F. The Motives of the Authors

THAT OTHERS MIGHT KNOW THE TRUTH

Luke, in the beginning of his gospel, is very clear about the reason why he wrote. He states that he investigated everything carefully and put it in writing so that the reader might know the truth about all that took place.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, {2} just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us, {3} it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; {4} so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

This good to know because traditionally the church has credited with writing both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Both of these documents together make up just a little over 27% of the New Testament!

THAT OTHERS MIGHT BELIEVE AND RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE

When the Apostle John recorded the miraculous events around the life of Jesus, he pointed out that the things he wrote were only a small percentage of all that had taken place. Furthermore, he explained that his motivation for recording these things was that his readers might come to know that Jesus was the Son of God, and that they would believe in Him and receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

“Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; {31} but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)

THAT OTHERS MIGHT HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

In his first epistle, the Apostle John tells his readers that everything he had experienced with his eyes, ears and hands he wrote so that others might take hold of the eternal life that he had already embraced. Also, John wanted his readers to join with him in having fellowship with God and with His Son Jesus Christ.

“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life– {2} and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us– {3} what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. {4} And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.” (1 John 1:1-4)

LOVE AND DUTY TOWARDS GOD:

The Apostle Paul was specifically called by God to preach to the gentiles and he knew he had a solemn responsibility to do that. Furthermore, Paul was motivated by a deep sense of gratitude toward God and Jesus Christ for the love that was given to him in Christ.

“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1)

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16)

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; {15} and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

A close look at the life of the Apostle Peter reveals that he too was motivated by a sense of duty towards God and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus. Many are familiar with the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus. The Apostle was overwhelmed with remorse realizing what he had done when he denied he knew Jesus. Later on, when Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection, Peter had the chance to redeem himself and proclaim his love for Jesus.

“This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead. {15} So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said^ to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said^ to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said^ to him, “Tend My lambs.” {16} He said^ to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said^ to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said^ to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” {17} He said^ to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said^ to him, “Tend My sheep.” (John 21:14-17)

Shortly after Jesus crucifixion the Apostle Peter and others were preaching the gospel to the people and the Jewish leaders had them arrested and put in prison. When Peter was let out of prison he went back to the temple to continue preaching and he was arrested again. When questioned, they replied they must obey God rather than men no matter what the consequences.

“And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, {28} saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” {29} But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men. {30} “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. {31} “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. {32} “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:27-32)

LOVE AND DUTY TOWARDS OTHERS

The apostle Paul again serves as a good representative of the motivation of those who were spreading the gospel in the first days of the early church. Paul’s sense of moral obligation towards his fellow man in proclaiming the truth of the gospel is apparent in his letters.

When writing about his love and concern for his countrymen the Jew people Paul said,

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1-4)

In another place, Paul explains the great lengths he is willing to go to in the hopes that he might bring the knowledge of salvation to others. He had placed all his own personal pursuits and desires aside and gave himself completely in service to others in the proclamation of the Gospel.

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. {20} And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, though not being myself under the Law, that I might win those who are under the Law; {21} to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. {22} To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)