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| − | '''Ordering the Gospels''' is an issue worth revisiting, because the current order is based on at least two historical misunderstandings:<ref>Saydon, P. P. [https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/scripture/04-7_190.pdf The Order of the Gospels], pp. 190b–96. ''Biblical Studies''. Retrieved September 21, 2023.</ref> | + | '''Ordering the Gospels''' is an issue worth revisiting, because the order affects [[evangelism]], readability, and the significance placed on the [[Gospel of John]], which [[Jesus]] may have initially intended to be the primary eyewitness account by his closest [[Apostle]]. The strongest ordering of the [[Gospels]] is: |
| − | *that the [[Gospel of Mark]] relied on the [[Gospel of Matthew]], when basic analysis shows the opposite to have been true;<ref>Luke's ordering of events corresponds that of Mark's, while Matthew's record differs greatly. If Matthew's Gospel was written first, then either Mark copied also from Luke or Luke from Mark, which relies on unsubstantiated theories. [[Occam's razor]] favors [[Markan priority]]—more likely, Mark wrote his Gospel first, and Matthew and Luke copied from his account separately.</ref> | + | #the [[Gospel of Mark]], as the first written and the easiest to read and understand |
| − | *that the [[Gospel of Matthew]] was originally written in [[Hebrew]] or [[Aramaic]], which modern scholars, often prone to [[liberal bias]] in contradicting the apostolic record of the ante-Nicene Fathers, reject while observing that its terminology is uniquely [[Greek]] (such as his use of "hypocrite"<ref>See, e.g., Matt. 23:13-30; 6:2, 5, 16 [https://www.lagrangenews.com/2016/02/13/church-columnist-building-a-biblical-vocabulary-hypocrite/#:~:text=So%20the%20Greek%20word%20hupokrites,%2C%2016%3B%20et%20al Biblical vocabulary].</ref>) | + | #the [[Gospel of John]], as the most powerful and yet concise, while beautifully written; preferably in its undiluted form |
| | + | #the [[Gospel of Matthew]], as a comprehensive eyewitness account |
| | + | #the [[Gospel of Luke]], a comprehensive, beautifully written historical account and the lead to the first book after the Gospels, the [[Acts of the Apostles]] |
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| | + | The current order is based on at least two historical misunderstandings:<ref>Saydon, P. P. [https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/scripture/04-7_190.pdf The Order of the Gospels], pp. 190b–96. ''Biblical Studies''. Retrieved September 21, 2023.</ref> |
| | + | *that the [[Gospel of Mark]] relied on the [[Gospel of Matthew]], when basic analysis shows the opposite to have been true;<ref>Luke's ordering of events corresponds to that of Mark's, while Matthew's record differs greatly. If Matthew's Gospel was written first, then either Mark copied also from Luke or Luke from Mark, which relies on unsubstantiated theories. [[Occam's razor]] favors [[Markan priority]]—more likely, Mark wrote his Gospel first, and Matthew and Luke copied from his account separately.</ref> |
| | + | *that the [[Gospel of Matthew]] was originally written in [[Hebrew]] or [[Aramaic]], which modern scholars reject while observing that its terminology is uniquely [[Greek]] (such as his use of "hypocrite"<ref>See, e.g., Matt. 23:13-30; 6:2, 5, 16 [https://www.lagrangenews.com/2016/02/13/church-columnist-building-a-biblical-vocabulary-hypocrite/#:~:text=So%20the%20Greek%20word%20hupokrites,%2C%2016%3B%20et%20al Biblical vocabulary].</ref>) |
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| | The Church Fathers incorrectly felt that the [[Gospel of Matthew]] was written first: "External evidence is absolutely demonstrative that St. Matthew the Apostle himself wrote the Gospel of Matthew, wrote first, and wrote well before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. This is attested to by Bishop Saint [[Papias]], who knew St. John the Apostle; [[Tertullian]] in [[Africa]]; Saint [[Irenaeus]], who was bishop of Lyons in [[Europe]] but well acquainted with the Tradition of the East, having spent a significant time in Asia; and several other witnesses. Thus we have the unanimous witness of three whole continents and virtually the entire early Christian world that Saint Matthew the Apostle is the first of the Evangelists and wrote his Gospel well before 70 A.D." <ref>https://onepeterfive.com/matthew-first-dates-gospels/</ref> | | The Church Fathers incorrectly felt that the [[Gospel of Matthew]] was written first: "External evidence is absolutely demonstrative that St. Matthew the Apostle himself wrote the Gospel of Matthew, wrote first, and wrote well before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. This is attested to by Bishop Saint [[Papias]], who knew St. John the Apostle; [[Tertullian]] in [[Africa]]; Saint [[Irenaeus]], who was bishop of Lyons in [[Europe]] but well acquainted with the Tradition of the East, having spent a significant time in Asia; and several other witnesses. Thus we have the unanimous witness of three whole continents and virtually the entire early Christian world that Saint Matthew the Apostle is the first of the Evangelists and wrote his Gospel well before 70 A.D." <ref>https://onepeterfive.com/matthew-first-dates-gospels/</ref> |