Study Guide: Birth Narratives

Important Names, Terms for Exams
redaction criticism (will discuss in lecture)
Bethlehem
Nazareth
Mary
Joseph

Study/Discussion Questions
Compare and contrast the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke? On what aspects of Jesus' birth and background do they agree? On what aspects do they disagree?




Are the similarities word-for-word (from the same written source) with minor/incidental changes, or are they similar in a general sense with different wording? What does it mean if they are word-for-word similar? What does it mean when they convey the same facts and events but with different wording?





How do the differences between the three Gospels convey specific theological and religious truths that are important to the individual Gospel authors?