Truth Be Told: A Blog by Pastor Bill Alderson

  There seems to be no real consensus about the year each of the gospels was written, but it is fairly clear that the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written before A.D. 65, while John’s Gospel was not written until somewhere between A.D. 90 – 100. At the end of the first century, the Christian world was made up mainly of Gentiles, while the early gospels appeared during a time dominated by Jewish Christians. In addition, the 30+ year time difference represented a maturing of the Christian community regarding its understanding of doctrine since the lion’s share of New Testament works had been circulating among the churches for many years. It also meant that doctrinal deviations and heresies were appearing. John's Gospel and his letters addressed some of these heresies, including Gnosticism and Docetism, which challenged the humanity of Christ and the value of the material realm. Ultimately, John accepted and acknowledged to others his agreement with the facts prese...

  And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined [krino - judge in one's own mind as to what is right, proper, expedient; to deem, decide, determine, resolve] to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified .                   1 Corinthians 2:1-2   Paul’s first letter to Corinth addressed many issues the church and its leadership faced, beginning with a problem of factions within the church. He encouraged them that there be no divisions among you (1 Corinthians 1:10). Through a deeper conversation about the word of the cross, he highlighted that the wisdom and power of God are not derived from men’s efforts or ability but through the Holy Spirit. Paul taught them that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world...