ABSTRACT
There is so much material in common, often verbatim, among the three ‘synoptic’ Gospels, that it is all the more interesting to observe their differences of approach and style. Whereas Matthew, aiming at an audience reared in the Judaic tradition, centres on presenting the teaching of Jesus, and Mark on a direct and concise account of his work. Luke is distinguished by his humanity as well as the grace of his narrative style, qualities exemplified here. He wrote two books, this and the Acts, for a more Hellenised readership, and addressed to the ‘most excellent Theophilus’: they begin with the Emperor in Rome, and end there.
