
This course is an introduction to the content and theology of the Synoptic Gospels and Luke’s sequel to his Gospel the Book of Acts. Special attention will be given to the art of theology and ministry to the Word of God paying attention to ways Matthew, Mark and Luke have constructed their gospels as a whole and how they have uniquely shaped parallel accounts to convey a distinctive theology of Jesus Christ and the Church.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Required Texts:
Texts Provided:
Chapters, articles, and passages from various other texts will be posted from time to time on our course website
Course Outline
Week One: Overview of the Gospels. What actually is a Gospel anyway? The Gospel Composition and Historicity. Bonus: The Very Basics of the Synoptic Problem
The Gospel of Mark
Weeks Two - Four: Introduction to Mark, Mark the Odd Man Out, Mark’s Rough Edges, Mark’s Unique Material. Background and Structure of Mark.
The Gospel of Matthew
Weeks Five - Seven: Introduction to Matthew; Matthew as a Synoptic Gospel; Is Matthew Really the “Jewish” Gospel?; Gospel of Matthew as Expansion of Mark; Matthew’s Unique Material; Matthew’s Triads and Doublets. What is Typology? Typology in Matthew. Overall Structure of Matthew
The Gospel of Luke
Weeks Eight - Ten: Background to Luke; Luke’s Structure; Luke’s Special Material and Famous Parables; The Lukan Travel Narrative
The Acts of the Apostles
Week Eleven: Overview of Acts; Continuation of Lukan Themes, The Holy Spirit as Character; The Movement of the Word
Week Twelve: The speeches in Acts as a unifying theme of book