Prayer of Mannasseh Psalm 151 Song of the Three Jews Susanna Tobit Wisdom of Solomon

1 Esdras 2 Esdras