The

Gospels
Matthew Mark
Luke John

Matthew
Author: Levi Matthew, the Tax Collector (9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17)
Date: A.D. 60-70
Intended Audience: The Jews
Theme: The Coming of Gods Messiah
Outline:
A. 1:1-2:23 Birth and Early Life of Gods Messiah
B. 3:1-7:29 Early Ministry of Gods Messiah
C. 8:1- 18:35 Words and Works of Gods Messiah in Galilee
D. 19:1-20:34 Gods Messiah Travels to Jerusalem
E. 21:1-28:20 Final week, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of the Messiah
Importance of Matthew:

Most Quoted

Most Systematic
Most Clearly Arranged
Only source of Some of Jesus teachings

Matthew
Special Characteristics of Matthew:
1. Highlights the teachings of Jesus
2. It is an evangelistic tool to reach unbelieving Jews
3. Emphasizes Jesus miracles
Five Discourses in Matthew:
1. Chapters 5-7: Sermon on the Mount
2. Chapter10: Commission to the Twelve
3. Chapter 13: Parables
4. Chapter 18: Humility and Forgiveness
5. Chapters 24-25: Olivet Discourse

Matthew
Portraits of Jesus: The Prophesied King: The King of the Jews
Prominent Words: Fulfilled
Matthews Style as a writer: Teacher
Outstanding Sections: Sermons
Main Ideas: Law
Broad Division: Synoptic Gospelsthe Humanity of Christ

Mark
Author: John Mark- Pauls companion on his first missionary journey
Date: A.D. 40-65
Intended Audience: The Romans
Theme: Jesus: The Model of Faithful Service
Outline:
A. 1:1-8:26 The Servant to the Multitudes
B. 8:27-10:52 Servant to the Disciples
C. 11- 16 Servant for the World
Special Characteristics of Mark:
1. Mark stressed secrecy after Jesus performed miracles

2. Mark noticed masses around Jesus

3. This book shows Jesus emotions more than any other book

4. Shows how Jesus prepared his disciples for ministry

5. Miracles are more detailed and more prominent.

6. Shows Jesus power over Satan

Mark
Portraits of Jesus: The Obedient Servant
Prominent Words: Straightway or Immediately
Marks Style as a writer: Preacher
Outstanding Sections: Miracles
Main Ideas: Power
Broad Division: Synoptic Gospelsthe Humanity of Christ

Luke
Author: Luke: a Greek doctor who travelled with Paul
Date: A.D. 59-61
Intended Audience: The Greeks
Theme: Jesus, Perfect and Innocent Savior
Outline:
A. 1:1-2:52 Birth and Childhood of Jesus
B. 3:1-4:13 Jesus Early Ministry and Preaching
C. 4:14-9:50 Galilean Ministry of Jesus
D. 9:51-19:27 Final Journey to Jerusalem
E. 19:28-24:53 Final Week
Special Characteristics of Luke:
1. Luke anchored his text in the secular events of the time.
2. Luke showed that Jesus accepted the outcasts and the immoral
3. Luke wrote to encourage the Gentile believers.
4. Luke emphasizes Jesus prayer life.

Luke
Portraits of Jesus: The Perfect Man
Prominent Words: Son of man
Litterateur- It is the most literary
Lukes Style as a writer: Of all the gospels.
Outstanding Sections: Parables
Main Ideas: Grace
Broad Division: Synoptic Gospelsthe Humanity of Christ

John
Author: John, fisherman, apostle and elder
Date: A.D. 80-98
Intended Audience: Gentile Christians
Theme: Jesus, the Wonderful Word of Life
Outline:
A. 1:19-3:36 Early Ministry
B. 4:1-12:50 Judean and Galilean Ministry
C. 13:1-17:26Jesus Ministers to his Disciples
D. 18:1-19:42 Crucifixion
E. 20:1-21:25 Resurrection
Special Characteristics of John:
1. John deals more with the meaning of events than the events themselves
2. Written to produce faith in Jesus
3. There are no parables
4. John Dramatizes Jesus Claims for Deity

John
Portraits of Jesus: The Divine Son
Prominent Words: Believe
Theologian
Lukes Style as a writer:
Outstanding Sections: Doctrines
Main Ideas: Glory
Broad Division: He wrote to show the Deity of Christ