The Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament, record the good news of God’s plan for a Savior through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each writer has a particular method or style to communicate the life and message of Jesus Christ.
While the literary divisions of the New Testament do not follow a chronological scheme, they do reflect the logical order of God’s program.
· First, the Gospels and Acts constitute the basic history necessary for a proper understanding and appreciation of the later works.
· The life of Christ and the origin of the Church is foundational.
· The story of the founder is required before one regards the superstructure that was erected.
· The Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).
· Matthew—The introduction to “Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews.”
· Herein is recorded the fulfillment of many of the Old Testament prophecies with the coming of the Messiah.
· The teaching of Christ is emphasized.
· Mark—The picture of Jesus as the “Servant of the Lord.”
· He is busy about His Father’s work;
· Mark emphasizes the activity, especially the redemptive activity, of Christ.
· Luke—The portrait of Jesus as “the Son of Man,” the perfect representative of humanity.
· His life was given “to seek and to save that which was lost” (19:10).
· The sympathy and graciousness of Christ are emphasized.
· John—The presentation of Jesus as the “the Son of God,” the eternal Word who came to reveal God to man.
· This Gospel emphasizes the relation of Christ to those around Him—the personal contacts that changed the lives of those who met Him.
· By the true realization of His divine Sonship, eternal life was received.