A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 2: The Gospe l s : The Man i fes tat i on of Chr i s t , Par t I 39

Be aware of the historical setting and climate around the time of Messiah Jesus’ coming. (Erich Sauer, The Dawn of World Redemption . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1951. p. 176.) 1. A time of world centralization (commerce within the empire itself, political organization, overall 2. A time of world cultural unity (Graeco-Roman influence, koine Greek used as the universal business language) 3. A time of world trade and intercourse (interaction and interconnection among provinces in terms of finance, commerce, trade among representative cultures, nations, and peoples) governmental and military oversight)

II. The Birth Narratives of Jesus

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” ~ Luke 2.10-14

A. The historical accuracy of the Gospels

1. Luke’s opening, Luke 1.1-4

2. Differences in the Gospel accounts

a. Mark’s abrupt opening, Mark 1.1-3 – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [2] As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, [3] the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

b. Matthew and Luke: select accounts surrounding the birth of Messiah Jesus

4. A time of world peace

(the conquest of Rome of the then-known world)

c. John the Apostle: discussion of Jesus’ identity as the pre-existent Word of God, John 1.1-3 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

5. A time of world demoralization (varying degrees of Roman

oppression, varying degrees of national allegiance to Rome)

6. A time of world mingling of religions

(great diversity of religious belief and spiritual practice)