CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6

The Synoptic GospelsThe Synoptic Gospels

Read Daniel 7 & Mark 13. Scholars refer to Mark 13 Read Daniel 7 & Mark 13. Scholars refer to Mark 13 as a “little apocalypse”. Why do you think that is so?as a “little apocalypse”. Why do you think that is so?

Chapter Objectives:Chapter Objectives:

Understand the meaning of “Gospel”Understand the meaning of “Gospel”

Understand the meaning of “Synoptic”Understand the meaning of “Synoptic”

Understand the different themes, titles and Understand the different themes, titles and descriptions of Jesusdescriptions of Jesus

Investigate the Gospels'’ infancy narratives.Investigate the Gospels'’ infancy narratives.

Definitions of apocalypticism, apocalyptic eschatology, and the genre of apocalypse.Definitions of apocalypticism, apocalyptic eschatology, and the genre of apocalypse. Common operating assumptions of biblical historians, particularly in the Deuteronomistic Common operating assumptions of biblical historians, particularly in the Deuteronomistic

History. "From below." Focus on earthly events and human motivations, though with History. "From below." Focus on earthly events and human motivations, though with comments on divine causality.comments on divine causality.

Another tradition of describing history more typically ancient Near Eastern—"from Another tradition of describing history more typically ancient Near Eastern—"from above." Emphasis on divine causality, mythic, heightening of historical events, e.g., 2 above." Emphasis on divine causality, mythic, heightening of historical events, e.g., 2 Kings 2, chariot brings Elijah to heaven. Other examples: Isa 27:1; Ezekiel 38-39; Kings 2, chariot brings Elijah to heaven. Other examples: Isa 27:1; Ezekiel 38-39; Zechariah 9-14; Psalm 46, 48.Zechariah 9-14; Psalm 46, 48.

Paradigm shift in biblical understanding is found in Book of Daniel, composed 167-163 Paradigm shift in biblical understanding is found in Book of Daniel, composed 167-163 bce in reaction to desecration of Jerusalem Temple by Antiochus IV (175-163 bce). Daniel bce in reaction to desecration of Jerusalem Temple by Antiochus IV (175-163 bce). Daniel 2, 7, and 10-12: four kingdoms plus a fifth that will end the four kingdoms, ending "the 2, 7, and 10-12: four kingdoms plus a fifth that will end the four kingdoms, ending "the ongoing struggle between good and evil in history."ongoing struggle between good and evil in history."

In the "Judaisms" prior to 70 ce (e.g., Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes), Essenes were In the "Judaisms" prior to 70 ce (e.g., Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes), Essenes were carriers of apocalypticism. Lived in wilderness, Qumran, in accord with Isa 40:3; cf. Mark carriers of apocalypticism. Lived in wilderness, Qumran, in accord with Isa 40:3; cf. Mark 1:2-3. John the Baptist. Prior to scrolls discovery in 1948, we did not know Jewish carrier 1:2-3. John the Baptist. Prior to scrolls discovery in 1948, we did not know Jewish carrier of apocalyptic. Examination of sectarian writings, esp. Community Rule. New Exodus.of apocalyptic. Examination of sectarian writings, esp. Community Rule. New Exodus.

John the Baptist announced the coming of the fifth kingdom; Jesus his disciple. New John the Baptist announced the coming of the fifth kingdom; Jesus his disciple. New Exodus.Exodus.

Mark 13:1-37, the "Little Apocalypse. Mark 13:1-37, the "Little Apocalypse. Contrast: in "normative" (or "formative") Judaism of late 1C-mid 2C ce, apocalyptic Contrast: in "normative" (or "formative") Judaism of late 1C-mid 2C ce, apocalyptic

elements largely absent. elements largely absent. A Catholic response to Christian and Jewish readings of "Scriptures." Pontifical Biblical A Catholic response to Christian and Jewish readings of "Scriptures." Pontifical Biblical

Commission, The Jewish People and Their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible (2002).Commission, The Jewish People and Their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible (2002).

The New Testament and Apocalypticism The New Testament and Apocalypticism

Apocalypticism (broadly defined):Apocalypticism (broadly defined): the belief that God has revealed the the belief that God has revealed the imminent end of the ongoing struggle between good and evil in history (a imminent end of the ongoing struggle between good and evil in history (a major theme in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). major theme in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Apocalyptic eschatologyApocalyptic eschatology: : the expectation of the future characteristic of apocalyptic literature.the expectation of the future characteristic of apocalyptic literature. Apocalypse:Apocalypse: a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework, in a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework, in which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human recipient, disclosing a transcendent reality which is both temporal, insofar recipient, disclosing a transcendent reality which is both temporal, insofar as its envisages eschatological salvation, and spatial insofar as it involves as its envisages eschatological salvation, and spatial insofar as it involves another, supernatural world (John J. Collins). Examples of another, supernatural world (John J. Collins). Examples of apocalypsesapocalypses: : Daniel 7, 10-12; Revelation.Daniel 7, 10-12; Revelation.

Common assumptions of biblical historiansCommon assumptions of biblical historians, particularly Deuteronomistic , particularly Deuteronomistic Historians: (1) history is seen largely as kings' acts; (2) divine causality is Historians: (1) history is seen largely as kings' acts; (2) divine causality is operative and recorded; (3) God’s will can be "read" from events on earth; operative and recorded; (3) God’s will can be "read" from events on earth; (4) world history consists of (4) world history consists of fourfour kingdoms rising and declining, kingdoms rising and declining, succeeding one another (names of the empires can vary but not the succeeding one another (names of the empires can vary but not the number four); (5) empires rise and decline reflects the status of their number four); (5) empires rise and decline reflects the status of their divine patron in the heavenly world, especially in the assembly of gods.divine patron in the heavenly world, especially in the assembly of gods.

Apocalypticism. Assumptions of biblical Apocalypticism. Assumptions of biblical historians.historians.

Another tradition of history writing. "History Another tradition of history writing. "History from Above."from Above."Ps 48 2 God is our refuge and stronghold, a help in trouble, very near.Ps 48 2 God is our refuge and stronghold, a help in trouble, very near. 3 Therefore we are not afraid though the earth reels, though mountains topple into the 3 Therefore we are not afraid though the earth reels, though mountains topple into the sea --sea -- 4 its waters rage and foam; in its swell mountains quake. Selah.4 its waters rage and foam; in its swell mountains quake. Selah. 5 There is a river whose streams gladden God's city, the holy dwelling-place of the Most 5 There is a river whose streams gladden God's city, the holy dwelling-place of the Most High.High. 6 God is in its midst, it will not be toppled; by daybreak God will come to its aid.6 God is in its midst, it will not be toppled; by daybreak God will come to its aid. 7 Nations rage, kingdoms topple; at the sound of His thunder the earth dissolves.7 Nations rage, kingdoms topple; at the sound of His thunder the earth dissolves. 8 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our haven. Selah.8 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our haven. Selah. 9 Come and see what the LORD has done, how He has wrought desolation on the earth.9 Come and see what the LORD has done, how He has wrought desolation on the earth. 10 He puts a stop to wars throughout the earth, breaking the bow, snapping the spear, 10 He puts a stop to wars throughout the earth, breaking the bow, snapping the spear, consigning wagons to the flames.consigning wagons to the flames. 11 "Desist! Realize that I am God! I dominate the nations; I dominate the earth."11 "Desist! Realize that I am God! I dominate the nations; I dominate the earth." 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our haven. Selah. 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our haven. Selah.

Ezekiel 38:1 (NRSV)The word of the LORD came to me:Ezekiel 38:1 (NRSV)The word of the LORD came to me: 2 O mortal, turn your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech 2 O mortal, turn your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him 3 and say: Thus said the Lord GOD: Lo, I am coming to and Tubal. Prophesy against him 3 and say: Thus said the Lord GOD: Lo, I am coming to deal with you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal! 4 I will turn you around and put deal with you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal! 4 I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws, and lead you out with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of them hooks in your jaws, and lead you out with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of them clothed in splendor, a vast assembly, all of them with bucklers and shields, wielding clothed in splendor, a vast assembly, all of them with bucklers and shields, wielding swords. 5 Among them shall be Persia, Cush, and Put, everyone with shield and helmet; 6 swords. 5 Among them shall be Persia, Cush, and Put, everyone with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its cohorts, Beth-togarmah in the remotest parts of the north and all its Gomer and all its cohorts, Beth-togarmah in the remotest parts of the north and all its cohorts -- the many peoples with you. 7 Be ready, prepare yourselves, you and all the cohorts -- the many peoples with you. 7 Be ready, prepare yourselves, you and all the battalions mustered about you, and hold yourself in reserve for them. 8 After a long time battalions mustered about you, and hold yourself in reserve for them. 8 After a long time you shall be summoned; in the distant future you shall march against the land of a people you shall be summoned; in the distant future you shall march against the land of a people restored from the sword, gathered from the midst of many peoples -- against the restored from the sword, gathered from the midst of many peoples -- against the mountains of Israel, which have long lain desolate -- a people liberated from the nations, mountains of Israel, which have long lain desolate -- a people liberated from the nations, and now all dwelling secure.and now all dwelling secure.

Another tradition of history writing. "History Another tradition of history writing. "History from Above."from Above."

Isa 27:1 In that day the LORD will punish, With His great, Isa 27:1 In that day the LORD will punish, With His great, cruel, mighty sword Leviathan the Elusive Serpent -- cruel, mighty sword Leviathan the Elusive Serpent -- Leviathan the Twisting Serpent; He will slay the Dragon of Leviathan the Twisting Serpent; He will slay the Dragon of the sea. (Isa 27:1 NJPS)the sea. (Isa 27:1 NJPS)

Zech 9:9-10. 9 Rejoice greatly, Fair Zion; Raise a shout, Zech 9:9-10. 9 Rejoice greatly, Fair Zion; Raise a shout, Fair Jerusalem! Lo, your king is coming to you. He is Fair Jerusalem! Lo, your king is coming to you. He is victorious, triumphant, Yet humble, riding on an ass, On a victorious, triumphant, Yet humble, riding on an ass, On a donkey foaled by a she-ass.donkey foaled by a she-ass.

10 He shall banish chariots from Ephraim And horses from 10 He shall banish chariots from Ephraim And horses from Jerusalem; The warrior's bow shall be banished. He shall Jerusalem; The warrior's bow shall be banished. He shall call on the nations to surrender, And his rule shall extend call on the nations to surrender, And his rule shall extend from sea to sea And from ocean to land's end. (Zech 9:9-10 from sea to sea And from ocean to land's end. (Zech 9:9-10 NJPS)NJPS)

DanielDaniel 2.282.28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries (Aramaic But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries (Aramaic razraz; Greek ; Greek mysteriamysteria) and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what is to happen in days to come; this ) and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what is to happen in days to come; this was the dream you saw as you lay in bed. . . . was the dream you saw as you lay in bed. . . . 3131 "In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, "In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you. very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you. 3232 The The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs bronze, bronze, 3333 the legs iron, its feet partly iron and partly tile. the legs iron, its feet partly iron and partly tile. 3434 While you looked at the statue, While you looked at the statue, a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron and tile feet, breaking them in pieces. and tile feet, breaking them in pieces. 3535 The iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold all crumbled The iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold all crumbled at once, fine as the chaff on the threshing floor in summer, and the wind blew them away at once, fine as the chaff on the threshing floor in summer, and the wind blew them away without leaving a trace. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and without leaving a trace. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.filled the whole earth. 3636 "This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king's presence. "This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king's presence. 3737 You, You, O king, are the king of kings; to you the God of heaven has given dominion and strength, O king, are the king of kings; to you the God of heaven has given dominion and strength, power and glory; power and glory; 3838 men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell, he has men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell, he has handed over to you, making you ruler over them all; you are the head of gold. handed over to you, making you ruler over them all; you are the head of gold. 3939 Another Another kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. shall rule over the whole earth. 4040 There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes everything else. everything else. 4141 The feet and toes you saw, partly of potter's tile and partly of iron, mean The feet and toes you saw, partly of potter's tile and partly of iron, mean that it shall be a divided kingdom, but yet have some of the hardness of iron. As you saw that it shall be a divided kingdom, but yet have some of the hardness of iron. As you saw the iron mixed with clay tile, the iron mixed with clay tile, 4242 and the toes partly iron and partly tile, the kingdom shall and the toes partly iron and partly tile, the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. be partly strong and partly fragile. 4343 The iron mixed with clay tile means that they shall The iron mixed with clay tile means that they shall seal their alliances by intermarriage, but they shall not stay united, any more than iron seal their alliances by intermarriage, but they shall not stay united, any more than iron mixes with clay. mixes with clay. 4444 In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever. pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever. 4545 That is the That is the meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, which broke in pieces the tile, iron, bronze, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to which broke in pieces the tile, iron, bronze, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure." (NAB)sure." (NAB)

Paradigm shift in interpreting History I: Paradigm shift in interpreting History I: Daniel 2 & 7Daniel 2 & 7

Daniel Daniel 7:77:7 After this, in the visions of the night I saw the fourth beast, After this, in the visions of the night I saw the fourth beast, different from all the others, terrifying, horrible, and of extraordinary different from all the others, terrifying, horrible, and of extraordinary strength; it had great iron teeth with which it devoured and crushed, and strength; it had great iron teeth with which it devoured and crushed, and what was left it trampled with its feet. what was left it trampled with its feet. 88 I was considering the ten horns it I was considering the ten horns it had, when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of their midst, and had, when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of their midst, and three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it. This horn three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it. This horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly. had eyes like a man, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly. 99 As I watched, As I watched, Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 1010 A surging stream of fire flowed A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. books were opened. 1111 I watched, then, from the first of the arrogant words I watched, then, from the first of the arrogant words which the horn spoke, until the beast was slain and its body thrown into which the horn spoke, until the beast was slain and its body thrown into the fire to be burnt up. the fire to be burnt up. 1212 The other beasts, which also lost their dominion, The other beasts, which also lost their dominion, were granted a prolongation of life for a time and a season. were granted a prolongation of life for a time and a season. 1313 As the As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, before him, 1414 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Paradigm shift in interpreting History I: Paradigm shift in interpreting History I: Daniel 2 & 7Daniel 2 & 7

Daniel 10:2 Now I shall tell you the truth. "Three kings of Daniel 10:2 Now I shall tell you the truth. "Three kings of Persia are yet to come; and a fourth shall acquire the Persia are yet to come; and a fourth shall acquire the greatest riches of all. Strengthened by his riches, he shall greatest riches of all. Strengthened by his riches, he shall rouse all the kingdom of Greece. 3 But a powerful king rouse all the kingdom of Greece. 3 But a powerful king shall appear and rule with great might, doing as he shall appear and rule with great might, doing as he pleases. 4 No sooner shall he appear than his kingdom pleases. 4 No sooner shall he appear than his kingdom shall be broken and divided in four directions under shall be broken and divided in four directions under heaven; but not among his descendants or in keeping with heaven; but not among his descendants or in keeping with his mighty rule, for his kingdom shall be torn to pieces and his mighty rule, for his kingdom shall be torn to pieces and belong to others than they. 5 "The king of the south shall belong to others than they. 5 "The king of the south shall grow strong, but one of his princes shall grow stronger grow strong, but one of his princes shall grow stronger still and govern a domain greater than his. . . . . still and govern a domain greater than his. . . . .

Paradigm shift in interpreting History II: Dan Paradigm shift in interpreting History II: Dan 10-1210-12

36 "The king shall do as he pleases, exalting himself and making himself greater 36 "The king shall do as he pleases, exalting himself and making himself greater than any god; he shall utter dreadful blasphemies against the God of gods. He than any god; he shall utter dreadful blasphemies against the God of gods. He shall prosper only till divine wrath is ready, for what is determined must take shall prosper only till divine wrath is ready, for what is determined must take place. 37 He shall have no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one in place. 37 He shall have no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one in whom women delight; for no god shall he have regard, because he shall make whom women delight; for no god shall he have regard, because he shall make himself greater than all. 38 Instead, he shall give glory to the god of strongholds; himself greater than all. 38 Instead, he shall give glory to the god of strongholds; a god unknown to his fathers he shall glorify with gold, silver, precious stones, and a god unknown to his fathers he shall glorify with gold, silver, precious stones, and other treasures. 39 To defend the strongholds he shall station a people of a other treasures. 39 To defend the strongholds he shall station a people of a foreign god. Whoever acknowledges him he shall provide with abundant honor; he foreign god. Whoever acknowledges him he shall provide with abundant honor; he shall make them rule over the many and distribute the land as a reward. 40 "At shall make them rule over the many and distribute the land as a reward. 40 "At the appointed time the king of the south shall come to grips with him, but the king the appointed time the king of the south shall come to grips with him, but the king of the north shall overwhelm him with chariots and horsemen and a great fleet, of the north shall overwhelm him with chariots and horsemen and a great fleet, passing through the countries like a flood. 41 He shall enter the glorious land and passing through the countries like a flood. 41 He shall enter the glorious land and many shall fall, except Edom, Moab, and the chief part of Ammon, which shall many shall fall, except Edom, Moab, and the chief part of Ammon, which shall escape from his power. 42 He shall extend his power over the countries, and not escape from his power. 42 He shall extend his power over the countries, and not even the land of Egypt shall escape. 43 He shall control the riches of gold and even the land of Egypt shall escape. 43 He shall control the riches of gold and silver and all the treasures of Egypt; Libya and Ethiopia shall be in his train. 44 silver and all the treasures of Egypt; Libya and Ethiopia shall be in his train. 44 When news from the east and the north terrifies him, he shall set out with great When news from the east and the north terrifies him, he shall set out with great fury to slay and to doom many. 45 He shall pitch the tents of his royal pavilion fury to slay and to doom many. 45 He shall pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the sea and the glorious holy mountain, but he shall come to his end with between the sea and the glorious holy mountain, but he shall come to his end with none to help him. Daniel 12:1 "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great none to help him. Daniel 12:1 "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

Paradigm shift in interpreting History II: Dan Paradigm shift in interpreting History II: Dan 10-1210-12

According to the Pharisee, historian, and general. Josephus (ca. 37-100 ce), there According to the Pharisee, historian, and general. Josephus (ca. 37-100 ce), there were three major groups in Judaism of his time: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. were three major groups in Judaism of his time: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. (“Normative” or “formative” Judaism in late 1C-2C ce was largely Pharisaic.)(“Normative” or “formative” Judaism in late 1C-2C ce was largely Pharisaic.)

Mid-2C bce to 70 ce at Qumran near northern Dead Sea. Scrolls found between 1947-Mid-2C bce to 70 ce at Qumran near northern Dead Sea. Scrolls found between 1947-1956, but related material later found nearby. Of 900 mss, ca. 200-210 are copies of 1956, but related material later found nearby. Of 900 mss, ca. 200-210 are copies of biblical books. Much "sectarian literature" also, including Community Rule, biblical books. Much "sectarian literature" also, including Community Rule, Damascus Document, War Scroll.Damascus Document, War Scroll.

Community consisted of celibate members at Qumran and married associates Community consisted of celibate members at Qumran and married associates throughout Israel. Alienated from the current priesthood (the “wicked priest”), they throughout Israel. Alienated from the current priesthood (the “wicked priest”), they awaited a new exodus in the wilderness that would purify the land and restore right awaited a new exodus in the wilderness that would purify the land and restore right worship. Meanwhile, they waited in the wilderness to take part in the new exodus.worship. Meanwhile, they waited in the wilderness to take part in the new exodus.

Community Rule Community Rule excerpt, 8.13-17: "And when these [candidates] become members of excerpt, 8.13-17: "And when these [candidates] become members of the Community in Israel according to all these rules, they shall separate from the the Community in Israel according to all these rules, they shall separate from the habitation of unjust men and shall go into the wilderness to prepare there the way of habitation of unjust men and shall go into the wilderness to prepare there the way of Him; as it is written, Him; as it is written, Prepare in the wilderness the way of (the Lord), Make straight Prepare in the wilderness the way of (the Lord), Make straight in the desert a path for our God in the desert a path for our God (Isa 40:3). This (path) is the study of the Law which (Isa 40:3). This (path) is the study of the Law which he commanded by the hand of Moses, that they may do according to all that has been he commanded by the hand of Moses, that they may do according to all that has been revealed from age to age, and as the prophets have revealed by His Holy Spirit."revealed from age to age, and as the prophets have revealed by His Holy Spirit."

Mark Mark 1:21:2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. ahead of you; he will prepare your way. 33 A voice of one crying out in the desert: A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” 44 John (the) Baptist appeared John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (NAB, in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (NAB, combination of Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3; and Exodus 23:20, but attribued to Isaiah)combination of Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3; and Exodus 23:20, but attribued to Isaiah)

The Carrier of Apocalypticism in Judaism: Qumran The Carrier of Apocalypticism in Judaism: Qumran CommunityCommunity

QumranQumran Map of AreaMap of Area Aerial View of the SiteAerial View of the Site

#22. As regards [Christians reading the "Scriptures" in their own way] . #22. As regards [Christians reading the "Scriptures" in their own way] . . . Christians can and ought to admit that the Jewish reading of the . . Christians can and ought to admit that the Jewish reading of the Bible is a possible one, in continuity with the Jewish Sacred Scriptures Bible is a possible one, in continuity with the Jewish Sacred Scriptures from the Second Temple period, a reading analogous to the Christian from the Second Temple period, a reading analogous to the Christian reading which developed in parallel fashion. reading which developed in parallel fashion. Each of these two readings Each of these two readings is part of the vision of each respective faith of which it is a product and is part of the vision of each respective faith of which it is a product and an expression consequently that cannot be reduced one into the other.an expression consequently that cannot be reduced one into the other.#64. #64. Discontinuity. Discontinuity. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the passage Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the passage from one Testament to the other also involves ruptures. These do not from one Testament to the other also involves ruptures. These do not submerge continuity. They presuppose it in essentials. Yet these submerge continuity. They presuppose it in essentials. Yet these ruptures impinge upon whole tracts of the Law: for example, ruptures impinge upon whole tracts of the Law: for example, institutions like the Levitical priesthood of the Jerusalem Temple; cultic institutions like the Levitical priesthood of the Jerusalem Temple; cultic forms like animal sacrifice; religious and ritual practices like forms like animal sacrifice; religious and ritual practices like circumcision, rules concerning purity and impurity, dietary circumcision, rules concerning purity and impurity, dietary prescriptions; imperfect laws such as divorce; restrictive legal prescriptions; imperfect laws such as divorce; restrictive legal interpretations concerning the Sabbath. It is clear that — from the interpretations concerning the Sabbath. It is clear that — from the viewpoint of Judaism — these are matters of great importance for it. viewpoint of Judaism — these are matters of great importance for it. But it is also clear that the radical But it is also clear that the radical shift in emphases accomplished in shift in emphases accomplished in the NT was already begun in the OT and so constitutes a legitimate the NT was already begun in the OT and so constitutes a legitimate potential reading of it.potential reading of it.N.B. Italics indicate corrected translation by C. H. Miller, in Bulletin of Biblical Theology 35 (2005) 34-39.N.B. Italics indicate corrected translation by C. H. Miller, in Bulletin of Biblical Theology 35 (2005) 34-39.

Pontifical Biblical Commission on Jewish and Pontifical Biblical Commission on Jewish and Christian Interpretations of "Scriptures" in Christian Interpretations of "Scriptures" in The The Jewish People and Their Sacred Scriptures in Jewish People and Their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible the Christian Bible (2002)(2002)

Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke

Synoptikos: “seen together”

They have much in common and differ significantly from the Gospel of John.

Traditionally, Matthew was believed to be the first Gospel written.

However, later biblical scholarship led most to believe that Mark was written first.

Matthew and Luke “improve” difficult passages in Mark.

Ex: Mark 1:1“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”Translation of Greek found in late but very good MSS “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”Translation of the Greek found in the earliest MSS

-Assyrian & Babylonian Legacies.-Persian Legacy-Alexander the Great-Israel and Hellenism-The order and peace of Rome (Julius Caesar, Octavius, Tiberius & Catigula, Claudius & Nero). -Social Settings & Stratification-Jewish Groups (Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots)

Social (Generalized human behavior) vs.

Cultural (local social practices)

Honor (Shame)vs.

Dishonor (Shamelessness)

25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The inscription of the charge

against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two

bandits, one on his right and one on his left.[e

] 29 Those who passed by derided[f] him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would

destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the

cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him

among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the

Messiah,[g] the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.”

Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

 Mark 15:27-32

Then he went home; 20 and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even

eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes

who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” 23 And he called them to

him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he

cannot stand, but his end has come. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and

plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be

plundered.Mark 3:21-27

And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been

suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many

physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, “If I

but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped;

and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the

crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd

pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’”32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before

him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in

peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5:21