not have had access to the many ‘compilations of statements’ that he mentions, nor would he have been able to interview any personally, as he no doubt did, such as the surviving members of Jesus’ family and the other disciples and apostles. (Luke 1:1-4) So it is reasonable to conclude that he did this before Paul’s imprisonment in Rome and most likely while Paul was in prison in Caesarea, which was during 56 to 58.

As for Mark’s Gospel, there can be no doubt that it was written in Rome and for Romans by reason of its style, Latinisms and explanatory remarks, even as is the testimony of the early church overseers. (See The Watchtower, November 1, 1961, pages 664, 665.) But just when? We read of Mark’s leaving Paul and Barnabas and later of Paul’s separating from Barnabas over Mark, Barnabas taking Mark with him to Cyprus. (Acts 12:12; 13:13; 15:37-39) But then for many years we hear nothing of Mark until Paul tells us of his being with him in Rome. (Col. 4:10, 11; Philem. 24) It appears that when Paul was released Mark left Rome, for at 2 Timothy 4:11, written when Paul was again in Rome, Paul requests Timothy to come as soon as possible and to bring Mark along with him. This would seem to argue that only Paul’s presence in Rome brought Mark there each time and that therefore it was only after Paul was imprisoned that Mark wrote his Gospel for the Romans.

Mark without a doubt got his information from Peter and it is apparent that he must have spent some time with Peter for Peter to refer to him as “Mark my son.” This most likely was after Mark’s separation from Paul and between Paul’s first and second imprisonments, when it appears that Peter wrote his first if not also his second letter.—1 Pet. 5:13.

Thus by reasoning upon the Scriptural testimony we can see why it is reasonable to hold that Luke wrote his Gospel before Mark wrote his.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Jehovah’s witnesses, as followers of the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” display lionlike courage in carrying out their commission to preach the Kingdom good news in the face of intense opposition from wicked men. As they share in this preaching work during March they will offer a year’s subscription for The Watchtower, with three Bible-study booklets, for $1.

MEMORIAL

“Do this in remembrance of me,” said Jesus as he instituted the evening meal memorializing his death. This year the date to observe the Memorial is Monday, April 8, after 6 p.m., Standard Time. On this evening all of Jehovah’s witnesses, both those of the anointed remnant and the “other sheep,” will assemble at their places of meeting to hear a stimulating discourse appropriate to the occasion, following which the emblems, the bread and the wine, will be passed separately after Jehovah’s blessing has been asked upon each. In conclusion those present will be encouraged to arrange their affairs to have a share in making known to others the good news of God’s kingdom through Christ. All persons of goodwill are invited and encouraged to attend. If you do not know where the nearest Kingdom Hall is located, write the publishers of this magazine for information.

READING WITH A PURPOSE

For many centuries sincere men have looked to God’s Word for their answers to life’s problems. Yet today, in a world where God’s Word, the Bible, has had its widest circulation, comparatively few men read the Bible with any serious purpose. Do you? The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is a modern-English version that provides the best in Bible reading because it enables you to read with understanding. Obtain your copy for $1. You will be glad you did.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

April 28: Inner Harmony—Proof of the Bible’s Divine Authorship. ¶1-20. Page 168.

May 5: Inner Harmony—Proof of the Bible’s Divine Authorship, ¶21-29, also Jehovah’s Change of Instrument. Page 174.