...The gospel written by Luke also has a light tone when talking about the consequences of not following God’s word. The fact that a sizable portion of Luke’s gospel is explained through stories and parables, explains the light tone which is present through the entirety of the gospel. For example, in Luke 16, in the story of the rich man and Laz’arus, the rich man, realizing that he cannot save himself because it is too late for him to repent, begs Abraham to send Laz’arus to warn his five brothers of the fate which awaits them if they continue on the path they are on. Abraham in response says to the rich man, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Due to...
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...The author of the Gospel of Mark is never actually referred to or indicated within the text itself. However, an early Christian writer named Papias who was a bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor made a statement referring to the author of The Gospel of Mark as being a disciple of Peter (Harris, 2014). Papias also believed Mark had gathered the information in the Gospel from Peter’s accounts of Jesus’s ministry. Modern New Testament scholars feel it is more likely that Mark collected stories of Jesus’s ministry from several sources due to the lack of fluidity within the book. Scholars believe the Gospel of Mark was written approximately 66-70 A.D. during a time of great persecution of Christians (Harris, 2014). During this time the Jewish Revolt...
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...Religion Assessment The Gospels were made for the New Testament and were stories told in a way to bring forth a certain image of jesus for a certain audience. There were four gospels that were written by four different men known as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Gospel of Luke is the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels. Luke's gospel is known for his writing and it’s universalism and how the good news is preached to all people of every age. Universalism means the world will eventually be saved meaning that after all the wars and the sins that happen every single day on this earth one day there will be peace upon our land. If the world comes together and stops the bad and the hatred towards each other and we all become faithful to our God then the world will be peaceful again. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant and Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain are great examples as Luke includes the universalism in its scripture passages. The first scripture passage is “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37). It’s a story according to the Gospel of Luke about a traveler that is stripped of clothing, beaten and left half dead along the road. Firstly a priest and a Levite come along but ignore the traveler but then along came a Samaritan that helps the injured man and takes care of him. Jesus relates as explaining the parable in response to a question concerning the name/identity of the ‘neighbour’ which Leviticus 19:18 says...
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...The 4 Gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John collaborate to present Jesus. An in-depth look that reviews structures, themes, authors, settings, and dates, are ways to shape each Gospels contribution to the portrait of Jesus. By doing so, this pin points how they are similar and different from each other. What some referred to as, “memoirs of the apostles”, are not considered to be a biography of Christ; rather, the same information arranged and written as their individual interpretation to present the portrait of Christ that they choose to show . Out of The four Gospel writers Luke's interpretation is fascinating for many reasons. Luke had so much to tell, so he needed a second book, The Acts of the Apostles that is considered to be...
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...Unit 3: Reflection Paper New Understandings of The Parables and Miracles Course#: RST 319-SN. Christology Patrick A. Topey Metropolitan Detroit Program Siena Heights University New Understandings of The Parables and Miracles Pre-existing Sources Used When a miracles story and or parable appears in more than one gospel I assume that the writers have access to a common source. Scholars have identified a source for the synoptic gospels that they call “Q” from the German “Quelle.” The Q document is held to be the common source from which Matthew and Luke obtain their shared stories that are not found in Mark. But both Matthew and Luke also use Luke as a source for their material, which is common to all three synoptic gospels. If one accepts this two-source hypothesis it would mean that the early Christians began to preserve the sayings and miracles of Jesus first in an oral form and then in written form. The authors of the synoptic gospels wrote decades after the crucifixion of Jesus and they pulled much of their material from the Q document and from other written or oral traditions. So when only Matthew and Luke include the miracle story of the Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matt 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) or the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27) it demonstrates a common source, which is most likely unknown to Mark. What Does This Say About The Inspiration Of The Scriptures? If the two source hypotheses is correct it would destroy the belief...
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...The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John 1. Introduction The term Gospel means good news, a message which was desperately needed (Guthrie, 1965: 11). According to Talbot (2013: 69) gospels can be divided into 2 groups namely the Synoptic gospels- Matthew, Mark and Luke and Gospel of John. He explains that Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the synoptic gospels because they have so much in common. Kotze (6), outlines their similarities and differences as follows: |Mark | |Matthew | |Luke | |Total: 661 verses | |Total :1068 verses | |Total: 1149 verses | |600 verses parallel to Matthew | |505 verses parallel to Mark | |380 verses parallel to Mark | |61 verses peculiar to Mark | |235 versus parallel to Luke | |235 versus parallel to Matthew | | | |328 verses peculiar to Matthew | |534 verses peculiar to Luke | There are suggestions due the similarities and differences that (1) Mark was the original writer and was copied by Matthew and Luke (2) Matthew was original writer copied by Luke, and Mark made a shorter version. The material where obtained from the following suggested sources: (1) Oral tradition – the good news spread by word of mouth before it was written down (2) An earlier...
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...* Read Luke chapter 5-9. * Video 4A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=972 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 4.A drop box provided in the Unit 4 folder. * 4.A.1 As Jesus heals many in chapters 4 and 5, what effect does that have on the crowds and disciples? When reading these chapters, would one expect to see Jesus go to the cross in the end? * 4.A.2 Discuss the Sermon on the Plain, 6:20-49. What value does Jesus place upon poverty, hunger, and sorrow? What danger is there to prosperity, fullness, and joy? How does God work beyond a person's social or economic status? * 4.A.3 How do the verses 6:35-38 show a generosity to God's nature and a chance for us to share in that nature? * 4.A.4 Does 6:37 prohibit all judgment? William Barclay quotes an old saying: "There is so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst of us that it ill becomes any of us to find fault with the rest of us" (Barclay, Luke, 81). Is Barclay saying what v. 37 means? See also 6:39-42. * 4.A.5 What is the essential meaning of the good/bad tree comparison of 6:43-45? * You can't hide who you are; your true nature is going to come out. * You can't change who you are; just accept what you are. * You reveal more about yourself than you really should. * Another meaning? * Video 4B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=973 ...
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...Theology of the Four Gospels The first three gospels are sometimes called the 'synoptic' or same view gospels. This is because they each cover teaching and miracles by Jesus that are also covered in another account. The fourth gospel, John, writing later, recounts Jesus' other words and miracles that have a particular spiritual meaning. All four gospels present Jesus as both the Son of God and son of man. In this paper information will be provided that describes the major theological differences between the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Information will also be provided that describes a theological perspective of the gospel of John. Finally, information in this paper will include how ones understanding of the various theological perspectives presented in the four Gospels can be used as an additional tool to facilitate the proclaiming of the Four Gospels. Theological Differences between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John The Gospel According to Matthew The first three books of the New Testament have been identified as the synoptic gospels. These books are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The first book of the New Testament is identified as the book of Matthew. Matthew was one of the first twelve disciples of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 9:1; 10:1-4 and therefore an eye-witness. Matthew records more of Jesus' teaching concerning God's heavenly kingdom than the other writers, Mark, Luke, or John. In the first four books of Matthew, the miracle story of Jesus’...
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...Luke is the only Gospel writer who writes a reflection of himself at the beginning of the text. He was enthusiastic about sharing this account. Many have argued that Luke is the most beautiful book ever written. The longest of the Gospels according to Luke was written to Theophilus, the first major part of a two part book, Acts being the second. Luke is distinct and unusual gospel full of rich theological reflection. Luke sought to narrate the life of effects that have come to fulfillment among humanity. In both Luke and Acts, God has a plan. According to Luke, there was activity going on with an intention behind it. Luke said, he did diligent resource by talking with people, following eyewitnesses and ministers from the very beginning accurately and precisely. Luke worked very deliberately and purposefully. He did this to give Theophilus stable, valid and trustworthy information to follow up to the oral instructions, he had already received....
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...Week 5 Questions 1. What are the main characteristics of Matthew and Mark? Use the material from the video lecture and your own insights from reading these Gospels. Mathew and Mark complement each other by being complete opposites. The Gospel of Matthew is the first of the 4. He left his position as a tax collected for the government to follow the Messiah. Matthew provides us with a historic record from Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem to his development along with fulfillment of his ministry by a very systematic approach. His book emphasizes Jesus teachings but also what he did. Also, Matthew utilized number sets of 3, specifically profound of the numbers 3, 5, 7. Mark on the other hand couldn’t be more opposite. His Gospel moves quickly from miracles to conflict. Marks approach tended to be more sporadic and less attuned to lists or an organization structure. Although, his Gospel is filled with action. His style was worded perfectly in our video lecture, “as being a man of breathless excitement.” Mark primarily affirms the identity as Jesus as the Son of God, dramatically interplaying miracles and conflict showing Jesus true unmistakable power and greatness. The beauty in these to Gospels is that they leave nothing out and represent the king of Kings as it should be. By being complete opposites their complement rests on being everything the other is not. Thus Mathew’s strengths plays into the Mark’s weaknesses’ and vice versa. Although the combination sets...
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...tax collector and even thanks God that he is not like other men and women. This sense of self drives a wedge in the Pharisees relationship to God and also brings wrath and judgment upon himself. As I read this passage I found myself saying, "I must remain humble." Asking that question daily in every situation and circumstance will help each to avoid a mind set of self-righteousness as seen in Luke 18:9-14. (cf. Forerunner Commentary) The historical context of Luke is fairly interesting. Upon reading the gospels one might conclude that Matthew, Mark and Luke all pretty much say the same thing. This is slightly true; the gospels' sole purpose is centered on the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. However, the gospel of Luke begins by dedicating the writing to Theophilus in order that he might know that what was taught was trustworthy and true. It is thought that the gospel of Luke was written in order to stress the fact that the events he described in his gospel...
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...early Christians practiced still in the Jewish synagogs. Tension raised inside the synagogue. The Jewish leaders and Pharisees persecuted the early Christians. Especially Saul of tarsus, who converted and changed his name to Paul. This led to the Christ believers to escape to Jerusalem. The Christians needed to separate themselves from the Jewish synagogue and form their own church. They still practiced the Jewish faith intertwined with Christ’ teachings and parables. The early Christians have believed that Christ would return to them in their life time. When it became clear to them that they needed to pass down the teachings to future generations, they started writing the teachings and accounts down. They had to create their own church structure. Where baptism and the lords supper were essential. The first gospel written was the book of mark. Mark depended on written documents in Greek and oral history in his community. Later Mathew and Luke where written. Where scholars see that Mathew and Luke’s teachings were cummunative of mark and the source “Q”. “Q” being an oral community. The early church taught how Jesus was a radical reformer of the Jewish faith. Who the apostles were and what they did. How to become and remain a disciple of Christ. The pillars of the church were peter, James, and john who set up a church in Jerusalem for Hebrew Christians while adopting the Jewish organizational structure. The early churches were still under roman rule at the...
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...Testament Books I. Luke The genre in the book of Luke is gospel. Luke is not only a physician, but also a historian that wrote concerning the perfect humanity of Jesus Christ. Throughout Luke’s gospel the humanity and compassion of Jesus is portrayed in His mission of seeking and saving the lost. In the introduction, Luke emphasized how the beginnings of Christ and John the Baptist intertwined. Jesus prepared for His ministry for over thirty years, which is summarized in one verse (2:52). After being baptized by John the Baptist and tempted by Satan, Jesus began His ministry that lasted only three years. In Jesus’ ministry, authority was shown over every realm, including demons, disease, nature, effects of sin, and traditions. With the growing number of ones that believed, there were also those that rejected the gospel. Jesus taught His disciples on a number of practical matters by parables, including the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son. After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. II. John The genre in the book of John is gospel. The humanity of Jesus, as the Son of Man, is shown in the gospel of Luke. Jesus is portrayed in the gospel of John in His deity as the Son of God. The seven “I am” statements and seven miracles represent the deity of Christ in the gospel of John, more than any other book in the Bible. The major theme in the gospel of John is twofold, eternal life given to those who believe in...
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...The Parable of the Good Samaritan The parable of the Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus and is mentioned in only one of the Canonical gospels of the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Luke (10:29-37) a traveller (who may or may not be Jewish) is beaten, robbed, and left half dead along the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes by. Samaritans and Jews generally despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured man. Jesus is described as telling the parable in response to a question regarding the identity of the "neighbour" which Leviticus 19:18 says should be loved.Portraying a Samaritan in positive light would have come as a shock to Jesus' audience. It is typical of his provocative speech in which conventional expectations are inverted. Some Christians, such as Augustine, have interpreted the parable allegorically, with the Samaritan representing Jesus Christ, who saves the sinful soul. Others, however, discount this allegory as unrelated to the parable's original meaning, and see the parable as exemplifying the ethics of Jesus, which have won nearly universal praise, even from those outside the Church. The parable has inspired painting, sculpture, poetry, and film. The colloquial phrase "good Samaritan," meaning someone who helps a stranger, derives from this parable, and many hospitals and charitable organizations are named after the Good Samaritan. The Parable of the Rich Man The rich farmer...
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...The Parable of the Good Samaritan The parable of the Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus and is mentioned in only one of the Canonical gospels of the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Luke (10:29-37) a traveller (who may or may not be Jewish) is beaten, robbed, and left half dead along the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes by. Samaritans and Jews generally despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured man. Jesus is described as telling the parable in response to a question regarding the identity of the "neighbour" which Leviticus 19:18 says should be loved.Portraying a Samaritan in positive light would have come as a shock to Jesus' audience. It is typical of his provocative speech in which conventional expectations are inverted. Some Christians, such as Augustine, have interpreted the parable allegorically, with the Samaritan representing Jesus Christ, who saves the sinful soul. Others, however, discount this allegory as unrelated to the parable's original meaning, and see the parable as exemplifying the ethics of Jesus, which have won nearly universal praise, even from those outside the Church. The parable has inspired painting, sculpture, poetry, and film. The colloquial phrase "good Samaritan," meaning someone who helps a stranger, derives from this parable, and many hospitals and charitable organizations are named after the Good Samaritan. The Parable of the Rich Man The rich farmer...
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