This week we are continuing session two on the history and background of the New Testament. In this third part we are focusing on the Gospel record based on eyewitnesses accounts. As we build our case for the reliability of the New Testament, one thing to consider is the fact that these eyewitness accounts are from multiple people, not just a single report. This would be critical in a court of law for determining a verdict because the more witnesses you have, the stronger the case will be. This is so important that we will spend this week and next looking at the witness load for these historical narratives that make a case not only for the New Testament, but also for the person of Jesus as the promised Christ.
Here’s this week’s presentation on this topic:
Overview Notes from the Presentation
With four different Gospels it is important to do comparisons in order to understand the perspective and intent of the writers…
The Gospels in comparison—Historical Narratives based on eyewitness accounts
MATTHEW
- (Author) The Apostle Matthew from his own eyewitness perspective
- (Audience) Written to and received by Jewish Christians – New believers coming out of Judaism
- (Purpose) Writes to give a picture of Jesus as “King of Israel” – The Promised Messiah
- (Focus) What Jesus said and did – His discourses with emphasis on Mountain Theology
MARK
- (Author) John-Mark’s own view that includes the Apostle Peter’s eyewitness accounts
- (Audience) Gentile Christians in Rome/Romans
- (Purpose) Writes to give a picture of Jesus as a “Servant of God”—Jesus as a servant slave
- (Focus) What Jesus did—His servanthood; His Miracles; His life laid down for others
LUKE
- (Author)The view of Luke, the Physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, based on his detailed interviews with eyewitnesses
- (Audience) Greek Christians—Gentiles in general
- (Purpose) Writes to give a picture of Jesus’ humanity – Emphasis on Son of Man
- (Focus) What Jesus felt as a man—His humanity; Parables; fulfillment of prophecy; Jesus’ human life
JOHN
- (Author) The Apostle John’s view based on his own eyewitness accounts
- (Audience) The Church, both Jew and Gentile
- (Purpose) Writes to give a picture of Jesus as the Son of God—Jesus’ Deity
- (Focus) Who Jesus was—Gives evidence of Jesus’ Deity; emphasis on God’s truth and love for all humanity
Focus Passages for emphasis from each Gospel (Jesus speaking in all these verses)
…”For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
-Matthew 5:19 (NASB)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
-Mark 10:45 (NASB)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
-Luke 19:10 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
-John 3:16 (NASB)
Reflection: Memorization Practice
To practice your memorization skills, and to improve your Biblical knowledge, practice memorizing the following things…
- Review the Ministry Statement’s four focus points for your Christian Walk (from the “Class Introduction” post). Reflect on how you think you are doing in each area, or how you might make improvements.
- Recite, and practice memorizing in order to tell the story, the 15 points for the Bible’s Big Picture from last week’s post.
- Recite, and practice memorizing the 27 books of the New Testament, in order by their categories, from last week’s post.
Bible Study
(Review answers will be posted during the week so you can have a “leader’s guide” for your own studies)
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
NOTE: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions.
Read Acts chapter seven then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
Stephen is killed for his faith
1. Read Chapter 7:1-50 with your table group (you can break it up into sections)
In the first part of this chapter Stephen, who had been brought before the council because of false accusations (see chapter 6:8-15), began to give a defense (apologetic) for his actions and beliefs:
a. How did Stephen began his “apologetic” (where did he start), and why?
b. Make a list, or chart, of the people Stephen referenced in their historical order, and the important events or covenants in each person’s life – Go Deeper by adding the books of the Old Testament where these stories and events can be found:
Example:
| Person Stephen spoke about in chapter 7 | Events or Covenants in their life that Stephen spoke about in chapter 7 | Book(s) of the Old Testament where their story is found |
| 1. Abraham | • He left his home country by faith God’s promised (Abrahamic Covenant)
• Other… |
Genesis |
c. Discuss: Why do you think it was important for Stephen to review this history in such detail as part of his defense (apologetic)? Is it important for Christians to be able to do this today, and why?
2. Read Chapter 7:51-60 with your table group
In the last part of this chapter Stephen is martyred for his faith:
a. What did Stephen say that made these men become enraged (7:51-54)? What and who did Stephen see, and how did the crowd then react (7:55-58)?
b. What were Stephen’s last words and whose feet did the men lay their robes by as they stoned him (7:58-60)?
c. Going Deeper: Where do you see elements of spiritual warfare being played out in this passage? How does Scripture teach us to respond to spiritual warfare?
d. Discuss: Write down and share two or three things that you think are important to remember about chapter seven.
Join us next week as we continue our “Case for the New Testament” and a study in Acts!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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