Historical method and narrative criticism are the two approaches that have become important tools in exegetical work of canonical Gospels. Both have given important contribution, however the two approaches have inadequacies. The...
moreHistorical method and narrative criticism are the two approaches that have become important tools in exegetical work of canonical Gospels. Both have given important contribution, however the two approaches have inadequacies. The historical approach depends on external data, and narrative criticism tends to treat the Gospel texts as modern narratives. In the subsequent development of studies on the canonical Gospels, it has been found some significant similarities between the Gospels and Greco-Roman biographical writings. This writing observes three similarities, namely the format of content, focus of story and purpose. The content of Greco-Roman biography, mostly narrates the public work or ministry of the main character. The same thing is found on the Gospels. Likewise, the focus of story that orients to one main character and the purpose of authorship that has rhetorical and persuasive element. The similarities indicate that the canonical Gospels may be categorized as Greco-Roman biographical genre. Certainly, it has hermeneutical implication. The Gospels should be read in accordance with its genre.
