This week's reading covers the balance of 1 Corinthians and three of the Apostle Paul's other books: 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians.
The Apostle Paul is associated with 13 Bible books - just under half of the total number of New Testament books (27). In some cases, he dictated his letters to a scribe, who wrote down his words (see Romans 16:22). In other instances, he appears to have shared the authorship with others (see Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1:1). And in some cases, he wrote the books by his own hand (see Galatians 6:11).
What's interesting is that while Luke's work covers 28 percent of the New Testament in just two books (the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts), Paul's 13 books cover only slightly more than that: 31.5 percent. The reason for this is obvious: Luke wrote 2 lengthy books and Paul wrote 13 short books by comparison. But these statistics tell only half the story.
The New Testament consists of 4 basic literary types: (1) Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), (2) historical narrative (Acts), (3) letters (everything from Acts to Revelation), and (4) apocalyptic (Revelation).
Before we started into Romans, our reading of the New Testament brought us into contact with 2 literary types: Gospels and historical narrative. Beginning with Romans we encountered the New Testament's third type of literature: letters. From now until we get to Revelation we will be spending our time in this "third type."
Paul wrote his letters to individuals and groups of people (churches). Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians are addressed to specific churches (and groups of churches, as is the case with Galatians - see Gal. 1:2, "...to the churches in Galatia"). His letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon speak directly to individuals.
Paul's letters are personal, situational, and timely.
In terms of the personal nature of his letters, Paul often addressed people by name. He prayed in his writing for the people to whom he was writing. When you read Paul's letters, you sometimes get the feeling that he is speaking directly to you. You can feel his passion, his concern for your soul, and his desire to see you succeed in your faith. You also feel his anger and frustration when he is writing to those who are messing up in one way or another. Paul asks the people to whom he is writing to pray for him. He is very specific in his prayer requests. He freely shares his struggles as well as what he is learning from them.
Paul also addressed specific issues that individuals and churches were facing at the time...and in that sense his letters were always situational and timely. When we read Paul's letters, therefore, we are essentially listening in on his conversations...like listening to someone talking on their cell phone (though less annoying). :)
As we listen in on these conversations, we sometimes discover that the situations that Paul's readers were facing at the time are strikingly similar to the challenges we are facing in the moment. There are times, in fact, when it feels like these portions of Scripture are alive with meaning...that's because they are!
Enjoy this week's reading!
* Weekend: 1 Corinthians 15-16
* Monday: 2 Corinthians 1-5
* Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 6-9
* Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 10-13
* Thursday: Galatians
* Friday: Ephesians
Faithfully,
Chuck
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Week 47: Romans 6 to 1st Corinthians 14
Here is the reading plan for this week:
* Weekend: Romans 6-8
* Monday: Romans 9-11
* Tuesday: Romans 12-16
* Wednesday: 1st Corinthians 1-6
* Thursday: 1st Corinthians 7-10
* Friday: 1st Corinthians 11-14
Last week we read about the activities of the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the land. This week we pick up the reading in Romans, the first of the letters of instruction that serve as the balance of the New Testament.
Romans is a particularly special book- in this, not only does Paul seek to teach, but he also puts himself up for an example of how the everyday Christian struggles in this world. Struggles such as sin, rebellion and pride are tempered by Paul with instructions regarding spiritual transformation, love and submitting to authority.
The next letter to the Corinthian church is a response to what Paul is hearing about this church. There has been infighting in the church and reports that immorality of certain types abound. Restoration of this church is very important- and getting back to the basics is what Paul prescribes for them. The last chapter of the reading this week will sound very familiar as this is the text used at WCC when we celebrate Communion together.
As an aside, this week kicks off what is called "The Holiday Season." Our culture has spent a considerable amount of time and energy to marginalize what really this time of year is about. Please continue to keep reading and taking the time daily to be quiet with God- it can be very easy to lose focus this time of year... have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great week overall!!!
In Him,
Mike
* Weekend: Romans 6-8
* Monday: Romans 9-11
* Tuesday: Romans 12-16
* Wednesday: 1st Corinthians 1-6
* Thursday: 1st Corinthians 7-10
* Friday: 1st Corinthians 11-14
Last week we read about the activities of the apostles as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the land. This week we pick up the reading in Romans, the first of the letters of instruction that serve as the balance of the New Testament.
Romans is a particularly special book- in this, not only does Paul seek to teach, but he also puts himself up for an example of how the everyday Christian struggles in this world. Struggles such as sin, rebellion and pride are tempered by Paul with instructions regarding spiritual transformation, love and submitting to authority.
The next letter to the Corinthian church is a response to what Paul is hearing about this church. There has been infighting in the church and reports that immorality of certain types abound. Restoration of this church is very important- and getting back to the basics is what Paul prescribes for them. The last chapter of the reading this week will sound very familiar as this is the text used at WCC when we celebrate Communion together.
As an aside, this week kicks off what is called "The Holiday Season." Our culture has spent a considerable amount of time and energy to marginalize what really this time of year is about. Please continue to keep reading and taking the time daily to be quiet with God- it can be very easy to lose focus this time of year... have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great week overall!!!
In Him,
Mike
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week 46: Acts 19 - Romans 5
This week we'll finish the book of Acts and start the book of Romans:
* Weekend: Acts 19 - 20
* Monday: Acts 21 - 23
* Tuesday: Acts 24 - 26
* Wednesday: Acts 27 - 28
* Thursday: Romans 1 - 3
* Friday: Romans 4 - 5
In chapters 19 to 21, we witness the last part of Paul's 3rd missionary journey. We see how the gospel of Jesus Christ -- also called "The Way" in Acts 19:23 -- causes a riot in the city of Ephesus, because a silversmith by the name of Demetrius feels that his business of making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis is threatened by it -- and it is! We see how the gospel is powerful and spreading in the countries of Turkey and Greece, and churches pop up everywhere.
Later on in chapter 20, we witness the emotional farewell words of Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Paul knows he will not see them again, which leaves everyone saddened. Sometimes, that's how the Lord works. He brings people like Paul into our lives for a period of time, people that instruct and equip us, and mentor us. Look how Paul has mentored the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:31 "Remember that for 3 years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears". Paul's love for them was such that he mentored them night and day for 3 years. Now it's time for them to stand on their own feet and take on the responsibility of mentoring the flock that God entrusted to them.
The final chapters of Acts show us Paul's last missionary journey -- as a prisoner. First he is arrested in Jerusalem by zealous Jews who want to kill him. Next he testifies before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish religious leaders). Then he testifies before several Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and he also testifies before the Jewish King Agrippa and his wife. Paul could have obtained his freedom, but because he had appealed to Caesar because of his Roman citizenship, he now has to go to Rome to testify one more time: before the Roman emperor himself. Paul sacrificed himself in order to proclaim the gospel at the highest stage possible, the court of Caesar.
The book of Acts ends open-ended. We know Paul arrives in Rome safely (after a shipwreck adventure, see Acts 27), but he goes in house-arrest for several years, where he continues to proclaim the gospel. We know from Paul's letters that he did testify before the Caesar, likely several times (see 2 Timothy 4:16-17). And he did get his wish granted of finally meeting the church of Rome (see Romans 15:23). The Bible doesn't tell us how and when he died, but according to Christian tradition he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero around A.D. 64.
Paul fought the good fight, and finished the race that the Lord had set out before him. He mentored many during his lifetime, but billions more through his letters that have been recorded in the Bible. One of his most precious letters is his letter to the Christians in Rome, which lays a clear foundation for the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. More on that letter next week!!
Have a great week of reading. Let Paul's life and suffering inspire you to offer your life as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ, every day.
Dick
* Weekend: Acts 19 - 20
* Monday: Acts 21 - 23
* Tuesday: Acts 24 - 26
* Wednesday: Acts 27 - 28
* Thursday: Romans 1 - 3
* Friday: Romans 4 - 5
In chapters 19 to 21, we witness the last part of Paul's 3rd missionary journey. We see how the gospel of Jesus Christ -- also called "The Way" in Acts 19:23 -- causes a riot in the city of Ephesus, because a silversmith by the name of Demetrius feels that his business of making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis is threatened by it -- and it is! We see how the gospel is powerful and spreading in the countries of Turkey and Greece, and churches pop up everywhere.
Later on in chapter 20, we witness the emotional farewell words of Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Paul knows he will not see them again, which leaves everyone saddened. Sometimes, that's how the Lord works. He brings people like Paul into our lives for a period of time, people that instruct and equip us, and mentor us. Look how Paul has mentored the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:31 "Remember that for 3 years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears". Paul's love for them was such that he mentored them night and day for 3 years. Now it's time for them to stand on their own feet and take on the responsibility of mentoring the flock that God entrusted to them.
The final chapters of Acts show us Paul's last missionary journey -- as a prisoner. First he is arrested in Jerusalem by zealous Jews who want to kill him. Next he testifies before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish religious leaders). Then he testifies before several Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and he also testifies before the Jewish King Agrippa and his wife. Paul could have obtained his freedom, but because he had appealed to Caesar because of his Roman citizenship, he now has to go to Rome to testify one more time: before the Roman emperor himself. Paul sacrificed himself in order to proclaim the gospel at the highest stage possible, the court of Caesar.
The book of Acts ends open-ended. We know Paul arrives in Rome safely (after a shipwreck adventure, see Acts 27), but he goes in house-arrest for several years, where he continues to proclaim the gospel. We know from Paul's letters that he did testify before the Caesar, likely several times (see 2 Timothy 4:16-17). And he did get his wish granted of finally meeting the church of Rome (see Romans 15:23). The Bible doesn't tell us how and when he died, but according to Christian tradition he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero around A.D. 64.
Paul fought the good fight, and finished the race that the Lord had set out before him. He mentored many during his lifetime, but billions more through his letters that have been recorded in the Bible. One of his most precious letters is his letter to the Christians in Rome, which lays a clear foundation for the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. More on that letter next week!!
Have a great week of reading. Let Paul's life and suffering inspire you to offer your life as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ, every day.
Dick
Friday, November 5, 2010
Week 45: Acts 1-18
This week's reading encompasses about two-thirds of the book of Acts. In the original language, the title is "Acts of [the] Apostles." Interestingly, the book focuses mainly on the acts of just three Apostles: Peter, John, and Paul. In fact, more than half the book is dedicated to Paul's conversion and ministry. Another principal player in the drama of Acts is the Holy Spirit. No other New Testament book highlights the work of the Spirit as much as Acts. This has prompted some Bible commentators to suggest that the book should have been named "Acts of the Holy Spirit."
The other Apostles, however, do make several key appearances. They are present and accounted for in the opening of the book, as Jesus gives his final instructions before ascending to heaven. They are together when they choose Judas' replacement (1:12-26). Together they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:1-4). They were an integral part of the conversion of 3,000 people and the beginning of the early church (2:41-47). The Apostles were thrown in jail, freed by an angel of the Lord, and told to stand in the temple courts and preach the good news of Jesus...to the chagrin of the religious leaders who locked them up (5:12-42). They appointed seven key leaders to address a divisive issue, one of whom was Stephen, the church's first martyr (6:1-7:60). And they were present at the famous Jerusalem Council, which decided the fate of every non-Jewish Christ follower from then until now (15:1-35). So in the end, "Acts of the Apostles" is a fitting title.
We've pointed out that Acts is Luke's Volume 2. The Gospel of Luke is Volume 1. This is a book about new beginnings and the struggles associated with them. One important point to notice is that when people do God's will, those who don't won't like it.
Our Bible reading for the week unfolds like this:
* Weekend: Acts 1-2
* Monday: Acts 3-7
* Tuesday: Acts 8-9
* Wednesday: Acts 10-12
* Thursday: Acts 13-14
* Friday: Acts 15-18
As you make your way through this exciting portion of Scripture, prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling you to carry out his will...and ask for God's help to deal gracefully with those who might not like it when you do.
Faithfully,
Chuck
The other Apostles, however, do make several key appearances. They are present and accounted for in the opening of the book, as Jesus gives his final instructions before ascending to heaven. They are together when they choose Judas' replacement (1:12-26). Together they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (2:1-4). They were an integral part of the conversion of 3,000 people and the beginning of the early church (2:41-47). The Apostles were thrown in jail, freed by an angel of the Lord, and told to stand in the temple courts and preach the good news of Jesus...to the chagrin of the religious leaders who locked them up (5:12-42). They appointed seven key leaders to address a divisive issue, one of whom was Stephen, the church's first martyr (6:1-7:60). And they were present at the famous Jerusalem Council, which decided the fate of every non-Jewish Christ follower from then until now (15:1-35). So in the end, "Acts of the Apostles" is a fitting title.
We've pointed out that Acts is Luke's Volume 2. The Gospel of Luke is Volume 1. This is a book about new beginnings and the struggles associated with them. One important point to notice is that when people do God's will, those who don't won't like it.
Our Bible reading for the week unfolds like this:
* Weekend: Acts 1-2
* Monday: Acts 3-7
* Tuesday: Acts 8-9
* Wednesday: Acts 10-12
* Thursday: Acts 13-14
* Friday: Acts 15-18
As you make your way through this exciting portion of Scripture, prayerfully consider the ways that God is calling you to carry out his will...and ask for God's help to deal gracefully with those who might not like it when you do.
Faithfully,
Chuck
Monday, November 1, 2010
Week 44: John 1 - 21
One gospel per week! This week the book of John:
* Weekend: John 1 - 3
* Monday: John 4 - 6
* Tuesday: John 7 - 9
* Wednesday: John 10 - 12
* Thursday: John 13 - 17
* Friday: John 18 - 21
The gospel according to John is different from the first 3 gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke, also called the synoptic gospels (syn=equal, optic=seen -> these gospels share a similar view and are clearly linked). The gospel of John is written by the apostle John, who can be regarded as one of Jesus' best friends, if not THE best friend. That John was very close to Jesus is clear from this gospel, where John several times talks about himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". The gospel of John also talks a lot about Jesus' love for his disciples and for us, and has a number of intimate passages that are nowhere else found in the Bible. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is such a passage.
The gospel according to John gives us a unique insight in God's love for mankind through His son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The opening verses are some of the most famous verses in the Bible that show this perspective:
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
It is our prayer that you may find light and life in Him by reading through this marvelous and inspiring gospel account.
Have a great week.
* Weekend: John 1 - 3
* Monday: John 4 - 6
* Tuesday: John 7 - 9
* Wednesday: John 10 - 12
* Thursday: John 13 - 17
* Friday: John 18 - 21
The gospel according to John is different from the first 3 gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke, also called the synoptic gospels (syn=equal, optic=seen -> these gospels share a similar view and are clearly linked). The gospel of John is written by the apostle John, who can be regarded as one of Jesus' best friends, if not THE best friend. That John was very close to Jesus is clear from this gospel, where John several times talks about himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". The gospel of John also talks a lot about Jesus' love for his disciples and for us, and has a number of intimate passages that are nowhere else found in the Bible. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is such a passage.
The gospel according to John gives us a unique insight in God's love for mankind through His son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The opening verses are some of the most famous verses in the Bible that show this perspective:
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
It is our prayer that you may find light and life in Him by reading through this marvelous and inspiring gospel account.
Have a great week.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Week 43: Luke 7 - 24
This week we'll finish the Gospel according to Luke, with an easy-to-remember '3 chapters per day' reading schedule:
* Weekend: Luke 7 - 9
* Monday: Luke 10 - 12
* Tuesday: Luke 13 - 15
* Wednesday: Luke 16 - 18
* Thursday: Luke 19 - 21
* Friday: Luke 22 - 24
As Chuck already mentioned last week, the gospel according to Luke is part 1 of a 2-part series, the book of Acts being part 2. Luke was a physician and, as such, his writings are very detailed. In chapter 1 verse 3 he mentions: "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you...". Note the words 'carefully investigated' and 'orderly'. Luke had investigated for himself that the accounts concerning Jesus were true and trustworthy. This is tremendous evidence for the Christian faith. These stories are not fabricated fables or nicely constructed novels, but trustworthy eyewitness accounts.
When you read these accounts, I encourage you to take God's advice in Luke 9:35 to heart: "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." We have to listen to Jesus when speaks to us through his word. In your Bible, underline Jesus' sayings that speak to you. Here are a number of versus that speak to me:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" [9:23]
"See to it, then, that the light within in you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you." [11:35,36]
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." [12:15]
"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." [12:31]
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." [13:24]
"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." [15:7]
In the gospels, we often see Jesus as a teacher. He taught his disciples, and he still teaches us today through the accurate accounts written down by Luke and other gospel writers. Take his teachings to heart. Meditate on them and let them transform your life.
Dick
* Weekend: Luke 7 - 9
* Monday: Luke 10 - 12
* Tuesday: Luke 13 - 15
* Wednesday: Luke 16 - 18
* Thursday: Luke 19 - 21
* Friday: Luke 22 - 24
As Chuck already mentioned last week, the gospel according to Luke is part 1 of a 2-part series, the book of Acts being part 2. Luke was a physician and, as such, his writings are very detailed. In chapter 1 verse 3 he mentions: "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you...". Note the words 'carefully investigated' and 'orderly'. Luke had investigated for himself that the accounts concerning Jesus were true and trustworthy. This is tremendous evidence for the Christian faith. These stories are not fabricated fables or nicely constructed novels, but trustworthy eyewitness accounts.
When you read these accounts, I encourage you to take God's advice in Luke 9:35 to heart: "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." We have to listen to Jesus when speaks to us through his word. In your Bible, underline Jesus' sayings that speak to you. Here are a number of versus that speak to me:
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" [9:23]
"See to it, then, that the light within in you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you." [11:35,36]
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." [12:15]
"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." [12:31]
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." [13:24]
"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." [15:7]
In the gospels, we often see Jesus as a teacher. He taught his disciples, and he still teaches us today through the accurate accounts written down by Luke and other gospel writers. Take his teachings to heart. Meditate on them and let them transform your life.
Dick
Friday, October 15, 2010
Week 42: Mark 4 - Luke 6
This week's reading takes us into the middle of the Synoptic Tradition. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke share many similarities because each of these writers drew from the same oral and written sources.
The Gospel accounts that we have in our Bibles were compiled and written between AD 65 and 85, which means that the first generation of Jesus' followers relied on a robust oral tradition and short written stories. (In fact, the first New Testament book, James, did not come into existence until about AD 50.) The Synoptic Tradition drew together these oral and written stories, which came from eyewitness accounts of the Apostles and others closely associated with Jesus.
The early church fathers were united in their conviction that Matthew, a former tax collector and one of the twelve Apostles, was the author of the Gospel that occurs first in the New Testament. Interestingly, Matthew drew much of his material from the Gospel of Mark, which was written by Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, around AD 65.
New Testament scholars are in general agreement that Mark's Gospel was the first of the three synoptic Gospels and that both Matthew (written in the 70s) and Luke (also written in the 70s) drew liberally from Mark's material. That Matthew, himself an eyewitness of Jesus' life and ministry, would rely so heavily on Mark's account has caused some scholars to question whether Matthew actually wrote the Gospel bearing his name. One answer is that Matthew agreed with Mark's account and, while adding his own unique touches, sought to present a united apostolic witness. Luke was not an eyewitness, so no scholars question whether he wrote his Gospel on the basis of his reliance on other sources.
Matthew developed his Gospel for a Jewish audience. His main goal was to demonstrate that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah. He did this by (1) highlighting Jesus' family ties with Israel's greatest King and messianic archetype, King David, and (2) showing how many key events in Jesus' life were prefigured and prophesied in the Old Testament.
Mark was in Rome when he produced his Gospel. He sought to comfort his fellow Christians in Rome during a period of severe persecution, which went from AD 64 to 67. He emphasized that suffering was an integral part of Jesus' life and plays a key role in forging true faithfulness in the lives of Jesus' followers. References to suffering and discipleship occur throughout this Gospel (see 1:12, 13; 3:22, 30; 8:34-38;10:30, 33, 34, 45; 13:8, 11-13). Bishop Papias, an early church leader who wrote in the first half of the second century, quoted an earlier source, possibly the Apostle John, saying that Mark relied heavily on the Apostle Peter as he compiled his Gospel.
Luke wrote his Gospel for one man, Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God." He calls him, "Most excellent Theophilus" (1:3), which likely indicates that he was a person of wealth and prominence or perhaps a high-ranking Roman official. However, even though the book is addressed to a single individual, Luke clearly developed his Gospel with a wider audience in mind. He uniquely underscored such key themes as salvation's being available to Gentiles as well as Jews, the important role that women played in Jesus' life, the work and influence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' practice of prayer, his concern for the poor, his affection for sinners, and his frequent use of the title, "Son of Man." Luke's Gospel is Volume One of a two-volume series. The book of Acts is his Volume Two.
This week's reading is as follows:
* Weekend: Mark 4-7
* Monday: Mark 8-10
* Tuesday: Mark 11-13
* Wednesday: Mark 14-16
* Thursday: Luke 1-2
* Friday: Luke 3-6
Some of Jesus' teachings are difficult to understand, so don't get frustrated if you aren't able to grasp everything he says. When you come upon a hard saying, relax, keep reading, and know that God will meet you in his word and give you what you need to know that day.
Seasoned readers of Scripture are forever delighted at what new things God reveals each time they read the Bible, knowing that the book they hold in their hands is a gift that the first generation of Christ followers lived without.
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
The Gospel accounts that we have in our Bibles were compiled and written between AD 65 and 85, which means that the first generation of Jesus' followers relied on a robust oral tradition and short written stories. (In fact, the first New Testament book, James, did not come into existence until about AD 50.) The Synoptic Tradition drew together these oral and written stories, which came from eyewitness accounts of the Apostles and others closely associated with Jesus.
The early church fathers were united in their conviction that Matthew, a former tax collector and one of the twelve Apostles, was the author of the Gospel that occurs first in the New Testament. Interestingly, Matthew drew much of his material from the Gospel of Mark, which was written by Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, around AD 65.
New Testament scholars are in general agreement that Mark's Gospel was the first of the three synoptic Gospels and that both Matthew (written in the 70s) and Luke (also written in the 70s) drew liberally from Mark's material. That Matthew, himself an eyewitness of Jesus' life and ministry, would rely so heavily on Mark's account has caused some scholars to question whether Matthew actually wrote the Gospel bearing his name. One answer is that Matthew agreed with Mark's account and, while adding his own unique touches, sought to present a united apostolic witness. Luke was not an eyewitness, so no scholars question whether he wrote his Gospel on the basis of his reliance on other sources.
Matthew developed his Gospel for a Jewish audience. His main goal was to demonstrate that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah. He did this by (1) highlighting Jesus' family ties with Israel's greatest King and messianic archetype, King David, and (2) showing how many key events in Jesus' life were prefigured and prophesied in the Old Testament.
Mark was in Rome when he produced his Gospel. He sought to comfort his fellow Christians in Rome during a period of severe persecution, which went from AD 64 to 67. He emphasized that suffering was an integral part of Jesus' life and plays a key role in forging true faithfulness in the lives of Jesus' followers. References to suffering and discipleship occur throughout this Gospel (see 1:12, 13; 3:22, 30; 8:34-38;10:30, 33, 34, 45; 13:8, 11-13). Bishop Papias, an early church leader who wrote in the first half of the second century, quoted an earlier source, possibly the Apostle John, saying that Mark relied heavily on the Apostle Peter as he compiled his Gospel.
Luke wrote his Gospel for one man, Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God." He calls him, "Most excellent Theophilus" (1:3), which likely indicates that he was a person of wealth and prominence or perhaps a high-ranking Roman official. However, even though the book is addressed to a single individual, Luke clearly developed his Gospel with a wider audience in mind. He uniquely underscored such key themes as salvation's being available to Gentiles as well as Jews, the important role that women played in Jesus' life, the work and influence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus' practice of prayer, his concern for the poor, his affection for sinners, and his frequent use of the title, "Son of Man." Luke's Gospel is Volume One of a two-volume series. The book of Acts is his Volume Two.
This week's reading is as follows:
* Weekend: Mark 4-7
* Monday: Mark 8-10
* Tuesday: Mark 11-13
* Wednesday: Mark 14-16
* Thursday: Luke 1-2
* Friday: Luke 3-6
Some of Jesus' teachings are difficult to understand, so don't get frustrated if you aren't able to grasp everything he says. When you come upon a hard saying, relax, keep reading, and know that God will meet you in his word and give you what you need to know that day.
Seasoned readers of Scripture are forever delighted at what new things God reveals each time they read the Bible, knowing that the book they hold in their hands is a gift that the first generation of Christ followers lived without.
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
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