THE BOOK OF GOSPELS

THE FOUR BOOK OF GOSPELS.

BOOK OF MATTHEW.

Mt1: The record of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Mary bore a son by the Holy Spirit. An angel told Joseph to name him Jesus.

Mt2: Wise men came from the east to worship the child. King Herod ordered that all the baby boys be killed. An angel warned Joseph to flee.

Mt3: John the Baptist was preaching, "Repent, the kingdom is near!" Jesus was baptised by John. A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son."

Mt4: Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him. He preached and healed the sick.

Mt5: Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart. I have come to fulfil the law. Whoever is angry will be judged. I say, love your enemies."

Mt6: "Do your good deeds in secret. Pray, 'Father, your kingdom come.' You cannot serve God and money. Do not be anxious about your life."

Mt7: "Do not judge others. Do to others what you would have them do to you. Whoever obeys is like a man who built his house on the rock."

Mt8: Jesus cleansed a leper. He healed the servant of a centurion who had faith. He calmed a storm at sea and cast demons out of two men.

Mt9: Jesus healed a paralytic. Many sinners came to eat with him. He raised a girl to life and healed two blind men. The crowds marvelled.

Mt10: Jesus sent out the twelve to proclaim the kingdom. "You will be hated for my name, but do not fear. Whoever receives you receives me."

Mt11: John sent word from prison. Jesus said, "John the Baptist is Elijah." Jesus denounced the cities and said, "Come, my burden is light."

Mt12: The Pharisees opposed Jesus when he healed on the Sabbath. He said, "A tree is known by its fruit. The sign of Jonah will be given."

Mt13: Jesus gave a parable about a sower. He told the disciples, "Seeing they do not see." He said, "The kingdom is like hidden treasure."

Mt14: Herod had John the Baptist killed. Jesus fed 5,000 men with five loaves and two fish. Jesus came to the disciples walking on the sea.

Mt15: Jesus challenged the Pharisees about tradition. He healed a Canaanite woman's daughter. He taught on the mountain and fed 4,000 men.

Mt16: Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus told them that he must be killed and be raised. He said, "Take up your cross and follow me."

Mt17: Jesus took Peter, James and John and was transfigured. A voice said, "This is my son." Jesus healed an epileptic. Peter paid the tax.

Mt18: Jesus said, "Become like children to enter the kingdom. A shepherd searches for the lost sheep. Forgive seventy times seven times."

Mt19: Jesus was asked about divorce. He said, "Do not separate what God has joined." He told a rich man, "Sell everything and follow me."

Mt20: "The kingdom is like a master paying wages." Jesus told the disciples, "The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mt21: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He healed and taught in the temple. "A man sent his son to his tenants, but they killed him."

Mt22: Jesus said, "The kingdom is like a wedding." The Pharisees questioned him about the law. He said, "Love God and love your neighbour."

Mt23: Jesus said, "The Pharisees preach but do not practise. You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. You kill and crucify the prophets."

Mt24: Jesus said, "In the end there will be tribulation. Let those in Judea flee. The Son of Man will come in glory. No one knows the day."

Mt25: "The kingdom is like virgins awaiting the bridegroom. A man entrusted talents to his servants. The Son of Man will judge the nations."

Mt26: Jesus took Passover with his disciples. He prayed in agony in Gethsemane. Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests. Peter denied him.

Mt27: Jesus was handed over to Pilate. The crowd said, "Crucify him!" He was mocked and crucified. Darkness fell and he gave up his spirit.

Mt28: The women went to the tomb. An angel said, "He has risen!" Jesus met them. He came to the eleven and said, "Go and make disciples."

Interesting facts about Matthew.

Meaning - Gift of the Lord.
Author - Matthew, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14).

Time written - Possibly between 58-68 A.D.

Position of the Bible -

40th book in the Bible.

1st book in the Old Testaments.

1st book in the Gospels.

26 books to follow it.

Chapters : 28.

Verses : 1071.

Observations:

1. Matthew uses quotes from the Old Testaments to establish that Jesus Christ is Messiah.
2. More than 130 times Matthew uses quotations and allusions to the Old Testaments to show that Jesus fulfils the qualifications of Messiah.
3. Matthew often uses the phrase, that which was spoken through the prophets should be fulfilled" That phrase does not appear once in Mark, Luke, or John.
4. The phrase, "Son of David," referring to the David line, occurs 9 times in Matthew, but only 6 times collectively in Mark, Luke, and John
5. Matthew shows his Jewish readers that Jesus Christ is the culmination of promises delivered over a thousand period
6. Matthew shows that God's redemptive plan is well even after 400 years of prophetic silence.
7. Messiah means "the Anointed One".
8. Matthew gives a large reception in his house so his associates could meet Jesus. Matthew 9.10
9. The last appearance of his name in the Bible is in Acts 1:13
10. The phrase, "kingdom of heaven appears 55 times in Matthew
11. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to follow Him.
12. As a publican (tax collector), Matthew was no doubt disliked by his countrymen.

Matthew is the Gospel record:

1.  Written by a Jews - Matthew.
2.  Written to Jews - his countrymen. 
3. Written about a Jews - the long - awaited Messiah.

The turning point in the Book of Matthew comes in chapter 12 when the Pharisees formally reject Jesus as the Messiah, saying that His power comes from Satan and not from God. Christ's ministry changes immediately with

1. His increased use of parables
2. Increased attention to his disciples 
3. His repeated statements that His death is now near.

The Book of Matthew is placed first in the canon of the New Testament books by the early church because of its natural bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

BOOK OF MARK.

Mk1: Jesus was baptised by John. He called Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. He preached and cast out demons. He healed a leper.

Mk2: Many gathered at the house. Jesus forgave a paralytic his sins and healed him. He was questioned about fasting and keeping the Sabbath.

Mk3: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Great crowds followed him. He appointed twelve apostles. He said, "Whoever obeys God is my family."

Mk4: Jesus taught a parable about a sower and many others. He explained everything to the disciples. In the boat he calmed a great storm.

Mk5: Jesus delivered a man of many demons. They entered a herd of pigs. He healed a woman with a haemorrhage and raised Jairus' daughter.

Mk6: He sent the twelve out to preach. Herod executed John the Baptist. Jesus fed 5,000 men. He came to the disciples walking on the sea.

Mk7: The Pharisees questioned Jesus about tradition. He said, "Evil comes from within." He delivered a Gentile girl and healed a deaf man.

Mk8: Jesus fed 4,000 people and healed a blind man. Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus told them that he must be killed and rise again.

Mk9: Jesus took Peter, James and John and was transfigured. He healed an epileptic. The disciples argued about which of them was greatest.

Mk10: Jesus was questioned about divorce. He told a rich man to sell everything. He said, "The first must be last." He healed Bartimaeus.

Mk11: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He drove the money-changers from the temple. The elders asked, "Who gave you this authority?"

Mk12: Jesus said, "A man's tenants killed his son." The Pharisees questioned him about the law. He said, "Love God and love your neighbour."

Mk13: Jesus said, "In the end you will be hated by all. Let those in Judea flee. The Son of Man will come in glory. No one knows the day."

Mk14: Jesus took Passover with his disciples. He prayed in agony in Gethsemane. Judas betrayed him to the chief priests. Peter denied him.

Mk15: Jesus was handed over to Pilate. The crowd cried, "Crucify him!" He was mocked and crucified. Darkness fell and he breathed his last.

Mk16: The women went to the tomb. A man in white said, "He has risen!" Jesus appeared to the disciples. He said, "Go and preach the gospel."

Interesting Facts About Gospel Mark.

AUTHOR: "John whose surname was Mark." Acts 15:3

TIME WRITTEN: Possibly between 58-68 A.D.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE: 

41st Book in the Bible.

2nd Book in the New Testament

3rd book in the Gospels.

25 Books to follow it.

CHAPTERS: 16

VERSES: 578

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT MARK:

1. The writer Mark is John Mark.
2. John's mother had a large house that was used as a meeting place for the church in Jerusalem. 
3. According to Acts 12:12, Barabas and John Mark were cousins.
4. It may be that Peter led Mark to Christ.1 Peter 5:13-Mark my son. 
5. Barnabas & Saul took John Mark with them when they returned from the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15.
6. Mark proceeded with them on the 1st missionary journey.
7. Mark turned back in Phyrgia in Pamphylia, and returned to Jerusalem.Of the four books of biography (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John), the Book of Mark is the shortest of the four.
8. Mark was written for Roman readers.
9. The Book of Mark stresses the works of Jesus rather than the words of Jesus.

When Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on the 2nd missionary journey, Paul refused. The disagreement led to:

• Barnabas taking Mark and travelling to Cyprus.
• Paul taking Silas and travelling through Syria and Cilicia.

Eventually matters worked out between Paul and John Mark as is evidenced by:

• Approximately 12 years later Paul wrote that Mark was with him during his first flagman imprisonment.
• Near the end of his life, Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:11 "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

Only four parables are given in Mark.

19 miracles are recorded in rapid fashion. 

The quick succession of events in Mark is indicated by one Greek word which occurs 41 times in the book and is translated by seven different words:

-"Immediately"

- "Anon"

-"As soon as"

-"Forthwith"

- "Shortly" - Straightway

-"By and by"

Mark records the effects of amazement, fear and awe that the miracles of Christ had upon the people.

BOOK OF LUKE

Lk1: The angel Gabriel foretold the birth of John. He told Mary, "You will have a son named Jesus." Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord!"

Lk2: Mary gave birth in Bethlehem. Angels sent shepherds to see the child. Jesus was presented at the temple. He grew in wisdom and stature.

Lk3: John came from the wilderness preaching repentance. Jesus was baptised. He was son of David, son of Abraham, son of Adam, son of God.

Lk4: Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In the synagogue he read out, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me." He healed all the sick.

Lk5: Simon, James and John left everything and followed Jesus. Jesus forgave and healed a paralytic. The Pharisees asked him about fasting.

Lk6: Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. He chose twelve apostles. He said, "Blessed are the poor. Love your enemies. Hear and do my words."

Lk7: Jesus healed a centurion's servant and raised a widow's son. John sent messengers to Jesus. A woman washed Jesus' feet with her tears.

Lk8: Jesus told a parable about a sower. He explained it to his disciples. He calmed a storm, delivered a man and healed Jairus' daughter.

Lk9: Jesus sent out the twelve. He fed 5,000 men. Peter said, "You are the Christ." Jesus said, "Take up your cross." He was transfigured.

Lk10: Jesus sent out the seventy-two. A lawyer asked, "Who is my neighbour?" Jesus said, "A man was robbed. He was helped by a Samaritan."

Lk11: Jesus said, "Pray, 'Father, your kingdom come.' Seek and you will find. Only the sign of Jonah will be given. Woe to you Pharisees!"

Lk12: Jesus said, "Even the hairs of your head are numbered. Sell your possessions. Be ready for the Son of Man. I came to bring division."

Lk13: Jesus said, "Repent or you will perish." He healed a woman on the Sabbath. He said, "Seek the narrow door. I must go on to Jerusalem."

Lk14: Jesus said, "Choose the lowest place. A man gave a banquet but his guests made excuses. To be my disciple you must carry your cross."

Lk15: Jesus said, "Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. A son squandered his father's wealth. He returned and his father called a feast."

Lk16: "A shrewd manager reduced his master's bills before he was fired. Abraham would not send Lazarus to comfort a rich man in Hades."

Lk17: Jesus said, "If your brother repents, forgive him." He healed ten lepers. He said, "In his day the Son of Man will light up the sky."

Lk18: Jesus gave parables about prayer. He told a rich man to sell everything. He said, "The Son of Man will be killed but he will rise."

Lk19: Jesus ate with Zacchaeus. He told a parable about servants in the kingdom. He rode into Jerusalem on a colt and wept over the city.

Lk20: The elders questioned Jesus' authority. Jesus said, "A man's tenants killed his son." So they asked about taxes and the resurrection.

Lk21: Jesus said, "The temple will be thrown down. Jerusalem will be trampled. The Son of Man will come in glory. Stay awake at all times."

Lk22: Jesus took Passover with the disciples. He prayed at the Mount of Olives. Judas betrayed him to the chief priests. Peter denied him.

Lk23: Jesus was taken to Pilate. The crowd said, "Crucify him!" He was crucified with two criminals. Darkness fell and he breathed his last.

Lk24: The women found the tomb empty. Jesus met two on the road to Emmaus. He appeared to the disciples and opened the Scriptures to them.

Interesting Facts About Luke

AUTHOR: Luke

TIME WRITTEN: Prior to 70 A.D.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

42nd book in the Bible.

3rd book in the New Testament 

3rd book in the Gospels.

24 Books to follow it.

CHAPTERS: 24

VERSES: 1,151.

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT GOSPEL LUKE:

1. Luke was a physician.
2. Luke was not one of the 12 apostles.

The Greek name "Luke" appears only three times in the New Testament.

• Colossians 4:14
• 2 Timothy 4:1
• Philemon 24

1. Luke was either a Hellenistic Jew or a Gentile. 
2. It is more likely that he was a gentile.
3. In Colossians 4:10-14, Paul lists three fellow workers who are of the circumcision" (Jews) (vs. 10-11) and then includes Luke's name with two Gentiles (vs. 12-14).

According to tradition:

• Luke remained unmarried.
• Luke died at the age of 84.

Luke gives the most complete account of Christ's: 

• Ancestry.
• Birth.
• Development.

1. The Book of Luke is the longest of the four books of Biography.
2. Luke's emphasis on chronological and historical accuracy makes it more comprehensive than Matthew, Mark, or John,
3. Luke traces Jesus ancestry all the way back to Adam.
4. The first thirty years of Jesus' life is summed up in one verse, Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Key words in the Book of Luke:

• "Son of Man" - 23 times.
• "Son of God" - 7 times.
• "Kingdom of God" - 32 times.

BOOK OF JOHN

Jn1: The Word of God became flesh and dwelt with us. John the Baptist bore witness to him. Andrew told Simon Peter and they followed Jesus.

Jn2: Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. He drove money-changers from the temple. He said, "Destroy this temple and I will raise it."

Jn3: Jesus told Nicodemus, "Be born again. Whoever believes in the Son will have eternal life." John the Baptist said, "He is above all."

Jn4: Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman about her husbands. She said, "Can this be the Christ?" Many believed. He healed an official's son.

Jn5: Jesus healed a man at Bethesda. He said, "The Son only does what he sees the Father doing. My works and the Scriptures bear witness."

Jn6: Jesus fed 5,000 men and walked across the sea. He said, "I am the bread of life. My flesh is true food." Many disciples turned back.

Jn7: Jesus went to the feast. The people said, "Is this the Christ?" The chief priests tried to arrest him. He called out, "Come and drink."

Jn8: Jesus did not condemn a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees questioned him. He said, "If God were your Father you would love me."

Jn9: Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees called the man and threw him out. Jesus said, "I came that the blind may see."

Jn10: Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I give my life for the sheep." They asked, "Are you the Christ?" He said, "My sheep follow me."

Jn11: Lazarus died. Jesus went to the tomb and said, "Lazarus, come out." Lazarus came out. The chief priests plotted to put Jesus to death.

Jn12: Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The crowd shouted, "Hosanna!" He said, "The Son of Man must be lifted up. I have come to save the world."

Jn13: Jesus washed the disciples' feet. He said, "One of you will betray me." Judas left. Jesus said, "Love each other as I have loved you."

Jn14: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am in the Father and the Father in me. He will give you the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid."

Jn15: "I am the vine, you are the branches. You are my friends if you do what I command. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you."

Jn16: "The Spirit will convict the world of sin. He will guide you into all truth. Your sorrow will turn to joy. I am going to the Father."

Jn17: Jesus said, "Father, I have revealed your name to those you gave me. Sanctify them in the truth. May all who believe in me be one."

Jn18: Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests. Peter denied him. He was sent before Pilate. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world."

Jn19: The soldiers took Jesus and crucified him. He said, "It is finished." He gave up his spirit. A soldier pierced his side with a spear.

Jn20: Mary went to the tomb and found it empty. Jesus met her. He came and stood among the disciples. Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!"

Jn21: Jesus appeared as the disciples were fishing. He said to Peter, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep." The beloved disciple has testified.

Interesting facts about Gospel John

Meaning : "Yahweh has been Gracious".

Author : John.

Time written: between 60-90A.D

Position in the Bible: 

43rd book in the Bible.

4th book in the Gospel.

4th book in New Testaments.

23 books follow by it.

Chapters: 21.

Verses: 879.

Observations:

1. Mark 3:17 Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James as "sons of thunder".
2. John the son of Zebedee and Salome.
3. John was the disciple of John the Baptist until he was called to follow Jesus at the outset of the lord's ministries. 1:19-61.
4. John mentioned 3 times in the book of acts which accociated with Peter 
5. Acts 3:1, 4:13, 8:14.
6. According to the revelation 1:9 John was exited at the island of patmos by the Romans.
7. John is identified as the disciple "whom Jesus loved".
8. John was second only to Paul in the number of New Testaments books written.

John authored five of the books in New Testaments.

• John.
• One John.
• Two John.
• Three John.
• Revelation.

1. He was probably the last survival of the apostles.
2. John's purpose of writing explained in John 20:31-
3. "That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God and the believing may have life in His name".
4. John focused on the meaning of the Lord's action rather than the action themselves.
5. The Book of John is topical rather than being so much chronological.

The deity of Christ can be seen in seven 'l am' statement of Christ.

• John 6:35,48 - I am the bread of life.
• John 8:12, 9:5 - I am the light of the world.
• John 10:7,9 - I am the door.
• John 10:11, 14 - I am the good shepherd.
• John 11:25 - I am the resurrection and the life.
• John 14:6 - I am the way, the truth and the life.
• John 15:1 - I am the vine.

In the book of John, Christ referred as the "father" more than 100 times.

WHY FOUR GOSPELS???
4 GOSPELS, 4 PERSPECTIVES.