LTRBE Seminar | Section 22: Overview of the Books of the Bible (Part 5)

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Section 22
Overview of the Books of the Bible (Part 5)

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Section 22: Overview of the Books of the Bible (Part 5)

Gospels
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all take a similar approach in their accounts and therefore these three are known as the Synoptic Gospels, meaning taking a common view. The differences between them are described below. The Gospel of John takes a different approach from the other three.  Except for Luke, the Gospel writers did not emphasize when events in Jesus' ministry happened.  Therefore, many of the events are not given in chronological order.  See page 106 for further discussion of the gospels as a group.

Matthew
Author: Matthew
Time: 4 B.C. - 30 A.D.
Summary: Matthew is aimed at a Jewish audience.  It's purpose is to witness that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the O.T. Matthew emphasizes the words of the Lord regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This was done to counterbalance the popular Jewish belief of the day that the Messiah would be a militant leader who would overthrow the current Roman occupation and re establish the throne of David. Instead, Matthew speaks of the servant role that Jesus led while on earth.

Jesus Christ as King - The Face of a Lion (see faces described in Ezekiel 1:5-10, 10:20-22)

Key Verse:

"Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matt. 1:1)

Unique Features:
Matthew makes no less than sixty references to the Old Testament writings as fulfilled in Christ, so that the word "fulfilled" becomes characteristic of the book. The word "Kingdom" is met with fifty five times; "Kingdom of Heaven" thirty two times; "Son of David" seven times. The Jews laid great store on Scripture, and this Gospel written particularly for them, abounds in such references.

PREPARATION - Chapter 1:1- 4:16

1. His Relation to the Past - Chapter 1:1 - 2:23
2. His Relation to God - Chapter 3:1-17
3. His Relation to Humanity - Chapter 4:1-11

PREACHING - Chapter 4:17 - 18:35

1. Proclaiming the Kingdom - Ch. 4:12-25
2. What Jesus Taught - Ch. 5:1 - 7:29
3. What Jesus Wrought - Ch. 8:1 - 10:42
   (Ten mighty works showing his ability to rule)
   The cleansing of the leper - Ch. 8:1-4
   Centurion's servant - palsy - Ch. 8:5-13
   Peter's wife's mother - fever - Ch. 8:14-15
   The stilling of the storm - Ch. 8:16-27
   Gergesene demoniacs healed - Ch. 8:28-34
   The man cured of the palsy - Ch. 9:1-17
   The woman with hemorrhage - Ch. 9:18-22
   The ruler's daughter raised - Ch. 9:23-26
   Two blind men given sight - Ch. 9:27-31
   The dumb demoniac healed - Ch. 9:32-38
   The Apostles empowered to preach - Ch. 10:1-42
   (There are a couple of digressions - see Ch. 8:18-22; 9:9-17 - but they are related to the miracles performed. The miracles revealed physically what the Gospel can do spiritually)
4. What People Thought - Ch. 11:1 - 18:35
   (Ten reactions to his call)
   John the Baptist - in doubt - Ch. 11:1-15
   "This generation" - unresponsive - Ch. 11:16-19
   Galilean cities - unrepentant - Ch. 11:20-30
   The Pharisees - unreasonable - Ch. 12:1-45
   His family - misunderstanding - Ch. 12:46-50
   The multitudes - undiscerning - Ch. 13:1-58
   Herod the king - unintelligent - Ch. 14:1-13
   The disciples - of little faith - Ch. 14:14-36
   Jerusalem scribe - unimpressionable - Ch. 15:1-20
   Gentile multitudes - seeking - Ch. 15:21-39
   Pharisees, Sadducees - unrelenting - Ch. 16:1-12
   The Apostles - needing education - Ch. 16:13 - 18:35

PASSOVER - Chapter 19:1 - 28:20

1. Presentation - Ch. 19:1 - 25:46
2. Condemnation - Ch. 26:1 - 27:66
3. Vindication - Ch. 28:1-20

Mark
Author: Mark
Time: 4 B.C. - 30 A.D.
Summary: The book of Mark describes in detail Jewish customs and is therefore thought to be aimed at a non-Jewish audience (in particular, Romans). Mark describes in very life like terms the miracles of Jesus and great detail is given to the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is thought that Mark was the first of the four gospels, probably written between 65 - 70 A.D. It is thought that the book was taken by dictation from the Apostle Peter because some events contained in the book are unique to Peter.

Jesus Christ as Servant- The Face of an Ox

Key verse:

"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Unique Features:
Being originally written (as is thought) for Romans, there are very few references to the Old Testament Scriptures contained in this Gospel. Jewish words are explained (Ch. 3:17; 5:41; 7:11,34; 14:36); and also Jewish customs (Ch. 7:3-4; 14:12; 15:42). Latin expressions are frequently used such as Legion, Centurion, etc. The Romans admired action, and this Gospel depicts the Lord as a worker.

SANCTIFICATION - Chapter 1:1-13

1. The Witness of John - Ch. 1:1-8
2. The Anointing of Jesus - Ch. 1:9-13

SERVICE - Chapter 1:14 - 8:30

1. First Disciples and first work - Ch. 1:14 - 3:12
2. Appointed of Apostles and Extension of Labor - Ch. 3:13 - 6:6
3. Co-operating in Service -  Ch. 6:7 - 8:30

SACRIFICE - Chapter 8:31 - 15:47

1. Anticipated - Ch. 8:31 - 10:52
2. Approached - Ch. 11:1 - 14:42
3. Accomplished - Ch. 14:43 - 15:47

SERVICE RENEWED - Chapter 16:1-20

Luke
Author: Luke
Time: 4 B.C. - 30 A.D.
Summary: The book of Luke gives us the most complete look at the life of Jesus. It takes many of its writings from the gospel of Mark. Luke uses eyewitnesses as sources for his writings. He stresses Jesus' humanity and compassion as well as the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer.

Jesus Christ as the perfect man - the face of a man

Key Verses:

"When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man." (Lk. 23:47)

"For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Lk. 19:10)

Unique Features:
It was written particularly for Greeks who delighted in wisdom, beauty and system. Luke, therefore, tells the story of Jesus, unfolding his development in a systematic manner, setting the facts in chronological order in a manner not attempted by the other writers. Luke was an artist with the pen, drawing the portrait of Jesus as the perfect man.  He followed up by writing the book of Acts (the Acts of the Apostles).

THE SON OF MAN IN HIS HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - Chapter 1:1 - 4:13

1. Prologue - Ch. 1:1-4
2. In the Days of Herod - Ch. 1:5 - 2:52
3. Thirty Years Later - Ch. 3:1 - 4:13

THE SON OF MAN AS PROPHET - KING IN GALILEE - Chapter 4:14 - 9:50

1. Introductions - Ch. 4:14 - 9:17
2. Culminations - Ch. 9:18-50

THE SON OF MAN IN HIS JUDEAN/PEREAN MINISTRY - Chapter 9:51 - 19:27

1. In Judea - Ch. 9:51 - 13:21
2. In Perea - Ch. 13:22 - 19:27

THE SON OF MAN REJECTED AS ISRAEL'S KING - Chapter 19:28 - 23:56

1. Before the Arrest - Ch. 19:28 - 22:46
2. After the Arrest - Ch. 22:47 - 23:56

THE SON OF MAN GLORIFIED - Chapter 24:1-53

1. The initial Appearance - Ch. 24:1-8
2. Forty Days Later - Ch. 24:9-53

John
Author: John
Time: 4 B.C. - 30 A.D.
Summary: The Book of John was written in order that men may believe that Jesus is the Son of God and consequently the Redeemer of all who believe in Him and the things concerning the Kingdom of God. John cites eight signs to establish and prove this point culminating in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. John is the only book of the four Gospels that does not cite any parables; instead John emphasizes Jesus as the manifestation of God.

Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh - The Face of an Eagle

Key Verse:

"These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:31)

Unique Features:
There are many key words in John's Gospel, and dominant throughout is the word "believe" which occurs over eighty times. The word, however, implies a belief that has developed into faith or conviction. As such, this Gospel was written for believers. They are enabled thereby to perceive the inner strength of Jesus, and to see that it stemmed from a greater then he, even God. Another peculiarity is the frequent use of the word "Jew". It is only found once in Matthew, twice in Mark and in Luke, but over sixty times in John.

John concerns himself more with the Judean ministry which Matthew and Mark hardly touch upon, and he records only eight miracles (which he terms "signs") that set in sequential order the whole purpose of God in Christ.

FROM EVERLASTING - Chapter 1:1-18

1. Deity before Christ - Ch. 1:1-8
2. Deity in Christ - Ch. 1:9-18

GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH - Chapter 1:19 - 19:42

1. In the World - Ch. 1:19 - 12:50
2. To His Own - Ch. 13:1 - 17:26
3. On the Stake - Ch. 18:1 - 19:42

TO EVERLASTING - Chapter 20:1 - 21:25

1. Abiding Life - Ch. 20:1-18
2. Abiding Light - Ch. 20:19-31
3. Abiding Love - Ch. 21:1-25

Acts of the Apostles
Author: Luke
Time: 30-60 A.D.
Summary: Acts records the foundation and activities of the first century church. It illustrates the struggles and problems that they faced as well as the solutions to overcome the problems. It describes the power that was given to a select number of men by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to promote the Gospel. The book also traces the missionary journeys of Paul as he helped form Churches throughout Asia Minor and Rome.

The Witness to Christ

Key Verse:

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

PREPARATION FOR PREACHING - Chapter 1:1 - 2:4

IN JERUSALEM - Chapter 2:5 - 7:60

IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA - Chapter 8:1-25

THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH - Chapter 8:26 - 28:31

1. Towards Africa - Ch. 8:26-40
2. Towards Asia - Ch. 9:1 - 16:5
3. Towards Europe - Ch. 16:6 - 18:17
4. In Asia - Ch. 18:18 - 26:32
5. In Europe - Ch. 27:1 - 28:31

Romans
Author: Paul
Time: 58 - 60 A.D.
Summary: Paul was instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ to be a Minister to the Gentile people. Paul begins the letter by showing how all men are sinners in the eyes of God and therefore worthy of death. However, Paul explains that Jesus Christ was the "second Adam" in whom no sin was found, and is able to provide an acceptable covering for men's sin if they accept all that Jesus said and follow after him in their own lives. With this in mind, Paul explains the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles and the final outcome of all things when the Lord Jesus returns to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God.

Christ: The Power of God to Us

Key Verse:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16-17)

INTRODUCTION - Ch. 1:1-15

DOCTRINAL: HOW THE GOSPEL RELATES TO SALVATION - Ch. 1:16 - 8:39

1. Condemnation - Ch. 1:16 - 3:20
2. Justification - Ch. 3:21 - 5:21
3. Sanctification - Ch. 6:1 - 8:17
4. Glorification - Ch. 8:18-39

NATIONAL: HOW THE GOSPEL RELATES TO ISRAEL - Chapter 9:1 - 11:36

1. Selection - Ch. 9:1-33
2. Rejection - Ch. 10:1-21
3. Restoration - Ch. 11:1-36

PRACTICAL: HOW THE GOSPEL RELATES TO CONDUCT - Ch. 12:1 - 15:13

1. Social Responsibilities - Ch. 12:1-21
2. Civil Responsibilities - Ch. 13:1-14
3. Congregational Responsibilities - Ch. 14:1 - 15:13

EPILOGUE: PERSONAL MATTERS - Chapter 15:14 - 16:27

I Corinthians
Author: Paul
Time: 55 - 57 A.D.
Summary: Written to the church at Corinth by the apostle Paul. He deals with a series of problems, sins and false teachings that were present in the newly formed church. Most members were from a promiscuous pagan background and were exhorted to put away their previous ways. There also were problems with those who tried to "blend" the teachings of Christ with the Levitical law.

Christ: The Wisdom of God to Us

Key Verses:

"Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (1 Cor. 1:17)

"Unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." (1 Cor. 1:24)

"We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (1 Cor. 2:7-8)

INTRODUCTION - Chapter 1:1-9

REPROOF: CONCERNING SCHISMS - Chapter 1:10 - 4:21

CORRECTION: CONCERNING INCONSISTENCIES - Chapter 5:1 - 6:20

INSTRUCTION: ANSWERS TO PROBLEMS - Chapter 7:1 - 15:58

1. Concerning the Marriage State - Ch. 7:1-17
2. Regarding Circumcision and Slavery - Ch. 7:18-24
3. Regarding Virgins and Marriage - Ch. 7:25-40
4. Regarding Meat Offered to Idols - Ch. 8:1 - 11:1
5. Regarding Women in the Ecclesia - Ch. 11:2-16
6. Regarding the Lord's Supper - Ch. 11:17-34
7. Regarding Spirit Gifts - Ch. 12:1 - 14:40
8. Regarding the Resurrection - Ch. 15:1-58

GENERAL MATTERS - Chapter 16:1-24

II Corinthians
Author: Paul
Time: 55 - 57 A.D.
Summary: This second letter to the church at Corinth was penned by Paul also. It was written after he made a "painful" and unsuccessful visit to the small church in an attempt to give instruction and guidance on several divisive issues. Upon learning that a majority of members had repented, he wrote the letter of 2nd Corinthians. It gives encouragement, yet teaches of the suffering that each member must face for the Lord Jesus' sake. He concludes by surmising when he is weakest, then God is able to work through him most powerfully. This letter was, in all likelihood, written about six months after the first letter to the Corinthians.

Christ: The Comfort of God to Us

Key Verse:

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Cor. 1:3-4)

INTRODUCTION: THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE - Chapter 1:1-11

EXPLANATION: PAUL THE MINISTER - Chapter 1:12 - 5:21

1. Concerning His Motives - Ch. 1:12 - 2:11
2. Concerning the Ministry - Ch. 2:12 - 5:21

EXHORTATION: PAUL THE FATHER - Chapter 6:1 - 9:15

1. Concerning Things Spiritual - Ch. 6:1 - 7:16
2. Concerning Things Material - Ch. 8:1 - 9:15

VINDICATION: PAUL THE APOSTLE - Chapter 10:1 - 12:18

1. The Critics and their Pretensions - Ch. 10:1 - 11:15
2. The Apostle and His Credentials - Ch. 11:16 - 12:18

CONCLUSION: FUTURE INTENTIONS - Chapter 12:19 - 13:14

Galatians
Author: Paul
Time: 48 - 50 A.D.
Summary: The letter to the church in Galatia focuses on the divisions that Jewish Christians were causing among new Gentile converts. These Judaizers were trying to convince the Gentiles that first, Paul's authority was given by men and not by God, and secondly, that they need to be circumcised and to keep the ritual law in order to be saved. Paul argues that both Jew and Gentile alike enjoy in Christ complete salvation. They are justified, adopted, renewed, and made heirs according to the promises of the Abrahamic covenant. Reliance on the Law was only a bondage to death and could not produce life giving freedom, as only Christ could grant that freedom. Paul was showing that all legalistic variations of the Gospel are perversions of it and should be shown as such.

Christ: The Righteousness of God for Us

Key Verses:

"If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Gal. 2:21)

"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Gal. 3:6)

"If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Gal. 3:21)

"We ... wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Gal. 5:5)

INTRODUCTION AND SALUTATION - Chapter 1:1-5

THE PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE - Chapter 1:6-9

NARRATION: PERSONAL DETAILS - ILLUSTRATING THE AUTHENTICITY OF PAUL'S GOSPEL - Chapter 1:10 - 2:21

EXPOSITION: DOCTRINAL - A DECLARATION OF THE GOSPEL - Chapter 3:1 - 4:31

1. Justification by Faith - Ch. 3:1-14
2. Faith's Relation to the Law - Ch. 3:15-29
3. Relationship of Faith to the Law Illustrated - Ch. 4:1-31

EXHORTATION: PRACTICAL - THE DEMANDS OF THE GOSPEL - Chapter 5:1 - 6:10

1. The Call Unto Liberty - Ch. 5:1-12
2. Liberty in Reality - Ch. 5:13-26
3. Freedom in Christ Must be Mutually Enjoyed - Ch. 6:1-10

CONCLUDING REVIEW - Chapter 6:11-18

Ephesians
Author: Paul
Time: 62 - 63 A.D.
Summary: The letter is divided into two sections. The first outlines the blessings and spiritual riches in Christ; the second the walk in imitation of Christ. The intent was to illustrate the abundance of spiritual riches that Christ himself received or would receive, namely grace, glory, mercy, immortality, and to foster the incentive to walk as Christ himself did. By doing so, the believer would learn to walk worthy of his vocation; not as Gentiles which know not God, but as children of light who show forth love and walk correctly in all manner of conversation and action until the return of the Lord Jesus. It is thought that this letter was one of several letters which were circulated to the different churches in Asia.

Christ: The Riches of God to Us

Key Verse:

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He wrought in Christ, when He raised him from the dead, and set him at His own right hand in the heavenly places." (Eph. 1:18-20)

OUR WEALTH IN CHRIST - Chapter 1:1 - 3:21

1. Salutation - Ch. 1:1-2
2. Predestination, or the Origin of the Ecclesia - Ch. 1:3-23
3. Edification, Or the Construction of the Ecclesia - Ch. 2:1-22
4. Vocation, Or the Function of the Ecclesia  - Ch. 3:1-21

OUR WALK IN CHRIST - Chapter 4:1 - 6:24

1. Ecclesial Responsibilities - Ch. 4:1-16
2. Individual Conduct - Ch. 4:17 - 6:9
3. Faith's Warfare - Ch. 6:10-24

Philippians
Author: Paul
Time: 62 A.D.
Summary: The tone of this letter is more personal in nature than any other letter. Paul outlines his own beliefs and relates the attitude that all believers must not be self centered in their own lives. Each believer must look to Christ for an example of self sacrifice and unity in purpose. He further contrasts enemies of the cross with those who are friends of the Lord Jesus and the cross. It is thought that Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison.

Christ: The Sufficiency of God to Us

Key Verses:

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Phil. 3:7-8)

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded." (Ch. 3:13-15)

CHRIST OUR LIFE - Chapter 1:1-30

CHRIST OUR MIND - Chapter 2:1-30

CHRIST OUR GOAL - Chapter 3:1 - 4:1

CHRIST OUR STRENGTH - Chapter 4:2-23

Colossians
Author: Paul
Time: 62 - 63 A.D.
Summary: The letter to Colossi was written in response to the heresy and Judaizing that were brought to Paul's attention. The major errors that had crept into the church were

1. The exaltation of angels or other "elemental spirits"
2. The emphasis on ascetic or liturgical practices thought to produce spirituality
3. Those in error claimed a special knowledge beyond that found in the Gospel of Christ.

Paul states that these are philosophies based on human tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority, and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.

Christ: The Fullness of God to Us

Key Verse:

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." (Col. 2:8-12)

INTRODUCTION - Chapter 1:1-14

DOCTRINAL - 'That you may be filled' - Ch. 1:15 - 2:23

PRACTICAL - 'Seek those things above' - Ch. 3:1 - 4:6

PERSONAL - 'That you may know our estate' - Ch. 4:7-18

I & II Thessalonians
Author: Paul
Time: 50 A.D.
Summary: The main focus in these letters is the state of the dead in Christ. It deals with their resurrection and the future of the Kingdom of God. Paul appears to have written these letters due to the large amount of newly baptized believers in Thessalonica. He was forced out of the city by jealous Jews. The occurrence of "you know" in the letters indicates that the teachings were begun but were interrupted and therefore Paul wishes to solidify the subject matter. Further encouragement is given in the second letter regarding the punishment of those wicked men who were persecuting them.

I Thessalonians

Christ: As Our Hope

Key Verse:

"Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." (I Thess. 1:9-10)

LOOKING BACK: HOW THEY WERE CALLED - Chapter 1:1 - 3:13

1. Through Conversion - Ch. 1:1-10
2. Through Preaching - Ch. 2:1-20
3. Through After care - Ch. 3:1-13

LOOKING ON: HOW THEY SHOULD LIVE - Chapter 4:1-18

LOOKING FORWARD: WATCHING AND WAITING - Chapter 5:1-28

II Thessalonians

Christ: As Our Victory

Key Verse:

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe in that day." (II Thess. 1:7-10)

CONSOLATION: FROM THE FACT OF CHRIST'S COMING - Chapter 1:1-12

CAUTION: INSTRUCTION ON THE TIME OF CHRIST'S COMING - Chapter 2:1-17

COMMAND: INJUNCTIONS IN VIEW OF CHRIST'S COMING - Chapter 3:1-18

WHY 4 GOSPELS?

Isaiah spake of the Messiah as the ideal Israelite (Is. 49:3-6), implying thereby that he would manifest all the qualities of virtue to which Israel, as a nation, was called. That nation was taken out of Egypt to glorify God (Jer. 13:11; Is. 43:7) by manifesting His characteristics. To that end they encamped around the Tabernacle and in the shadow of four standards which reproduced the faces of the Cherubim which overshadowed the Mercy Seat in the Tabernacle. The nation of Israel was thus divided into four sections under the leadership of the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, Reuben and Dan with the standards of a Lion, Ox, Man and Eagle (Ezekiel 1:10), representing Royalty, Service, Humanity and Divinity.

The four accounts of Christ's ministry revealed him in those four aspects. Matthew emphasizes his royal dignity, constantly drawing upon the prophecies of the Old Testament in confirmation of his majesty. Mark gives attention to his work of service, recording what he did for others, the miracles and acts of love that he rendered. Luke treats his ministry from the standpoint of his humanity, tracing his genealogy back to Adam (Luke 3). John shows him as divine, the manifestation of the Father, the Word made flesh, the means by which the foundation for the righteous character he revealed was provided.

The four Gospel records, therefore, are like the four standards of Israel, exhibiting the Lord in four different aspects, all of which contribute to the general revelation of "God manifest in the flesh." The four accounts show that he rules (Matthew - the Lion), because he served (Mark - the Ox), and though he was flesh (Luke - the Man), he conquered through the spirit (John - the Eagle).

These fourfold aspects of Christ's ministry were foreshadowed by the four major prophets of the Old Testament: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Isaiah predicted the Lord's royal majesty (the Lion); Jeremiah illustrated his work of service as man of sorrows (the Ox); Ezekiel constantly used the title of Son of Man and typified the Christ (the Man); Daniel by his miracles and prophecies emphasized the work of the spirit (the Eagle).

Thus the four accounts of Christ's life, though not in themselves complete (see John 21:25), provide a balanced presentation of the Lord as "God manifest in the flesh".