Gospel

1. Define the Synoptic Gospels and the Synoptic Problem
2. Identify the sources used by Matthew, Mark, and Luke
3. Analyze the unique features of each Gospel writer
4. Compare and contrast the theological themes in each Gospel
5. Evaluate the historical context and purpose of each Gospel
6. Apply different methods of studying the Synoptic Gospels

13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

   • Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours

     Read the introduction to the Gospels. Define the term 'gospel'. Discuss the origin of the gospels. Explain the concept of the Synoptic Gospels. Examine the emergence of Christian writings..

2. Week 2Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

   • Unit 2: The Synoptic Problem · 3 hours

     Relate the interrelationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Critically evaluate the synoptic problem. Identify proposed solutions. Examine early Church's solution to the problem..

3. Week 3Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

   • Unit 3: The Composition of St. Mark · 3 hours

     Relate the argument surrounding Mark's authorship. List Mark's literary characteristics. Evaluate Mark's literary accomplishment. Discuss the literary unity of Mark. Explain Mark's theological understanding of the end of the world..

4. Week 4Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

   • Unit 4: The Purpose of the Gospel of St Mark · 3 hours

     Relate the purpose of writing St. Mark. Critically examine the doctrine of Christ in Mark. Evaluate Mark's concept of Jesus as the Agent of God. Explain Mark's view of persecution and the end of the World.

5. Week 5Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

   • Unit 5: Special Features of Mark · 3 hours

     Unravel the mysteries behind the Messianic Secret in Mark. Relate the distinctive features of Mark. Explain the reason for Mark's simplicity. Discuss the problems relating to the ending of Mark.

6. Week 6Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

   • Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours

     Explain who the author of Matthew is. Identify the place of origin of the book. Argue convincingly on the possible date of composition.

7. Week 7Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

   • Unit 2: The Sources of Matthew · 3 hours

     Identify the various sources of St. Matthew. Explain how Matthew made use of the Markan source. Explain what the ''Q'' source is all about. State the content of ''M'' source..

8. Week 8Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

   • Unit 3: The Purposes of Matthew · 3 hours

     Evaluate Matthew's purpose of writing. State Matthew's understanding of the law. Discuss Matthew's Christology. State the relationship between the church and Israel. Discuss Matthew's universal scope of the gospel..

9. Week 9Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

   • Unit 4: Special Features of Matthew's Writings · 3 hours

     Describe what made Matthew different from other synoptic gospels. Analyse Matthew's system of relating the miracle stories. Account for Matthew's humane treatment of issues. Explain the use of numbers in Matthew. Examine Matthew's concept of the church..

10. Week 10Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

    • Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours

      Identify the person of Luke. Explain who the author of Luke was. Relate the date of St. Luke. Identify the differences between the audience of Luke and Mark..

11. Week 11Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

    • Unit 2: The Sources of Luke's Gospel · 3 hours

      Account for the sources of Luke. Explain how Luke made use of Mark. Relate what source ''Q'' is all about. Discuss Lukan use of ''L'' materials..

12. Week 12Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

    • Unit 3: Luke's Purposes · 3 hours

      Assess the extent of accuracy in St. Luke. Explain how Luke achieved his purpose of persuasiveness. Examine the currency of Luke for his community. Relate the historicity of Luke's records. Analyse how Luke moulded his gospel as an apologia.

13. Week 13Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

    • Unit 4: Major Themes in Luke · 3 hours

      Discuss the theology of St. Luke's gospel. Evaluate Luke's conception of Christ as the expected messiah. Assess the place of the Holy Spirit in Luke's gospel. Analyse Luke's modification of the return of Christ..

    • Unit 5: The Universalism of Luke's Gospel · 3 hours

      Evaluate the extent of universalism in the gospel of Luke. Understand how Luke used his knowledge of History to write an orderly account of Jesus tradition. Show how Luke's writing reflects salvation that is restricted to the Jews. Discuss Luke's concern especially for the poor, the outcast and women..