The First Gospel in Genesis and the New Testament: A Controversial Take

In recent times, the Bible has faced scrutiny and criticism, with some questioning its accuracy and relevance. Among the various claims, the origin and significance of the first gospel have been a topic of debate. While most scholars attribute the first written gospel to Mark, others argue that the concept of the First Gospel is more deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis 3:15. This article explores this controversial perspective and delves into the implications of its interpretation.

Genesis 3:15 - A Prophetic Herald

The reference to the first gospel is often traced back to Genesis 3:15, where God addresses the serpent, stating: I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. (NIV)

According to this interpretation, this verse is seen as a prophetic announcement, where God promises a future figure, who will defeat the serpent (Satan). This figure is identified as Eve’s Seed, later understood to be Jesus Christ. The text foreshadows a conflict between Satan and this future savior, hinting at a victory that would change the course of human history.

Marks' Gospel: The First Written Gospel

Much of the debate revolves around the first written gospel. Traditional scholarly consensus attributes the first gospel to Mark, who wrote around 70 CE. Mark's gospel is significant because it is the earliest extant gospel in the New Testament. However, this view can be challenged by noting that the term "gospel" (euangelion) is used in the Old Testament as well, such as in Genesis 3:15, which pre-dates the New Testament.

Christian apologists argue that the reference to the church's destruction by the Romans in Mark's gospel (such as in the narrative of the temple curtain tearing at Jesus' death) is a prophecy. However, this interpretation is considered a stretch by many, as the mention of the temple's destruction could be interpreted as a historical reference rather than a predictive one.

The Second Century AD Gospel Fragment

Another controversial source is an early second-century AD papyrus fragment that contains a dialogue between Pilate and Jesus. The fragment is dated to around 125-130 CE and reads:

Kingdom my servants for me do not fighteth so that I would not be delivered unto the Jews. But now this kingdom of mine is not from hence. Said therefore to him Pilate, 'Thou a king thou art.' Answered Jesus, 'Thou said that king I am. For this I have been born and for this I have come into the world so that I would testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears of me my voice.' Said to him Pilate, 'What is truth' and this having said again he went out unto the Jews and said to them 'I do not find in him is a custom for you that I should release unto you one at the Passover. Do you wish then that I would release unto you the King of the Jews?' They cried out so again saying, 'Not this man but Barabbas!'

This fragment, while intriguing, is highly contested and lacks concrete historical validation. Many scholars consider it apocryphal, meaning it is not part of the canonical New Testament scriptures.

The KJVinterpretations and Accuracy

The KJV (King James Version) is noted for its patriarchal and misogynist interpretations, with some arguing that the original texts do not fully reflect the Greek texts. Critics point out that many modern translations are more accurate and have less bias compared to the KJV. It is important to use a variety of translations and interpretations to gain a more holistic understanding of the texts.

Conclusion

The issue of the first gospel remains a topic of debate among biblical scholars and theologians. While the concept of the first gospel is often associated with Mark's gospel due to its historical and textual context, the earlier reference in Genesis 3:15 challenges this notion and suggests that the first gospel is a prophetic announcement and not just a written text. This perspective invites a deeper exploration of the Old Testament and its prophetic themes, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments.

Further research and scholarly analysis are needed to fully understand the nuances and significance of the first gospel. Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding the interpretations, the text remains a crucial and fascinating part of Christian theology and biblical studies.