Pick two Gospels and present the external and internal evidence for the authorship of each.

Describe the purpose and intended destination of each, supporting your answer with evidence.
Why is the authorship of the Gospels an important issue for Christians in today's society?

Mark is a Roman name and means "hammer" a building tool of action and accomplishment. The
Gospel of Mark bares the name of Mark a young man who was present during some of the events
of the Gospels.

Written between 40-65A.D -28-30A.D.(early) or 30-33A.D.(late).

Mark traveled with his cousin Barnabus and with Paul. Peter and Paul favorably mentioned him.
He was known as Mark (Latin) and John (Hebrew).

Thus Mark's Gospel is important in that it gives an exalted picture of who Jesus is. Further to
this, the fast moving style creates an atmosphere of activity as well as closeness to the action. It
also demonstrates that Jesus was constantly involved with people, teaching them, talking with
them, touching them, healing them, rebuking them.

Luke is a Greek name and means "Illuminate" to enlighten, to shed light on an item or subject.
The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke a Physician a Doctor a man of attention and detail.

Written between 6-5 B.C to 30 A.D. (early) or 33 A.D. (late).

Luke wrote the third gospel and the book of Acts. Both were addressed to a man whose name
meant "one who loves God." Jewish customs and places in Palestine are often explained in Luke.

The Gospel of Luke would instantly become valued among the Church in Jerusalem and
throughout the Christian Churches so much so that in the Bible's Second Corinthians 2
Corinthians 8:18 the Apostle Paul referrers to Luke as "the brother, whose praise is in the gospel
throughout all the Churches;.

Thomas D. Lea and D. Alan Black. The New Testament Its Background and Message (Nashville:
Broadman & Holman Publisher, 2003), 169-194.

Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530,
Zondervan, Publisher, 1960-1995), p. 1667-1723.

Thomas D. Lea and D. Alan Black. The New Testament Its Background and Message (Nashville:
Broadman & Holman Publisher, 2003), p.198-221.

Life Application Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530,
Zondervan, Publisher, 1960-1995), p. 1727-1808.
1998-2010 Ken Palmer “Life of Christ”.