FACTS From Scrolls to Codex: The Rise of the Fourfold Gospel
May 19, 2025
Dive into the intriguing evolution of the fourfold Gospel in the early Church! Discover how the community embraced Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as a unified witness, long before formal canonization. Examine key second-century texts like 2 Clement and The Shepherd of Hermas, revealing their incredible insights. Explore the powerful imagery of Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as his bride, and uncover the rich theological connections that shaped Christian identity. Join this fascinating journey through key historical developments!
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Early Codex Compilation of Gospels
- The early Church was actively compiling and distributing Christian texts, including the four Gospels, in codex form rather than individual scrolls.
- These texts were used for instruction, preaching, and public reading, showing an evolving canon before formal recognition.
2nd Clement Shows Fourfold Gospel Use
- Second Clement references four gospels thematically linked to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, showing familiarity with all four.
- This suggests the fourfold Gospel tradition influenced Christian teaching by the mid-second century.
Ignatius and Fourfold Gospel Recognition
- Ignatius of Antioch used all four Gospels, implying their collection was established and recognized early.
- John's Gospel, even late-dated, shows awareness of the synoptic Gospels, consistent with a fourfold collection.