Which Gospel is generally dated around 70 CE?

Which Gospel is generally dated around 70 CE?

• A. Matthew
• B. Luke
• C. Mark
• D. John

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the dating of the Gospels. Mark is generally dated around 70 CE, making it the earliest Gospel. This timing fits its concise, urgent storytelling and its focus on Jesus’ suffering and the turmoil of the temple’s destruction in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Matthew and Luke are usually placed a bit later, in the 80s CE, and they rely on Mark while adding extra material for their audiences. John is dated even later, toward the end of the first century. So, the Gospel around 70 CE is Mark.

The main idea here is the dating of the Gospels. Mark is generally dated around 70 CE, making it the earliest Gospel. This timing fits its concise, urgent storytelling and its focus on Jesus’ suffering and the turmoil of the temple’s destruction in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Matthew and Luke are usually placed a bit later, in the 80s CE, and they rely on Mark while adding extra material for their audiences. John is dated even later, toward the end of the first century. So, the Gospel around 70 CE is Mark.