1.The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Mark
2.The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Matthew
3.The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Luke

The Apostle John starts out by saying that Jesus Christ is the Word of God who was with God and God and everything was created by Him for Him:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:1-3

Jesus Christ was the first acts of The Father and his wisdom that is portrayed in proverbs 8

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.
²³ I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
Pro 8:22-23

–

By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And all the host of them by the breath (Spirit) of His mouth.
Psa 33:6

Jesus Christ being omniscient when he told Nathanael, He saw him under the Fig Tree.

⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
⁴⁶ And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
⁴⁸ Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
⁴⁹ Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Jn 1:44-49

He told the Jews, He possesses the ability to raise his body from dead

¹⁸ So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”
¹⁹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
²⁰ Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”
²¹ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. ²² Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
Jn 2:18-22

The Discerner of Hearts of men by his omniscient power

²³ Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. ²⁴ But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,²⁵ and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
Jn 2:23-25

A Nobleman’s Son Healed by the omnipotence power of Jesus Christ without having to physically be there.

⁴⁶ So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. ⁴⁷ When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

⁴⁹ The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. ⁵¹ And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”

⁵² Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” ⁵³ So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.
Jn 4:46-53

Jews complain about Jesus Christ healing on the Sabbath and his claim to be equal with God.

¹⁰ The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
¹¹ He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”
¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

¹⁶ For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. ¹⁷ But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
¹⁸ Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.
Jn 5:10-18

Equality of The Father and The Son in power and honor.

¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
²¹ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
²² For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,
²³ that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
Jn 5:19-23

The “I AM” of Jehovah is Jesus Christ

And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.²⁴ Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Jn 8:23-24

–

Now see that I, even I, am He,
And there is no God besides Me;
I kill and I make alive;
I wound and I heal;
Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.
Deut 32:29

Before Abraham Was, I AM

The gospel started by stating that Jesus Christ in the Word of God became flesh(man) which indicate the pre-existence of the word. We read here that Jesus claim that he actually saw prophet Abraham and when Abraham saw him he was glad.

⁴⁸ Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.⁵⁰ And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges.⁵¹ Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

–

After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

² But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”

⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” ⁵ Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

⁶ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Gen 15:1-6

Our Lord accepts worship by the Blind man

³⁵ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

³⁶ He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

³⁷ And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

³⁸ Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
Jn 9:35-38

Lazarus fell asleep.
Our Lord, shows he has the power of knowing what takes place without him actually physically be there. when Lazarus died, he told the disciples “Lazarus fell asleep” but they didn’t understand what he meant. He allowed Lazarus to die so it be a sign for them to believe in Him

⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. ⁷ Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

⁸ The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

⁹ Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.¹⁰ But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”¹¹ These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

¹² Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” ¹³ However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

¹⁴ Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.¹⁵ And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
Jn 11:5-15

The Triumphal Entry
Jehovah King has come and to fulfill  [Psa 118:25-2] [Zach 9:9]

¹² The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”
Psa 118:25-2

¹⁴ Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:

Who Has Believed Our Report?
The unbelief of the people of Israel was prophesied by Isaiah and Isaiah saw Jesus Christ!

³⁷ But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, ³⁸ that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [Isa 53:1]

³⁹ Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:

⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.” [Isa 6:10]

⁴¹ These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
John 12:37-41

The Answered Prayer
Jesus Christ has the omnipresence power, once He goes to the Father, He can answer the prayers of believers who ask anything in His name

¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14

Jesus Prays for Himself
He asked the Father to glorify him with the glory had had along side of Him before the world existed, this shows his pre-existence.

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,² as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.³ And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.⁴ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.⁵ And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
John 17:1-5

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane
Our Lord has the omniscience for knowing what’s gonna happen ahead of time and omnipotent for making the guards fall down on their back by saying ” I AM HE”

18 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. ² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. ³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

⁵ They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. ⁶ Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
John 18:1-6

They will look on Me whom they pierced.
Jesus is the person who speaking in [Zech 12:10] and spoken of in [Rev 1:7] and fulfilled in [John 19:31-37]

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
Zech 12:10

–

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Rev 1:7

–

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Notoneof His bones shall be broken.”³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
John 19:31-37

My Lord and My God
He is risen and accepts worship from Thomas.

²⁴ Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
²⁵ The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
²⁶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”²⁷ Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

²⁸ And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of John appeared first on Mustafa.

Luke, though himself was not one of the original twelve apostles but he wrote of our Lord and he indicates knowledge of other written sources (1:1)

In This gospel account, Luke recorded many stories already mentioned in different gospel accounts but they’re still conveying the same story, that is Jesus christ is God Son in Flesh and who is also God in his nature.

As I am writing this post, I found myself notating similar evidences that I have already done in the other two gospels but with few differences:

The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Mark.
The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Matthew.

I’ll write an outline for the paralleled stories and I’ll cite the scriptures from the differences.

Luke 1:8-17 John the baptist birth, foretold and him preparing the way for The Lord to come (Jesus)
Luke 1: 26-38 The virgin birth of a Holy Son names Jesus (Jehovah Saves)
Luke 1: 67-79 Zachariah  prophecy (V.76) John prepare the way before the Lord of The covenant.

~

The 12 year old Boy Jesus acknowledge that His Father is in heaven not on earth but he was subjected to his earthly parents

⁴² And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
⁴³ When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
⁴⁴ but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
⁴⁵ So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
⁴⁶ Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
⁴⁷ And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
⁴⁸ So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
⁵⁰ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
⁵¹ Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:42-51

~

Luke 3: 1-6 John the Baptist is the fulfillment of Isaiah 43:1-5 The messenger who to prepare the way for the Lord.

~

The Trinity appears at the time Of Jesus Christ baptism.

²¹ When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.
²² And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a Voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22

Pre-existence of our Lord when casted the demon out and the demon cried  “Ha!, I know you who you are, The Holy One of God” shows demons knew who He was before his virgin birth

³¹ Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.
³² And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.
³³ Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice,
³⁴ saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
³⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.
Luke 4:31-35

Simon Peter gets on his knees to worship Jesus after the fish miracle.

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,
² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
⁴ When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
Luke 5:1-11

~

Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Heals paralytic, Forgive sins and Him being Omniscience for knowing their thoughts.

~

A man with withered hands healed  on the sabbath and Him being omniscience for knowing their thoughts.

Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered.
⁷ So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.
⁸ But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood.
⁹ Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?”
¹⁰ And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Luke 6:6-10

The Lord Jesus omnipotent and omnipresent by healing the centurion servant  without having to be there.

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.
² And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
³ So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.
⁴ And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving,
⁵ “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”
⁶ Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
⁷ Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
⁸ For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
⁹ When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
¹⁰ And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
Luke 7:1-15

The Lord omniscience power for perceiving the thoughts of the Pharisees “The woman is sinner” and he forgives the woman sins

³⁶ Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. ³⁷ And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, ³⁸ and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ³⁹ Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

⁴⁰ And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

So he said, “Teacher, say it.”

⁴¹ “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.⁴² And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

⁴³ Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”

And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”⁴⁴ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.⁴⁵ You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.⁴⁶ You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.⁴⁷ Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
⁴⁸ Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
⁴⁹ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
Luke 7:36-49

~

Luke 8: 22-25 Jesus calm a storm only God can do that. Psa 107:29
Luke 8: 26-39 Jesus heals a man of 2k demons and give permission to demons to enter the pig herd. Jesus told him go tell what God had done for you “Jesus done for me”
Luke 8: 43-48 The woman with the issue of blood get healed just by touching the fringe of his garment.
Luke 8 : 49-56 Jesus raises daughter from the dead.

~

Fallen spirits subjected to the name of Jesus (omnipotent) and Jesus pre-human existence for seeing satan falls

¹⁷ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
¹⁸ And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
¹⁹Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.²⁰Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20

~

Luke 19:28-38 Jesus riding on a donkey fulfill Zach 9:9 and people praising him to fulfill Psa 118:26
Luke 19: 45-46 Jesus drive out traders to fulfill Isa 56:7 and Jr 7:11

~

Luke 22: 7-13 Jesus foretell John and Peter about the place for passover. Omniscience power.
Luke 22:14-23 Jesus fortell the betrayal of Judas. Omniscience power.
Luke 22: 31-34 Jesus foretell Peter denial
Luke 22: 34-38 Jesus persecution to fulfill Isa 53:17
Luke 22: 54-62 Peter denies Jesus

~

Our Lord has died, risen and worshipped, that’s how it ends.

 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. ⁵² And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
Luke 24: 50-55

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Luke. appeared first on Mustafa.

In the first chapter, Matthew started his gospel by recording our Lord genealogy up until the time of his miraculous virgin birth from the Blessed Mary and he finished off the chapter saying that Son name is Jesus, he came to save his people, and that happen to fulfill Isa 7:14, although only God can save people Psa 130:8

²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

²² So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matt 1:21-23

–
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isa 7:14

–
“And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities (sins).
Psa 130:8

Prophet Isaiah spoke of a voice crying out in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord God, Matthew allude to it in Matt 3:1-3  and he says its about John the baptist preparing the way before Jesus Christ

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ” [Mal 3:1-3]
Matt 3:1-3

In Matt 9:1-7 we read two interesting things happened, one that is our Lord forgave sin which something only God can do, second, he has Divine power to read people’s minds.

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.
² Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
³ And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”
⁴ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?
⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
⁷ And he arose and departed to his house.
Matt 9:1-7

This is my favorite passage in this gospel to show the deity of christ and Trinity. Our Lord quoted Malachi 3:1 and he changed the word “Me” to “You” when he spoke of John the baptist. In Malachi 3:1 The Lord was speaking of a messenger will prepare the way before him but when Jesus changed the words of Malachi he was adding third speaking there, which could refer to God the Father speaking to Jesus about John the baptist preparing the way before him, hence why he changed the ‘Me’ to ‘You’

⁷ As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
⁸ But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
⁹ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
¹⁰ For this is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’ [Mal 3:1]

¹¹ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Here is the correct wording of Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
Mal 3:1

The power of omnipresence, He can be present with any two who gather in his name.

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Matt 18:19-20

Jesus Christ has omniscience power that He can located a donkey in a certain village. to fulfill prophecy Zack 9:9

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
² saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.
³ And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
⁴ All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

⁵ “Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [Zack 9:9]
Matt 21:1-5

Praise from children to our Lord Jesus Christ made the scribes angry because its from the Psalms and it is only Directed to God, Jesus Chirst accepted these praises because He is God who came to his temple and now he’s being praised.

¹⁴ Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. ¹⁵ But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant ¹⁶ and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,

‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?” [Psa 8:2]
Matt 21:14-16

Christ has risen, He accept worship and all authority is given to Him.

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matt 28:16-20

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post The Lord Jesus is Jehova in Gospel of Matthew appeared first on Mustafa.

The Apostle started his gospel by quoting Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 and mixed them both in way to show John the baptist is the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord Jesus Christ coming to his temple

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
² As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You. ”[Mal 3:1]
³ “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord;Make His paths straight.” [Isa 40:3]

⁴ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
⁵ Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
⁷ And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
Mark 1:1-7

The author went straight to it in chapter two to prove Jesus Christ is God in flesh by recalling a story where Jesus Christ forgave sin of a person which is a thing only God can do.

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.
² Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.
³ Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.
⁴ And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
⁶ And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
⁷ “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 2:1-7

The reason our Lord was speaking in parables to indicate that he is the Lord who was speaking in Isa 6:9-10.

¹⁰ But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.
¹¹ And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,
¹² so that‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn,And their sins be forgiven them.[Isa 6:9-10”
Mark 4:10-12

 The Lord first miracle which it was calming the storm, again something only Jehovah can do. Psa 89:9

³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Mrk 4:37-39

-cf

You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
Psa 89:9

 In chapter five we read that when Our Lord Jesus Christ healed demon possessed person with two thousands spirits asked to go and tell the people what the LORD has done for you. Mark 5:1-20

¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.
¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”
²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
Mark 5:18-20

Our Lord has the ability to foretell future events, therefore he was able to predict his death and rising from the dead after three days. Jehovah alone can foretell future events according to Isa 42:9

³¹ And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mark 8:31

-cf

Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Isa 42:9

Jesus Christ is the Lord who comes to His temple and cleans it from money changers and those who sell doves.

¹⁵ So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
¹⁶ And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.
¹⁷ Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
Mrk 11:15-17

-cf

Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord
Jr 7:11

The Trinity by our Lord Jesus Christ and how there is two Lords in heaven but they are one.

²⁸ Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

²⁹ Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

³² So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
³³ And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

³⁴ Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

But after that no one dared question Him.

³⁵ Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?
³⁶ For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

³⁷ Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”
Mrk 12:28-37

-cf

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
Psa 110:1

Those were 6 bullet point to show Jesus Christ is Jehovah

Maranatha!

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post The Lord Jesus is Jehovah in Gospel of Mark appeared first on Mustafa.

They are Both:

1- Called God.
2- Intercede for his people against the accuser (satan)
3- Almighty creator over life
4- Has God’s name in him
5- Called The Son of God
6- Forgive sins

The word Angel in Hebrew is Malach and for Greek is Angelos (where we get the word Angel in English from.) it is simply means messenger. The messenger could be Divine (The Angel Of The LORD), created heavenly messenger (Gabrial) or human (John The Baptist). 

Of The The Angel of The Lord:

1. He is Called God

The Angel of The Lord stopped Abraham from sacrifice Isaac to Him.

¹¹ But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”So he said, “Here I am.”
¹² And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
Gen 22:11-12

2. Intercede for his people against the accuser (satan)

Zechariah’s vision of Joshua of the high priest and satan at his right hand to accuse him but the Angel of the lord rebuked satan and interceded for Joshua before God.

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.
² And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
Zech 3:1-2

3. He is Almighty over Life

The Angle of The Lord appeared to Hagar and promised her that he will multiply her descendants, too many to count.

Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.
⁸ And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”
⁹ The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ¹⁰ Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.”
Gen 16:7-10

4. God’s name is in Him

In the story of Exodus God send his Angel who’s name is in name Him.

²⁰ “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
²¹ Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.
²² But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. ²³ For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.
Exo 23:20-23

5. He is the Son of God.

When, Nebuchadnezzar casted the three hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the fiery furnace, he saw a forth man with them and called him the Son of God then Blessed God for sending his Angel to deliver them.

²⁴ Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
²⁵ “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
²⁸ Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him
Dan 3:24-28

6. Forgive Sins

The same vision of prophet Zechariah when we read that the Angel interceded, later in the chapter we read the Angel forgive the sin of Joshua.

⁴ Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”
Zech 3:4

Our Lord Jesus Christ:

1. He is called God

Our Lord Jesus Christ Called the word of God and God was with God and the disciple Thomas after seeing our Lord resurrect he called him God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:28

2. Intercede for his people against satan.

Our Lord is our intercessor to defend us against satan before God.

⁹ So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Rev 12:9-11

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Rom 8:31-34

²⁵ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:25

3. He is Almighty over Life.

Our Lord is creator of all things and noting was made without him

³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:3

4. God’s name is in him

The Lord Jesus Christ share the name with The Father and The holySpirit. We read that in the great commission

¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matt 28:19-20

5. He is called the Son of God.

This one should be easy, right?

³⁴ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:34

6. Forgive Sins

Our Lord is our savior and our Judge

⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
⁶ And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
⁷ “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? ^(A)Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
⁸ But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?
⁹ Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?
¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”
Mrk 2:5-10

Three New Testament authors identify the Lord Jesus with the Angel of The Lord

-The Apostle Paul mentioned that the Israelites test the Lord in the wilderness and that Lord was Christ.

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,
² all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ³ all ate the same spiritual food,
⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. ⁵ But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
⁶ Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
⁷ And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”
⁸ Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;
⁹ nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;
1 Cor 10:1-9

-The “Brother” Of our Lord Jude said in his letter that it was christ the Lord who got the people out of Eygpt

⁵ Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
Jude 1:5

-The disciple Mark quotes Malachi 3:1 and use it to speak about John the baptist preparing the way for the Angel of the covenant for he is coming to his temple and that Angel is Jesus Christ

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
² As it is written in the Prophets:“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,Who will prepare Your way before You.”
³ “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord;Make His paths straight.’ ”
Mark 1:1-3

Our Lord is the Angel and the Angel is our Lord.

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post 6 Divine Attributes between Jesus Christ & Angel Of The Lord. appeared first on Mustafa.

Why you call me Good? No one good but God alone…Jesus Christ

If the Lord Jesus was God why then he said “No one good but God alone” to the rich servant?

This story of our Lord interacting with a rich man it is paralleled in three gospel accounts, Mark 10:17-19, Matthew 19:16-17, Luke 18:19

¹⁷ And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
¹⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
²⁰ And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
²¹ And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
²² Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
²³ And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
²⁴ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
²⁶ And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?”
²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:17-27

I understand two things from this story. First, our Lord indicating himself is God and he alone is good and gives definition to it. Second, the rich man he loved his possession more than God himself.

The Lord Jesus was challenging the definition of what is good to the rich man. What’s interesting our Lord implied it’s impossible to be saved without God but only God alone can saves.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45

In the same chapter Mark 10, Our Lord says he is the One who came to save us from our sins, which something Only God can do (mark 10:27) because he is God in flesh.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27

In Christ,

Mustafa.

The post Why do you call me Good? appeared first on Mustafa.

In Gen 1:26-27  we read for the first time God speaking in plural as in “Us” and “Our”:

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make Adam in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created Adam in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Gen 1:26-27

Adam (mankind) is finite and limited expression of the infinite and unlimited being we call God. God created Adam (mankind) to reflect the existence of him. 

God first created the male and then took another person out of him which is female and both called them Adam but how is it that the female was taken out of the male but also was called Adam? because she was taken from the man and she was always in the man therefore she out to share the name and nature of the man that’s Gen 5:1-2

 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;² Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. Gen 5:1-2

 

²⁶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father….’
John 15:26

In Christ,

Mustafa

P.S.

Further readings on The Trinity:

Let Us?

The post Adam is image of A Triune God.? appeared first on Mustafa.

In This post I’ll add more details on these books such as : Author, Date, Major Theme, Background and Outline for these books, making it helpful for new bible students.

The Gospel Of Matthew

Author—Though the gospel does not name Matthew as the author, all the early manuscripts attribute authorship to Matthew, one of the twelve disciples listed in the New Testament. His authorship is attested by the universal witness of the ancient Church.

Date—Matthew could have been written as early as AD 50, but it is more likely that it was written after the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. It was probably written over a period of years while Matthew resided in Antioch, where the church was a strong, mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch AD 67– 107, is one of the earliest witnesses to the existence of this gospel.

Major Theme—Christ, the Incarnate God, Immanuel, has inaugurated the kingdom of God and the new covenant, which is realized in the true Israel, the Church. Sub themes include:

1 . The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew shows conclusive ely that Christ, the incarnate Son of God, fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. He establishes the new covenant through His death and Resurrection and will continue to guide His Church, the true Israel of God, to the end of the age.
2. The revelation of the kingdom of God. Jesus proclaims that God’s reign has come (4:17 , 23), His power being manifested in His Son, but the fullness of the Kingdom will be consummated at Christ’s Second Coming.
3. A call to discipleship (4:18–22; 8:18–22), through mission (ch. 10; 28:1 8–20), and the beginning of the Gentile Church (8:11 , 12; 21:43; 28:19).

Background—The Gospel of Matthew, though it has come down to us in Greek, has a Jewish/Hebraic flavor, evident in its Aramaic expressions and forms and in its use of numerous quotations and arguments from the Old Testament. Furthermore, Matthew gives details of Jewish religious observances and often uses Jewish style and techniques of argument. God’s final judgment, pictured in apocalyptic images common in Jewish writings, is also emphasized. Papias, a second-century Christian author, preserves the tradition that Matthew wrote the sayings of Christ in Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time of Christ, and that others later freely translated this work into Greek

Outline
I. The Identity of Jesus Christ (1:1–2:23)
A. Who Christ is (1:1–25)
B. Events surrounding His birth (2:1–23)

II. Jesus’ Public Ministry : Revelation of the Kingdom (3:1–10:42)
A. Beginning of the ministry : the kingdom proclaimed (3:1–4:25)
B. Sermon on the Mount: righteousness of the kingdom (5:1–7 :29)
C. The mighty works of Christ: the power of the kingdom (8:1–9:38)
D. Discourse on mission (10:1–42)

III. Responses to Christ: Belief and Unbelief (11:1–25:46)
A. Responses in Galilee (11:1–1 8:35)
B. Responses in Judea and Jerusalem (1 9:1–25:46)

IV. The Passion and Resurrection of Christ (26:1–28:20)
A. Events prior to the arrest (26:1–46)
B. Jesus’ arrest (26:47 –27 :26)
C. Crucifixion, death, and burial (27 :27 –66)
D. The resurrection of Christ (28:1–1 5)
E. The Great Commission (28:1 6–20)

The Gospel Of Mark

Author—Mark the Apostle, also known as John Mark, is widely attested by the ancient Church as the author of this gospel. He traveled with Paul and Barnabas and later aided Peter (1Pt 5:13). According to tradition, Mark subsequently used Peter’s teaching as his primary source for this gospel, adding to it his personal experience and other church traditions.

Date—As with the other gospels, the exact date of writing is uncertain. Because of its connection with Rome and its lack of any clear reference to the destruction of Jerusalem (13:2), the Gospel of Mark may be dated shortly before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Many believe this was the first of the four gospels to be written.

Major Theme—Jesus Christ as Servant and Sacrifice. Sub themes include:

1 . The suffering Messiah. Christ, who acts with power and authority , is nevertheless a suffering Messiah (8:27 –33), One who has come to serve and give His life for many (10:45). Jesus is clearly the Son of God (1 :1, 11; 9:7 ; 14:61 , 62), who has power over demons, heals the sick, and forgives sins (1 :23–25; 2:10, 11 ). But He also possesses a full humanity , expressed through the agony of Gethsemane and the suffering on the cross.
2. The messianic secret. Mark underscores the fact that Jesus veiled His messianic identity . He commanded demons, the people He healed, and even the disciples to keep silent about His messiahship (1:34, 44; 8:30) until He Himself revealed the mystery before the Sanhedrin (14:62). In this gospel Peter confesses Jesus only as “the Christ” (8:29; contrast Mt 16:16; Jn 6:69). Only after the Resurrection do His followers recognize Him as God (16:14).
3. Discipleship. Though the word “disciple” never occurs in Mark, Jesus calls His followers to uncompromising and heroic commitment. True disciples take up their crosses and suffer with Jesus (8:34–38).

Background—According to some Church Fathers, Mark is writing for the Christian community of Rome, which either was experiencing the great persecution by Nero (beginning in AD 64) or was caught up in the apocalyptic fervor occasioned by the Jewish war (Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70). Mark tells the story of Jesus so his readers may see their own suffering as a prelude to the glorious Second Coming of Jesus and may discern the reward of those who endure to the end. The suffering and the glory are equally real: this was true for Jesus and will be true for all believers. The earliest manuscripts of Mark end abruptly at 16:8. Later manuscripts provide additional material (16:9–20), included in this and other versions, which the Church recognizes as inspired.

Outline
I. Prologue: Preparation for the Ministry (1:1–13)

II. The Galilean Ministry : The Kingdom Is at Hand (1 :1 4–6:29)
A. Jesus manifests the power of the kingdom (1:1 4–45)
B. Israel is divided over Jesus’ authority (2:1–5:43)
C. Nazareth divided: doubters and disciples (6:1–13)
D. The Forerunner beheaded (6:1 4–29)

III. Ministry Beyond Galilee: The Kingdom and the World (6:30–9:50)
A. Jesus relates to the Jews (6:30–7 :23)
B. Jesus relates to the Gentiles (7:24–8:26)
C. The glory of the kingdom revealed (8:27 –9:13)
D. The response of this world (9:1 4–50)

IV. Journey to Jerusalem: The Kingdom’s Discipline (10:1–52)

V. Ministry in Jerusalem: Rejection, Persecution (11:1–16:20)
A. The Messiah made manifest (11:1–13:37)
B. Betrayal and Passover meal (14:1–31)
C. The Passion (14:32–1 5:47 )
D. The Resurrection (16:1–20)

The Gospel of Luke

Author— All the early sources emphasize that the third gospel was written by Luke, who is mentioned in Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 24. By birth Luke was a Gentile from Antioch, and by profession a physician. He was a fellow worker of Paul’s: the plural “we” (Acts 20:6ff.) indicates Luke was with Paul as he traveled the coast of Asia Minor on his way to Jerusalem.

Date— In his preface to the gospel (1:1), Luke indicates knowledge of other written sources. Most scholars believe he used Mark as a source. He probably wrote his gospel either from Greece or from Asia Minor in AD 70–80.

Major Theme— The universality of the gospel message. Luke has been called an “historian” because he dates biblical events by reference to secular history (2:1, 2; 3:1). Since this is a gospel written for Christians of Gentile background, it emphasizes more than the other gospels the challenge of mission and evangelization. Salvation is described as “a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles” (2:32). At the end of the gospel, the risen Lord instructs His disciples to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins “to all nations” (24:47).
Sub themes include:

1 . Prayer. The early chapters portray righteous men and women at pray er (1 :10, 1 3, 46–55, 64; 2:20, 28–32). Jesus is portray ed frequently at prayer (3:21 ; 5:1 6; 6:1 2; 9:1 8, 28; 1 1 :1 ; 22:32, 41 ; 23:46). The gospel ends with the disciples “continually in the temple praising and blessing God” (24:53).
2. The activity of the Holy Spirit. The inspirational work of the Holy Spirit is evident every where in the gospel. Mary is “overshadowed” by the Spirit (1 :35). Jesus conducts His ministry in the fullness of the Spirit (3:22; 4:1 , 1 8; 10:21 ). The disciples were to embark upon their world mission after receiving “power from on high” (24:49), the gift of the Spirit.
3. A deep concern for sinners. Luke reports Jesus’ concern and love for sinners, with a confident hope of their repentance and forgiveness (5:1–11 ; 7:36–50; 9:51–56; 10:29–37 ; 19:1–10; 23:39–43).

Background—Luke’s is the only gospel addressed to an individual. He wrote to reassure Theophilus, a Gentile and a new believer, that God was still at work in the Christian community founded by Jesus.

Outline

I. Introduction (1:1–4)
II. Jesus’ Birth and Early Life (1:5–2:52)
1 A. The two annunciations (1:5–38)
B. Mary and Elizabeth wait together (1:39–56)
C. John’s birth and early life (1:57 –80)
D. Jesus’ birth and early life (2:1–52)

III. The Messiah Manifested (3:1–4:13)
A. The Forerunner’s message: repentance and expectation (3:1–20)
B. Jesus’ anointing as Messiah (3:21–4:13)

IV. The Great Galilean Ministry (4:14–9:50)
A. The contrast of law and grace (4:14–6:11 )
B. The separation of law from grace (6:1 2–7 :50)
C. The new kingdom is hidden from the old (8:1–56)
D. A new Israel: new manna, new glory revealed (9:1–50)

V. Later Judean and Perean Ministries (9:51–18:30)
A. The new rule for new Israel (9:51–11:13)
B. The new critiques the old (Judean ministry ) (11:1 4–1 3:21 )
C. Striving for the kingdom (Perean ministry ) (13:22–17:10)
D. Waiting for the coming kingdom (on to Jerusalem) (17 :1 1–1 8:30)

VI. Holy Week: The New Covenant Made (18:31–24:53)
A. Public fulfillment and rejection (18:31–21:38)
B. Private preparation and faithfulness (22:1–38)
C. Christ’s Passion: Passover fulfilled (22:39–23:56)
D. Resurrection (24:1–49) E. Ascension (24:50–53)

The Gospel Of John

Author—According to tradition, St. John the Apostle (also called the Theologian because of the profundity of his gospel) was assisted by St.Prochorus in writing this gospel. John, “the beloved disciple” of Christ (13:23; 21:7, 20), served as the leading authority of Ephesus for most of his ministry and wrote his gospel there. He was almost one hundred years old when he died, c. AD 96–100.

Date—This gospel, written about AD 96, is usually considered the last of the four gospels to be written, supplementing the other three.

Major Theme—The eternal Son of God has come in the flesh. The gospel was written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31).

The Gospel of John has many theological themes. They include the following:

1.The Trinity. In his gospel, John is quite explicit about the Persons of the Trinity and their relationships: They are three Persons in one nature. The Father is the Unbegotten, the Son is the Only Begotten (1:18; 3:16, 18), and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (15:26).
2. Glory. The glory of God is preeminently manifested in Christ’s earthly ministry —His Person, words, and works—but is also experienced by the Church in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Helper or Paraclete (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 ).
3.The spiritual dimension. The mystical, theological perspective dominates this gospel. The rev elation of divine life and light is resisted by this age, resulting in great spiritual warfare: the kingdom of God versus “the world” as a fallen entity in rebellion against God.
4. The sacramental dimension. John stresses the mysterious and sacramental presence and activity of God in the world, linking the saving work of Christ to baptism (3:5) and the Eucharist (6:52–59).
5. The Church. The Gospel of John testifies to a strong sense of community among the disciples, expressed through the plural “we” (1:14, 16). True disciples are those who believe in Jesus as the incarnate Son of the Father, who are united with Him, and who here and now express the life of divine love given by Christ.
6. The Paschal Theme. Three Passovers are specifically mentioned in John, hence the tradition that the public ministry of Jesus encompassed a three-year period. During the final Passover, Jesus, the Lamb of God (1:29, 36), leads His followers to a new Passover through His Death and Resurrection.
7. The Redemption of the World. In John’s perspective, the Divine Word, the Son of God, came into the world to save the world and, through the life of the Church, to offer the whole world up to God. Christ and His Church begin this transformation now.

Outline
I. The Witness, John the Baptist (1:1–51 )
A. Prologue (1:1–18)
B. The mission of John the Baptist (1:19–51 )

II. The Word Incarnate Transfigures Creation (2:1–10:42)
A. The new creation prefigured (2:1–25)
B. Baptism manifested (3:1–5:47 )
C. The Eucharist manifested: feeding of five thousand (6:1–71)
D. The old creation transformed (7:1–10:42)

III. The Word Incarnate Transfigures All Humanity (11:1–17 :26)
A. Through death and resurrection: Lazarus (11:1–1 2:11 )
B. Through ascension into the kingdom: Palm Sunday (12:12–50)
C. Through the messianic banquet of the kingdom (13:1–17 :26)

IV. The Paschal Offering: Death and Resurrection (18:1–21:25)
A. Death: the Passion of Christ (18:1–19:42)
B. Resurrection of Christ (20:1–21:25)

The Book Of Acts

Author—Traditionally, Acts is ascribed to Luke—“the beloved physician,” as Paul calls him (Col 4:14); the “disciple of Paul,” as St. John Chrysostom describes him. It is a continuation by Luke of the account given in his gospel (see note on 1:1).

Date—Acts was written about AD 75–85, some time after the composition of the Gospel of Luke.

Major Theme—The spread of the gospel by the apostles from Jerusalem to the whole world (1:8). The Book of Acts recounts the triumphant march of the Christian mission from Jerusalem throughout the Roman empire. This achievement points to the work of the Holy Spirit, who descended on the early Church, empowering the apostles and other missionaries to carry the good news of salvation. At the same time, Acts narrates the expansion of the Church by means of small congregations.

The primary sub theme of Acts is the same as the major theme of the Gospel of Luke: Immanuel, God with us. In Luke’s gospel, God is with us in His incarnate Son. In Acts, the incarnate Son of God is yet present in the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Background—The Acts of the Apostles is a spiritual and theological record of how the Church developed, as seen through the actions of the early Christians. The book is not to be read as a blueprint for reproducing the specific details and aspects of the Church which we read there. However, it is of great importance for understanding the organization and structure of the Church; its method of resolving controversies; the role of apostles, bishops, priests (elders), and deacons; and the spiritual life of the Church.

Outline

I. Introduction (1:1–3)

II. The Birth of the Church (1 :4–12:24)
A. Preparation for the church (1 :4–26)
B. Beginning of the church (2:1–4:37)
C. Life in the church (5:1–7:60)
D. Persecution and expansion of the church (8:1–12:24)

III. The Growth of the Church from Antioch: The Labor of Paul (12:25–28:31)
A. Barnabas and Saul commissioned (12:25–1 3:3)
B. The first missionary journey (13:4–14:28)
C. The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
D. The second missionary journey (15:36–18:22)
E. The third missionary journey (18:23–21:14)
F. Paul in Jerusalem (21:15–23:22)
G. The journey to Rome (23:23–28:31)

Galatians

Author—St. Paul the Apostle.

Date— Paul evangelized South Galatia, the most plausible date for the writing of Galatians is in 47–48 AD, before The Council of Jerusalem between 48,49 AD (Acts 15:6-24)

Major Theme— The true gospel versus the false gospel. After initially believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ as a gift of God, many in Galatia had turned to the teaching of the Jewish legalizers, who claimed that Christians must also follow the laws of the Old Covenant. Paul writes to call them back to “the grace of Christ” (1:6).
Sub themes include:
1 . A defense of Paul’s apostolic authority (1:1–2:21)
2. The gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church (5:1–6:18)
3. The Cross of Christ
4. The life of faith Background—St. Paul had established churches in a number of cities in the Roman province of Galatia in Asia Minor. This is the only New Testament letter Paul addressed to a group of churches (1:2)

Outline

I. Introduction (1:1–10)
A. Greeting (1:1 , 2)
B. The true gospel versus the false gospel (1:3–10)

II. The Apostolic Authority of the True Gospel (1 :11–2:14)
A. The call to apostleship (1:11–24)
B. Apostles are guided by councils (2:1–10)
C. Apostles are guided by conscience (2:1 1–14)

III. The Content of the True Gospel (2:15–4:31)
A. Jesus Christ and faith (2:15–21 )
B. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (3:1–14)
C. Jesus Christ and sonship (3:15–4:31 )

IV. Living in the True Gospel (5:1–6:10)
A. The liberty of the Spirit (5:1–1 2) 
B. Living in the love of the Spirit (5:13–6:10)

V. Concluding Remarks (6:11–1 8)
A. The rule of faith (6:11–17 )
B. Benediction (6:18)

1 Thessalonians

Author— The greeting identifies Paul as the author and also mentions Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy. They were co-workers with Paul in establishing the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1–9).

Date— First Thessalonians was written in Corinth in AD 50–51, about six months after the church in Thessalonica was founded.

Major Theme— A holy life leads to eternal life. Paul calls believers to be holy (3:13; 4:3; 5:23), with particular calls to:
A. continue as examples to others (1:7),
B. walk worthy of God’s calling (2:12),
C. stand fast in the faith (3:8), and
D. maintain moral purity (4:3).The letter closes with instruction and comfort concerning the Second Coming of Christ (4:13—5:11), along with other exhortations concerning the spiritual life.

Background—The church in Thessalonica was founded in the summer of AD 50 during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:36—18:22). Built on the Aegean Sea, Thessalonica was the most prominent city in the Roman province of Macedonia and served as a naval and commercial center. While many of the early churches were composed primarily of Jews who believed in Christ, the Thessalonian believers were mostly Gentiles, former idol worshipers (1:9).They experienced persecution by fellow citizens, stirred up by the Jews (1:6; 2:14; Acts 17:5–9), and had difficulty adhering to Christian values in a pagan setting.

Outline

I. Introduction: Greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1–10)

II. The Power of the Gospel in Paul’s Behavior (2:1 —3:13)
A. Paul’s past work prepared them to endure persecution (2:1–16)
B. Paul’s present relationship with them is unchanged (2:17-3:13)

III. The Power of the Gospel in the Church’s Behavior (4:1 —5:22)
A. Power for holiness (4:1–12)
B. Power for right belief, apostolic (4:13—5:11)
C. Power for unity (5:2–22) 

IV. Concluding Prayer and Instructions (5:23–28)

2 Thessalonians

Author—Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy are named with the author, Paul (as they are at the opening of 1 Thessalonians), because they were his co-laborers in establishing the Thessalonian church (see Acts 17:1–9).

Date—This epistle was written in AD 51, probably from Corinth.

Major Theme— Stand fast by means of apostolic teaching. Some of the Thessalonians had been shaken in their faith by speculations on Christ’s return; some even said the day of the Lord had already come (2:2). As a result, these people had lost holiness of life. Paul counters such traditions of men with apostolic tradition (2:15; 3:6). Sub-themes include Paul’s gratitude for the people’s faithfulness (1:3; 2:13) and for God’s faithfulness to His people (3:3).

Background—Paul had not paid a return visit to Thessalonica since the establishment of the church a year earlier. St. John Chrysostom observes he was “filling up by his writings what was lacking of his presence.” But a few months after writing 1 Thessalonians, Paul received another report. The Thessalonians’ faith amidst persecution was still firm, but speculations concerning the Second Coming were increasing, claiming to be based on Paul’s teaching (2:2). Some became so excited about the end times that they abandoned their jobs and lived off the charity of the church (3:6–13). Others grew despondent and wavered in hope (2:13–17). Paul writes to encourage them to stand fast.

Outline

I. Greeting (1:1-2)

II. Apostolic Tradition Regarding the Second Coming (1:3—2:17 )
A. Exemplified in the persecution of the Church (1:3–12)
B. The controversy concerning the Second Coming (2:1–12)
C. Encouragement to stand fast in the faith (2:13–17 )

III. Other Apostolic Traditions (3:1–15)
A. The apostolic ministry : Pray for and obey them (3:1–5)
B. Holiness: Practice orderliness by hard work (3:6–13)
C. Unity : Admonishing the disobedient (3:14,15)

IV. Benediction and Farewell (3:16–1 8)

1 Corinthians

Author— St. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles and the founder of the church at Corinth (Acts 18:1–11), is the undisputed author of this epistle.

Date—First Corinthians was probably written from Ephesus around AD 55, during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 19:1–20:1).

Major Theme— Communion with God versus communion with darkness. We are created for communion (Gr. koinonia) with God and with each other. Koinonia is concretely experienced in the life of the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. But communion is not automatic; we pursue it. And while we may cooperate with evil, we are created to cooperate with God and with each other.

The sub themes of this epistle are found in the sections Paul writes to answer specific problems or concerns in the church.

1. Factionalism (1:10–3:23)
2. Civil lawsuits (4:1–21; 6:1–8)
3. Sexual immorality (5:1–13; 6:9–7:40)
4. Meat sacrificed to idols (8:1–9:27)
5. Eucharistic theology and practice (10:1–11:34)
6. Spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40)
7. Resurrection life (15:1–16:24)

Background— There were a number of problems in the Corinthian church to which Paul responds in this letter.
These problems include:

(a) Church disunity. Many Corinthian Christians had broken into several factions based on improper loyalty to particular Christian leaders (1:12).
(b) Doctrinal speculations. Erroneous teaching thrived in Corinth, particularly that of the gnostic variety.
(c) Moral failure. The Corinthian church, free from persecution, became spiritually weak and succumbed to the moral failure the city was famous for.
(d) Dealing with pagan religions. Christians in Corinth could not agree about how to respond to idolatry.
(e) Self-centeredness and spiritual gifts. Corinth was brilliantly endowed with spiritual gifts, perhaps as the Holy Spirit’s counter to the hedonism there. But the self-centeredness of the gifted ones brought dishonor to God. The internal evidence of 1 and 2 Corinthians indicates Paul originally wrote two additional letters to the Corinthians which have now been lost: one before 1 Corinthians (see 5:9–11) and one between 1 and 2 Corinthians (the “sorrowful” letter; see 2 Co 2:4– 11; 7:8). The problems in Corinth were not quickly or easily solved.

Outline

I. Introduction (1:1–9)
A. Greeting (1:1–3)
B. Thanksgiving for spiritual gifts (1:4–9)

II. Response to Reports Received (1:10–6:20)
A. The church is one (1:10–4:21 )
B. The church is holy (5:1–6:20)

III. Response to Questions Asked (7:1–1 5:58)
A. The church is catholic (7:1–14:40)
B. The church is apostolic: the Resurrection (15:1–58)

IV. Conclusion (16:1–24)
A. Collection for the Jerusalem church (16:1–4)
B. Paul’s plans (16:5–12)
C. Exhortations, greetings, and benediction (16:13–24)

2 Corinthians

Author—St. Paul the Apostle is identified as the author in 1:1, and there is no reason to doubt his authorship.

Date—Second Corinthians was written the same year as 1 Corinthians (c. AD 55) from Macedonia, where Titus rejoined Paul with a report about the Corinthian church.

Major Theme—Reconciliation and communion. This theme is clearly seen in Paul’s attempt to be reconciled to the Corinthian church. Other aspects of this theme include:

1 . The communion of saints. The Church is the Body of Christ: a corporate unity of all members in all things (see especially ch. 4–6).
2. Apostleship and the Church. The faith and authority of properly ordained and recognized apostles is essential to the life of the Church. The relationship between the apostles and the laity is a communion of love.
3. The unity of the Church. The collection for Jerusalem (ch. 8; 9) demonstrates the love and unity between the Gentile and the Judaic elements in the Church—manifested in sacrificial giving.
4. The Church and the world. Christianity does not renounce and forsake the world, but renews it

Background— For the historical setting of 2 Corinthians, see the Introduction to 1 Corinthians. A major purpose of this second epistle is Paul’s defense of his apostleship and his polemic against false apostles in Corinth. Outsiders have shown up in Corinth calling themselves “the most eminent apostles” (11:5; 12:11) or “super-apostles.” They claim to be better than Paul, alleging that he does not measure up (13:5–7). They seek to prove Paul an impostor, bringing all kinds of outrageous charges against him. In their preaching they elevate themselves (4:5) and present a different gospel from Paul’s (11:4). They teach that Christians must have exalted spiritual experiences and lead successful, painless lives, and should not be concerned about moral purity and holiness (6:14–7:1). Paul perceives all this false teaching as a vain, earthly show, having nothing to do with God, the gospel, or the Kingdom (5:11–19). He reveals the false apostles as agents of satan (4:3, 4; 6:15; 11:3, 13–15)

Outline

I. Greeting (1:1 , 2) 

II. Paul’s Reconciliation to the Corinthian Church (1 :3–7 :16)
A. Thanksgiving for comfort in affliction (1 :3–11 )
B. Is Paul sincere? (1:12–2:17 )
C. Is Paul’s competent? (3:1–6:10)
D. Paul’s plea to the Corinthians (6:11–7 :4)
E. Paul’s confidence in the Corinthians (7 :5–16)

III. The Reconciliation of Gentile and Jew (8:1–9:15)
A. The motivation of mutuality (8:1–15)
B. The means: envoy s recommended (8:1 6–9:5)
C. Results: a homily on cheerful giving (9:6–15)

IV. Paul’s Vindication from Enemy Charges (10:1–12:13)
A. Is Paul weak? (10:1–11 )
B. Is Paul ambitious? (10:1 2–18)
C. Is Paul as good as the false apostles? (11:1–1 5)
D. Is Paul qualified to be an apostle? (11:16–1 2:13)
V. The Resolution: Paul’s Next Visit (12:14–13:10)
VI. Conclusion (13:11–14)

Romans

Author—While Pauline authorship of some epistles has been questioned, the Church has universally accepted St. Paul as the author of Romans

Date—Romans was probably written in AD 55–57 during the latter part of Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 20:3–21:16), most likely while he was in Corinth

Major Theme—God’s righteousness revealed in Christ for our salvation (1:16, 17). Righteousness is the basis of a faithful relationship between God and humanity. God Himself freely offers this living and growing relationship to all through Christ. Sub themes in Romans include:

1 . The natural mortality and actual sinfulness of all (1:18–3:20).
2. Salvation through Christ apart from the Mosaic Law (3:21–4:25).
3. New life in Christ through Holy Baptism (ch. 5–7).
4. New life in the Holy Spirit (ch. 8).
5. God’s plan for Jews and Gentiles and their reconciliation in Christ (ch. 9–11).
6. Christian life in the Church and in the world (ch. 12–16).

Background— Paul’s logic in Romans proceeds largely from the use of dichotomies, in which two concepts are placed in opposition to each other; and synergies, in which two concepts work together. However, many modern commentators have seen opposition between pairs of concepts where Paul intends cooperation. These pairs of concepts include: law and grace; faith and works; Old Testament and New Testament; nature and grace; spirit and body; reality and symbol; God’s faithfulness and humanity’s faithfulness; secular and sacred; Church and state. The areas in which Paul truly sees opposition are fewer and more fundamental: living faith versus dead faith; living works versus dead works; good versus evil; righteousness versus unrighteousness; natural versus unnatural; faithfulness versus unfaithfulness.

Romans is the most significant, the most logical, and the most doctrinally oriented of Paul’s epistles, and the only one he wrote to a church he had not yet visited

Outline

I. Introduction: The Righteousness of God Available for All (1:1–17) 

II. God’s Faithfulness to All: His Judgment and Salvation (1 :1 8–4:25)
A. Judgment on all: the unfaithfulness of Jew and Gentile (1 :18–3:20)
B. Salvation for all: through faith apart from the law (3:21–4:25)

III. Faithful Union Between God and Humanity (5:1–8:39)
A. Righteous liv ing through the reign of Christ (5:1–21)
B. Resurrection life through union with Christ (6:1–7:6)
C. Victorious life in the Spirit (7:7 –8:27)
D. Eternal life in the Father’s kingdom (8:28–39)

IV. God’s Faithfulness to All: Jew and Gentile (9:1–11:36)
A. Paul’s personal agony (9:1–5)
B. Paradox: unbelief of Jews, belief of Gentiles (9:6–10:21 )
C. Destiny of Jews and Gentiles (11:1–36)

V. Living Out a Faithful Relationship with God (12:1–1 5:7 )
A. In the church (12:1–21 )
B. With governing authorities (13:1–14)
C. Toward weaker Christians (14:1–15:7)

VI. Conclusion and Greetings (15:8–16:27)

James

Author—The author identifies himself as “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1). Early Church tradition ascribes this letter to James, the “brother” or kinsman of our Lord and first bishop of Jerusalem, known as James the Just.

Date—AD 55–60. James the Just was martyred about AD 62. Some consider his letter the first New Testament book, written after the martyrdom of Stephen and the dispersion of Christians from Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).

Major Theme—The harmony of faith and works. The letter has many direct parallels with the Sermon on the Mount. James does not teach we are saved by works, but he does teach that a dead faith, one without works, does not save. This is an early polemic against invisible religion, wherein salvation by faith has no visible works, and against antinomianism, the teaching that moral behavior is irrelevant to salvation. James is clear: the human will is not bypassed in salvation; grace does not nullify personal responsibility.

Background—Unlike most New Testament letters, James does not address a particular church, or even a geographical region, but “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (1:1). Though James was a Jewish Christian and assumes the recipients are familiar with the Old Testament, the letter is written in elegant Greek. There is no indication that it addresses only Jewish Christians. The people James addresses are experiencing various trials: persecution, deception, economic injustice and poverty, apostasy and personal fragmentations in the Church. James uses his authority as bishop to rekindle true living faith and encourage repentance, patience, and self-control.

Outline

I. Greeting (1 :1 )

II. Trials and Endurance: Love God! (1 :2–27 )

III. Faith and Works: Love Your Neighbor! (2:1–26)

IV. The Power of the Tongue (3:1–18)

V. Quarreling and Humility (4:1–12)

VI. Greed Versus Contentedness (4:13–5:12)

VII. Healing and Restoration (5:13–20)

1 Peter

Author—After Peter had helped to establish the church in Antioch, he preached to Jews and converts to Judaism throughout northern Asia Minor (1:1). Later, in Rome, hearing the churches of Asia Minor were being persecuted, he wrote them this letter of encouragement.

Date—First Peter was composed at Rome (5:13) sometime in AD 50–67. The exact date Peter arrived in Rome is unclear; tradition says he was martyred there later in Nero’s reign, c. AD 67.

Major Theme—Rejoice in sharing the sufferings of Christ. The First Epistle of Peter is an exhortation for Christians suffering persecution to remember and live in their baptism. As baptism is a death and a resurrection, so Christians must enter into unjust suffering with a spirit of death and resurrection. Our goal is the fulfillment of baptism—heaven. This requires unwavering commitment now to:
(a) holiness (1:3–2:10),
(b) submission in the roles we have in life (2:11–3:12),
(c) patient suffering in this age as we prepare for the age to come (3:13–4:19),
(d) disciplined unity in the Church (5:1–11).

Background—The dispersion of which Peter speaks (1:1) is unknown. After the martyrdom of Stephen (c. AD 33), many Christians fled from persecution in Jerusalem. Or Peter may be speaking more generally, of Christians at large, who were often illtreated and forced into exile because of their faith. We are told these Christians live in five provinces of Asia Minor (1:1), located in the central and northern segments of the peninsula.

Outline

I. Greetings (1 :1 , 2)

II. Practical Meaning of Baptism (1:3–3:12)
A. A life of faith and hope (1 :3–12)
B. A life of holiness (1:13–2:10)
C. A life of honor (2:11–3:12)

III. Persecution and Suffering (3:13–5:11)
A. Persecution for being righteous (3:13–22)
B. The persecution of mockery (4:1–19) 
C. Suffering and the church (5:1–11 )

IV. Conclusion (5:12–14)

2 Peter

Author—While the Orthodox Church is clear on the canonicity of 2 Peter, some modern scholars consider the letter to be pseudonymous, that is, written by someone else based on what Peter taught. However, internal evidence supports Peter’s authorship.

Date—Given Peter’s authorship, the date is likely AD 63–67, during Peter’s imprisonment in Rome.

Major Theme—True knowledge versus false knowledge. Though the world disbelieves, deceives and mocks, Christians must maintain apostolic doctrine and an orthodox Christian way of life. We are to grow continually in holiness and virtue and pursue an entrance into “the everlasting kingdom” (1:11) which is to come.

Background—Of the 27 New Testament books, the canonicity of 2 Peter has been questioned most. However, there is unmistakable evidence it was known and used in the early Church, and its canonicity was settled in the fourth century. Peter apparently wrote his second epistle from Roman imprisonment. The people addressed know the author (1:16) and seem to be Gentiles, former pagans, in territory evangelized by Paul (2:18, 20–22; 3:15, 16). The Church has been infiltrated by gnostic-sounding, antinomian (lit., “against the law”) teachers, who taught that faith saves apart from repentance, works, or virtue. They deny that the Second Coming is a physical, historical event and that morality is irrelevant to salvation. The whole Church is threatened, especially the new converts; some have already fallen away.

Outline

I. Greetings (1 :1 , 2)

II. True Knowledge Deifies Us (1:3–21 )
A. Deification: partaking of God (1 :3–11 )
B. True knowledge of God (1:12–21 )

III. False Knowledge Destroy s Us (2:1–22)
A. The methods of false teachers (2:1–3)
B. The end of false teachers (2:4–9)
C. The character of false teachers (2:10–19) 
D. The tragedy of apostasy (2:20–22)

IV. The Doctrine at Issue: The Second Coming (3:1–17 )
A. Certainty of the Second Coming brings comfort (3:1–10)
B. Expectation of the Second Coming produces virtue (3:11–17 )

V. Concluding Doxology (3:18)

Colossians

Author—All early Church testimony credits Paul with the authorship of Colossians. Some of the vocabulary is unusual for Paul because he is combating first-century gnosticism using its own terminology—thereby deepening his own understanding of Christ.

Date—Colossians was written at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon. These letters, along with Philippians, were most likely composed during Paul’s Roman captivity, about AD 61–63 (see 4:3, 10, 18; Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; Phm 9, 10, 13).

Major Theme—Living by the will of God versus dying by false human schemes. The primary purpose of this epistle was to combat a form of gnosticism that was taking hold in the Colossian church. Paul preaches the true gospel to the Colossians once more, emphasizing those aspects the prevalent heresy disputed (see below).

Background—The Colossian heresy was a local blend of Jewish and Oriental ideas. The heretics thought they were “supplementing” apostolic Christianity, which they saw as primitive, with greater knowledge and better access to spiritual things. They imagined that:
(a) the hierarchy of celestial powers (the “angels” in some Jewish thought) was supreme, rather than Christ;
(b) Christ was not unique in His divine nature nor in His actions, for He was not God but one of several mediators;
(c) sin resulted from a lack of knowledge, a particular sort of knowledge in which the heretics were specialists; and
(d) salvation consisted in having this gnosis imparted by a series of rituals and ascetic practices (among which Jewish rites were prized, but Christian baptism was considered a mere low-level initiation).

Outline

I. Introduction (1 :1–1 4)
A. Greeting (1 :1 , 2)
B. Thanksgiving for the Colossians’ growth (1:3–8)
C. Pray er for continued growth and victory (1 :9–14)

II. Apostolic Christology : The Basis for Living in God’s Will (1 :15–2:23)
A. Christ is supreme over all (1:15–2:3)
B. Christ is sufficient for all (2:4–23)

III. Apostolic Spirituality (3:1–4:6)
A. Baptismal spirituality (3:1–17 )
B. In relationships between Christians (3:1 8–4:1 )
C. For the world (4:2–6)

IV. Conclusion (4:7 –18)
A. Commendations (4:7 –9)
B. Greetings (4:10–15)
C. Instructions (4:16–18)

Philemon

Author—St. Paul. Paul often used an assistant to whom he dictated his letters (Rom 16:22; 1Co 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 Th 3:17), but he wrote Philemon with his own hand (v. 19).

Date—AD 61–63. Philemon was written at the same time as Colossians, most likely from Rome during Paul’s first Roman captivity.

Major Theme—No longer slaves, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Background—Philemon (Gr. “affectionate”) had been converted by Paul (v. 19) and was a member of the church in Colosse (Col 4:9). Onesimus (Gr. “useful”) had been an “unuseful” slave of Philemon, for he had run away, providing for his needs from the stolen treasury of his master—an offense punishable by death. Somehow Onesimus reached Paul, who brought him to Christ. He then became “useful” to Paul.

According to Roman law, Onesimus still belonged to Philemon. So Paul sent Onesimus back to Colosse with this letter under the care of Tychicus, who was also carrying the letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus with forgiveness as a brother in the Lord, and hints that he would not be displeased if Philemon released Onesimus from bondage in order to free him for service to Paul.

According to ancient tradition, Philemon was consecrated bishop of Colosse and later martyred. Onesimus may be the same Onesimus whom Ignatius mentions as bishop of Ephesus, forty years after this incident.

Outline

I. Greeting (v v . 1–3)
II. Commendation of Philemon (v v . 4–7 )
III. Plea for Onesimus (v v . 8–21 )
IV. Conclusion: Request, Greetings, and Benediction (v v . 22–25)

Ephesians

Author—Some have cited differences in style, vocabulary, and doctrinal emphasis between Ephesians and other Pauline epistles to dispute Paul’s authorship of Ephesians. However, the epistle itself claims to be written by Paul (1:1), and the Church has recognized Paul as the author, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Because Paul dictated some of his letters, differences in content and style would be expected.

Date—Paul probably wrote Ephesians from Rome during his imprisonment in AD 61– 63, as recorded in Acts 28:16–31.

Major Theme—The riches of Christ in the Church. The mystery of salvation in the Church, the body of Christ, is not only for all mankind but for all creation, affecting this age and the age to come. The body of Christ is the center and life of all.
Sub-themes include:
1 . The work of the Holy Trinity in our salvation (1:3–14, 17; 2:18, 22; 3:4, 5, 14–17, 20, 21; 4:3–6; 5:18–21)
2. The blessings of Christ to the Church (1:1–3:21)
3. Our response to God’s grace (4:1–6:24)
4. God’s strength for spiritual warfare (1:19–2:10; 4:17–31; 6:10–18)

Background—Some of the early manuscripts do not have “in Ephesus” in verse 1. Further, the content of Ephesians is general, which gives it the character of a book rather than a letter. It includes no personal greetings, although it is addressed to a city where Paul had spent two and a half years in the midfifties AD (Acts 19:8, 10; 20:17, 31). It is probable, then, that this letter was intended not just for the Ephesians, but also for circulation among the churches of western Asia Minor that Paul had founded from Ephesus during his third missionary journey. It is possible Ephesians is the “letter to the Laodiceans” mentioned in Colossians 4:16.

Outline

I. Greeting (1:1 , 2)
II. Praise of God’s Plan for the World (1 :3–23)
A. The creative sovereignty of the Father (1 :3–6)
B. The redemptive administration of the Son (1 :7 –1 2)
C. The perfecting faithfulness of the Spirit (1 :1 3, 1 4)
D. A pray er for rev elation (1 :1 5–23)

III. Theology of Christ and His Church (2:1–3:21 )
A. Salvation as a gift for all (2:1–10)
B. The church as one household for all (2:1 1–22)
C. The apostles as faithful messengers (3:1–1 3)
D. A pray er for the deification of the Church (3:1 4–21 )

IV. Conduct of the Body of Christ (4:1–6:20)
A. As the body of Christ (4:1–1 6)
B. As children of God (4:1 7 –5:5)
C. As partakers of light (5:6–21 )
D. As families in the Church (5:22–6:9)
E. As soldiers of Christ (6:10–20)

V. Conclusion (6:21–24)

Philippians

Author—The early Church unanimously agreed that Paul wrote Philippians. Paul founded the church in Philippi, which was the first church in Europe, on his second missionary journey, AD 50–51 (Acts 16:11–40). On his third missionary journey he made two brief visits to Philippi, about AD 57–58 (Acts 20:1, 6).

Date—Paul probably wrote Philippians while he was under house arrest in Rome in about AD 61–63 (Acts 28:16–31). At that time he was free to receive visitors and to correspond by letter.

Major Theme—The dynamic of our life in Christ. Salvation is a dynamic, ongoing experience that is not merely personal, but shared among believers. St. Paul urges the believers in Philippi toward continued unity, humility, selfless generosity, and joy in Christ.

Sub-themes include alerting of the Philippian church to:
1. Interference from self-serving evangelists (1:12–18)
2. Persecution from the world (1:27–30; 2:14–18)
3. Antagonism from heretics, particularly the legalistic Judaizers (3:1–11)

Background—The church in Philippi was noted for its generosity in support of the apostolic ministry (1:5, 4:15, 16; Acts 16:15, 40). Recently, it had sent Epaphroditus to visit Paul in prison with a financial gift for the apostle and with instructions that he remain there with Paul. But Epaphroditus apparently was so devoted to his work that he forgot his own physical health (2:30). The Philippian church heard this and was concerned for him. In the meantime, Paul’s trial had started (1:7) and he hoped for an early release (1:25; 2:24). Thus, the apostle wrote this letter of thanks to Philippi with the comforting word that he would send Epaphroditus home (2:25–30) and that he would shortly dispatch Timothy to Philippi (2:19).

Outline

I. Greeting (1 :1 , 2)

II. Life in Christ Amidst Persecution (1:3–2:30)
A. Exemplary lives of the Philippians and Paul (1 :3–30)
B. Exhortation to persevere amidst persecution (2:1–30)

III. Life in Christ in the Face of Heresy (3:1–4:9) 
A. Exhortation to righteousness; warning against legalism (3:1–21 )
B. Exhortation to unity ; warning against schism (4:1–9)

IV. Conclusion (4:10–23)
A. Gratitude for financial help (4:10–20)
B. Greeting and benediction (4:21–23)

Titus

Author—The greeting (1:1) and Holy Tradition both affirm that St. Paul is the author.

Date—AD 63–65. The circumstances, content, and organization of Titus are similar to those of 1 Timothy. The two books were probably written about the same time. Paul’s work with Titus on Crete does not fit into the time covered by the Book of Acts, so it probably occurred after Paul’s release from his first imprisonment in Rome.

Major Theme—Overseeing the Church according to the true faith. As the Church grew, it naturally developed theology and structure and encountered heresy and sub-Christian behavior among its members, as had been prophesied. Paul here advises Titus as he faces these issues.

Background—Titus was a Gentile converted to Christ by St. Paul (1:4). After Paul was released from prison in Rome about AD 63, he and Titus visited Crete (1:5). When Paul moved on, he appointed Titus as apostolic overseer there. After Paul left Titus in charge of consolidating and organizing the church on the island of Crete, he found theological problems there similar to those being confronted by Timothy in Asia Minor: elements of Judaism binding Christians, and early gnosticism. But the native culture of Crete was more vicious than those found in Asia Minor. Further, whereas Timothy was restoring order in established churches, Titus was establishing order in young churches.

Outline

I. Greeting (1 :1–4)

II. Godly Government (1 :5–1 6)
A. Organization: ordination of sound presbyters (1 :5–9)
B. Danger and urgency concerning false teachers (1 :10–1 6)

III. Godly People (2:1–3:1 1 )
A. Right behavior in the church and in the home (2:1–10)
B. The purity of the eternal kingdom (2:1 1–1 5) C. Right behavior toward the government and society (3:1 , 2)
D. Salvation by grace in baptism and chrismation (3:3–8)
E. Discipline of heretical and schismatic members (3:9–1 1 )

IV. Conclusion: Requests, Greetings, and Benediction (3:1 2–1 5)

1 Timothy

Author—The apostle Paul. St. Ignatius, Polycarp, Tertullian, and St. Clement of Alexandria are all among the early Church writers who speak of St. Paul’s authorship.

Date—Probably AD 64–65. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, appear to have been written after the events of Acts 28. If so, 1 Timothy was written before Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome, perhaps from Macedonia (1:3).

Major Theme—Pastoral care of the faithful. The Church is to manifest the kingdom of God on earth. Therefore, how the Church is run relates to both apostolic doctrine (1:1– 20; 3:14–4:5) and worship (2:1–15).
Sub-themes include:
1. The role of clergy
2.Combating heresy
3. Care for women, widows, and slaves
4.Money and ministry

Background—First Timothy is both personal and pastoral. Whereas most of Paul’s letters are addressed to the Church in a particular location, the pastoral epistles are written to instruct specific leaders—in this case Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus. Paul speaks as an experienced mentor instructing his student, his “son,” as apostle to younger apostle or bishop to youthful bishop.

In Ephesus, some church members were promoting a variety of theological opinions —from the irrelevant to the dangerously heretical (1:3–7; 4:1, 2, 7; 6:3–5). These heterodox ideas were a mosaic of Jewish (1:4, 7), ascetic (4:1–5), gnostic (4:4, 5), and docetic (2:5; 3:16; 6:13) thought. The Church was also dealing with external pressures of Hellenistic piety, the mystery religions, which made much use of the terms “salvation” and “savior,” and with the cult of emperor worship, according to which Caesar is “Lord.”

These letters hold incomparable insight into the historical workings of the early Church as guided by the Holy Spirit and are a foundational source for pastoral theology, for clergy and their relationship to the Church.

Outline

I. Greeting (1 :1 , 2) 

II. Faithful Ministry in Doctrine and Worship: Church Order (1 :3–2:1 5)
A. Faithful doctrine (1 :3–20)
B. Faithful worship (2:1–1 5)

III. Faithful Ministry in Conduct and Care: Pastoral Care (3:1–6:1 9)
A. Faithful clergy (3:1–1 6)
B. Faithful care (4:1–6:1 9)

IV. Conclusion: Keep the Tradition! (6:20, 21 )

2 Timothy

Author—St. Paul the Apostle. By the second half of the second century the whole Church accepted 2 Timothy as Pauline and canonical.

Date—AD 65–67. This letter was written from Rome (1:17) when Paul was chained, suffering, and near his execution.

Major Theme—Overcoming hardship in the ministry. Ordained ministers use their spiritual gifts in the Church to keep and pass on her living tradition (1:13, 14; 2:2, 8, 11– 13, 15; 3:14–17; 4:3). Through living tradition—the Bible and the ongoing life of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ—the Church remains essentially as she was at her inception.

Background—Paul has been a prisoner in Rome for some time. Although no one stood with him at his first hearing, he successfully defended himself and “was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (4:16, 17). Nonetheless, he has no hope for acquittal. He knows his end is at hand (4:6–8). Worse, friends have turned against him (1:15; 4:16–18); only Luke is assisting him. Paul longs to see Timothy once more.

This is probably Paul’s last letter. He knows his martyrdom is near and looks forward to being with the Lord (4:8). Paul was martyred under Emperor Nero about AD 67.

Outline

I. Greeting (1 :1 , 2)

II. Ministry : Exhortation to Strength (1 :3–2:13)
A. To the bishop, Timothy : be bold! (1 :3–18)
B. To other faithful men (2:1–13)

III. Orthodoxy : Exhortation to Faith and Practice (2:14–4:8)
A. Against false teachers (2:14–26)
B. In the face of persecution (3:1–4:8)

IV. Conclusion (4:9–22)
A. Fellow workers and evil workers (4:9–15)
B. Paul’s first defense (4:1 6–18)
C. Greetings and benediction (4:19–22)

Jude

Author—Jude, a relative of Jesus (called the “brother” of the Lord in Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3) and the brother of James the Just. This is not the Jude who was one of the Twelve, also called Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus (v. 17; see Mt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:16; Acts 1:13).

Date—The date of the letter is uncertain, but sometime in the period AD 60–80 seems reasonable.

Major Theme—Contending earnestly for the faith. Jude is a polemic directed against false teachers within the Church who are jeopardizing the salvation of many. Jude bases his attack on examples from the Old Testament and the tradition of God dealing harshly with those who assault His people.

Background—To whom Jude writes is difficult to discern. Some scholars have suggested that the addressees are Christians from a Hellenistic Jewish background. The heresy Jude opposes seems to be an early form of gnosticism. These heretics are still members of the Church (vv. 4, 12, 22, 23), carrying on an aggressive campaign of propaganda and subversion. Jude’s mode of attack is more ad hominem, that is, a censure of persons, than theological: We will know them by their fruits, he says. These heretics are obviously bad trees; they are not to be honored with a theological rebuttal.

Outline

I. Greeting (v v . 1 , 2)

II. The Presence of False Teachers (v v . 3, 4)

III. The Judgment of Such False Teachers (v v . 5–7 )

IV. The Character of False Teachers (v v . 8–16)

V. Resistance to False Teachers (v v . 17 –23)

VI. Doxology (v v . 24, 25)

Hebrews

Author—In the early centuries of the Church, several differing opinions circulated as to who wrote Hebrews. By the fourth century most witnesses ascribed Hebrews to St. Paul, including St. John Chrysostom (AD 407) and St. Athanasius (AD 373). Church historian Eusebius (AD 340) included Hebrews in his list of Paul’s epistles, but noted that Rome rejected the letter because it was not Pauline. A Council at Carthage (AD 397) canonized Hebrews as one of fourteen epistles of Paul. All Orthodox lectionaries introduce Hebrews with “the reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews.” Nevertheless, most biblical scholars today agree authorship of the letter is uncertain.

Date—The content of the epistle and the witness of the early Church argue for some time near AD 70.

MajorTheme—Persevering faith in the incarnate Son. Jesus Christ is superior to the prophets, angels, Moses, and Aaron. He offers a better priesthood, sanctuary, and sacrifice, for in His worship we enter heaven. Therefore, we must faithfully hold fast to Him.

Background—Hebrews seems to be written to Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, perhaps in Palestine, who were being drawn back to Judaism. Indeed, some had returned to their roots, partly because of a low view of Jesus. Hence the subthemes: the superiority of Christ and His sacrifice over Judaism, and encouragement to continue in the Christian faith.

Outline

I. The Superiority of Christ (1 :1–10:18)
A. Introduction: the supreme revelation (1:1–4)
B. Christ’s authority is superior to the angels’ (1 :5–2:18)
C. Christ’s rest is superior to Moses’ (3:1–4:13)
D. Christ’s priesthood is superior to Aaron’s (4:14–7:28)
E. Christ’s worship is superior to Moses’ (8:1–10:18)

II. Persevering Toward the Entrance and Rest (10:19–13:19)
A. Persevering in worship (10:1 9–39)
B. Persevering in faith (11:1–40)
C. Persevering in discipline (12:1–29)
D. Persevering in holiness (13:1–19)

III. Conclusion (13:20–25)

1 john

Author—John the Apostle (author of the Gospel of John). First John is so similar to the Gospel of John in language, style, and theology that few have ever disputed that the two books were written by the same man.

Date—The letter cannot be dated with certainty. Its similarity to John’s Gospel, the presence among the recipients of a Christianized form of gnosticism, and the apparent age of its author suggest a time late in John’s life, about the same time as he wrote his gospel (AD 90–95).

Major Theme—Tests of true Christian life. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate God, reveals the light (1:5–7), love (4:7–11), and life (5:11–13) of the Father, as contrasted with the darkness (1:6), hatred (2:9–11), and death (5:12) of the present world. First John is a commentary on the reality of baptism, chrismation, and the Eucharist in our lives. Subthemes include:
1. Our communion with God and with each other
2. The close relationship of faith, love, obedience, and life
3. The close relationship between love of God and love of others
4. The crucial importance of holding true faith
5. A stark, eschatological contrast between the children of God and the children of the world

Background—First John is a polemic against two identifiable groups: (a) false teachers with a gnostic bent; and (b) former members of the Church who were a threat to the faith of those remaining (2:27; 3:7). The polemic is mostly pastoral and positive, to protect God’s people. While the addressee is not mentioned, this may be an encyclical to John’s diocese of Asia

Outline

I. Introduction: The Apostolic Witness to the Incarnation (1 :1–4)

II. Live in the Light (1:5–2:27 )
A. Walk in the light of confessed sin (1 :5–2:2)
B. Keep Christ’s commands of lov e (2:3–17 )
C. Remain in the true teaching about Christ (2:1 8–27 )

III. Liv e as God’s Children (2:28–4:6)
A. Be righteous (2:28–3:9) B. Love one another (3:10–24)
C. Confess that Jesus is God in the flesh (4:1–6)

IV. Live in Love and Faith (4:7 –5:1 3)
A. God’s love becomes our love (4:7 –5:3)
B. Faith brings strength and life (5:4–13)

V. Summary : Live in God (5:1 4–21 )
A. Pray according to God’s will (5:1 4–17 )
B. Separate from sin and evil (5:1 8, 19)
C. Live in Jesus Christ (5:20, 21 )

2 john

Author—John the Apostle. Although some in the third and fourth centuries doubted John’s authorship, the early witnesses favor John and express no alternative.

Date—There is no firm evidence for fixing a date. The epistle’s similarities to the Gospel of John, 1 John and 3 John suggest a date of composition close to that of these other books (AD 90–95).

Major Theme—Tests of true Christian care. The love of our Incarnate God brings promised victory over the antichrist.

Background—The epistle is addressed to “the elect lady” (v. 1), most likely a church under John’s oversight. The Church, a feminine word in Greek, elsewhere is called the “bride” of Christ the Lord (kyrios), and thus she is easily called kyria, the feminine of kyrios. John is warning his readers against the “deceivers” (v. 7), heretics who deny the Incarnation of the Son of God. These false apostles visited various churches, posing as true disciples and taking advantage of Christian hospitality.

Outline

I. Greeting and Benediction (v v . 1–3)

II. Follow the Law of Love (v v . 4–6)

III. Beware of Deceiving Heretics (v v . 7 –1 1 )

IV. John’s Plans and Farewell (v v . 1 2, 1 3)

3 john

Author—Third John has the same author as 2 John. The language and style are the same. Both are closely related to 1 John and both are written by “the Elder,” a name by which John the Apostle was known in Asia Minor in his old age.

Date—As with 2 John, there is no firm evidence for fixing a date. It is probable that all of John’s letters were written about the same time (AD 90–95).

Major Theme—Genuine leadership versus false leadership. Third John exhorts the Church to persevere in the true faith which they have received. True Christian leaders will adhere to that faith and respect those who passed it on to them.

Background—One of the churches under John’s oversight is having a jurisdictional dispute. Evangelists sent out by John have reported back to their home church, probably Ephesus, testifying that Gaius—full of love and loyalty—had liberally supported their mission. On the other hand, Diotrephes, apparently the local bishop or aspiring to be so, has vigorously opposed them and lorded over the church instead of leading it. He was resistant to apostolic oversight (v. 9) and forbade the welcoming of missionaries from John. It may be that Demetrius (v. 12) is another missionary whom John is intending to send that way and who also will be in need of hospitality. Thus, John writes to Diotrephes’ church, but he does not trust Diotrephes with his letter (v. 9).

Outline

I. Greeting to Gaius (v v . 1–4)

II. Commendation of Gaius (v v . 5–8)

III. Condemnation of Diotrephes (v v . 9–1 1 )

IV. Recommendation of Demetrius (v . 1 2)

V. Farewell (v v . 1 3, 1 4)

Revelations

Author—Traditionally, the Revelation (also called the Apocalypse) has been attributed to the apostle John.

Date—The vast majority of scholars hold that Revelation was composed during the fierce persecution in the latter part of the reign of Domitian (AD 81–96), when John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos.

Major Theme—Faithfulness in tribulation. “Revelation” (Gr. apokalypsis) means the uncovering of something that has been previously hidden, in this case the final triumph of the kingdom of God. Since this final triumph is assured, our faithfulness now— before its full revelation—will lead to ultimate victory.
Sub-themes include:
(1) divine judgment of human wickedness and
(2) the symbolic presentation of most major New Testament teaching concerning eschatology, the study of the last things.

Background—The early Church was convinced the Second Coming was near (Acts 2:16, 17; Heb 1:1; 1Jn 2:18). John’s vision was first of all a reminder from God to the churches not to give in to their adversaries, but to hold fast to their faith. The book can also be seen as prophecy addressing a time far distant from its era of composition, predicting actual future events; or as an exposition of the ongoing relationships and conflicts between God and His kingdom, humanity, and Satan. These three approaches are not contradictory but complementary; all are valid. While seen as canonical and inspired by God, the Revelation is the only New Testament book not publicly read in the services of the Orthodox Church. This is partly because the book was only gradually accepted as canonical in many parts of Christendom. In addition, in the second and third centuries Revelation was widely twisted and sensationally misinterpreted, and the erroneous teachings brought troublesome confusion to Christians—a trend that continues to this day.

Outline

I. Prologue (1 :1–3:22)
A. Introduction (1 :1–3)
B. Greeting (1 :4–8)
C. John’s vision of the Son of Man (1 :9–20)
D. The seven letters (2:1–3:22)

II. Warnings of the Coming Judgment (4:1–1 6:21 )
A. The seven seals (4:1–8:1 )
B. The seven trumpets (8:2–1 4:20)
C. The seven bowls (1 5:1–1 6:21 )

III. The Judgment of Babylon, the Beast, and Satan (1 7 :1–20:1 5)
A. Babylon destroy ed by a great angel (1 7 :1–1 9:10)
B. Powers of evil destroyed (1 9:1 1–20:10)
C. The Last Judgment (20:1 1–1 5)

IV. The New Order (21 :1–22:5)
A. A new creation: heaven, earth, and city (21 :1–8)
B. The New Jerusalem: bride of the Lamb (21 :9–22:5)

V. Conclusion (22:6–21 ) I

The post The New Testament books. Part 2/2 appeared first on Mustafa.

New Testament or The New Covenant of God with humanity.

We can divide the books of The New Testament in into four categories

First, is the Gospels which are the accounts of the life of Jesus and his work of fulfilling the Old Covenant law:

Gospel of Matthew (70 AD)
Gospel of John (74 AD)
Gospel of Luke (80 AD)
Gospel of Mark (66–74 AD)

Second, is the establishment of church or the spread of Christianity found in the book of Acts (80–90 AD)

Third, Apostle Paul epistles (letters) to the churches after their establishment.

• First Thessalonians ( 50 AD)
• Second Thessalonians (49–51 AD)
• Galatians (53 AD)
• First Corinthians ( 53–54 AD) 
• Second Corinthians (55–56 AD)
• Philippians (55 AD)
• Philemon (57–59 AD)
• Romans (57 AD)
• Colossians (62 AD)
• Ephesians (62 AD)
  

Paul’s writing to the Hebrews dated traditionally around (60 AD)

The letters to his brothers in Christ (traditional dating given):

• First Timothy (62–64 AD)
• Second Timothy (62–64 AD)
• Titus (62–64 AD)

Fourth, other General epistles by the Apostles of  the Lord Jesus Christ

• James (65 AD)
• First Peter (60 AD)
• Second Peter ( 65–68 AD)
• First John (95- 110 AD)
• Second John (90-95 AD)
• Third John (96–110 AD)
• Jude (70-90 AD)

The Book of Revelation by apostle John dated (95 AD)

In Christ,

Mustafa

The post The New Testament books. Part 1/2 appeared first on Mustafa.

Torah “The Law” (First five books in the Hebrew bible)

Genesis

Author– Traditionally, both Jews and Christians believe Moses is the author and complier of Genesis and of each of the first five books of the Bible.

Date– Genesis was written during Israel’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness in the, in the time between the crossing of the Red Sea and the entrance into Canaan 1500 B.C.

Major Theme– The early history of man and of Israel. Genesis, which means “Origin” is divided into two parts. The first is the account of the creation of the world and the beginning of the human race with Adam and Eve, and the history of their descendants. The second part of Genesis concerns the early history of Israel, starting with the three patriarchs of the Hebrews, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve tribes that were their descendants. God created all things good, and although His creation rebelled and sinned against Him, He still loves and cares for His people.

Background– Genesis covers the longest time span of any book in the Bible, stretching from the creation of the world to the coming of the Hebrews to Egypt.

Outline–

I. The Early History of Man (1:1–11:27)
A. Creation and the Fall of man (1:1–5:32)
B. Judgment of man by the Flood and the Tower of Babel (6:1–11:32)

II. The Early History of Israel (12:1–50:26)
A. The patriarchs and tribes of Israel (12:1–36:42)
B. Israel in Egypt (37:1–50:26)

Exodus

Author- According to Hebrew and Christian tradition, Moses is the author of Exodus.This is the teaching of Christ (Mk 1:44), and His disciples (Jn 1:45), and of the book itself (17:14).

Date– Exodus, which means “departure,” was written during the forty years of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, from the crossing of the Red Sea to the entrance into the land of Canaan.

Major Theme– God’s covenant with Israel and the judgment of her oppressors. God reveals Himself and His Name “YAHWEH,” meaning “I AM the Existing One.”

Background– Exodus immediately follows in the timeline after Genesis. God brought about a series of miracles to release His people from slavery in Egypt. The nation of Egypt was judged by God for its treatment of the Hebrews and its rejection of Him as the One True God. The forty years of wandering in the wilderness is the consequence of Israel’s sins, as well as a necessary time of preparation to inherit the promised land as a people set apart for God.

Outline–

Leviticus

Author- Moses uses the phrase “and the Lord said to Moses” as many as thirty times, usually to begin a chapter. Both Israel and the Church traditionally ascribe authorship to Moses.

Date– The place and time at which this book was given is specifically defined as during the sojourn at Mt. Sinai (7:38; 25:1; 26:46; 27:34).

Major Theme– How to worship God. This is our first-ever book of worship. It was especially written for priests to teach the Israelites how to rightly worship God. This book points out the differences between God’s laws for His people and those of the polytheistic, idolatrous, corrupt nations surrounding them. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (19:2).

Background– The opening statement (1:1) presupposes the Tabernacle has been erected, as described in Exodus 40. God spoke to Moses from the “tabernacle of testimony” (1:1), or “on the Mount” (Ex 25:1). The writing of this book took place five months after Israel left Mt. Sinai.

Outline-

Numbers

Author- Moses is the author of this fourth book of the Pentateuch (Dt 31:9). He kept a list of the stopping places on the journey from Egypt through the wilderness (Dt 33:2)

Date– After the Exodus from Egypt.

Major Theme– God dwells among His people, instructing, sustaining, and guiding them. He never abandons them, in spite of their disobedience. He is setting His chosen people apart from the ungodly nations that surround them

Background– The journey from Egypt to the promised land was 40 years long. During that time the older people passed away, replaced by a new generation. Though under the able leadership of Moses, they continually grumbled against him. Even his own brother, Aaron, and his sister, Miriam, turned against him. Moses was preparing the Israelites for what they would encounter when they crossed over the Jordan to claim the land God promised them.

Outline-

Deuteronomy

Author- Moses is the author, by the testimony of the book itself (1:5; 31:9, 22, 24) and by the tradition and consensus of The Church.

Date– This book is dated near the end of Moses’ life, before the entrance into Canaan.

Major Theme– Loving God with all our heart and strength (see 6:5). This is a call to commitment to the Lord in worship and obedience. Moses’ second address (chs. 4–26) is the heart of this message. Another emphasis that is first introduced in this book is the specific location, Jerusalem, in which worship of the Lord is to take place. Moses frequently repeats the theme of reward for keeping the covenant and punishment for ignoring it.

Background– The book was written in the territory of Moab where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea. The end of Moses’ life is imminent. He has given his final addresses, transferred his authority to Joshua, and is sending the Israelites into the promised land. Their nomadic lifestyle is about to end, and Moses has prepared them for life in Canaan. The narrative of Moses to the people of Israel has a different tenor now; the Book of Deuteronomy, which means the “second lawgiving,” comes from Moses’ heart in a warm, personal, homiletic form as compared to his other books.

Outline-

Nevi’im “The Prophets”  

Former prophets are:

Joshua

Judges

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 kings

The Major Prophets (4) :

Isaiah

Outline

Jeremiah

The minor prophets (12)

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Ketuvim “The Writings”

The 3 wisdom books:

Proverbs

Job

Ecclesiastes

Other Biblical Books:

The Book of Psalms

2 Chronicles

The post Introduction to the Hebrew Tanakh? Part 2/2 appeared first on Mustafa.