Option A

Identify any historical purpose(s) behind the writing of Luke’s Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, and John’s Gospel. Include a reference to any historical factor mentioned in the recommended sources that may have triggered the writing of Luke’s Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, and John’s Gospel as well as references to statements within those three. Class lesson material can be used in addition to the recommended sources. Include at least one historical factor and at least one reference to each Gospel studied. Restrict your resources to those below as well as any information within the course modules. Be sure to distinguish between paraphrase and direct quotes. Type a 350-750 word paper using MLA formatting. Submit the completed assignment to the appropriate Assignment box by no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

Resources for this paper:

See the ebook via SLU library: The Gospels of Jesus by Stanton (2002), pp. 116-118.

See the link: “The Historical Background to John.”

See the ebook via SLU library: The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology by Carroll and Balentine (2014), Chapter “Luke-Acts.”

See the ebook via SLU library: Luke: A Commentary by Carroll (2012), pp.398-404

See “The Gospel According to John”

Won-Ha Hwang & JG vander Watt. “The Identity of the Recipients of the Fourth Gospel in the Light of the Purpose of the Gospel.” HTS: Theological Studies, v63 n2 (June2007): 683-698.

Option B

Explain how and why Luke may have edited Mark’s Gospel. Use the following two sets of passages to support your claim.

According to course materials (Bible, textbook, digital materials linked below, etc.):

1. How and why would Luke have edited Mark 14:3-9 contrasted with Luke 7:36-50?

2. How and why would Luke have edited Mark 3:31-35 contrasted with Luke 8:19-21?

Be sure to distinguish between paraphrase and direct quotes. Type a 350-750 word paper using MLA formatting. Submit the completed assignment to the appropriate Assignment box by no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

Resources for this paper:

See the ebook via SLU library: The Gospels by Barton and Muddiman (2010), pp. 153-154.

See the ebook via SLU library: The Gospels by Barton and Muddiman (2010), p. 257.

Grading Rubric

• Accurate use of English including careful documentation (including ability to paraphrase and use quotations) and good organizational plan. 40 pts
• Adequate research. 20 pts
• Accurate and complete reflection of material read for assignment. 40 pts

Answer preview

Option A: Historical Purposes

The books contained in the New Testament, Luke’s Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, and John’s Gospel each include specific historical aspects. Luke’s Gospel contains several instances where verses serve only historical purposes. One historical perspective appears in Luke chapter three, verses one to three, where several facts regarding history exist. The first verse in chapter three mentions that it was the fifteenth year of the rule of Emperor Tiberius Caesar. The same verse also mentions that Pontius Pilate was the…