Chapter 1 — The Synoptic Background and John Mark

Question 1

Define Synoptic Gospels

Answer 1

Refers to the accounts of the Good news presented by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and means they viewed the gospel similarly.

Question 2

Why do people assume the priority of Mark?

Answer 2

It is used almost entirely in Matthew and Luke.

Question 3

Because of similarities between Matthew and Luke not shared by Mark, what do Bible scholars beleive?

Answer 3

Matthew and Luke relied on another source besides Mark.

Question 4

In the equation “Mark+Q+M=Matthew,” what does Q stand for?

Answer 4

Material that is common to Matthew and Luke.

Question 5

What can we conclude regarding the true source of the Gospel accounts?

Answer 5

The Holy Spirit influenced each Synoptic writer to record accurately what God wanted written.

Question 6

How much information does the Bible give about Mark?

Answer 6

More information exists in the Bible about Mark than of the writers of the other Synoptic Gospels.

Question 7

What conclusions about Mark can be drawn after carefully analyzing the scriptural facts?

Answer 7

Mark’s spiritual development was gradual, but as he matured, he found acceptance and respect in ministry

Question 8

Why do scholars assume Mark is the author of the second Gospel?

Answer 8

From the testimony of Papias, a disciple of John the apostle.

Question 9

What was the factor that most likely influenced the writing of Mark’s Gospel?

Answer 9

Peter’s impending death.

Question 10

Based on Mark’s style of writing, what do we conclude about his purpose of the book?

Answer 10

It stressed Christ’s deity as revealed in His works of power.

Question 11

Why has the term “priority of Mark” gained popular acceptance?

Answer 11

1. Mark was the most knowledgeable of the Gospel writers.
2. Mark’s Gospel was the first to be written.
3. It became the main source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
4. Mark’s record was the first to be formally acknowledged as authentic by the church.

Question 12

List reasons supporting the theory that Matthew and Luke used sources other than Mark.

Answer 12

1. Mark provided good information for the other Synoptic writers, but certain points of agreement between Matthew and Luke not found in Mark suggests another source.
2. The Q source, which was proposed in the 18th century, has shed much light on the Synoptic problem.

Question 13

Complete the following statement:
The true source of the Gospel accounts was…

Answer 13

the Holy Spirit, regardless of the human instrument He employed to communicate the message.

Question 14

How do we explain the fact that Mark had two different names?

Answer 14

Many Hellenistic Jews in the Roman world of the first century AD used two names: one Jewish and one either Greek or Roman

Question 15

How complete is our picture of Mark, and what is the source of this information?

Answer 15

Numerous scriptural passages in Acts and the Epistles give us a relatively good and complete picture of Mark.

Question 16

Describe briefly the problem that led Barnabas and Paul to separate.

Answer 16

Initially Mark was immature and independent in the ministry. Paul did not feel at this point of Mark’s spiritual development that he and Barnabas ought to give Mark a second chance, yet Barnabas saw potential in Mark and gave him another chance to prove himself.

Question 17

Describe Paul’s attitude change towards Mark his letter to Timothy.

Answer 17

Mark matured in the ministry, became a respected church leader, and in time joined the apostles as a trusted coworker. It is also significant that Paul mellowed as he matured, and he was able then to appreciate Mark’s talents and abilities.

Question 18

List four facts Luke records about the meeting at Mary’s house.

Answer 18

1. Mark’s mother, Mary, seems to have been a widow.
2. The family members shared a large house and employed at least one servant.
3. Were well respected by the Christian community,
4. Used their home for a meeting place.

Question 19

What evidence exists from the church fathers and historians that Mark wrote the second Gospel?

Answer 19

Eusebius, a third-century historian, quotes Papias (a disciple of the apostle John) identifying Mark as the author of the Second Gospel.

Question 20

From all evidence cited in the chapter, what can be concluded about Mark’s purpose for writing the second Gospel?

Answer 20

Mark’s purpose was to speak to Gentiles, especially Romans, about the deity of Christ as it was revealed in His works of power (an idiom with which they could identify).