The Distinctive Testimonies of the Four Gospels

So this week we learned more of a history, as far as dispensations of time and the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I found it very interesting, because the professor was able to simplify the timeline to the point where even I could understand it. I figured I'd share these insights as well.

Obviously, it all starts with Adam and Eve -- this is the first dispensation of times (dispensation: "a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth" lds.org).

What's cool is, Adam is the prophet, which makes Eve--his equal, his wife, his helpmeet-- the first prophetess. She has the power as a witness of Christ as well! Anyway, side-note.

The next dispensation is opened by Enoch, until his city is raised into the heavens. Noah takes it from there, then on to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Tribes of Israel). After a 400 year "Egyptian apostasy" Moses comes and gives the people the Law of Moses (the "lesser law") until Christ comes in His time and brings and teaches the higher law.

So, obviously, these teachings are accounted in the New Testament records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

I learned this week, in a simplified way, the purpose of their individual accounts and who their audiences is -- by knowing this, I can read what they have to say as not only stories or records, but as testimonies, witnesses, and significant events to each of them personally. 

Mark writes to the Romans, to convince Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ.

Matthew writes to the Jews and takes many sayings from Mark and expands on them. He uses many speeches and sermons.

Luke also expands on Marks' sayings, taking a more balanced approach and showing more emotion and being more personalized. 

John takes a different approach from the others, as he focuses on the Judean ministries of Christ and writes what he witnesses personally. 

Anyway, it changes my perspective as I read through their accounts now that I understand them more and what the background information and witness is. I invite you all to do so as well! :)

"And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, 

they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon

the face of the earth, and should pray 

unto the Father in the name of Jesus.

And the disciples did pray unto the Father also 

in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that they

arose and ministered unto the people.

And when they had ministered those same words

which Jesus had spoken--nothing varying...--

behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father 

in the name of Jesus.

And they did pray for that which they most desired;

and they desired that the Holy Ghost\should be given unto them."

3 Nephi 9:6-9