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from jesus to christ - the first christians

An Overview of the Four Gospels of the New Testament

An introduction and individual synopses written by Marilyn Mellowes, producer of "From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians".

 

An Introduction to the Gospels »

Written over the course of almost a century after Jesus' death, the four gospels of the New Testament, though they tell the same story, reflect very different ideas and concerns.

 

The Gospel of Mark »

The first attempt to tell the story of the life and the death of Jesus, this narrative began the gospel tradition.

 

The Gospel of Matthew »

Writing for a Jewish Christian audience, Matthew's main concern is to present Jesus as a teacher even greater than Moses.

 

The Gospel of Luke »

This gospel tries to answer the question,"Can Christians who believe in the Kingdom of God also be loyal subjects of the Roman Empire?"

 

The Gospel of John »

The so-called "spiritual gospel" which presents Jesus as the "Stranger from Heaven," stands apart from the other three.

 

The Emergence of the Canon »

How the four gospels we know as the New Testament were chosen from dozens of versions of Jesus' story.

symposium . jesus' many faces . a portrait of jesus' world . storytellers . first christians . why did christianity succeed?
maps, archaeology & sources . discussion . bible history quiz . behind the scenes
teachers' guide . viewers' guide . press reaction .  tapes, transcripts & events

published april 1998

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