Week 2: Introduction to the Gospels

Importance of the Gospel to the Orthodox Church
- We put it on the altar, read it in every liturgy, adorn it in gold, kiss it, etc.
What does the word "Gospel" mean? "Good news"
How many gospels are there?
- One Gospel recorded by four people separately
- "The Gospel according to..."
- Also see Irenaeus (or is it Ignatius?) who talks about the number 4 and how it represents the four corners of the world
Synoptic Gospels vs Gospel of John
When were they written?
What languages were they written?
Who is the target audience of each Gospel?
- Also the relationship to the four incorporeal creatures
What is the "Good News" that these Gospels are preaching?
- The Messiah has come, was crucified and buried, and then rose from the dead and granted us eternal life by faith in Him and participation with Him in the sacraments
How did the disciples spread this "good news" in the New Testament? How did Christianity get so big?
- To the Jews they went to Synagogues, heard the Old Testament reading and preaching, and interpreted it according to the NT
- To the Gentiles, they were attracted by the level of virtue, the bravery of martyrdom, etc.