MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Victory Chant

GETTING READY: When was the Gospel of Matthew written?

The timing of the writing of this gospel is important, because it tells us exactly how close to the life of Jesus the facts were put to paper. There are some who argue the gospels were written a hundred years or more after Christ - claiming they must be inaccurate. But what about Matthew?

Some have argued on the basis of its Jewish characteristics that Matthew's Gospel was written in the early church period, possibly the early part of a.d. 50, when the church was largely Jewish and the gospel was preached to Jews only (Ac 11:19). However, those who have concluded that both Matthew and Luke drew extensively from Mark's Gospel date it later -- after the Gospel of Mark had been in circulation for a period of time. Others, who assume that Mark was written between 65 and 70, place Matthew in the 70s.
The Jewish nature of Matthew's Gospel may suggest that it was written in the Holy Land, though many think it may have originated in Syrian Antioch.

GETTING READY: Outline of the Gospel of Matthew

One highly effective way to learn a new book, is to create an outline showing its structure. This allows you to view the book at a high level, and understand how it is put together. The outline of the gospel of Matthew could be a powerful study tool for you, as you prepare to quiz on this amazing book!

I. The Incarnation and Preparation of the King (1:1–4:11)67

• A. The Incarnation of the King (1:1–2:23)
• 1. The Genealogy of the King (1:1-17)
  2. The Birth of the King (1:18-25)
• a. The Betrothal to the Virgin (1:18-19)
  b. The Angelic Visit to Joseph (1:20-21)
  c. The Fulfillment of Prophecy (1:22-23)
  d. The Birth of Jesus (1:24-25)
• 3. The Childhood of the King: Foreshadowing Events to Come (2:1-23)
• a. The Worship of the Magi: Foreshadowing of Gentile Worship (2:1-12)
• 1) Magi Coming to Jerusalem (2:1-5)
  2) The Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:6)
  3) Magi Worshipping the King (2:7-12)
• b. The Escape to Egypt: Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Withdrawals (2:13-15)
• 1) The Escape to Egypt (2:13-14)
  2) The Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:15)
• c. The Slaughter of the Innocent Ones: Foreshadowing of Death of Christ (2:16-18)
• 1) Herod’s Slaughter of the Babes (2:16)
  2) The Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:17-18)
• d. The Return to Nazareth: Foreshadowing of Jewish Rejection of Jesus (2:19-23)
• 1) The Return to Nazareth (2:19-22)
  2) The Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:23)
• B. The Preparation of the King (3:1–4:11)
• 1. The Preparation for the Kingdom by John the Baptist’s Preaching (3:1-12)
  2. The Inauguration of Ministry by John’s Baptism of Jesus (3:13-17)
  3. The Demonstration of Worthiness by the Devil’s Temptation of Jesus (4:1-11)

II. The Declaration of the Principles of the King (4:12–7:29)

• A. The King’s Ministry Begun (4:12-25)
• 1. The Occasion: John’s Imprisonment (4:12-16)
  2. The Message: The Nearness of the Kingdom (4:17)
  3. The Calling of the First Disciples (4:18-22)
  4. Summary of the King’s Ministry (4:23-25)
• a. Proclamation (4:23a)
  b. Proof (4:23b-25)
• B. The King’s Message Declared (5:1–7:29)
• 1. The Setting (5:1-2)
  2. The Subjects of the Kingdom (5:3-16)
• a. Blessings by God (5:3-12)
  b. Responsibilities before Men (5:13-16)
• 3. The Truth about the Kingdom (5:17–7:12)
• a. Exposition of the Intent of the Law (5:17-48)
• 1) The Law’s Principles Affirmed (5:17-20)
  2) The Law’s Intentions Explained (5:21-48)
• a) Regarding Hatred and Murder (5:21-26)
  b) Regarding Lust and Adultery (5:27-30)
  c) Regarding Commitment and Divorce (5:31-32)
  d) Regarding Honesty and Oaths (5:33-37)
  e) Regarding Rights and Retaliation (5:38-42)
  f) Regarding Love and Hatred (5:43-48)
• b. Exhortation toward Internal Righteousness (6:1-18)
• 1) Summary: External Vs. Internal Righteousness (6:1)
  2) Specifics: The Rewards of External and Internal Righteousness (6:2-18)
• a) The Rewards for Almsgiving (6:2-4)
  b) The Rewards for Praying (6:5-15)
  c) The Rewards for Fasting (6:16-18)
• c. Examination of the Intentions of the Heart (6:19–7:11)
• 1) Regarding Investments (6:19-24)
  2) Regarding Worry (6:25-34)
  3) Regarding a Critical Spirit toward Believers (7:1-5)
  4) Regarding Discernment toward Unbelievers (7:6)
  5) Regarding Petitions toward God (7:7-11)
• d. Summary on the Intent of the Law (7:12)
• 4. The Way to Enter the Kingdom (7:13-27)
• a. The Two Gates (7:13-14)
  b. The Two Trees (7:15-23)
  c. The Two Houses (7:24-27)
• 5. Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount: Response of the Multitudes (7:28-29)

III. The Commission of the Messengers of the King (8:1–11:1)

• A. The Power of the King Demonstrated (8:1–9:34)
• 1. Compassionate Miracles (8:1-17)
• a. Leprosy (8:1-4)
  b. Paralysis (8:5-13)
  c. Fever and Demons (8:14-17)
• 2. The Cost of Discipleship (8:18-22)
  3. Authoritative Miracles (8:23–9:8)
• a. In the Realm of Nature (8:23-27)
  b. In the Realm of the Supernatural (8:28-34)
  c. In the Realm of the Spiritual (9:1-8)
• 4. The Nature of Discipleship (9:9-17)
• a. The Calling of Matthew (9:9-13)
  b. The Question about Fasting (9:14-17)
• 5. Courageous Miracles (9:18-34)
• a. Life (9:18-26)
  b. Sight (9:27-31)
  c. Speech (9:32-34)
• B. The Proclamation of the King Delegated (9:35–11:1)
• 1. The Compassion of Jesus (9:35-38)
  2. The Commission of the Twelve (10:1-42)
• a. The Delegation of Authority (10:1-4)
• 1) The Nature of the Authority (10:1)
  2) The Names of the Apostles (10:2-4)
• b. The Directions to the Apostles (10:5-42)
• 1) The Sphere and Nature of their Work (10:5-8)
  2) The Provisions for their Work (10:9-15)
  3) Their Perseverance in the Work (10:16-31)
• a) In Spite of Persecution (10:16-23)
  b) In Light of the Rejection of their Master (10:24-25)
  c) In Response to God’s Sovereignty (10:26-31)
  d) In the Hope of Heavenly Acknowledgment (10:32-33)
  e) In Recognition of the Claims Jesus Makes on them (10:34-39)
• 4) The Reward for Hospitality (10:40-42)
• 3. Conclusion of Commission, Continuation of Ministry (11:1)

IV. The Opposition to the King (11:2–13:53)

• A. The Antagonism of the Jews (11:2–12:50)
• 1. Commendation of John in spite of his Doubts (11:2-19)
• a. The Doubts by John (11:2-6)
  b. The Commendation by Jesus (11:7-15)
  c. The Capriciousness of the Multitudes (11:16-19)
• 2. Condemnation of the Cities because of their Unbelief (11:20-24)
  3. Invitation to the Weary to Find Rest (11:25-30)
  4. Confrontation with the Pharisees in Light of their Mounting Hostility (12:1-45)
• a. Concerning Jesus’ Authority over the Sabbath (12:1-21)
• 1) Plucking Grain (12:1-8)
  2) Doing Good (12:9-14)
  3) Foreshadowing: Prediction of Gentile Reception (12:15-21)
• b. Concerning Jesus’ Power over the Supernatural (12:22-37)
  c. Concerning Jesus’ Proof of Spiritual Source (12:38-45)
• 5. Invitation to the Willing to Become God’s Children (12:46-50)
• B. The Parables of Jesus (13:1-53)
• 1. The Setting (13:1-2)
  2. The Responsibility of those who Hear (13:3-23)
• a. The Parable of the Sower (13:3-9)
  b. The Purpose of the Parables (13:10-17)
  c. The Parable of the Sower Explained (13:18-23)
• 3. The Parables of the Kingdom (13:24-50)
• a. The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds (13:24-30)
  b. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (13:31-32)
  c. The Parable of the Leaven (13:33)
  d. Fulfillment of Prophecy (13:34-35)
  e. The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained (13:36-43)
  f. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (13:44)
  g. The Parable of the Pearl (13:45)
  h. The Parable of the Net (13:46-50)
• 4. The Responsibility of those who Understand the Parable of the Householder (13:51-52)
  5. Conclusion to the Parables, Continuation of Ministry (13:53)

V. The Reaction of the King (13:54–19:2)

• A. The Withdrawals from the Antagonists because of Rejection (13:54–16:20)
• 1. The Catalyst (13:54–14:12)
• a. Unbelief in Hometown of Nazareth (13:54-58)
  b. Beheading of John by Herod (14:1-12)
• 2. The Withdrawals (14:13–16:20)
• a. To a Deserted Place (14:13–15:20)
• 1) Miracles Performed (14:13-36)
• a) Feeding of the Five Thousand (14:13-21)
  b) Walking on the Water (14:22-33)
  c) Healings at Gennesaret (14:34-36)
• 2) Pharisees Confronted: Clean Vs. Unclean (15:1-20)
• a) Confrontation with the Pharisees (15:1-9)
  b) Declaration to the Crowd (15:10-11)
  c) Instruction of the Disciples (15:12-20)
• b. To the Region of Phoenicia: The Healing of the Canaanite Woman’s Daughter (15:21-28)
  c. To the Sea of Galilee: The Feeding of the Four Thousand (15:29-38)
  d. To Magadan (15:39–16:12)
• 1) The Withdrawal to Magadan (15:39)
  2) The Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ Demand for a Sign (16:1-4)
  3) The Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ Teaching Warned Against (16:5-12)
• e. To Caesarea Philippi: The Revelation of Jesus’ Person (16:13-20)
• B. The Return to Judea in spite of Rejection (16:21–19:2)
• 1. The Catalyst: The Prediction of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection (16:21-28)
  2. The Comfort: The Transfiguration (17:1-13)
  3. The Instruction of the Disciples in Galilee (17:14–18:35)
• a. Concerning Faith (17:14-21)
• 1) The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy (17:14-18)
  2) The Challenge to the Disciples (17:19-21)
• b. Concerning His Death and Resurrection: Second Mention (17:22-23)
  c. Concerning Tribute (17:24-27)
  d. Concerning Humility (18:1-4)
  e. Concerning Salvation (18:5-14)
• 1) Warning against Stumbling Blocks (18:5-9)
  2) Searching for Lost Sheep (18:10-14)
• f. Concerning Discipline (18:15-20)
  g. Concerning Forgiveness (18:21-35)
• 4. Conclusion of Instruction, Continuation of Journey (19:1-2)

VI. The Presentation and Rejection of the King (19:3–26:1)

• A. The Instruction of the Disciples in Judea (19:3–20:34)
• 1. Concerning Divorce, Marriage, and the Kingdom (19:3-12)
• a. Confrontation about Divorce (19:3-9)
  b. Celibacy and the Kingdom (19:10-12)
• 2. Concerning Childlikeness and the Kingdom (19:13-15)
  3. Concerning Wealth and the Kingdom (19:16–20:16)
• a. The Rich Young Man: Security in Riches (19:16-26)
  b. The Disciples: Security in Christ (19:27-30)
  c. The Parable of the Vineyard: Rewards in the Kingdom (20:1-16)
• 4. Concerning His Death and Resurrection: Third Mention (20:17-19)
  5. Concerning Servant-Leadership and the Kingdom (20:20-34)
• a. John’s and James’ Request (20:20-23)
  b. Jesus’ Response (20:24-28)
  c. Jesus’ Example: Healing of Two Blind Men (20:29-34)
• B. The Presentation of the King (21:1-17)
• 1. The Preparation for the King’s Coming (21:1-7)
  2. The Entrance into Jerusalem (21:8-11)
  3. The Entrance into the Temple (21:12-17)
• C. The Rejection of the King by the Nation (21:18–22:46)
• 1. The Withering Fig Tree: Foreshadowing of the Judgment of the Nation (21:18-22)
  2. Jesus’ Authority Questioned: Foreshadowing of Conflict (21:23-27)
  3. Three Parables: Stimulus for Confrontation (21:28–22:14)
• a. The Parable of the Two Sons (21:28-32)
  b. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (21:33-46)
  c. The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (22:1-14)
• 4. Four Confrontations: Evidence of Rejection (22:15-46)
• a. By the Pharisees and Herodians: Paying Taxes to Caesar (22:15-22)
  b. By the Sadducees: Marriage at the Resurrection (22:23-33)
  c. By the Pharisees: The Great Commandment (22:34-40)
  d. Against the Pharisees: Whose Son is the Christ? (22:41-46)
• D. The Rejection of the Nation by the King (23:1-39)
• 1. Instructions to the Crowd and Disciples concerning the Pharisees (23:1-12)
  2. Warnings to the Pharisees concerning Themselves: The Seven Woes (23:13-36)
• a. First Woe: Shut out of the Kingdom (23:13-14)
  b. Second Woe: Swearing (23:15-22)
  c. Third Woe: Straining out a Gnat (23:23-24)
  d. Fourth Woe: Cleaning the Cup (23:25-26)
  e. Fifth Woe: Whitewashed Tombs (23:27-28)
  f. Sixth Woe: Murdering the Prophets (23:29-32)
  g. Seventh Woe: Pronouncement of Judgment (23:33-36)
• 3. Lamentation over Jerusalem (23:37-39)
• E. The Predictions of the King concerning the Judgment of the Nation and the Consummation of the Kingdom (24:1–26:1)
• 1. The Setting in the Temple (24:1-2)
  2. The Discourse on the Mount of Olives (24:3–25:46)
• a. Signs of the End of the Age (24:3-35)
  b. The Day and Hour Unknown (24:36-51)
  c. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (25:1-13)
  d. The Parable of the Talents (25:14-30)
  e. The Sheep and the Goats (25:31-46)
• 3. The Conclusion of the Olivet Discourse (26:1)

VII. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of the King (26:2–28:20)

• A. The Crucifixion of the King (26:2–27:66)
• 1. The Prediction of His Death: Fourth Mention (26:2)
  2. The Plot to Kill Jesus (26:3-5)
  3. The Preparation for His Death (26:6-46)
• a. The Anointing at Bethany (26:6-13)
  b. Judas’ Agreement to Betrayal (26:14-16)
  c. The Last Passover (26:17-30)
  d. The Prediction of Peter’s Denials (26:31-35)
  e. Gethsemane (26:36-46)
• 4. The Arrest of Jesus (26:47-56)
  5. The Trials of Jesus (26:57–27:26)
• a. The Trial Before the Sanhedrin (26:57-67)
  b. Two Disciples’ Responses (26:68–27:10)
• 1) Peter Denies Jesus (26:68-75)
  2) Judas Hangs Himself (27:1-10)
• c. The Trial Before Pilate (27:11-26)
• 6. The Crucifixion of Jesus (27:27-56)
• a. The Mocking of the Soldiers (27:27-31)
  b. The Actual Crucifixion of Jesus (27:32-44)
  c. The Death of Jesus (27:45-56)
• 7. The Burial of Jesus (27:57-66)
• a. Joseph’s Tomb (27:57-61)
  b. Pilate’s Guard (27:62-66)
• B. The Resurrection of the King (28:1-20)
• 1. The Empty Tomb (28:1-10)
  2. The Guards’ Report (28:11-15)
  3. The Great Commission (28:16-20)

GETTING READY: Why was the gospel of Matthew written?

Every book has an intended audience - textbooks are written for students, manuals for users, and novels for bored people looking to escape daily life. So, who was the gospel of Matthew written for? And what does it tell us about this "Good News" that Matthew is talking about?

Matthew's gospel is clearly written for a Jewish Christian audience living within the immediate proximity of the homeland itself. Matthew's is the most Jewish of all the gospels. The community for which Matthew was written was a Jewish Christian community that was encountering some new tensions in the period of reconstruction after the first revolt. It would appear that they've been there for quite some time. They actually show a consciousness of an older legacy of Jesus' tradition, going back to before the war. But now they're experiencing new tensions and new problems in the aftermath of the revolt as a political and social reconstruction is taking place.

GETTING READY: Who wrote the gospel of Matthew?

If you want to understand any written document, it is wise to start by learning a little something about it's author. A person writing about events they were close to, is much more likely to be speaking accurately about what actually happened. Matthew - the author of the Gospel of Matthew - was an apostle who walked with Jesus throughout his early ministry. This is a man who saw most of what he was writing about, first-hand!

Since the times of the early church fathers, the apostle Matthew has always been accredited with the authorship of the first gospel (canonically). Even the title “According to Matthew” is found in the earliest manuscripts, and was the most highly regarded and quoted of the gospels by the church fathers. Matthew is also called Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27), and was the son of Alphaeus (Luke 5:27). He was a tax collector, probably stationed on a main trade route near Capernaum where he would have collected tolls for Herod Antipas from commercial traffic. Additionally, being a tax collector might better qualify Matthew for his role as an official recorder of the life and actions of Christ. After the resurrection there is no other mention of him in the New Testament.

GETTING READY: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Summer is here, which means it is time to start thinking about next year's Bible Quizzing.  No, you don't need to start studying!  But it is good to start familiarizing yourself with the material we'll be covering.  Let's start out with a brief introduction to the book, and there are few better tools for a "getting to know you" session in the New Testament than the NIV Study Bible Introdutions.

Although the first Gospel is anonymous, the early church fathers were unanimous in holding that Matthew, one of the 12 apostles, was its author...

Some have argued on the basis of its Jewish characteristics that Matthew’s Gospel was written in the early church period, possibly the early part of a.d. 50, when the church was largely Jewish and the gospel was preached to Jews only (Ac 11:19). However, those who have concluded that both Matthew and Luke drew extensively from Mark’s Gospel date it later—after the Gospel of Mark had been in circulation for a period of time.

Matthew’s main purpose is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the OT Scriptures. Although all the Gospel writers quote the OT, Matthew includes nine proof texts unique to his Gospel (1:22–23; 2:15; 2:17–18; 2:23; 4:14–16; 8:17; 12:17–21; 13:35; 27:9–10) to drive home his basic theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT predictions of the Messiah. Matthew even finds the history of God’s people in the OT recapitulated in some aspects of Jesus’ life (see, e.g., his quotation of Hos 11:1 in 2:15). To accomplish his purpose Matthew also emphasizes Jesus’ Davidic lineage (see Recipients, p. 1945). 

Click on through for the whole entry.  It is worth reading! 

FROM DR. RON: The Chiasm of John 1:1-18

Dr. Ron Fay is a former Trumbull Quizzer from back in the days when Coach Mark and Coach Matt were competing. In the days since then, his love of the Bible has lead him to a PhD in New Testament Greek with a specialty in the works of the apostle John. He is now the Chair of the Johannine Literature Study Group for the Evangelical Theological Society, and a pastor at Cornerstone Community Church.

FROM DR RON - The Chiasm of John 1-1-18

FROM DR. RON: Introduction to the Gospel of John

Dr. Ron Fay is a former Trumbull Quizzer from back in the days when Coach Mark and Coach Matt were competing. In the days since then, his love of the Bible has lead him to a PhD in New Testament Greek with a specialty in the works of the apostle John. He is now the Chair of the Johannine Literature Study Group for the Evangelical Theological Society, and a pastor at Cornerstone Community Church.

We start off our new series "FROM DR. RON" with his introduction to this year's book.

The Gospel of John is one of the simplest yet profound works in the New Testament. John weaves together stories from the life of Jesus in order to create a beautiful tapestry of theological depth. Using words like light, darkness, water, hour, and truth, John builds upon each section of his gospel until the significance of each passage can only be understood in light of the rest of the book.

John begins “in the beginning,” making an intentional parallel to Genesis. As the Spirit hovered over the unformed world so did Jesus enter into a darkened world, unformed spiritually. He was sent as the light of the world, and so darkness ran from him and did not and could not understand him. He was sent to his enemies in order to make them more than friends, to make them family, children of God.

John’s purpose in writing is to answer two questions: 1) who is Jesus? 2) why should I care? The answer to Jesus’ identity is more spectacular than the other Gospels in many respects due to the theological richness of John’s language and his use of the Old Testament as a comparison to Jesus. Everything done in the Old Testament Jesus does even better. He is the better Moses (the lifted up language, the feeding of the 5000), he is a better Elijah (raises the widow’s son), and instead of holding onto someone’s authority he comes in his own Name. As the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) tend to focus on Jesus’ followers when Jesus goes off alone, John supplements them by following Jesus instead.

In terms of the book itself, John breaks into two main parts. The Book of Signs contains chapters 1:19- end of chapter12, and the Book of Glory, containing 13-20. 1:1-18 is the introduction and chapter 21 is the conclusion or postscript. The Book of Signs is called that because it contains the seven signs John uses to show who Jesus is. The Book of Glory is called that because it contains Jesus’ teaching about himself and his final glorification through death and resurrection.

As you read through John, look at the repeated words. Keep a list of them as you go in order to see the themes John interweaves in his story. John truly is a master of his craft in illuminating the person of Jesus, using the Old Testament, describing memorable scenes, and answering the two questions.

Who is Jesus? God incarnate, the sacrificial lamb, the one who died and rose again.

Why should I care? Because he did this in order that you might repent, believe, and become an adopted child of God.

Study Schedule for John

The study schedule is up and ready for you to view. The best time to start planning for the next school year is BEFORE school starts (and you run out of time). So, consider looking it over today and planning out your study strategy for this upcoming year. Remember, we recommend reading the chapter over at least twice every day.

2010-2011 Season: The Gospel of John

Okay, you've had two weeks to let your brains relax from Nationals and then start to get back in shape with some news articles. Now, here is your chance - if you choose - to start preparing for next year. Please note, any preparation prior to the kickoff is purely voluntary. Don't forget to enjoy this beautiful summer!

But first, for the 2010-2011 season, we will be studying... {{drum roll}}... THE GOSPEL OF JOHN.

If you'd like to kick off your studies of John with a review of the history, background, and theology of John, consider checking out this summary of the book offered by Zondervan. If you're in the mood for an audio-visual experience instead, consider renting the Gospel of John DVD instead - it is NOT in the NIV version but it is still a good way to get familiar with the events of the book.

Spy Videos from Code Name: Darth Nader

Many thanks to our spy code named Darth Nader (i.e. Nate) for two excellent videos of the Nationals Gospel Choir that many of our own teens took part in. As far as I know, these have not been seen anywhere previously.

Luke Bible Quiz (KJV)

How have your off season been going? Are you maintaining your knowledge of the Gospel of Luke? If you are not sure, consider clicking over here to a quickie Bible Quiz on the Gospel of Luke. The text is from the King James Version, not the NIV that we use, but it should be close enough for most of us to figure it out. Let us know how you do!

Test your knowledge of the Gospels

We're on a break from Quiz Team for the summer, but it can always be fun to see how your general Bible knowledge is doing. All of life should be a learning experience, and there is never a time when you DON'T want to be in scripture. Consider jumping over to this online quiz on the Gospels to see how well you know Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Great Art from Christmas

Botticelli's Mystical Nativity. Click on the image for more information.

Gospel of Luke Knowledge Test

We're in a review week, so why not review how much you have learned of Luke outside of the text. Here are 5 questions whose answers would come out of listening to Coach Jim's teaching or reading things here on the 'Pad.

1. What is the occupation of the writer of Luke?
a. Fisherman
b. Tax Collector
c. Doctor
d. Roman official

2. Whose ministry was Luke's gospel intended to help support?
a. Peter
b. Paul
c. Apollos
d. James

3. What was the turning point where Jesus went from preaching to Jews to preaching to all peoples?
a. When the people tried to stone him
b. When he raised Jairus's daughter from the dead
c. When he multiplied the loaves and fishes
d. When the Jews said his power came from Beelzebub

4. What are the two major things that Luke wants to write about?
a. Jesus's words and works
b. Jesus's birth and death
c. Jesus's confrontation with the hypocrites and unspiritual
d. Jesus's mother and brothers

5. Why is it a big deal that Jesus touches dead bodies, before healing them?
a. Dead bodies are sources of disease
b. Contact with dead bodies makes a Jew ceremonially unclean
c. The appearance of dead bodies is unpleasant
d. Dead bodies should only be touched by one tribe of Israel

-----------------------------

Answers
1c - Paul mentions "Luke the Doctor" in his letters
2b - Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles and more than other writers, Luke emphasizes how Jesus reached out to Gentiles
3d - Saying Jesus's miracles were from the devil (Beelzebub is another name for Satan) was the ultimate rejection of his ministry
4a - Luke's introduction in Chapter 1 lays this out clearly
5b - A ceremonially unclean Jew could not enter the Temple or perform sacrifices and thus could not be cleansed from sin or be part of the community, until he or she was cleansed

Distinctives of Luke: the "Family Circle" of Jesus

Another distinctive feature of Luke that separates it from the other gospels is the author's special attention to the "family circle" that surrounded Jesus. While Matthew and Mark talk a lot about the Twelve, Luke is careful to mention all kinds of people that Jesus included. We see at both men and women at meals. We see Jesus greetings adults and children. We see him with "sinners" and "righteous people.". And take a moment as you read thru this book to notice how often events in Luke take place in someone's home.

More than any other Gospel, Jesus is a homebody and a "family man" in this book.

Distinctives of Luke: Focus on Women

This is the start of a new series leading up to the Quiz Team kickoff on September 3 where we discuss some of the distinctive themes of the Gospel of Luke. One that certainly stands out is his focus on the role of women in Jesus ministry and the early church.

Did you know that the biblical story of Gabriel's announcement to Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of the Messiah is recorded only in the Gospel of Luke?

Without the inspired writings of Luke, we would also not know about the miraculous conception of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist; the story of the prophetess Anna; the virgin Mary's song of praise: the story of the woman anointing Jesus' feet with her tears and costly oil; and of the women disciples, along with men, who accompanied Jesus in his travels and helped support his ministry.

What a legacy the third evangelist has left Christians. Luke has a special interest in women. Only he tells us of the prominence of women in Christ's ministry. As Ben Witherington III writes: "It is Elizabeth and Mary, not Zechariah and Joseph, who are first to receive the message of Christ's coming, who are praised and blessed by God's angels, and who are first to sing and prophesy about the Christ child. Luke presents these women not only as Witnesses to the events surrounding the births of John and Jesus, but also as active participants in God's Messianic purposes"

As you read thru the gospel this year, take a moment to notice how different Jesus's attitude is toward women, when compared to the other men around him. And notice how important their role was in the formative days of Christianity.

Keywords for Luke are Now Available

Here is a link to add to your bookmarks. Barefoot Ministries now has up the authoritative list of Keywords for the Gospel of Luke for the upcoming year. Keywords - for those who may be unfamiliar - are also known as "once used words." They are words used only once in the book or books we are studying in a given year. If you hear one of these words in a question, you know exactly where you are. It is worth noting these words in order to make yourself a better quizzer.

Want a Masters Degree in addition to any quizzing trophies?

One of the great things about the age of the Internet is that all kinds of information is available for free. If you are interested in learning more about the Gospel of Luke before we begin quizzing this year, you may wish to check out this course from Reformed Theological Seminary on iTunes. This is the recording of an actual Masters Course on the Gospels and Acts with a long, in-depth section on Luke. I found it to be very accessible (I am listening thru the whole course now) and it will be useful if you want a good sense for the unique strengths and emphases of the Gospel of Luke.

This requires the free download of Apple iTunes for MacOS X or Windows.

Introduction to Luke

Now that the month of August is upon us, and the kickoff event has been announced, some quizzers may be ready to start looking into the Gospel of Luke. If you were here two years ago, you already know this Gospel was written by the same author and written to the same publisher (Theophilus). If you are interested in learning some more details about this book, you may wish to check out the NIV Study Bible introduction to the book. It lays out the authorship, probably date of publication, and themes that run throughout the book.