BIBLE

• The Greek word translated "gospel" originally meant "good news"
• The word became an appropriate word for the message Jesus brought, which was a message of hope for the hopeless and freedom for the oppressed
• The Gospels were ancient biographies written to teach about the life and ministry of Jesus
• The Synoptic Gospels are the first three books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, and Luke
• They present similar narratives of the life and death of Jesus Christ, which are the foundation of Christ's message of salvation
• The Synoptic Gospels closely mirror one another in their accounts
• John's Gospel is not considered a Synoptic Gospel because it contains a significant amount of information that is not found in the other three Gospels
• Gospels are ancient biographies written to teach us about the life and ministry of Jesus
• The Synoptic Gospels are the first three books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, and Luke
• The Synoptic Gospels present similar narratives of the life and death of Jesus Christ
• John's Gospel is not considered a Synoptic Gospel because it contains significant information not found in the other three Gospels
• Gospel of Matthew:

  • Written by the apostle Matthew
  • Written in an orderly and concise style
  • Written in the early period of the church, probably in A.D. 55-65
  • Intended to prove to the Jews that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah
  • Contains 28 chapters
  • Discusses lineage, birth, early life, ministry, teachings, and events of Jesus
• Gospel of Luke:

  • Written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul
  • Written to reveal Jesus' ministry to all of humanity
  • Written as a meticulous history emphasizing Jesus' compassion for outcasts
  • Contains 24 chapters
  • Discusses Jesus' birth, ministry, teachings, and interactions with various groups
  • Contains relatively few references to the Old Testament compared to Matthew
• Gospel of John:

  • Written by the Apostle John
  • Written to inspire belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God
  • Written to display Jesus' deity and correct false teachings
  • Contains unique content such as seven miracles and theological explanations
  • Emphasizes Jesus as the Word who was involved in creation and became flesh
  • Contains spiritual conversations and details about Jesus' final week