Catholic Bible Study
Lectio The Case for Jesus: When Were the Gospels Written?
Jun 20, 2024
Explore the intriguing timeline of when the Gospels were written and the implications for their reliability. Discover how the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD relates to Jesus' prophecies and the documentation of the events. Delve into the synoptic challenge and the relationships among the first three Gospels. Hear arguments suggesting the Gospels could have been composed closer to Jesus' life than expected, based on the abrupt ending of the Acts of the Apostles. The significance of firsthand accounts is also unpacked, paving the way for deeper discussions on Jesus' identity.
36:01
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Quick takeaways
- The dating of the Gospels, generally in the late first century, influences perceptions of their reliability and accuracy.
- Various theories, including the two-source hypothesis, highlight the complexities of the synoptic problem in Gospel origins.
Deep dives
Importance of Gospel Dating
Determining when the Gospels were written is crucial for understanding the reliability of the accounts of Jesus's life. Scholars generally date the Gospels to the latter part of the first century, with Mark being the earliest at around 65-70 AD, followed by Matthew and Luke about 15 years later, and John around 90-95 AD. This creates a significant time gap between the events of Jesus's life, occurring around 30 AD, and the writing of the Gospels, which raises questions about the accuracy of the accounts as memories could fade over time. The discussion acknowledges skepticism regarding the Gospels, especially under the assumption that they were written anonymously and could be influenced by folklore as stories were passed down.
