01 - The Gospels and Their Significance

Introduction to the New Testament

  • Series of roundtable discussions on the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  • Participants:

    • Professor Paul Hoskisson (scripture at BYU and ancient scripture)

    • Andrew Skinner (ancient scripture)

Overview of the Structure of the New Testament

  • Focus on the New Testament, specifically the Gospels

    • The Gospels are the foundation of this discussion

    • The Gospels represent one category within several

  • Other New Testament categories:

    • History Book: The Book of Acts

    • Pauline Epistles: Correspondence by Paul

    • General Epistles: Includes First, Second, and Third John; First and Second Peter; Jude; James

    • Notably, the Book of James possibly composed around 50 AD, close to the events it discusses

    • Apocalypse: Book of Revelation written by John the Revelator

The Meaning of the Bible

  • The term 'Bible' derives from Greek, simply meaning 'the book'

    • Plural form indicates a collection of books

  • Root word relates to bibliography and similar terms in other languages, e.g., 'bibliotek' meaning library in Danish

    • The Bible as a repository of multiple divine texts

Questions for Discussion

  • Exploring the New Testament and its relationship to the Old Testament

    • Importance of the Old Testament as foundational

    • Contributions of the New Testament to understanding Heavenly Father's plan and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

  • Define 'testament' within the contexts of the Old and New Testaments

    • Testament = witness or testimony

    • The Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ

    • Implication of multiple witnesses testifying of Christ's truthfulness

    • Alternative title: New Covenant

Understanding the New Covenant vs. the Old Covenant

  • The New Covenant is anticipated in Old Testament prophecies

    • Jeremiah 31:31-33 indicates a new covenant to be made with Israel, distinguishing it from the Old Covenant

    • Reference to God's intent to write His law in human hearts rather than on stone

    • Fulfillment of the Old Covenant promises through the New Testament

  • Connection to Old Testament figures (Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham) and the everlasting covenant

    • New Testament as an evolution and continuation of the Old Covenant teachings

Continuity of the Gospels and the Covenants

  • Core message: The New Testament is part of the ongoing divine dialogue throughout history

  • Jesus’ teachings as reflections of Old Testament scriptures

    • Example: John 5 where Jesus emphasizes the importance of studying the scriptures (referring to the Old Testament) which testify of Him

Theological Themes

  • Elder McConkey's statements on continuity in the teachings of the creation, fall, and atonement

  • Comparisons between gardens (Eden, Gethsemane, and Empty Tomb) illustrating God's overarching plan

  • The gospels represent a fill-in of historical events and teachings of Jesus’ life, focusing on the Atonement

The Gospels and Their Authors

  • Understanding the purpose and audience of each Gospel:

    • Gospels are testimonies, not purely biographies

    • They center heavily on the last week of Jesus’ life and His atoning sacrifice

Matthew

  • Author: Matthew, a tax collector and eyewitness to many events

    • His position as a hated tax collector enriches his conversion story and testimony

    • Notably, he emphasizes Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies

  • Matthew's Gospel tailored for a Jewish audience

    • Begins with the genealogy emphasizing Jesus’ descent from Abraham and David

    • Structure shows symmetry in history, emphasizing the totality of God's plan

    • Inclusion of women like Ruth, Tamar, Bathsheba hints at redemptive themes

Mark

  • Author: Mark, not an apostle but a companion of Peter

    • His Gospel noted for being concise

    • Presents a dynamic picture of Jesus aimed primarily at a Gentile Roman audience

Luke

  • Author: Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, distinguished as a Gentile

    • His account includes unique details such as Jesus sweating blood in Gethsemane

    • Written in a careful and articulate style

John

  • Author: John, focused on converted church members with deeper doctrinal understanding

    • Approximately 90% of John's material is unique and does not appear in the other gospels

    • Aimed at those with temple experiences, emphasizing deeper theology and the atonement

Conclusion

  • Joseph Smith's statement on the value of frequently reading the Gospels, suggesting greater appreciation the more familiar one becomes with them

  • The interconnectedness of all these texts highlights the continuity of God's witness to humanity through different dispensations.