#063 When Were Luke and Acts Written? - Jimmy Akin

The Gospel of Mark is the earliest of the four Gospels and provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus' role as both the powerful Messiah and the vulnerable suffering servant. The narrative highlights key themes such as the Kingdom of God, the messianic secret, and Jesus' mission to suffer and die for the redemption of others. The Gospel is set against the backdrop of Jewish apocalyptic expectations and the socio-political landscape of 1st-century Judea, serving as a theological treatise and a pastoral response to a community in crisis.

This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the Gospel of Mark, exploring its structure, themes, and theological implications. It is designed for pastors and Bible teachers, offering insights into the text's meaning and application.

The Gospel of Luke is the third Gospel in the New Testament and provides a detailed account of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke, who was not an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry but carefully investigated everything from the beginning, wrote this Gospel to give believers an accurate and chronological understanding of Jesus' life. The book emphasizes Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10) and highlights his interactions with various groups, including the poor, outcasts, and marginalized. It also situates Jesus' life within the broader context of the Roman Empire, contrasting Jesus with the Roman Emperor Augustus to emphasize Jesus' role as the true savior of the world.

The Book of Acts, a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, narrates the history of the early Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ. It details the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the growth of the Christian community. The book highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, the persecution faced by early Christians, and the importance of faith and perseverance. It also showcases the diversity of the early church and the challenges of maintaining unity and purpose amidst adversity. The book serves as an inspiring account of the early church's growth and its impact on the world.

The Gospel of John is the fourth of the New Testament's canonical gospels. It presents a highly schematic account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on seven 'signs' or miracles that demonstrate Jesus' divinity, and seven 'I am' discourses that highlight his divine identity. The gospel is divided into sections: a prologue introducing Jesus as the Word of God, the 'Book of Signs' detailing Jesus' ministry, the 'Book of Glory' covering his final night, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, and a conclusion stating the gospel's purpose. The author's intent is clear: 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name' (John 20:31).