Gospels Flashcards
Synoptic Gospels refers to the accounts of the good news presented by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and means they
viewed the gospel similarly.
Many assume the priority of Mark because Mark
is used almost entirely by Matthew and Luke.
Because of similarities between Matthew and Luke not shared by Mark, Bible scholars believe
Matthew and Luke relied on another source besides Mark.
In the equation “Mark + Q + M = Matthew,” Q stands for
material that is common to Matthew and Luke.
Regarding the true source of the Gospel accounts, we may conclude that
the Holy Spirit influenced each Synoptic writer to record accurately what God wanted written.
How much information does the Bible give about Mark?
More information exists in the Bible about Mark than of the writers of the other Synoptic Gospels.
Carefully analyzing the scriptural facts about Mark leads us to conclude that
Mark’s spiritual development was gradual, but as he matured, he found acceptance and respect in ministry.
Scholars assume Mark is the author of the second Gospel based largely on the
testimony of Papias, a disciple of John the apostle.
The factor that most likely influenced the writing of Mark’s Gospel was
Peter’s impending death.
Based on Mark’s style of writing, we may conclude that his purpose was to
stress Christ’s deity as revealed in His works of power.
Which statement about Matthew is based on biblical and historical evidence?
Matthew and Levi were one and the same person.
Which statement about the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew is true?
Papias stated that Matthew’s Gospel was a Greek translation and revision of an earlier Gospel Matthew wrote in Hebrew.
The writing of the Gospel of Matthew can best be dated
between AD 60 and AD 69.
We determine the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew on the basis of
the uniform, positive testimony of the early church fathers.
Matthew wrote his Gospel
to prove to a Jewish audience that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament messianic promises and that Jesus is truly their long-awaited Messiah.
What biblical evidence supports Luke’s authorship of the third Gospel?
A close link between Luke and Acts, as well as the “we” sections in Acts, point to Luke as author.
The prefaces of Luke and Acts indicate that the
same person wrote the Gospel of Luke first and then Acts.
Which statement concerning the date of the Gospel of Luke is true?
Luke appears to depend on Mark, who wrote his Gospel around AD 58–65, which is one reason we conclude that Luke wrote his Gospel between AD 60–69.
One characteristic of the Gospel of Luke is that
Luke gives us more historical details than any other Gospel writer.
Unique characteristics of Luke’s Gospel in contrast to the other Synoptic Gospels are that Luke
gives more details on the birth and boyhood of John the Baptist and Jesus than the other Gospel writers.
Even though the Samaritans lived in Palestine, the Jews considered them to be social outcasts because the Samaritans were
a mixed race: partly Jewish and partly pagan with a pagan religious heritage from those whom the Assyrians had resettled in Samaria.
About one hundred years after the Assyrian conquest of Israel, the empire that arose as the instrument of God’s judgment to conquer first Assyria and then Judah was the
Babylonian Empire.
During the Persian period, the Jewish exiles in Babylon were
permitted to return to their homeland.
One important occurrence during the Persian period was the
appearance of the last Old Testament prophet.
The Greeks wanted to “Hellenize” their subjects because they
wanted to increase their influence in the civilized world.
The intertestamental period represents the time between
the end of Malachi’s prophetic ministry and the dawn of New Testament events.
Antipater was
a scheming Idumean who through intrigue won the control of Palestine and became the father of Herod the Great
Which Herodian family statement is correct?
Jews never regarded the Herods as true Jews and made no attempt to hide their feelings of hatred toward these descendants of the Edomites.
Although the region is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, the land on “the other side of the Jordan” refers specifically to
Perea.
The Judeans were proud, haughty, and reserved compared to the Galileans because
they believed they were more “pure Jewish” than the Galileans.
In comparing the synagogue with the temple, we see that the
synagogue focused on reading and studying the Law.
The Pharisees were characterized by their
acceptance of the entire Old Testament—the books of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings—as authoritative for their lives.
Although the record is not clear, it appears the Pharisees came from
the Hasidim, who purposed to maintain the purity of the Jewish religion and culture against paganism.
Oral tradition, which concerns scholars’ interpretation of the Law, was a problem because
Pharisees gave it the same authority they gave to God’s law.
The typical Pharisee of Christ’s day may be described as one who
lived by the strict ceremonial requirements of the Law.
It is true that the Sadducees
felt that Hellenism and Roman rule were needed to maintain good business conditions and their privileged position.
If we compare the Essenes to the Pharisees, we find that
both groups focused on obeying the Law, but the Essenes were more legalistic.
Zealots differed from other Jewish religious groups in that they
were totally committed to direct action to reach their goals.
Which statement correctly describes the scribes?
New Testament scribes acted as copyists, preservers, and interpreters of the Law.
Based on our study, the term Sanhedrin suggests
“the Jewish governing council in Jerusalem and the local judicial system that handled most religious and civil affairs.”
The term priority of Mark indicates that the Gospel of Mark
was the first written account of Christ’s life.
Even though the inspired Gospel accounts came through human personalities, the true source
was the Holy Spirit.
Which statement is true concerning the author of Mark’s Gospel?
Paul and Barnabas parted company over a decision to take John Mark on a second missionary journey.
What is the strongest external evidence for the authorship of Mark’s Gospel?
Papias said John claimed that Mark accurately recorded Peter’s teachings about Christ.
Your IST accepts that the Gospel of Mark was written in the timeframe of
AD 58-65.
Mark wrote his Gospel for the purpose of
convincing Roman Gentiles that Jesus, the Son of God, was a Christ of power and action.
Based on biblical and historical evidence, we can conclude that Matthew
and Levi were one and the same person.
One characteristic of Matthew’s Gospel is that it
emphasizes the teaching ministry of Jesus.
Matthew’s central purpose in writing his Gospel was to
prove to a Jewish audience that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament messianic promises and is truly their long-awaited Messiah.
What evidence exists for the date of the writing of Luke’s Gospel?
Luke appears to depend on Mark, who wrote his Gospel around AD 58–65, so we conclude that Luke wrote his Gospel some time later, around AD 60–69.
Based on the internal evidence, we know that Luke wrote to the
Gentiles, particularly Greeks, and presented Christ as a man more completely than any other Gospel
The Samaritans were best described as
a mixture of people whom the Assyrians resettled in Palestine and Israelites who were not deported.
Since Alexander the Great believed Greek ways were superior to those of other peoples, he
established Greek culture and influence wherever he went.
In general, the Galileans were
friendly and warmhearted
Sadducees were from the priestly class of Jews and were generally
men of wealth, privilege, and power.
Which statement is true concerning the Pharisees?
One became a Pharisee through a lifestyle of strict obedience to the Law and the traditions of the elders.
The Zealots were people who
sought the complete overthrow of the Roman government and the political independence of the Jewish people.
The Sanhedrin was the
highest governing council and the local judicial councils of the Jewish people.
