Study Notes on the Gospels

Authorship: Written by Matthew (also known as Levi), a former tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
Audience: Primarily Jewish Christians.
Purpose: Quotes Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah.

Significant Men:
- 1. Abraham
- 2. David
Included Women:
- 1. Tamar
- 2. Rahab
- 3. Ruth
- 4. Bathsheba (referred to as "the wife of Uriah")
- 5. Mary

Topics Addressed:
- 1. The Beatitudes
- 2. Salt and Light
- 3. Anger and Reconciliation
- 4. Love for Enemies
- 5. Prayer and Fasting
Requirement for Discipleship: Deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Jesus’ Entry: Rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey (specifically a colt).
Fulfillment of Prophecy: From Zechariah.
Crowd's Shout: “Hosanna” means “Save now” or “Save us, we pray”.
Expectation: People wanted to be delivered from Roman rule, but Jesus offered deliverance from sins.

Celebration: Jesus celebrated the Passover.
Significance of Symbols:
- Blood of a Lamb rescued in Exodus.
- Jesus points to a New Covenant in His blood.
- Bread represents His body; wine represents His blood.

Command: Make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
Key Passage (Matthew 28:18–20):
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Authorship: Written by John Mark.
Audience: Gentile Christians, especially Romans.
Source: Believed to be based on the teachings of the Apostle Peter.
Description: Mark presents Jesus as a Suffering Servant.
Nature of Gospel: Known as a Fast-paced or Action-packed Gospel (snapshot Gospel).
Exclusion: Does not include the birth of Jesus or the Sermon on the Mount.
Collaborators: Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas until he abandoned them.
Fast-paced language: Features the word “Immediately”.
Key Passage (Mark 10:45):
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Authorship: Written by Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Overall Audience: Gentile Christians / Greeks.
Direct Address: Specifically addressed to Theophilus.
Traveling Companions: Luke traveled with Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
Unique Passages:
- 1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
- 2. The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
- 3. The story of Zacchaeus.
Sequel: The Book of Acts.
Key Passage (Luke 19:10):
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Theme: Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world.
Purpose: Written to prompt belief in Jesus as the Christ, leading to life in His name.
Audience: Universal audience (Jews and Gentiles).
Significance of Jesus: Identified as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” in John 1:29, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Notable Character: Nicodemus, who visited Jesus at night and helped with His burial.

Adulterous Woman Incident (John 8): Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” He tells her to “Go, and sin no more.”
Demonstration of Humility: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13).
Imagery of Return: Jesus describes preparing a place with many rooms (John 14:1–6).
Controversial Verse: John 14:6 asserts Jesus as the only way to the Father.
Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit (the Helper) will come after He departs (John 16).
Peter's Denial: Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, and Jesus later restores him by asking three times, “Do you love me?”

Bread: Matzo, unleavened bread (3 pieces).
Cloth Pouch: Contains three pieces of bread; the third piece is broken (referring to the Holy Spirit).