I was writing a response to a fella on one of the church of Christ singles groups on FB. So, I didn't clean it up--just posted it basically as I wrote and posted it to him. It is disconcerting when people go out of their ways to twist the truth. This gentleman firmly believed ( because he was divorced for an unscriptural reason) that the writings in the four accounts of the Gospel were Old Testament teachings and--therefore--no applicable to Christians today. Hence, my comment which I'm sharing with y'all.
As always—I am calm and respectful whilst writing this note.
The following is generally considered to be true:
Matthew—written to a Jewish audience in approx.. 50-70 a.d. Mark-written to Christians in approx. 55-70 a.d. Luke-written to Greeks most probably. This is considered to be so because Luke is Greek and he uses language, etc. that would appeal to a Greek audience in approx. 63 a.d.or upwards. John-written to Gentiles probably before 70 a.d. as the destruction of the temple was not mentioned.
The book of Matthew for a Jewish readership. In explaining all the prophecies and how they were coming to fruition right before their eyes, Matthew was using symbolic/figurative blah blah blah language which only Jews would understand because they were very well versed in the Old Testament. In Matthew 22, He was warning the Jews about what would happen if they rejected Him. Why would He be warning them about their punishment if he wasn’t teaching them what they needed to know to avoid said punishment?
With every amount of respect due you, John, logic must prevail. Why--in a time period of approximately 20-40 years after Christ died and the New Testament/The Kingdom of God/The Church were established—would these writers be writing these four accounts of the Gospel to these different recipients if the information wasn’t for them to use and follow NOW?
And—just a thought, sir. Why is it so unreasonable an idea that Jesus was LIVING in the Old Testament era, but teaching His audiences what they needed to know for the New Testament era which was very close to becoming reality. What jobs have you ever had where the boss didn’t teach you what you needed to know before he put you to work? Would it have been right and honorable for him to have NOT taught you what to expect and then to punish you for not doing what he wanted you to do or for doing what he didn’t want you to do? It just wouldn’t have. The four accounts of the Gospel were records of Jesus teaching people the new rules.
--Just something to consider.
