Chapter 1 - The Synoptic Background and John Mark

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Mark was the most knowledgable of the Gospel writers. Mark’s Gospel was the first to be written, and became the main source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Mark’s record was the first to be formally acknowledged as authentic by the church.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

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

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Read Acts 12:12-13 and then list four facts Luke records here about the meeting at Mary’s house.

Answer 6

1. Mark’s mother, Mary, seems to have been a widow.
2. The family members shared a large house, large enough for many to gather in prayer and large enough for there to be a second entrance.
3. The family employed at least one servant, Rhoda.
4. The family was well respected by the Christian community and used their home for a meeting place.

Question 7

Read Acts 15:37-39 and 2 Timothy 4:11. Describe briefly the problem that led Barnabas and Paul to separate. Also describe Paul’s attitude change in his letter to Timothy.

Answer 7

Initially Mark was doubtlessly 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. Later, 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 hew as able then to appreciate Mark’s talents and abilities.

Question 8

List facts about Mark’s personal life and relationships with the apostles that are detailed in these verses. (Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13:5, Acts 15:37-39, Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24, 1 Peter 5:13

Answer 8

• Acts 12:24-25 - As the gospel increases and spreads, Barnabas and Paul take John Mark with them to the church at Antioch.
• Acts 13:5 Mark helps the apostles during their ministry on Cyprus.
• Acts 15:37-39 Since Mark deserted the apostles at Perga in Pamphylia, Paul and Barnabas disagree about giving him another chance in the ministry.
• Colossians 4:10 Mark is at prison with Paul. He is Barnabas’ cousin, has become a respected worker, and is recommended to the Colossians, who are encouraged to welcome him.
• 2 Timothy 4:11 Mark has become helpful to Paul in the ministry, and Paul wants Mark with him.
• Philemon 24 Mark is a fellow worker with Paul and others.
• 1 Peter 5:13 Peter regards Mark as a son.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

Question 10

From all the evidence cited, what can we conclude about Mark’s purpose for writing the second Gospel?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Synoptic Gospels refers to the accounts of the good news presented by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and means they

Answer 11

viewed the gospel similarly.

Question 12

Many assume the priority of Mark because Mark

Answer 12

is used almost entirely by Matthew and Luke.

Question 13

Because of the similarities between Matthew and Luke not shared by Mark, Bible scholars believe

Answer 13

Matthew and Luke relied on another source besides Mark.

Question 14

In the equation “Mark + Q + M = Matthew” the “q” stands for

Answer 14

material that is common to Matthew and Luke.

Question 15

Regarding the true source of the Gospel accounts, we may conclude that

Answer 15

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

Question 16

How much information does the Bible give about Mark?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Carefully analyzing the scriptural facts about Mark leads us to conclude that

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Scholars assume Mark is the author of the second Gospel based largely on the

Answer 18

testimony of Papias, a disciple of John the apostle.

Question 19

The fact that most likely influenced the writing of Mark’s Gospel was

Answer 19

Peters’s impending death.

Question 20

Based on Mark’s style of writing, we may conclude that his purpose was to

Answer 20

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

Question 21

The term “Synoptic Gospels” refers to what?

Answer 21

The idea of seeing the accounts of the good news in the same way.

Question 22

What are the two types of authorship?

Answer 22

Internal and external

Question 23

What is internal authorship?

Answer 23

Proof found in the scripture concerning authorship.

Question 24

What is external authorship?

Answer 24

Found by examining sources outside the scripture.

Question 25

Who was Papias?

Answer 25

Bishop of Hierapolis and Disciple of John the Apostle.

Question 26

Who is Eusebius Caesarea?

Answer 26

Lived AD260-340
Was an early church historian.
Wrote the Ecclesiastical History in which he recorded Papias’ testimony regarding the authorship of Mark’s Gospel. And according to the Gospel was based on the testimony of Peter who was an eyewitness to the life of Christ.