Discission Thread_Reading the Gospels Verticle and Horizontal
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Feb 20, 2024
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Reading the four canonical Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, presents a unique challenge. These texts offer multiple accounts of the life, teachings,
and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, and while they share a common subject,
they also exhibit both similarities and differences. To do justice to these perspectives, it is essential to approach the Gospels through two distinct lenses: horizontal and vertical reading.
Horizontal reading treats the Gospels as a unified narrative, emphasizing the harmony in their content. “The Gospels are in essence the combining of the gospel message with other important material as it relates to Jesus’s life and teaching. They are called “Gospels” because they embody the gospel—
the story of who Jesus was and what he did.”
[1]
This approach recognizes that the Gospels were written at different times, by different authors, and for
different audiences, each with their unique theological emphases. By harmonizing the narratives, readers can gain a broader understanding of Jesus’ character and mission, discerning the central message that transcends
individual characteristics. This approach is valuable for those seeking a holistic view of Jesus’ life and teachings.
On the other hand, vertical reading focuses on the individuality and features of each Gospel. It acknowledges and celebrates the distinct theological perspectives, writing styles, and emphases of the four different authors. By examining the Gospels vertically, readers can appreciate the nuanced nuances and unique contributions of each text. This approach helps
uncover layers of meaning and theological depth that might be overlooked when considering the Godpels soley in a horizontal manner. It allows for a richer exploration of the diverse ways in which early Christians understood and conveyed the message of Jesus.
Both approaches have their strengths and values. Horizontal reading offers a cohesive narrative that simplifies the complexity of the Gospel accounts, making them accessible to a wide audience and highlighting the core teaching of Jesus. Vertical reading, on the other hand, encourages a deeper engagement with the individual Gospels, fostering a more profound appreciation for the diverse theological perspectives within early Christianity.
A good example of the value of these different approaches can be found in the contrasting narratives of Jesus’ crucifixion. When reading horizontally, someone can discern the common elements of the crucifixion story across the Gospels. The betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection is something that can be read in all four accounts. The horizontal approach highlights the central importance of these events in the Christian faith. However, when reading vertically, you notice the unique details and theological emphases in each of the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. For example, Matthew emphasizes the innocence of Jesus and the role fo Judas in his betrayal, while
John explores Jesus’ deep theological significance as the Word made flesh. By engaging with both horizontal and vertical reading, scholars and readers
can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the richness and complexity of the Gospels and their portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth. Utilizing both methods allows readers to study and conclude the truth of the Gospels while cherishing the different viewpoints of the different authors because of their different backgrounds. “Christians believe the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s life to be true not just because they can be judged as inherently probable by historians, but also because the guiding hand of God stands behind them, assuring their trustworthiness.”
[2]
[1]
Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough,
Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey
Links to an external site.
, Third Edition., Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 57.
[2]
Ibid., 59
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