- Fact finding doesn't replace faith. Although we are proceeding as investigators looking objectively at evidence to support the story of Jesus, faith is still a vital element in Christianity (Ephesians 2:7-9).
- Listed famous Christian Apologist (Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Lewis -see links in previous post).
- When researching, always check references for bias or unseen agenda
- Author of The Historical Reliability of the Gospel
- Website/blog at http://www.denverseminary.edu/craig-blombergs-blog-new-testament-musings/
- Discussion on the four Gospels of the New Testament
- How do the authors qualify to accurately record events surrounding Jesus?
Mark- companion of Peter, one of Christ's inner circle
Luke- close associate of Paul (my beloved physician), historian
John- disciple close to Jesus
*link source is Orthodox Wiki please note but has great biblical references
- All four had firsthand or were close to firsthand information about Jesus
- Information was passed with much greater care in biblical times. Accuracy was imperative because often word of mouth was the primary manner in the way information was passed.
- Biographical writings were in a different style compared to today. Most biographies surrounded the major events in a person's life (movie style) as opposed to their entire life on a timeline like today's writings or documentaries.
Synoptic Gospels
- synoptic-(synopsis) taking a common view. Reference the first three Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- Relationship between the Synoptic Gospels:
- The Q Document- theoretical document that supports a two-source hypothesis. No proof the document exist, but scholars believe it would help explain the parallels. Theory also exist that Mark used the books of Luke and Matthew as a source too.
Next week: Continue in Chapter 1
Joy ask about the connection between Mark (John Mark) and Peter (a disciple with eyewitness testimony concerning Jesus). Here are a couple of Scriptural links:
ReplyDelete11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." 12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:11-12
12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
I Peter 5:12-14
Traditional teachings (although not verified from specific facts in the New Testament with the exceptions of the above) have Peter taking Mark in as his own after the death of Mark's father because Peter was married into the family. Other traditions that have built up are that Mark was the man who carried the water to the Last Supper (Mark 14:13) and that he was the young man that ran away naked when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51,52) as Joy brought up in class.