Acts--Discussion I

Please read the first 12 chapters of Acts. Cite here one verse/incident that seems to you particularly helpful in explaining the surprisingly rapid growth of the early church.  Note also any obstacles to growth you see here.

The Gospel of John: Discussion 2

Please read Chapters 11-22 of John's gospel.

Your 4th MT study question notes that, while the Gospel of John is in some ways very different from the synoptic gospels, it often complements and suplements the synoptics.

Choose a verse or passage from the assigned chapters and a "parallel" verse or passage from one of the synoptics on the same subject (e.g., money, leadership, faith, etc.). Compare and contrast the two verses or passages.

The Gospel of John--Discussion I

For our next class, please read Chapters 1-11 of John's gospel, concentrating on the first four chapters. Cite one thing John includes that *isn't* in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Suggest a reason that this material may have been more important to John than to the synoptic writers. What is John's purpose in including the "extra" material?

The Synoptic Problem (extra credit)

Please take a look a this online Gospel synopsis here.  This site allows you to easily scroll through Matthew, Mark, or Luke and find the parallel passages in the other gospels.  If you clicking on the purple (Matthew), blue (Mark), or green (Luke) book icon beside the section heading, the appropriate column will automatically scroll to the parallel passage.

Read a portion of the Gospel of Mark and a parallel passage in the Gospel of Matthew, e.g., the "plucking the grain" story in Matthew 12:1-8 and Mark 2:23-28 or the "house divided" story in Matthew 12:25-27 and Mark 3:23-30.

As your "comment," note which version of the passage (if either) seems to you to be most likely the original version?  In this passage does it look like Matthew is dependent on Mark, the Mark is dependent on Matthew, or that the the two gospels are giving independent accounts?  Explain your thinking.  

Be not called Rabbi, Rabbi (extra credit)

The Bible in general and the gospels in particularly have strong warnings to those who consider themselves to be great teachers and examples. Look again at the warnings to the Pharisees in Matthew 23 and/or the implied criticisms of religious leaders in Luke 20. Pick out one warning you would particularly like *your* teachers/leaders/professors to pay attention to, and explain why that warning is particularly important.

Luke--Discussion II

Didn't realize I hadn't posted this until I got a note from a student a bit ago.  My apologies.  Please get this blog done when you can...no deadline. 

Please read Chapter 13-24 of the Gospel of Luke. Look at the list of passages "special" to Luke, i.e., passages that occur in Luke's gospel only (Section VI of the outline I passed out in class). Choose one or two of these passages and speculate on why Luke chose to include this material while Matthew did not. If others have commented on this passage before you, say whether you agree with their suggestions or not.

If you do not have the outline I passed out, see the online version here.

The Gospel of Luke--Discussion I

The Gospel of Luke has been called "the most beautiful book ever written," and it is, for many people, their favorite gospel.

For Tuesday's class, please read through my study questions on the Gospel of Luke (also attached to the syllabus for the sake of those who prefer hard copy).  Then read through the first twelve chapters of Luke's Gospel.  Then do one of the following:

1.  Pick out a verse or passage that you think particularly well shows why people find this gospel attractive and explain your choice of this particular passage.

2.  Choose one of the study guide questions and suggest an answer.