THE SYNOPSIS AND THE MATERIALS
FACTORS THAT DELAYED THE WRITING THE GOSPEL
The writing of the synoptic Gospels, namely the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, encountered several factors that contributed to their delayed composition. These factors can be broadly categorized into historical, theological, and practical reasons.
1. Historical Factors:
a. Oral Tradition: In the first century, oral tradition played a significant role in preserving and transmitting stories and teachings. The early Christian community relied heavily on oral accounts of Jesus' life and teachings. This reliance on oral tradition delayed the need for written Gospels.
b. Lack of Immediate Literary Intent: During the initial years after Jesus' ministry, the early Christians believed in the imminent return of Jesus. This expectation reduced the immediate need for written documents, including comprehensive biographies like the synoptic Gospels.
c. Persecution: The early Christian community faced periods of intense persecution, especially under the Roman Empire. These circumstances hindered the development of written documents, as the primary focus was on survival and spreading the message rather than writing.
2. Theological Factors:
a. Evangelistic Purpose: The early Christian community primarily emphasized oral proclamation and personal testimonies to spread the Gospel. The priority was on winning converts through preaching rather than writing. This emphasis on evangelistic activities further postponed the writing of formal accounts.
b. Witness Credibility: In the early days, eyewitness testimony held great importance in asserting the validity of Jesus' life and teachings. The presence of apostles and other eyewitnesses delayed the need for written accounts as the oral testimonies carried authority and credibility.
3. Practical Factors:
a. Limited Literary Resources: In the first century, writing materials such as papyrus and parchment were scarce and expensive. The process of producing and disseminating written texts was time-consuming and required access to skilled scribes. These practical challenges undoubtedly influenced the delayed writing of the synoptic Gospels.
b. Constructing Canonical Framework: The early Christian community had to grapple with recognizing and accepting authoritative writings. The process of discerning which texts would be included as part of the New Testament canon took time and involved rigorous evaluation. This process further postponed the finalization of the synoptic Gospels.
It is essential to note that the exact timeline and reasons for the delay in writing the synoptic Gospels cannot be definitively determined. However, these factors collectively contribute to our understanding of why the Gospels were not immediately composed after Jesus' ministry. The eventual writing of the synoptic Gospels occurred as the early Christian community recognized the need to solidify and preserve the oral traditions amidst changing circumstances and evolving theological perspectives.
FACTORS THAT PROMOTED THE WRITING OF THE GOSPELS
The Synoptic Gospels, including the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, were highly influential in the formation of early Christian theology and scripture. There were several factors that promoted the writing of these Gospels, including a combination of historical circumstances, theological motivations, and the need to preserve and disseminate the teachings of Jesus Christ.
1. Historical Circumstances:
The first factor that promoted the writing of the Synoptic Gospels was the passing of time since the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus' earthly ministry took place during the first century AD, and as time went on, the need arose to preserve and transmit his teachings accurately. The rapid spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire created a strong impetus for written records that could be widely distributed and used for both teaching and missionary purposes.
2. Gospel of Mark as an Influence:
The Gospel of Mark is considered to be the earliest of the Synoptic Gospels, written around 70 AD. It served as a significant source and influence on both Matthew and Luke. The early Christians viewed Mark, who was a companion of the apostle Peter, as an authoritative figure, making his Gospel essential for the development of the other Gospels. Mark's account served as a basis for future writers and provided a structure for the theological and historical content needed to promote the emergence of the Synoptic Gospels.
3. Oral Tradition and Eyewitness Accounts:
Another important factor was the existence of an oral tradition among early Christian communities. Prior to the writing of the Gospels, the teachings and stories of Jesus Christ were passed down orally. However, oral tradition was subject to variations and distortions over time. To ensure accuracy and preserve the message of Jesus, the need for written sources became more apparent. Eyewitnesses to Jesus' life and ministry were becoming fewer, and writing became a more reliable way to document their experiences.
4. Theological Motivations:
Theological motivations played a significant role in the writing of the Synoptic Gospels. The early Christian communities had a theological interest in recording and preserving Jesus' teachings and actions. The events of Jesus' life, including his miracles, parables, and teachings, were seen as deeply significant for the formation of Christian theology and the understanding of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God. The Gospels aimed to convey this theological message, addressing the needs and concerns of the early Christian communities.
5. Expansion of Christianity:
Christianity experienced rapid expansion in the first century AD, spreading beyond its Jewish roots into diverse cultural contexts. As the movement grew, the need for written accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus became apparent, enabling the spread of consistent and authoritative teaching across different communities. Writing the Synoptic Gospels provided a tool for instruction and evangelization, facilitating the consolidation and growth of the early Church.
In conclusion, the writing of the Synoptic Gospels was influenced by historical circumstances, the availability of oral and written sources, the influence of the Gospel of Mark, theological motivations, and the expanding reach of early Christianity. These factors combined to promote the development of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which continue to play a central role in Christian theology and worship.