Jesus, the Apostles, and the New Testament — Oral Christian Tradition

The Words and Deeds of Jesus Are Remembered

c. AD 30-65
A Visit With Jesus

Disciples preserved and repeated Jesus' teaching and accounts of His works before and alongside the writing of the Gospels.

Full Account

Memorable forms such as parables, beatitudes, parallel sayings, questions, and vivid narratives aided accurate teaching and recollection. Eyewitnesses remained available within the churches during the earliest decades.

Luke explicitly refers to earlier accounts and to traditions delivered by eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. His investigation shows purposeful historical composition rather than the passive accumulation of uncontrolled stories. Differences in Gospel selection and wording reflect complementary testimony and authorial purpose, not necessarily contradiction.

Historical Significance

The responsible preservation of Jesus' teaching connects His historical ministry with the written Gospel accounts.

People, Places and Sources