1	History of the Gospels: Literature L. D. Alford www.lionelalford.com www.ldalford.com
2	Focus of Class Gospels as Greek Literature Literary context Basis for all modern literature Gospels as Histories Historical context Cultural context Basis of Western Civilization NT in terms of history and literature
3	Outline 1. Introduction to ancient cultures 2. Historical prelude 3. Historical veracity of the Gospels 4. Literature of the Gospels 5. Tellos of Matthew 6. Tellos of Mark 7. Tellos of Luke 8. Tellos of John & Tellic comparison
4	Summary 4. Literature of the Gospels Greek literature Sayings Narratives Argument to a Tellos
5	New Testament Documents New Testament 27 separate historical works Historical documents—Historical documents written in Greek Language is critical
6	Greek Language λέγω lego – logical argument άντιλογίας antilogia - dispute διαλογισμός dialogismos – discussion τελειοΰμαι teleioo - to complete έπιτελείσθε epiteleo - to fulfill further βραβείον brabeion - an award τέλος telos - the point aimed at as a limit
7	Greek Words λέγω lego (leg'-o) to "lay" forth, i.e. fig. relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse]); by imp., to mean: KJV-- ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
8	Greek Words άντιλογίας antilogia dispute, disobedience: KJV-- contradiction, gainsaying, strife. antilego (an-til'-eg-o); to dispute, refuse: KJV-- answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay (-er), speak against. anti (an-tee'); opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to) lego (leg'-o)
9	Greek Words διαλογισμός dialogismos discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate: KJV-- dispute, doubtful (-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought. dialogizomai (dee-al-og-id'-zom-ahee) to reckon thoroughly, to deliberate (by reflection or discussion): KJV-- cast in mind, consider, dispute, muse, reason, think.
10	Greek Words dia (dee-ah') a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional): KJV-- after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause). ..fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through (-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). logizomai (log-id'-zom-ahee) to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (lit. or fig.): KJV-- conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). logos (log'-os)
11	Greek Words τελειοΰμαι teleioo (tel-i-o'-o) to complete, i.e. (lit.) accomplish, or (fig.) consummate (in character): KJV-- consecrate, finish, fullfil, make, perfect. teleios (tel'-i-os) complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter, completeness: KJV-- of full age, man, perfect. telos (tel'-os)
12	Greek Words έπιτελείσθε epiteleo (ep-ee-tel-eh'-o) to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by imp., to terminate, undergo: KJV-- accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform (X -ance). epi (ep-ee') preposition; prop., meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution, i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the det.) at, on, etc.; of direction, towards, : KJV-- about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, [wherefore-]), in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-) on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through (-out), (un-) to (-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
13	Greek Words teleo (tel-eh'-o) to end, ie. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt): KJV-- accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform. 5056 telos (tel'-os) βραβείον brabeion (brab-i'-on) from brabeus (an umpire of uncertain der.); an award (of arbitration), i.e. (spec.) a prize in the public games: KJV-- prize.
14	Greek Words τέλος telos (tel'-os) from a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically, an impost or levy (as paid): KJV-- + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.
15	Tellos
16	Ancient Literature Basic way of thinking is different Explored before World view of ancient cultures is different and drives their literature Generally the ancient world was focused in interpreting the world in terms of a pagan world view—spirits make the world what it is and fate man (Chronos and Pathos)
17	Ancient Literature Greek – Greek rationalism Roman – Greek rationalism Hebrew – Building thought patterns around Greek rationalism, but, at this time, focused in Derash Rabbidic focus is when a scripture is mentioned, it is an introduction note in NT Interpretation – understanding – pardes (acronym and mnemonic for peshat, remez, derash, and sod)
18	Ancient Literature Meaning is already there – the point is to tease out the complete understanding There is no room for multiple understandings Peshat – plain literal sense of a verse in its context Remez – allegorical or symbolic meaning only hinted at in the text Derash – homiletic interpretation to uncover an ethical or moral lesson thought to be implicit in the text Sod – secret, esoteric, or mystical interpretation, emphasized by the kabalists
19	Ancient Literature Our thinking about human culture of the past must wrap around the concept of ignorance and not lack of intelligence or wisdom Humans in different cultures are motivated differently Thinking and concepts of logic in development People in different cultures do think and act differently
20	Ancient Literature Religious focus of the times comes out of Pagan thinking World is a fearful and dangerous place No understanding of how things work—action of spirits - fate Gods are in everything Paganism Pagan man sees spiritual action and forces in all things—therefore these spirits must be placated—back to the concept of sacrifice
21	Ancient Literature Paganism Greeks, Romans, and everyone else Belief is gods in everything Becomes a pantheon Mystery religion Gnosticism – knowledge religion
22	Ancient Literature What about sacrifice? Taking the life of anything was viewed as taking from the province of God or gods What about Laws? God’s Law - Torah Roman law Means to protect women, children, aged, handicapped requires strength and organization Roman law the freest for women in history Rule of law in development
23	Ancient Literature Jewish Law Laws for individuals Noahic Mosaic – ten words Laws for society Laws of cleanliness Verbal Torah - Mishna Religion is changing – mystery religion based on Greek rationalism is becoming stronger Gnosticism is growing
24	Ancient Literature The way you think is the way you write Limited paper, costs, supplies Writing was about mysticism Understanding the pagan world Slight inking of monotheism—Hebrews almost only monotheists (mystery and Gnostics moving toward monotheism)
25	Ancient Literature Way world thinks and writes is moving toward Greek rationalism First works of Philosophy - Logic First Histories – Legal - Historical First attempts to explain the world from a rational standpoint – Scientific Method Ancient people = Pagan worldview Spirits made everything happen Men and gods fated (Chronos and Pathos) Men cannot control—spirits control world Gods controlled by fate (Chronos)
26	Ancient Literature Greek rationalism changed that Men could influence the world—history is about people Men could change the world—science Fabric of literature changed from writings about the gods and how to please them to the works of men These were the first histories
27	Ancient Literature Historical documents—Historical documents written in Greek Language is critical Significantly different than English (or other Germanic and Romance languages) Simple language – geometrically based Sparse number of words compared to modern languages Many words describe complex concepts Modern languages tend to use modifiers to differentiate
28	Ancient Literature Similar to other ancient languages – grammar is key Mnemonics Has vowels No punctuation No sentences No paragraphs No spaces between words Use of language is a direct result of culture
29	Ancient Literature The words used are critical to understanding Classical Greek vocabulary has two distinct types of words Comes out of Pagan view of universe gods in everything World a fearful place Greeks tried to define world in terms of those things sacred and those things common
30	Ancient Literature In pagan societies necessary to placate the gods or face their random retribution Therefore word differences are distinct and specific between those common and those sacred chronos – pathos agape – phileo presbeia – appostolos angelos – thewros Many many more
31	Ancient Literature Mystery religion was practiced by most Greeks Required a yearly pilgrimage and festivals to reveal the mystery Music Drinking Sexual debauchery unlikely unless homosexual (still unlikely) Greeks were an oriental culture Did not mix sexes with religion (woman’s vs. man’s religion) Unlike many middle eastern cultures, did not mix sex with religion Did mix sex with everything else—similar to Victorian era but worse
32	Ancient Literature Sacrifices Gifts to the gods Culminated with revelation of the mystery – unknown (never written down) Likely scientific, geometric, or thing Prophecy Ecstatic utterance Best example we have is likely first and second Corinthians Mixture of middle eastern cultural mores with Greek debauchery and a lot of money to support it all Corinthians were steeped in the Greek mystery sects with the middle eastern sexual religious propensity mixed in
33	Ancient Literature Mathetes – learner – translated disciple From Mathano to learn Apostolos – messenger/ambassador from the gods Mystery religion word Not word for ambassador - presbeia Not word for messenger – angelos (also mystery religion word) Basis of word Angel Messenger – thewros All can be an Apostolos – Paul tells us it is a gift of the spirit
34	Ancient Literature Way of thinking and words concepts are different—the concept of writing form is different In all ancient literature we see a distinct difference between Narrative – descriptive history Example - Herodotus Prophecy – quotations (so called sayings) Example – Socratic dialogue
35	Ancient Literature In both examples we can see - focus is logical argument English Intro Body Conclusion Hebrew - parallelism Synopsis Body Greek – logical argument to a tellos Body
36	Ancient Literature Example of Greek literature is Aesop’s fables Argument (logos) to a tellos Morals were added later by Romans Greek view was that the morals were implicit and they would detract from the argument Journey more important than the end NT writers were writing First person accounts Immediate events Requiring quotations within the narrations Narration was required to give the context Gospel of Thomas – sayings Gospel (no context)
37	Ancient Literature To incorporate history of times, NT required a new type of literature Narrative Sayings of Christ viewed as critical – quotes Entirely new way of writing in antiquity So new, genre was undefined Couple with the form of Greek literature (argument – logos to tellos) Drives to a logical conclusion Greek writers are not interested in the unimportant or peripheral details—Greek writing drives to the tellos (conclusion)
38	Ancient Literature What you don’t see in Greek literature Peripheral detail Side explanations Multiple story lines Each bit is a part of the whole Wordy or unnecessary description Each word carefully chosen to drive to tellos What you do see Sufficient description within narrative to frame the sayings and to drive to tellos Cohesive and specific word use and synthesis to develop argument (logos)
39	Ancient Literature Historical documents Must balance with concept that author of each Gospel writing an immediate history of events surrounding times Might ask “How is this possible?” or “Might history be at odds with the argument?” Argument to a tellos is a means of organizing literature just like intro, body, conclusion is means of organizing English literature—it certainly affects the writing, but we don’t question the objectivity of writing because of its organization
40	Conclusion Greek literature is different than our common English understanding of writing Focus is argument (logos) to a tellos This is only way Greek literature can be appropriately analyzed
41	Hebrew Covenant Covenant incomplete because there no redemption for intentional sin Each earlier covenant is incomplete Points directly to the Messiah Rabbis understood the incomplete covenant and understood its limitations Following destruction of the Temple led to a more secular understanding of covenant Today covenant of Moses can’t be kept because no Temple
42	Mosaic Law 36 transgressions no redemption If intentional, no sacrifice will cover: Prohibited sexual unions Blasphemy Idolatry Necromancy Profaning the Shabbat Some cleanliness laws Eating leaven during Passover Eating or working during Yom-Kippur The big tem
43	Hebrew Covenant Synagogue of Christ’s time had a legal as well as a religious function Lawyers and doctors of the Law were the men who presided over the synagogue to handle legal matters In ancient world all legal matters were local matters and punishments were handled by the people in their own communities
44	Hebrew Covenant Lawyers and doctors of Law acted as the Rabbis for their community Training was in the Torah and other scriptures as well as the Mishna, at this time verbal This verbal Mishna is what Christ knew and understood well With the destruction of the Temple, the role of the synagogue and of the Rabbis became more important
45	Jewish Understanding What is and was the Jewish understanding of the Messiah From Hebrew “mashiach” annointed Rule over restored kingdom of Israel where the dispersed Jews would be gathered at the end of days
46	Jewish Understanding Core belief in Judaism One of Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon —RaMBaM or the Rambam, 11th century) 13 principles of faith Existence of God Complete and total unity and uniqueness of God Incorporeality of God God is eternal God alone is to be worshiped and obeyed Prophecy Moses is the greatest prophet
47	Jewish Understanding Entire Torah was given by God to Moses Torah is unchangeable God knows man’s thoughts and deeds Rewards and punishments The coming of the Messiah (even though he may delay [a Jew must] anticipate every day that he will come) The resurrection of the dead
48	Jewish Understanding David’s descendents would rule the Jewish people forever 2 Sam 7:13 Messianic age Isa 11 Two messiahs King – Zech 9:9 Priest – Zech 6:13
49	Jewish Understanding Mashinach ben David Single Davidic King Conquer enemies of Israel Return the Jewish people from exile Rebuild the Temple Reinstitute the Mosaic sacrifices Mashinach be Joseph Precede the messianic king Be killed in an epic battle with the enemies of God and Israel
50	Jewish Understanding Human agent of divine redemption Riding into Jerusalem on a Donkey Zech 9:9 Clouds of heaven Dan 7:13 Born in Bethlehem the day the Temple was destroyed Mich 5:1 Present at the Creation, existing before the Creation Sits among the lepers Ascends the mount of olive heralded by a shofar blast Announces himself at Sukot during the Hellal
51	Jewish Understanding Modern views Reform Judaism Messianic age of universal justice Orthodox Judaism still holds to the doctrine of a personal messiah Modern practice Chair for Elijah at every circumcision (each Jewish child could be the Messiah) Born on Tisha b’Av 9th day of Av (July-Aug) Dead buried with feet facing Jerusalem awaiting the resurrection of the dead when the messiah comes
52	Views of Maimonides So this is the Jewish view What is missing? Psalms? Isaiah 51-53; where is the suffering servant? Where is the bridegroom redeemer? Ruth and Judges Mosaic covenant is incomplete No sacrifice for intentional sin No forgiveness but the grave Messiah required to complete the covenant
53	Summary Ancient cultures very different than ours – thinking was different Rabbinic understanding in first century was Messiah based Expectation of Jewish world
54	Next Time Next time – Tellos of Matthew