THE GOSPELS AND ACTS KEY WORD: SAVIOR -The word gospel simply means good news. - Each of the 4 Gospels was written by a different PERSON here it is to a different group of PEOPLE for a different PURPOSE. - Matthew, Mark, and Luke theologians refer to as " THE Synoptic Gospels" because they are very similar in their content. - 90% of the gospel of John is unique to John meaning it’s not found in any of the other 3 gospels and was written later than the other 3(only 8% of what's is in John is repeated) KEY WORD: STORIES BOOK OF MATTHEW WRITER: Matthew was a Jewish man and one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. AUDIENCE: Matthew was written primarily to the Jewish people. PURPOSE: His purpose was to convince the Jew that this Jesus whom they had just crucified was indeed the Messiah that the Old Testament promised. FEATURES: For this reason. Matthew uses more OT scripture than the other gospel writers. SERMONS & TEACHINGS: The Jewish people needed to know what Jesus believed and what he taught before they believed in him. Matthew includes 5 "sermons" throughout the book. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY: Matthew sought out, like a lawyer, to prove to the Jewish people that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah by proving He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. 12 TIMES IN MATTHEW WE SEE "THIS HAPPENED TO FULFILL WHAT WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHETS" BOOK OF MARK WRITER: Mark was not an apostle but was the Apostle Peter's scribe. AUDIENCE: Mark lived in Rome when he wrote his gospel. Therefore, his gospel was written primarily to the Romans. PURPOSE: His purpose was to convince the Romans Jesus was God. FEATURES: Mark removed the genealogy, most of the parables, Jesus’ nativity, and references to the OT (Romans weren't familiar with Jewish OT) and included more miracles and healing because he knew his audience would be more interested in what Jesus could DO rather than what he TAUGHT. BOOK OF LUKE WRITER: Luke was a physician and the only Gentile writer of scripture. AUDIENCE: Luke wrote his gospel to the Gentile (non-Jewish) audience. PURPOSE: His purpose was to convince Gentiles that Jesus didn't just come for the Jews, He came for all people. FEATURES: Luke included several stories and parables that are only found in Luke that highlight Jesus' ministry to the outcasts, the sinners, the hated Samaritan, the lepers, the tax collectors, and other groups that were considered the "dregs" of society. HOW LUKE HIGHLIGHTS GOD'S LOVE The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 29-37) To highlight that the Samaritans are not only capable of good but that Jesus loves them too. (Benign religious doesn't automatically make you good and non-religious bad) (religious ∅ = follower of God). Jesus' love for a prostitute (Lk 7 :46-50) Highlights this to show that even if you made mistakes and made a mess of your life and done things you aren't proud of, Jesus came to die on the cross for you and loves you just the way you are just as much as he would a religious person.( you don't have to be perfect to accept Jesus love for you, he will change you inside and out through his holy spirit by sanctification). The parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15: 11-32) Highlights that God loves the broken, people who have made mistakes and made a mess of their lives. The story of the Rich man and Lazarus (16: 19-31) Highlights that you don't need status and money to be loved by Jesus. Jesus heals the 10 lepers (Lk 17: 11-19) Highlights that Jesus came to love, to save and heal even the leper(sick). Parable of the Widow and the Judge (Lk 18:1-8) Highlight that those who are persistent in prayer will be rewarded (have faith and you will not be cast aside). Jesus’ acceptance of Tax Collectors (Lk 19: 1-10) Highlights Jesus' love for the Hated. (These are not the only highlighting messages on any of the books just one of the many lessons the Bible has to offer.) BOOK OF JOHN WRITER: John was one of Jesus' closest disciples along Peter and James. AUDIENCE: John wrote his gospel to all people. PURPOSE: John's purpose was to convince people that Jesus was the Son of God.( HE states his purpose in Jn. 20: 31) " But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” John 20: 31 ESV FEATURES: To prove that Jesus is the Son of God, John organizes his gospel around 8 “signs” and miracles that ONLY GOD could perform. This is the WORK of Jesus. John includes 7 “I AM” statements that Jesus made about himself in which He claimed to be equal with God. This emphasizes the WORDS of Jesus. (Luke Highlights Jesus’ WORKS & WORDS) KEY WORD: SPOKESMAN BOOK OF ACTS WRITER: Acts is written by Luke and is a sequel to the gospel of Luke ( if the gospel of Luke represents what Jesus began to do while he was on the earth, Acts represent what Jesus continued to do through the work of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.) MESSAGE: The book of acts is the only historical book in the New Testament, and it describes how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and ultimately Rome. (Acts 1:8) FEATURES: The book is characterized by the healings and other miraculous events which served to validate the Christian Faith. (In order to prove that God's hand was involved in the new church in the midst of their rooted belief on the OT covenant.