The period following the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth and the writing of the earliest Gospel, that of Mark, is considered the most obscure time in early Christianity as Jesus did not write anything during his lifetime. The question arises of how the memory of Jesus was preserved and by whom. Was it left to the witnesses to pass down his memory, or was it guided in some way? Furthermore, why were there not just one Gospel, but four, and even more if we consider the Gospels that were not included in the New Testament?
The seemingly simple solution is to believe that four disciples – Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John – each retained their own memories of what they saw and heard from Jesus. This would explain the inconsistencies in their Gospels, where sometimes they align, sometimes they diverge, and even contradict each other. However, this “simple” solution is not without its problems. Mark and Luke were not disciples of Jesus, and it is hard to imagine such significant variations in the accounts of witnesses who supposedly witnessed the same events. Therefore, researchers continue to search for less straightforward but more reliable explanations.
It is often forgotten that the oldest testimony about Jesus comes from Paul of Tarsus, who wrote seven epistles between 51 AD (1 Thessalonians) and 58 AD (Romans). However, Paul’s writings say very little about the life of Jesus, mostly focusing on the crucifixion and resurrection. He does mention that Jesus was a descendant of David, born of an Israelite woman, had brothers, and had twelve disciples. Paul’s sparse references to Jesus have led to speculation about how much he actually knew about him, considering his pivotal role in spreading the message of Jesus.
The lack of substantial information about the life of Jesus in Paul’s writings has led scholars to search for other sources. Despite Paul’s importance in early Christianity, his letters do not provide a detailed account of his initial preaching about Jesus. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of the cross and Easter. This has prompted researchers to explore other avenues for more significant traces of information about the life and teachings of Jesus, looking beyond Paul’s later writings for a more complete picture.
Mark is recognized as a pioneer in early Christian writings as he invented a new genre that blended biography with religious history. He was followed by Matthew, who later named this new style of writing “Gospel.” Mark’s Gospel is composed of a series of micro-narratives, including parables, miracles, and encounters, creating a unique and innovative way of recounting the life and teachings of Jesus. As scholars continue to delve into these texts, they uncover layers of complexity and richness that offer insight into the early Christian community and the diverse perspectives that shaped their understanding of Jesus.
In conclusion, the search for the historical Jesus continues to fascinate and challenge scholars as they navigate through the complexities of early Christian writings to uncover the true essence of the man who sparked a global religion. The diverse perspectives and interpretations found in the Gospels and letters of the New Testament offer a multifaceted view of Jesus and provide a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic nature of early Christian communities. By exploring the various sources and narratives, researchers are able to piece together a clearer picture of the historical context in which Jesus lived and the impact he had on those around him, shaping the development of Christianity for centuries to come.
