The Axiomatic Harmony is based on the philosophy that the Scriptures are essentially in correct order. Jesus probably told the same parables and gave the same sermons many times. Repetition is a basic tool of the teacher. The apostles wrote about the events they most remembered. Many harmonists have made major changes in the gospel chronologies. I have not found this to be necessary in most cases. I have given priority to Mark's gospel because I am sure that it was written first. It was written to Romans who were very conscious of chronology and time. To Luke I give secondary priority as he wrote to the Greeks who also were very concerned with time. In his opening statement we read...

Luke 1:1-4 "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and servants of the Word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well having investigated everything carefully from the beginning to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught."

Matthew wrote to the Hebrews who were not as concerned with the chronology of events as they were with the story's teaching. The arrangement of Matthew was done to add proof of the Messiahship of Jesus, not to show a chronological arrangement of His life. Nevertheless I have not found much extreme deviation from chronological order in Matthew. John's gospel was the last one written and was designed to fill in those areas that the apostle thought important which the other Gospel writers had not touched upon sufficiently. John presents little difficulty with order and seems to be very accurate in his statements about time.

The most important axiom that I have used is the concept that Jesus had a strategy. I don't believe that the Gospels present a loosely connected group of stories that are only good for our spiritual lives, although their spiritual teaching are of the highest significance. I believe that Jesus planned His ministry as carefully as the general of an army plans his campaign. As a result, if I have found some ambiguity in either timing or order of the biblical account, I have selected the interpretation that follows what I find best considering my understanding of Jesus' strategy. For example, I have chosen to make Jesus' last circuit after the Feast of Dedication much longer in distance and time than is usual with most harmonists. I have done so because that allows me to place the raising of Lazarus much closer to the Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem. The longer last journey may be considered as a last ministry circuit to all those who accepted Him. This placement of Lazarus' resurrection allows us to understand why the crowds were so wildly enthusiastic at the triumphant entry, as John indicates that Lazarus' resurrection was the reason most of them were there. This makes the event more recent in their minds, not dulled by the 4 month wait from December, the Feast of Dedication, until April, the Passover. Throughout the harmony I have followed John's example of using the word "Jews" to indicate the leaders of the Jews. I have used the word "people" to indicate the other inhabitants of Israel.

I compiled and arranged this harmony myself as an aid to writing a larger book.

Marvin Clapp

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