The Life of Christ
The Four Gospels (Part 2 of 2)
by
Rev. Mark Perkins, Pastor
Denver Bible Church
326 E. Colorado Ave.
Denver, Colorado 80210
E-Mail:
To: Life
of Christ Main Menu
To: Grace
Notes Home Page
The Gospel of Mark
The Author(s) - Mark and Peter
There are really two persons behind the writing of this gospel.
The one who gave dictation, Peter, and the one who received it,
Mark.
The following is an extraordinary statement: Mark was there when
both Paul and Peter died. It is extraordinary because Mark began
life as a coward, and was for while in great disfavor among the
other disciples. This is a testimony to the grace of God.
Mark was Jewish, and grew up in Jerusalem. No doubt he was aware
of the person of Christ and the events of His life. There is
even some speculation that he was the young man of Mark 14:51-52.
The actions of that young man are certainly commensurate with
his character flaw of cowardice which he expressed about 20 years
later.
His mother's name was Mary, and he was a relative of Barnabas.
When Paul and Barnabas took Mark along on the first journey,
he left for home before their ascent of the Taurus mountain range
on their way to the interior of Asia Minor, Acts 13:5.
This desertion set Paul's heart against Mark. When Barnabas and
Paul decided on a later missionary journey, Paul refused to take
Mark along on the basis of his former desertion, Acts 15:36-39.
In fact, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over the
issue, and they parted ways at that point. Barnabas believed
in Mark.
Whatever transpired in the next 10 or 15 years (AD 49 to AD 62),
Mark had won himself over to Paul. During Paul's first imprisonment,
Mark was there with him, Col. 4:10; Philem 24. In Philemon (62
AD) Paul calls Mark a fellow worker. In Colossians, Paul reminds
the Colossians to welcome Mark if he comes that way. Paul is
restoring Mark's reputation to others.
Mark was with Peter in Rome (called Babylon by Peter) 1 Pet.
5:13, and sent his greeting along with Peter's letter. Peter
affectionately calls Mark his son.
Mark apparently left Rome shortly after Peter's first epistle
(@65 AD), because when Paul is imprisoned a second time at Rome,
he calls for Mark, who is with Timothy at Ephesus, 2 Tim. 4:11.
Paul calls Mark 'well useful for service'. He considers Mark
the deacon type, and finds great favor with him in this role.
The word for well useful is euchrestos, a very positive and complimentary
word.
If Mark obeyed Paul's command, and it is likely he did, then
he was present when Paul was executed.
If Mark was there for Paul's execution, then it is equally likely
that he was there for Peter's, because they were both martyred
at about the same time, and both in Rome.
Mark watched the deaths of these two great believers. He faced
death with courage this time, a changed man because of the truth
residing in his soul. This is the man who ran at the arrest of
Jesus, and who ran in the face of the unknown at the base of
the Taurus mountains. Mark was a man who feared, and yet by the
grace of God who grew, and then endured. It is extraordinary
that he is the one chosen by God the Holy Spirit to put down
in writing the gospel as told by Peter, probably just before
or just after Peter's death.
Remember Mark next time that you fail! And remember him the next
time that you are ready to write someone off!
Peter - Peter's name was also Simon. The testimony of Peter always
stands behind the writing of Mark in this epistle.
If there is one character trait of Peter which rises above all
others, it is his emotionalism. Peter often let his emotions
rule his thinking, much to his detriment and regret.
Peter is enthusiastic, emotional, swift to speak without thinking,
full of love and anger, sometimes legalistic and snobbish, and
Jewish in a prejudicial way. He is one of the independent, rebellious
Galileans. He loves Christ so much, yet he cannot muster the
spiritual resources to remain with Him in His arrest, trial,
and death.
He is the second to the tomb on the third day, and enters first.
He is the first of the disciples to see Christ after the resurrection.
He is unsure of his standing with Christ immediately after the
resurrection. Peter is a leader and very much a preacher, though
not careful about what he says. He makes mistakes, he broods,
and then he seeks and needs forgiveness in a desperate emotional
way. In the end, he writes two epistles about suffering, and
speaks his remembrances of Christ in a brief, but humble manner.
The gospel includes those incidents which place Peter in an unflattering
light. In these he is brutally honest about his mistakes.
It excludes those incidents which place Peter in a flattering
light.
Peter is an early leader in the church, but fades from the limelight
in about 50 AD Nothing is heard from him until he writes his
epistles in the early 60's, and then dictates his gospel story
to Mark in the mid-60's.
Probably the best analogy to Peter's early character is a politician
on the campaign trail. Always promising, always in the limelight,
but never following through.
Circumstances Surrounding the Writing of Mark
The place is Rome, the situation the persecutions of Nero. Paul
and Peter are in prison, soon to die at the command of Nero himself.
Mark is there with them. Peter is anxious to tell the story of
Christ before he dies, and he does so, dictating to Mark.
It is not clear whether Mark actually composed this gospel before
or after Peter's death. It is not important. This was a really
hard time for believers in Jesus Christ, and especially so in
Rome.
The Intended Readers of Mark's Gospel.
It is most likely that Peter (and Mark) had a Gentile audience
in mind. This is especially interesting since Peter began with
a prejudice against the Gentiles, and one which was difficult
for him to leave behind. It apparently took him more than 20
years to do so. His gospel is devoid of anything that would be
offensive to a Gentile, and it does not presuppose an extensive
knowledge of the Old Testament.
Also, the Roman audience would have taken priority, since it
was the closest.
The Purpose of the Gospel of Mark
Mark was written to win converts to Christianity. Mark portrays
Christ as a suffering servant. This image fits well the Christians
in Rome, and so the Romans would have been well acquainted with
it.
To encourage those in Rome who were enduring persecution. Peter
always had a heart for those who were suffering. He mentions
the persecution of Christ often to encourage those who endured
similar sufferings.
The greatest testimony and greatest encouragement for those who
suffer is that of Christ.
The greatest testimony for those who are in unbelief is the suffering
of Christ.
Remember, this gospel goes out to the very hotbed of the Neronian
persecution. It is a voice that rises above the cacophony of
persecution and says, "but it is true".
Characteristics of Mark's Gospel
Brevity - it is easily the shortest of the gospels, and conspicuous
among the missing are the nativity, the genealogy, and most of
Christ's longer discourses.
Action - Peter tells the story as he lived his own life. The
story moves at a very fast pace, and its transitions force the
narrative into a bang-bang story. The crowds are always pressing,
the demons always attacking, miracles constantly being performed.
Peter includes action and excludes doctrine. Mark has been called
the camera man of the gospel writers for his vivid portrayal
of the life of Christ.
Believability - the story is told in simple and even rough language.
Peter's Greek lacks perfection, but it gives the gospel a nice
'I was there' touch that makes it quite vivid and easy to believe.
Many minor details are included about Christ and His person.
Even the bad things are left in the story.
Centered on Christ as the Son of God and as the servant of man.
This would have been a good combination for his Gentile audience.
The distinction of servanthood would have been especially appropriate
since their Gods were ones who demanded service instead of those
who would give it. The contrast would be striking.
Chronological - Apparently, Mark's gospel follows closely the
actual chronological order of events in the life of Christ.
The Gospel of Luke
The Author - Luke
God used a Gentile doctor. Luke is mentioned only three times
in all of the New Testament, yet he is responsible for 28% of
it, for he wrote both his gospel and the book of Acts.
Luke is the only Gentile writer of the New Testament, and probably
the only second-generation Christian writer. He was not present
at the incarnation.
Luke is most likely Greek. He is an excellent writer and historian.
In fact, he is the greatest of the historians of antiquity. He
is objective, detailed, and well-informed. He writes clearly
and keeps things very well ordered.
Paul calls Luke the beloved physician in Colossians 4:14.
Although there were many charlatans in the ancient world, there
were also a number of good and skilled physicians.
Medicine did not go much beyond advanced first aid in the ancient
world, but such a service was very valuable.
Luke was probably behind Pauls advice for Timothy to take a little
wine for his stomach.
At one point, Luke was the only one with Paul during his imprisonment,
2 Tim 4:11.
Luke would have been a valuable addition to a missionary team,
considering the hazards of travel in the ancient world. Considering
the number of times that Christians were beaten, stoned, or otherwise
injured because of their faith, Luke got to practice his profession
often.
Luke was not only the team physician, but he was often active
in the evangelistic efforts, Acts 16:13. That Luke was a Gentile
meant that he would have been valuable in ministering to other
Gentiles. Remember, most of the missionary teams were Jewish,
and Paul's ministry at first concentrated on teaching at synagogues.
Circumstances and Target Readership.
Luke wrote in about 66-67 AD He wrote his gospel, and later the
Acts of the Apostles, to a man by the name of Theophilus. He
probably wrote from somewhere in Greece, maybe even Athens. Little
else is known about the circumstances of writing.
Luke addresses Theophilus as "most excellent". This
title was often used of those who were in prominent social or
political positions. Theophilus was likely such a man. By accepting
a book dedicated to him, Theophilus would have followed the ancient
tradition of taking responsibility for its publication. We owe
our thanks to Theophilus for the preservation of this great gospel.
Luke wanted to produce a gospel for Gentile readers, and it is
easy on the Hebraisms and explains Jewish customs and localities.
He usually quotes the Old Testament when it is contained in a
saying of Christ, but not otherwise. There is little emphasis
on the fulfillment of prophecy.
Purpose of the Gospel of Luke
Luke comes right out and says it in chapter 1:4: "so that
you might know the exact truth about the things you have been
taught."
It is Luke's intent to be precise, and to more fully explain
the subjects of which he has already spoken.
Verses 1-3 in the first chapter reveal Luke's motive and method:
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account
of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the
beginning were eyewitnesses 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 our for
you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus,"
Luke wrote for Theophilus, but with the intent that Theophilus
would publish this work, and pass it along to many others. Luke's
purpose is broad in its scope.
It is apparent that there were many falsehoods and distortions
going around about the person and life of Christ. Luke wants
to set the record strait with an exact narrative of the events.
Of course, by getting the record straight, Luke's desire is for
evangelism. He wants people to know the truth, and to identify
Christ as their savior. Luke has a great emphasis on the cross,
and the end of the life of Christ. This reveals his designs for
evangelism.
Characteristics of Luke's Gospel
Luke's gospel is much more comprehensive than the others. It
begins many months before the other synoptic gospels, and it
ends after the ascension. Many details are included here which
are not in the others. Luke is a diligent and thorough historian.
Luke concentrates on praise and worship more so than the other
gospels. He records the four great nativity songs - Mary's, Zacharias',
that of the angels, and Simeon's.
Luke emphasizes the humanity of Christ, and the perfection of
that humanity.
Luke stresses that Christ makes salvation available to all men,
and not just to Jews. He clearly shows the impact of Christ on
the lives of many men, women, and children. Both the rich and
poor, the Jew, the Samaritan, and the Gentile are included. Luke
often shows this impact as occurring right inside people's homes.
Luke records seven prayers of Jesus Christ which are not mentioned
elsewhere.
Luke is literary. He has a remarkably large vocabulary, and uses
many different writing styles to fit the situation at hand. His
is the best written of the gospels from a literary standpoint.
There are 800 words in Luke and Acts which do not occur elsewhere
in the New Testament.
Luke is detailed, but not to the point of boring his readers
to death. He has a knack for including what is pertinent to the
narrative, and leaving behind what is extraneous. Perhaps the
powers of observation and diagnosis he developed as a doctor
come into play in this regard.
Luke concentrates on the death of Christ. From chapter 9 forward
he keeps the thread of Christ's death in the fabric of his narrative.
The Gospel of John
The Author - John
God used a zealot. He was a cousin "according to the flesh"
of Jesus Christ. Brother of James (not the epistle writer). A
native of Galilee. John's mother Salome was a follower of Jesus,
and ministered to Him of her own means.
John was a fisherman of the Sea of Galilee, his life was hard
work, but apparently it had paid off for his family, because
they had servants, and were able to support the ministry of Jesus
Christ. Galilee was a region somewhat analogous to the U.S. South
not too long ago. It is conservative to a fault, and more than
a little rebellious in character. The fires of rebellion flamed
openly in this region. In reality a lot of senseless violence
took place in the name of the zealot movement, but there was
very little virtue. This time was somewhat analogous to that
of Northern Ireland today.
John had great humility. When John the Baptist points out Jesus
as the Messiah, John follows without delay. He never mentions
own name in own Gospel.
He was nicknamed, with brother James as the "Sons of Thunder",
a reference to their manner in Word and Deed, Mk 3:17. It is
likely that they had a fair amount of Zealot ideals in their
heads.
He was outspoken about his faith from the start. He was "The
disciple whom Jesus loved" - was the closest to Jesus of
the inner circle of Peter, James, and John.
He was the only eyewitness to the cross among the disciples,
and he was eyewitness to the resurrection, Jn 20.
He was one of the "Pillars of the Church", Gal 2:9.
Paul had a high regard for him. He took over as chief of Apostles
some time in the late 70's.
His writing reflects the 50+ years of careful thought about the
life of Christ and the Christian life.
Under his ministry, Ephesus became the center of the pivot which
gave the Roman Empire its greatest time of prosperity under the
Antonine Caesars, 98-180 AD
He used very basic Greek grammar to express incredibly deep theological
ideas.
He was the key figure in the transition from the pre-canon period
to the post canon period.
Circumstances of Writing the Gospel.
John wrote about 20 years after the completion of the synoptic
gospels.
The synoptic gospels were written during the Neronian persecutions;
John's gospel is written in the aftermath. The Neronian persecution
set the attitude in the Roman Empire. The average Roman at least
publicly viewed Christianity and Christians with disdain.
This unpopularity was worse for Christianity than the original
persecution. Peer pressure was more effective in weakening Christianity
than capital punishment. Martyrs make good P.R. figures.
At the time of writing, Christianity was much weaker than it
had been some twenty years before.
John probably wrote from Ephesus, the place of his later ministry.
He had formerly ministered in Jerusalem, but was apparently driven
out by Jewish persecution.
John was the last eyewitness to the life of Christ, and he has
a desire to retell the story in his own words.
John wrote in a time of transition to the post-canon era of the
church age. The temporary spiritual gifts, with all their fantastic
abilities, are being left behind.
The Target Audience
If John's Epistles are any indication of the readers of his gospel,
he wrote to a crowd that needed to understand the basics of Christianity.
The Christian church had fallen into great disrepair in just
twenty years' time. The average Christian did not understand
even how to confess his or her sins.
The suffering of the Neronian persecution, and the relentless
peer pressure of the pagan Roman citizens had led many believers
to seek alternate philosophies which bore the name of Christianity,
but which were anything but.
John has an very tough uphill battle to fight with regard to
heresy and the truth. The situation was not unlike what we encounter
in our nation today.
The Purpose of the Gospel
In John 20:30-31, John communicates his purpose: "Many other
signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which
are not written in this book: but these are written, that you
may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that
believing you may have life in his name."
John wants his readers to believe if they are unbelievers, and
to grow to maturity if they are believers.
In order to do so, he attempts to establish Jesus as the Son
of God and the Messiah (Christ), and re-establish the Word of
God as the authority and the Truth.
The Characteristics of the Gospel.
The gospel is very simple in the use of the Greek language and
writing style.
John writes about some extremely profound concepts, and he uses
many symbols to do so.
John records at least six miracles which are recorded nowhere
else in the gospels. He always designates these as signs.
John's gospel concentrates on events which are not recorded elsewhere.
He records Christ's early Galilean ministry, and his upper room
discourse.
John concentrates on the words of Christ Himself.
John develops in a fair amount of detail the relationship between
the Father and the Son.
John's gospel is like a commentary - he inserts his comments
on the narrative many times - interpreting and illuminating the
events as they occur.
There is no charge for Grace Notes Materials. You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
Grace Notes
% Warren Doud wdoud@bga.com
1705 Aggie Lane
Austin, Texas 78757
Grace Notes Web site: http://www.realtime.net/~wdoud/
Anonymous FTP site: ftp://ftp.bga.com/vendors/wdoud/
Grace Notes is a ministry of Village
Missions International.