Who were Mark, Luke and John?
By Anakata2007
@Anakata2007 (1785)
Canada
4 responses
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
20 Feb 07
You are correct, Anakata, when you say Matthew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector, but when Jesus called him to follow Him, he left everything. Matthew was highly intelligent. His writing clarifies for Jews how Jesus fulfilled many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah.
John was also one of the twelve disciples, and often refers to himself as the beloved disciple. Peter, James and John were Jesus' closest friends. John & James were brothers, sons of Zebedee. John also wrote three epistles and the book of Revelation.
Mark (John Mark) was a disciple of Jesus, but not one of the twelve. Mark was a valuable companion to three of the early Christian leaders: Paul, Barnabas and Peter. Mark spent much time with Peter and his Gospel seems to have come mostly from the oft repeated accounts of Peter. Mark was very active in the early Church and went on missionary journeys with Paul and with Barnabas.
Luke was not one of the twelve, but as he states in his opening, he preserves accurately the account of eyewitnesses. Luke was a doctor and used his thoroughness to fully investigate and analyse. His conclusion? Jesus Christ is true! Luke also wrote the book of Acts. He accompanied Paul on many missionary journeys and carefully recorded historical events.
@Anakata2007 (1785)
• Canada
20 Feb 07
thanks! Actually you also answered another one of my questions...WHo was Jesus's "beloved disciple". Is John the "one that Jesus loved?" Do you know why he referred to himself that way?
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
20 Feb 07
Yes. John often referred to himself that way. We are not told WHY he did this, but as you will notice, the theme of both the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John is the great love of God. I think John was so overwhelmed by the love of God for him, that he humbly called himself the one whom He loved. I can relate to that. I often wonder how Jesus could love me to such an extent!
It is seen that John often sat next to Jesus at meals and shared a real bond with Him. Peter, James and John were the closest friends of Jesus, and they were the ones who were privileged to witness His transfiguration.
If you have yet read the first epistle of John, I would suggest this is good reading. The second and third epistles were written to specific people for specific purposes, but the first epistle is to all disciples and relates to daily living. You will see Jesus referred to in terms of Love, Life and Light.
1 person likes this
@ReyM21 (281)
• Philippines
21 Feb 07
As far as I know, Mark was an early follower of Peter; Luke (Bible scholars believed that he was the author of the book of ACTS) was a doctor and one of the financial supporters of the group-- both were not considered as disciples but they were all friends of Jesus. John or John the Beloved is the disciple whom Jesus 'loved so much', the writer of JOHN books and the REVELATION.
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
31 Oct 08
Luke was Paul's companion during his travels to preach Christianity. It is believed he was a doctor. He is the author of one of the gospels. It is also believe that he is the author of the Acts of the Apostles. Mark traveled with his cousin Barnabus and with Paul. JOhn was one of the Apostles, he was one of the sons of Zebedee and Salome. © ronaldinu 2008
@mcaf1970 (140)
• Philippines
26 Feb 07
mark, luke, & john are 3 of the 4 evangelists in new testament. matthew is also one of the evangelists. in iconography the 4 evangelists are represented in the ff. symbols: matthew the evangelist, author of 1st gospel,symbolized by a man; mark the evangelist, author, of 2nd gospel symbolized by a lion; luke the evangelist, author of 3rd gospel & acts of apostles, symbolized by a bull or calf; john the evangelist, author of 4th gospel symbolized an eagle.
