Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
The speaker argues apostolic authority could extend to close associates (Mark with Peter, Luke with Paul) and notes early claims that Mark/Luke may have been among the “70”; what standards for “apostolic connection” feel persuasive or unpersuasive to you, and how do those standards compare with how modern Christians decide what voices are “authoritative” today?
Another way to ask: What counts as a strong enough link to the apostles for someone’s writings to be trusted (like Mark with Peter or Luke with Paul)? How is that different from how Christians today decide which voices are “authoritative”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, persuasive “apostolic connection” includes direct apostolic authorship or a close association that plausibly carries apostolic approval (Mark with Peter, Luke with Paul), and possibly belonging to an early commissioned group like the “70.” The speaker implies this is stronger than modern standards that often treat authority as coming from credentials, popularity, or personal preference rather than apostolic linkage.
- He says any canonical book is marked by “apostolic connection, either by authorship or association” (Kruger).
- Mark: the early church said he was “the companion of Peter” and his Gospel was “a written summary of Peter’s teaching,” implying Peter’s “stamp of approval.”
- Luke: he was “a close companion of Paul,” and the speaker says “there’s no doubt that Paul was aware of his writings” and could have approved them.
- He notes a late-4th-century claim (Epiphanius) that Mark and Luke were among the “70” Jesus sent out, adding a possible commissioning link (though he admits he “can’t confirm that”).
- Jude is connected through Paul’s phrase “the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord and Cephas,” suggesting the brothers may have been part of an apostolic circle.