Tag: Church History

Not So Anonymous: Evidence for the Early Existence of the Titles of the Gospels

The end of the Gospel of Luke with the title of the Gospel of John.
~ Matthew Mangum ~ Leave a comment

An observant reader of the New Testament will note that all four of the Gospels are formally anonymous. The Synoptics do not give any hint concerning authorship, while John’s Gospel only hints at the author’s identity in the cryptic title of the “disciple whom Jesus loved.”[1] The question naturally arises about where the titles of … Continue reading Not So Anonymous: Evidence for the Early Existence of the Titles of the Gospels

Different Gospels: Quotations from Apocryphal Gospels

~ Matthew Mangum ~ Leave a comment

There is a fascination with the idea of “lost Gospels” or “secret Gospels” that were “suppressed” by the “theological winners.” The canon of the Bible is only in the form it is because a certain group won out, so the reasoning goes. Such reasoning may be seen from Bart Ehrman: But where did this book … Continue reading Different Gospels: Quotations from Apocryphal Gospels

Historical Precedent for Regular Observance of the Lord’s Supper

~ Matthew Mangum ~ Leave a comment

What is the proper frequency with which to partake of the Lord’s Supper? Weekly? Monthly? Quarterly? Despite the common misconception the Scripture prescribes weekly, the Bible actually does not command how regularly it should be done (Jesus does not say “as often as you come together,” but rather “as often as you drink...”). Though the … Continue reading Historical Precedent for Regular Observance of the Lord’s Supper

Some 18th Century Traditions as a Guide to Detecting our Own

~ Matthew Mangum ~ Leave a comment

In my recent reading, I have been spending a reasonable amount of time looking into the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the things that I have noticed has been how certain traditions, that to us today seem quite strange, had taken hold and greatly impacted what was considered to be appropriate Christian practice. These … Continue reading Some 18th Century Traditions as a Guide to Detecting our Own

On Traditions Surrounding the Martyrdoms of Peter and Paul

~ Matthew Mangum ~ Leave a comment

It is quite likely, if you are a Christian, that you have heard some reference to traditions that exist concerning the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul. It usually goes something along the lines of “Peter was crucified upside-down because he did not feel worthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord” and … Continue reading On Traditions Surrounding the Martyrdoms of Peter and Paul