Revelation: Insight!

So many people categorize Revelation as book that can’t really do much for their spiritual walk, but rather that it is just a warning of what is to come. All of the elaborate metaphors and descriptions of the end times can be a little overwhelming, but I have discovered a brilliant and everlasting truth. Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” For me, this represents God’s constancy in my life, no matter where I am, mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He is the beginning and the end. My life starts and finishes within His presence. Christ is my first love, and will always be my forever love.

Revelation: Intro.

Authorship: John the Apostle.

Date: 90-95 A.D.

Audience: All believers.

Genre: A revelation! A cross between prophecy and an epistle.

*aha!: Although several mysterious things are present in the book, it is indicative to the fact that God is mysterious and that we can never really understand who he is and how we works until we are joined with him in heaven.

Jude: Insight.

Jude focuses heavily on the importance of the end times and our need to persevere until then. As expected a reliance on Old Testament events was expected. Jude 1:5-7 recounts, “Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” Reading this passage gave me a rare reminder of God’s intense, great power. Honestly, for me, this truth can sometimes get lost in all the lofty messages of hope and love that are present in the New Testament.

Jude: Intro.

Authorship: Jude, brother of James, half-brother of Jesus.

Date: 60-80 A.D.

Audience: Any and all Christians.

Genre: Epistle.

*aha!: The content of the book of Jude heavily relates to and is based on the book of 2nd Peter, concerning the end times and high reliance to the importance of Old Testament prophets, etc.

1,2,3 John: Insight.

Something I noticed right away about these three epistles was the prevalence of the walking theme again, which is something that really speaks to my soul. 1 John 1:7 says to, “walk in the light” and 2 John 1:6 says, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” It is so important that we literally and figuratively walk in the light and love we gain in Christ. Another theme common in the three is LOVE. 1 John 4:7 proclaims, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” This idea of loving one another is reiterated in 3 John 1:5-6 which calls us to support fellow believers saying, “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” It’s important to not only love Christ, but to love your brothers and sisters in Christ, with a fierce and sacrificial love.

1,2,3 John: Intro.

Authorship: The Apostle John.

Date: 85-95 A.D.

Audience: The early church.

Genre: Epistles.

*aha!: The Apostle John knew Christ very well and his writing reflect that. He encourages us to have a close and intimate relationship with our Savior.

1&2 Peter: Insight.

Reading through first and second Peter, I found a few similar themes and wordings. Especially concentrating on the term, ‘living’. In 1st Peter we are presented with the ideas of being born again with a living hope, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (verse 3), and as being a living stone, a vision of a living church, “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him” (Chapter 2:4). Also, in 2nd Peter, we are presented with the challenge to keep a living knowledge and intelligence, something I truly appreciate. 2 Peter 1:5-8, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It also presents faith as something that must grow, and develop, like any ‘living’ thing should.

1&2 Peter: Intro.

Authorship: Peter! Although the his authorship of 2 Peter has been disputed.

Date: 60-65 A.D.

Audience: Believers who were suffering persecution.

Genre: Epistles.

*aha!: Peter himself was the victim of much persecution and it is very evident in his writing. He says we identify with Christ when we suffer. He also wrote about standing firm in your faith in not only persecution, but in the belittling of faith and to fight false teachers. Growth in faith is essential.

James: Insight.

Ever since taking my History and Literature of Ancient Israel (Old Testament) class my first semester, I have been enthralled with the stories of the people who lived in those difficult times. It's amazing to see that God empowered them to overcome so many different issues. Notably, I love the story of Job. The story of this man who lost everything yet remained faithful, is brought up by James in Chapter 5:11. "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

Being reminded of the triumphant and inspirational stories of people in the Old Testament, in the context of the New Testament, attests to the great power that God's word holds, even over hundreds of years.

James: Intro.

Authorship: James, brother of Jesus, and head of Jerusalem church.

Date: Perhaps the earliest book of the New Testament, perhaps being written in 45 A.D.

Audience: Jewish Christians.

Genre: Epistle.

*aha!: James seems to be a topic of debate in the theological community. Many (Martin Luther included) believed that James’ writings contradicted the ideas found in Pauline writings. When in actuality, he was just warning against a super overzealous interpretation of his works, which many were doing- defying government, laws, and social morality. James’ teachings focus on the works that should come from the justification of Christ that Paul so heavily wrote about.

Hebrews: Insight.

A passage of Hebrews that has truly affected my life ever since I read it is Hebrews 6:13-20, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

This passage so beautifully conveys the certainty of God’s Promise, but that we may be required to wait ever so patiently for it to be fulfilled. Coming to CCU this year, I had many expectations. At first, I was disappointed that several of those things I desired or yearned for didn’t come to pass, academically and personally. But the promise found in Hebrews echoed in my heart and mind. I will patiently wait on the Lord and accept and embrace that the plans he has for my life will unfold exactly when he wants them to, and exactly when I’m ready for them.

Hebrews: Intro.

Authorship: A mystery! Generally thought to be Paul, but Barnabas, Silas, Philip, Aquila, or Priscilla have been considered.

Date: 65 A.D.

Audience: The Jews who had been slipping back into the rites and rituals of Judaism to avoid the starting persecution of Christians.

Genre: Sermon.

*aha!: The old testament really comes into focus in Hebrews when the author writes about the past Levitical priests, and the sacrifice system. He compares it to the perfection we can find in Christ and the fact that Jesus can give us more than any religion ever could.

Philemon: Insight.

Often times, you will run across a book of the bible that has not only a strong faith and theological base, but that also contains a strong political and social commentary. Philemon fits that criteria. Although Paul (or the early church) didn't directly condemn slavery, he made a bold case for masters treating slaves as humans, and presented the idea that LOVE was vital for a relationship like this to be successful and glorifying. Paul laid the foundations for the expectation of humanitarian interaction between those who were in power, and those who were under them. Paul was implying that such virtues as humility and acceptance could be derived from this common love between people of different rank.

Philemon: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 60 A.D.

Audience: Philemon, a slave owner who also held a church in his home.

Genre: Letter.

*aha!: Philemon truly represents the contrast and comparison of old testament, mosaic law. The intertwinement of law and grace found in the new testament is very striking here.

Titus: Insight.

Once again, continuing in the same vein in 1 Timothy, of taking salvation for granted, the book of Titus emphasizes some of the same needs to remember steadfastly Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Paul writes about remembering the shortcomings of our past and embracing the new life of love we have gained with Christ. In Titus 3:3-5 he writes, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” We are sinners because of our past actions. The only way we can truly move on from our sin is to embrace our salvation and what it calls us to do and how it calls us to live our lives.

Titus:Intro.

Authorship: Paul.
Date: 66 A.D.
Audience: Titus, the leader of the church in Crete.
Genre: Pastoral Epistle.
*aha!: Paul once again emphasizes the fact that those holding to the old mosaic traditions, rituals, circumcision, and other ceremonies. Throughout his teachings and writing this has been a common theme, but in Titus he goes so far as to say their mouths must be stopped.

2 Timothy: Insight.

On my very first day at CCU, all of the new freshmen were ushered into the gym for a welcoming event. The event was led by student leaders, and they shared with us the them verse for our class. Which is 2 Timothy: 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” Not only did I feel that this was extremely applicable for a group of fresh college students, but what a guarantying verse for anyone at a point in their life when they are afraid or facing new challenges. Whenever I feel scared or inadequate, I turn to this verse to know that I have been endowed with the ability from my Creator, to overcome whatever obstacle may be in my way.

2 Timothy: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 67 A.D., shortly before Paul’s death.

Audience: Timothy, who was still in charge of many churches and needed Paul’s encouragement and guidance.

Genre: Personal letter.

*aha!: Paul wrote this from his imprisonment in Rome. And it was clear to see that he was lonely and recognized that he was near the end of his earthly life. Yet despite groveling in his own circumstances, he continued to support and offer encouragement to Timothy. He urged all to persevere in their faith.

1 Timothy: Insight.

Often times, I feel as though I personally cheapen the idea that I am a sinner. I tend to take the truth of the matter for granted. It has become an assumption for me. Something I don’t really acknowledge. I know that Jesus Christ died for me, but sometimes my mind doesn’t grasp how truly amazing that is. I truly appreciate the power of scripture in helping me with this. All it takes is for me to read a verse or two of this truth portrayed so beautifully and vividly. 1 Timothy 1:14-16 is one of those affecting passages. Paul writes, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” This idea is conveyed so perfectly in scripture and provides a perfect reminder of who I really am, and why I need Jesus.

1 Timothy: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 62-66 A.D.

Audience: Timothy, who was in charge of the church in Ephesus and several other churches in the Asia province.

Genre: Personal letter.

*aha!: Paul treats Timothy like his, “son in faith” by nurturing him with advice on doctrine, leadership, and administration. In turn, these ideas can help modern churches and governments as well.

2 Thessalonians: Insight.

In 2 Thessalonians, we are called to stand firm and not be idle in our faith, which is a different sort of encouragement than that is offered in 1 Thessalonians. Although we may be worried about the end times and such, it is still our duty to hold to the idea expressed in chapter 2:13-15, “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” It is encouragement, yet it is encouragement with the reaffirming of our abilities and duties as believers.

2 Thessalonians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul with Silas and Timothy.

Date: 51-52 A.D.

Audience: Again, Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica to soothe misconceptions about
the Day of the Lord’s coming.

Genre: Letter.

*aha!: Paul refers heavily to the Old Testament prophets, especially Daniel. Yet rather than being verbose and lecturing about history, Paul makes information about the end times much more accessible.

1 Thessalonians: Insight.

For me, 1 Thessalonians is a great source of encouragement. I love that this sort of encouragement can be found in God’s word so plainly. Chapter 3:11-12 states, “Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” Paul encourages the believers with not only the love of Christ, but the love he feels for them. He really emphasizes that believers should support and love each other. Yet even when the human encouragement of your friends, family, or congregation fails, we can always find assurance in scripture.

1 Thessalonians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul, with Silas and Timothy.

Date: 50 A.D.

Audience: The church in Thessalonica, where there were a few misunderstandings concerning the return of Christ.

Genre: Letter.

*aha!: Paul relates the persecution of the Thessalonians to the persecution of the prophets in the old testament.

Colossians: Insight.

Often times, my days are so busy I don’t have time to detract myself from the world and delve into God’s word. So a quirk of mine that I employ is to write verse references on my sneakers. One of the verses I have written on a pair is Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” It’s astonishing that even something as simple as writing a verse reference on my shoes can remind me of my calling as a child of God.

Colossians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul with the help of Timothy.

Date: 58-62 A.D.

Audience: The Church in Colosse, where Jewish legalism was a very big issue, to the extent that they wanted to add legal requirements to holding faith. Also, it was written to denounce heresy that had arisen in the church and challenged the existence of the church.

Genre: Letter.

*aha!: Colossians really focuses on the issues occurring in the church there at the time, but the themes of ethics in an individual, a family, and workplace, and that of the important sufficiency of Christ alone, are truly applicable to modern churches.

Insight: Philippians.

A passage of Philippians that truly caught my attention is Chapter 2:4-8. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” This eloquent yet firm account is a reminder of how much Christ truly sacrificed us, and how willing he was to die for us, no matter what he had to endure for that.

Philippians:Intro.

Authorship: Paul with the help of Timothy.

Date: 61 A.D.

Audience: The Church in Philippi, whom Paul was thanking for their financial contributions.

Genre: Letter.

*aha!: Rather than focusing on Pauline doctrine, Philippians truly focuses on the relationship between Paul and the church, and the great gratitude. Another distinguishing fact about Philippians is how joyful it is and the happiness it evokes in its readers.

Ephesians:Insight.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
~Ephesians 4:31-5:2.

This has been a verse that has been especially impactful to me this year. I stumbled across it early in the semester and was struck by the powerful line and metaphor, “walk in love”. Walking is such a routine part of everyday life, and the fact that we are called to live in love, in such an normal action as walking, is clearly yet subtly conveyed here. This simple command is something I strive to remember and embrace every morning as I take my first steps.

Ephesians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 61 A.D.

Audience: Christians living in and around the city of Ephesus.

Genre: A letter in Koine Greek.

*aha!: One of Paul’s most successful mission stays was in the city of Ephesus. He stayed longer there than any other city he did. Ephesus was a very important city and Paul managed to construct a church made up of Jews and Gentiles.

Galatians: Insight.

One of the most striking and affecting contrasts Paul presents is that of works of the flesh against the fruit of the spirit. He clearly presents so many of the things that not only the ancient Galatians were participating in, but things that people today are still trapped by. In verse 19 he explains saying, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkeness, orgies, and things like these.” I can personally say that I do struggle with resisting these worldly temptations. But it is an encouragement to then read his words concerning the pursuit of the fruits of the spirit. He writes, “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and desires.” Although the battle is though, Paul assures us that our constancy in adhering to God’s virtues will bring us these everlasting gifts.

Galatians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul. Surprise, surprise.

Date: About 49 A.D.

Audience: Christians living in the Roman province of Galatia.

Genre: A letter written in Koine Greek.

*aha!: In this letter, Paul uses several contrasting concepts. Most prominently those of divine revelation vs. human insight, grace vs. law, and the fruit of the spirit vs. the works of the flesh. He heavily emphasized the importance of living a godly life by trusting in Jesus Christ alone, not by keeping the law or by counting on good works.

2 Corinthians: Insight.

Even though Paul employs a slightly more harsh tone toward the end of the book, he makes sure to affirm his love for the Corinthians and the importance of loving each other. His closing words of the book say, “Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” He also explains that we should not only rely on others to build our faith, but ourselves, saying in chapter 13 verse 5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians is truly a very affirming yet challenging book.

2 Corinthians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 56 A.D.

Audience: Again, the Christians in Corinth.

Genre: Another long letter in Koine Greek. A pastoral letter.

*aha!: This is the second letter Paul wrote to the church and believers in Corinth. The first letter (1 Corinthians) was not very well receive or implemented into the lives of the Corinthians. And Paul’s continued urgency and seriousness toward the Corinthians can be easily detected in the writing. Chapters 1-9 are generally warm, friendly, and encouraging while the second part, chapters 10-13, are noticeably more harsh.

1 Corinthians: Insight.

Obviously, one would pin love as a central theme or 1 Corinthians. Chapter 13 of the book is widely known as one of the most recognized writings on the subject of love, Christian or not. I agree with this idea, but how could I not? Although it is a clique passage, it simply and truly evokes the precious love that Christians encounter in their relationship with Christ.

Yet the last verse of chapter 13 truly reminds me of what is most important in our Christian walk. It reads, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I often really so much on and highly exercise the virtues of faith and hope, but love can often be the toughest of these to truly carry out. 1 Corinthians is a constant reminder to love, not in the worldly way, but in an imitation of Christ.

1 Corinthians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 55 A.D.

Audience: Christians in Corinth.

Genre: A long letter written in Koine Greek.

*aha!: A clever tactic that Paul employs in his writing of this letter is his use of the word ‘about’. Normally, this word might give off an uninterested air, but it enables Paul to address several topics that were of need in Corinth. Among these topics were the issues of marriage, virgins, food offered to idols, spiritual gifts, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, and Apollos. Paul also effectively answered some bigger issues by addressing the matter of division in the Church, and most notably, the high level of immorality occurring in Corinth.

Romans: Insight.

Romans is by far one of my favorite books of the entire Bible. I have always had an affinity for Romans ever since my freshmen year of high school when I was required to memorize Romans 12:1 for a missions trip I was participating in. My love for the book has grown enormously in my freshmen year of college as well. So many passages have become applicable to my own personal journey with the Lord. As I embark on this very important part of my life, several different verses have struck a chord in my thoughts and dreams. Romans 5:1-5 speaks eloquently of the hope we gain through faith. Romans 8:24 goes on to say, “Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?” This verse reminds me of the challenge of faith, yet also the power it can wield. Also, continuing in the vein of hope, and taking into account the several beautiful prophecies present in the old testament, chapter 15 verse 4 says, “For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope.”

Finally, the passage of Romans 12:9-21 truly embodies much of what is required to follow Christ. Including “outdoing one another with honor” and “being patient in affliction.” This passage is one I tend to read very often, because it is such a beautiful reminder of how I should passionately be pursuing to live my life.

Romans: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 57 A.D.

Audience: Christians worshiping in house churches in Rome.

Genre: A long, formal letter in Koine Greek.

*aha!: Paul wrote Romans with a special anticipation. It was written near the end of his third missionary journey. He had long been anticipating to encourage the believers in Rome and share with them his unique plans for Rome and the surrounding areas. This passion is clearly shown by Paul’s avid presentation of his theological thoughts and intense focus on righteousness and the fruits that come of it.

Acts: Insight.

So many interesting things occur in the book of Acts. Yet the one occurrence, or rather process, that takes place that is so astounding is the conversion of Saul. The amazing transformation of this persecutor of the Christian faith and church, to one of the most influential and powerful early Christian leaders is so marvelous. Suddenly, after being healed of his failing eyesight, he was filled with the holy spirit. His vigor for breaking down the church turned to enthusiasm for spreading the love of Jesus and presence of the church. Saul became engulfed in traveling across Israel going between Damascus, Caesarea, Tarsus, and so on. Acts 9:31 attests to his efforts reading, “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in fear of the Lord and in encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.” The life of Saul, soon to be known as Paul, is very indicative of the power of God’s transformation in our lives. If He can work so intensely in Saul’s life, then I must trust infallibly in His power to transform the wrongs in my life into efforts for the glory of the Kingdom.

Acts: Intro.

Authorship: Anonymous, but perhaps thought to be Luke.

Date: Around 61 or 62 A.D.

Audience: Acts was also written for Theophilus, thus supporting the evidence the Luke was the author.

Genre: A historical narrative including facts, theological interpretation, and early Christian speeches.

*aha!: Acts fills a pivotal role in the New Testament. Without it, there is no historical context for understanding Paul’s letters and thus the beginning formations of Christianity. The author of Acts does a fantastic job of preparing for the rest of the following books to unfold. It focuses on the faithful activities of Jesus’ disciples (mainly Peter and Paul) following His ascension to heaven, which is what we are called to do as believers today. Acts’ timelessness is truly astounding.

John: Insight.

John highlights several beautiful aspects of Jesus’ teachings and how we should live our lives accordingly, but none is so affecting to me as when he writes of Christ as the Light. Jesus says in Chapter 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Next in chapter 12:35-36, He says, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.” Both of these sets of verses embody the concept of Christ as the light, and the importance of that truth. A relevant quote I found from Edwin A. Blum concerning these teachings reads, “This discourse continues Jesus’ public teaching in the city of Jerusalem in the temple area. How fitting that during the Feast of Tabernacles, when the large lamps were burning, Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’”

Compared to the ‘lights’ of this world, the aura that Jesus projects is so much greater. And the book of John emphasizes that this light should shine so brightly and recognizably in our lives. It also reminds me that I should live life illuminated in Christ’s teachings. When I attempt to follow my own ways and selfish purposes, I stumble into the darkness. Walking in the light of Christ should be of utmost importance, for me and for my impact on others.

John: Intro.

Authorship: John, the apostle of Jesus.

Date: Around 80-90 A.D.

Audience: Probably Christians living in Roman Asia.

Genre: A simple yet provoking gospel in Koine Greek.

*aha!: Although we don’t know for sure the reason that prompted John to write his gospel, and interesting approach that we can take is that as he grew into old age, he became aware of his unique perspective on Jesus’ life. Significantly, he wrote of several incidents that are missing from the other gospels. Including: the miracles of water into wine, the man born blind, and Lazarus raised, and the teachings of ‘I am’, the new birth discourse, and the upper room discourse, and also the meeting of the Samaritan woman and the washing of the disciples feet.

Luke: Insight.

Upon my renewed study of the book of Luke, I noticed several inspiring and influential women’s stories filled the pages. As the book of Luke opens, the first event that we encounter is Gabriel’s prediction of John’s birth to Elizabeth (who was thought to be barren) and Zechariah. Immediately following that, Gabriel predicts that Jesus will be born to Mary, a relative of Elizabeth, and also a virgin. Gabriel declares in verse 37 that, “nothing is impossible with God.” Then the two women encounter one another. Mary comes to stay with Elizabeth as they are both carrying children that were miracles of God. Verse 45 says, “She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her bye the Lord will be fulfilled!” The sheer faith of these two women is greatly inspiring. And for me, the faith of Elizabeth has become more pronounced in my study of Luke. She was barren, and knew that she would never conceive a child. That fact was set in stone. But when it was revealed to her that she would indeed give birth, she never once doubted for a moment. To Elizabeth, God said what he meant. His promise was irrevocable. Elizabeth truly embodies an undying faith in God’s sovereign plans.

In chapter 7:36-50, the story of a sinful woman washing Jesus’ feet is recounted. Jesus uses this woman’s humility as an opportunity to teach about the importance of forgiveness in accordance with love saying, “her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Next, in chapter 8:1-3, we learn of several women who have joined Jesus’ cause and began to travel with him and his disciples. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, and many others. Finally, another story of a faithful woman was the story of the Widow’s gift. Chapter 20:1-4 displays the giving of a gift of a mere two coins to the temple. Even though the gift was small, it was of great value and cost to the widow. Jesus goes on to say, “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

In ancient times, women were always relegated to a lower social standing and were thought of as weak and incompetent. In fact, that attitude still sometimes remains today. It is so encouraging to read about the great faith and works of these women. They sacrificed there selfish thoughts, desires, and possessions. It is very comforting and empowering to see this prominence of women of faith.

Luke: Intro.

Authorship: Luke, a first century Christian physician, who was also a traveling companion of Paul’s.

Date: A.D. 60-61.

Audience: This gospel was dedicated to Theophilus, a gentile, probably of a high social standing, who craved a more researched account of Jesus’ life.

Genre: A gospel composed in Koine Greek. Luke is distinguishable for it’s careful literary style and vast vocabulary.

*aha!: Luke appears to be the most researched and thorough gospel, because Luke was very aware that he was writing a history. Hence, the chronological order of events in the book is very precise. In addition to meticulous and intricate detail, the book centers on a certain theme of Jesus’ life and teachings: mercy. Several of Jesus’ acts in the book concentrate on the sympathy and mercy that He showed for those who were downcast, poor, or unaccepted. Also, an interesting fact about the book of Luke is that towards the end, there are reported resurrection appearances found in no other gospel.

Mark: Insight.

This past winter break, I ventured to the California with some of my new college friends. As we sat an surveyed the sea, my favorite ‘ocean’ verse, Psalm 139:17-18, came to mind. Yet as I read through Mark, I discovered two passages marked by God’s extraordinary power, concerning the ocean and nature in general: Mark 4:35-41 and Mark 6:45-52. In this first passage, Jesus calms a storm that frightens his disciples by simply telling the wind to be still. Amazed by his power, their faith was invigorated by this act. In verse 41, “They were terrified and asked one another, ‘Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” How powerful is our God that not only does he rule the forces of nature and produce a calm, but that he can invoke a similar calming affect in my soul. Jesus wields peace in so many aspects.

In Mark 6:45-52, Jesus defies the laws of physics. While his disciples were suffering high winds in their boat on the sea, so He decided to approach the boat by walking across the water. At first they were extremely frightened at this sight. Yet Jesus reminded them to have courage, and as he stepped into the boat, the winds died down, and the disciples were comforted. Sometimes, I am frightened by what is going on in my life, but Jesus always has a way of reminding me to have courage, like the disciples, and trust in His sovereignty.

Mark: Introduction.

Authorship: Anonymous, but presumed to be written by Mark in conjunction with Peter’s memories.

Date: Around A.D. 50-60.

Audience: Gentile Christians living around Rome.

Genre: Composed in Ordinary Greek, with emphasis on the use of present tense.

*AHA!: The presence of the “Messianic secret” in the book of Mark is especially intriguing. This occurs when Jesus performs various miracles, yet asks those involved to remain silent and alert no one to the miracle performed. He does this most memorably in Mark 5:43 following the healing of a little girl, and Mark 9:9 after the Transfiguration. Jesus’ intent in this request, was to prevent people from thinking that he was not the true messiah, but only a miracle worker and political deliverer. At first, this is slightly confusing, but it works towards the mission of truly exemplifying Jesus as coming to earth to die on the cross for mankind.

Matthew: Insight.

A passage from Matthew that has truly taken on special importance to me is Matthew 6:25-34, which speaks to those of little faith concerning anxiety. Jesus compares the worries of humans concerning such things as food and clothing, to the lives of birds and flowers. Verse 26 says, “Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” He goes on to speak of flowers in verses 28 and 29 saying, “And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these!”

Even though I may struggle with worrying about material possessions, this passage assures me that I truly have nothing to worry about. It also heals my worries about any other issue. My God loves me so much that the love he has even for nature echoes even deeper in the love he has for me! The mere beauty of the flowers He has created, and the mere survival of they birds in the sky, attests to the love God has for his creation. God’s intentional care is evident in these things. Yet how God loves me is even more illustrious in my life. He cares for me and blesses me immensely, and so many things are evidence of this: family, friends, community, nature, fellowship, love, laughter, etc. Whenever the idea that I have been abandoned by my creator overcomes me, I turn to this passage and truly meditate on the enormity of love and care He has for me. I have no reason to fear or worry about anything. God’s sovereign plan and unending love is my comfort.

Matthew: Introduction.

Authorship: The Apostle Matthew, formerly the tax collector Levi.

Date: Around A.D. 55 to 65.

Audience: Jewish Christians, living in Antioch or Syria.

Genre: Composed in Ordinary Greek, a concise book focused on the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

*AHA!: It is interesting too see the distinctness of authorship in Matthew. Being a tax collector, the organization and fondness for numbers is clearly visible. Also, the book of Matthew is heavily concerned with establishing the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Jewish Messiah. Several prophecies from the old testament are referenced, including the impacting and important prophecy of the virgin birth, from Isaiah 7:14, being presented again in Matthew 1:23.