Gospels Revision Questions and Answers

Divinity (Gospels)Revision Questions and Answers

Examine the meanings of the miracle stories found in Mark.

The request to ‘analyse and discuss’ means that it should not be simply a list of the main miracles found in Mark. It can be seen as the opportunity to discuss the more ‘human’ side as Jesus compared to the way He is presented in the other Gospels. There are limitations to His power:
• The rejection of Jesus at Nazareth (6:1–6) is important, especially when set beside parallel accounts in Matthew and Luke; Jesus is described as the ‘son of Mary’, He ‘could do no mighty works’ and was amazed at their unbelief’;
• Mark’s inclusion of 7:31–37 and 8:22–26 (both omitted in Matthew and Luke); he took Simon’s mother-in-law by the hand to help her up … , etc.
• Is the Markan Jesus performing more like a traditional shamanistic figure?
However Mark definitely sees Jesus as the ‘Son of God’ who is able to perform miracles in nature in which he demonstrates ‘the power of, and over, creation.’

Qstn. “Luke is the most historically accurate of all the Gospels.” Discuss.

This does not require a lot of information by way of comparison with other Gospels but there should be an attempt to make some comparisons.
Essays should start with the dedication to Theophilus and then attempt to put the Gospel within the wider historical context of events. Key verses:
• 1:5
• 2:1
• 3:1
• 13:4
• There are serious questions as to the historicity when looking at the Birth Narratives and the way the miraculous is heightened from Mark.
• Raises the question as to whether Luke is writing ‘theological history’
• Even though Acts is not part of the syllabus, well-informed candidates are likely to mention it as the ‘second part’ of Luke’s work in relation to the historical accuracy of the gospel

Qstn.Assess the claim that Luke believed the Kingdom of God had arrived through the ministry of Jesus.

Examiners should make sure that only Lukan material is credited in this question. The specific point of issue is that of the closeness or immediacy. Although the future element remains ch12 and ch21 there are many passages in Luke which refer to the Kingdom ‘having arrived’, the miracles providing the demonstration of its power.
• The Magnificat, the Benedictus and the Nunc Dimittis in chapters 1 & 2;
• 7:22 to the disciples of John the Baptist;
• The time longed for by the prophets and kings (10:23), looked for by crowds (11:9) – all present in the work of Jesus; Satan falling like lightning (10:17); but the signs of the times

Courtsey of Cambridge Examinations

For more information

Contact us +263779210440 or follow the Facebook page Brian Maregedze or like the page Divinity and History A level.

★With God all things are possible★