Evidence for God from Science

It has been speculated that Mark must have overheard it when he followed Jesus to the garden.

Incidentally, John mentions a young observer who fled away naked when the gaurds came to capture Jesus. (I've also read somewhere that the last supper house may have been his.)

Mark knew eyewitnesses

The Gospel of Mark was written by an individual who may have been only a partial witness to Jesus' life and teachings. Should this invalidate his Gospel account? Mark was intimately associated with the apostles and eyewitnesses. He was the cousin of Barnabas, a co-worker with Paul (Colossians 4:10) and is further identified as John Mark in Acts 12:12.

Robert H. Stein, professor of New Testament at Bethel Theological Seminary, points out that Mark “lived in Jerusalem and his home was a center of the early church.” Because of this, “He was no doubt privy to much eyewitness testimony,” writes Dr. Stein.

The Bible tells us Mark was closely associated with the apostle Paul in preaching the gospel message (Acts 12:25; 13:5; 15:36-39). Mark is called a fellow laborer with Paul (Philemon 24). At the end of his life, Paul instructs Timothy: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). As well, a close relationship existed between the apostle Peter and Mark, evidenced by Peter's reference to him as “my son” (1 Peter 5:13).

As a teenager, Mark may even have seen and heard Jesus. The Gospel of Mark refers to “a certain young man” who followed the arrested Christ and then fled (Mark 14:51-52). Many scholars think that this story, which plays no role in the Gospel and is not found in any other Gospel, is a cryptic reference to the author.

Mark clearly had access to Jesus' teachings through these important eyewitnesses when writing his Gospel. For this reason, we can have confidence in what Mark reported of Jesus' words, teachings and life.

What did Jesus wear? Good question! I wonder what we will wear in our immortal bodies (if you believe in a bodily resurrection)!

Also (beyond the scope of my question), do you think that Christians have to believe in the virgin birth? What if Joseph was Jesus' father. Would that make a difference to you?

Thanks.

Basically one line is of Joseph and the other of Mary. If Jesus was born of Joseph then his Line would be Cursed!

Christian2 wrote:

Basically one line is of Joseph and the other of Mary. If Jesus was born of Joseph then his Line would be Cursed!

But don't you think that perhaps God Himself voided the curse? Take a look at this:

Luke 1:29-33 NKJV
29But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

Looks like God bypassed the curse. What do you think?

God bless

Christian2 wrote:bizzt,

Thank you for the links. I will read them. Jesus' geneaology has always been of interest to me--I have a large folder full of articles on this subject. The two links you gave me are something I hadn't read before.

Thanks again.