What are the similarities and the differences between the Forth Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels? Can these differences be understood in terms of their respective theologies? Explain.

The Forth Gospel was written by John, and has both similarities and differences to that of the synoptics. All four Gospels agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and His early life was spent in Nazareth. Mary, Joseph, and the brethren of Jesus are also mentioned.

Some other parallels are; the trial scenes, the resurrection witnesses, His burial place, manner of death, and the conduct of Pilate.

It has long been recognised that the Gospel of John differs from the other three Gospels. John does not include any descriptions or records of biographical nature concerning the birth of Jesus, His childhood, His temptation, transfiguration, the institution of the Eucharist, and the agony in the garden of Gethsemane.

Only in the Gospel of John is the miracle of the changing of water into wine at Cana mentioned, The raising of Lazarus, His washing of the disciples' feet at the Last Supper (13:1-20), His conversation with Nicodemus concerning being born again (3:1-21), the Samaritan woman (4:7-26), and that of the woman caught in the act of adultery (7:53 - 8:11).

When compared to the Synoptic Gospels, there are important chronological and geographical differences revealed in John's Gospel. The Synoptics confine Jesus ministry mainly to Galilee, and only one Passover is mentioned. John mentions three Passovers during Jesus ministry time, along with four journeys to Jerusalem.

Each Gospel was written by the authors with a particular type of person in mind. Matthew wrote to the Jewish community to convince them that Jesus as the Messiah. He uses Jesus' genealogy and prophetic scripture to support his argument.

Mark wrote for a Gentile reading public, with the Romans being particularly in mind. He emphasises  more of what Jesus did rather than what was spoken by Him. Mark shows the very human side of Jesus revealing His emotions and love for people.

Luke wrote in order to attract cultured Greek readers like Theophilus, to whom it was dedicated. (1:3-4).Luke decries the graciousness of Jesus' character, and His concern for all people. It has been described as a social gospel.

The theological emphasis differs from the Synoptic Gospels. John does not begin his writings with genealogies, but rather begins with the pre-existence of Jesus as being the Word of God. (John 1:1-2).

He states that Jesus is the source of all life and was creator. John stresses that Jesus' ministry on earth was to reveal the Father through the Son, who is the highest form of truth and only by being born again, can one inherit eternal life. He states that the Word became flesh, and lived among men.

The fourth Gospel has Jesus talking in first person making some rather bold claims as far as the Pharisees and Sadducees were concerned. There are seven "I AM's" in John's Gospel which are different to the Synoptics. These are; The bread of life; the light of the world; the door of the sheepfold; the good shepherd; the resurrection and the life; the way, the truth, and the life; the true vine.

The four Gospels have four different theological emphasises. Matthew shows Jesus as the new King, Mark shows Jesus as a servant, Luke shows Jesus as the perfect man, and John shows Jesus as the Saviour from Heaven.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

*           Barclay, W., The Gospels and Acts.,(Tabor College)

*           Davidson, F., The New Bible Commentary., (London, The Inter-Varsity Fellowship, 1958.)

*           Ladd, G. E., A Theology of the New Testament., (Tabor College).

*           Marshall, I. H. (Ed.).,Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels.,(Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 1992.)

*           Metzger, B. M., The New Testament-its background, growth and content., (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1965)

*           Unger, M. F., Unger's Bible Handbook., (Chicago, Moody Press, 1966).

*           "John, Gospel According to," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnalls Corporation.

*           "Gospel," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk and Wagnalls Corporation.