The Gospels

New Testament Survey.

Author: Kenneth Malenge 

We’ll divide the New Testament into five main sections:

  1. The Gospels (Matthew–John)
  2. The Acts of the Apostles
  3. The Pauline Epistles (Romans–Philemon)
  4. The General Epistles (Hebrews–Jude)
  5. The Book of Revelation

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

PART I – THE GOSPELS

Matthew

  • Author: Matthew (Levi), one of the twelve apostles, formerly a tax collector.
  • Date: c. A.D. 50–70
  • Audience: Primarily Jewish readers.
  • Theme: Jesus Christ, the promised King and Messiah.
  • Purpose: To prove Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and rightful King of the Jews.
  • Outline:
    1. Birth and Early Years of the King (1–2)
    2. The King’s Ministry in Galilee (3–18)
    3. The King’s Journey to Jerusalem (19–25)
    4. The King’s Death and Resurrection (26–28)
  • Key Verse: Matt. 5:17
  • Theological Emphasis: Jesus as Messiah; the Kingdom of Heaven; fulfillment of prophecy; the Sermon on the Mount.
  • Relevance: Establishes Christ as King and calls believers to live as citizens of His kingdom.

Mark

  • Author: John Mark, companion of Peter and Paul.
  • Date: c. A.D. 50–65
  • Audience: Romans (Gentiles).
  • Theme: Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant.
  • Purpose: To present Christ’s works and power rather than extended teaching.
  • Outline:
    1. Preparation of the Servant (1:1–13)
    2. Ministry in Galilee (1:14–9:50)
    3. Ministry in Judea & Jerusalem (10–13)
    4. Passion, Death, and Resurrection (14–16)
  • Key Verse: Mark 10:45
  • Theological Emphasis: Servanthood of Christ, authority of Christ, immediacy of His works (“immediately” appears often).
  • Relevance: Calls believers to follow Christ in service and sacrifice.

Luke

  • Author: Luke, the “beloved physician” (Col. 4:14), companion of Paul.
  • Date: c. A.D. 60–70
  • Audience: Greek readers, broader Gentile audience.
  • Theme: Jesus Christ, the Perfect Son of Man.
  • Purpose: To present a historically accurate and orderly account of Jesus’ life and ministry.
  • Outline:
    1. Prologue and Birth of Christ (1–2)
    2. Preparation for Ministry (3–4)
    3. Galilean Ministry (4–9)
    4. Journey to Jerusalem (10–19)
    5. Jerusalem Ministry, Death, Resurrection (20–24)
  • Key Verse: Luke 19:10
  • Theological Emphasis: Humanity of Christ; compassion for outcasts (women, poor, sinners, Samaritans); prayer and the Holy Spirit.
  • Relevance: Emphasizes Christ’s compassion, teaching believers to love all people.

John

  • Author: Apostle John, the disciple “whom Jesus loved.”
  • Date: c. A.D. 85–95
  • Audience: General audience (universal).
  • Theme: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
  • Purpose: To lead people to faith in Christ for eternal life (John 20:31).
  • Outline:
    1. Prologue: The Word made flesh (1:1–18)
    2. Public Ministry – Signs and Miracles (1:19–12:50)
    3. Private Ministry – Upper Room Teachings (13–17)
    4. Passion, Death, and Resurrection (18–21)
  • Key Verse: John 20:31
  • Theological Emphasis: Deity of Christ; “I Am” statements; eternal life; belief in Jesus as the only way of salvation.
  • Relevance: Strengthens faith in Christ’s divinity and mission as Savior.

📖 Summary of the Gospels:

  • Matthew – Christ the King (to Jews)
  • Mark – Christ the Servant (to Romans)
  • Luke – Christ the Son of Man (to Greeks)
  • John – Christ the Son of God (to all)
Name of the Book Author Date of Authorship Name Meaning Recipient Theme of the Book Purpose Key Verse Key Chapter Key Characters Doctrines
Matthew Matthew (Levi, tax collector, apostle) c. A.D. 50–60 “Gift of God” Primarily Jews Jesus as the promised King and Messiah To prove Jesus is the Messiah through OT prophecies Matthew 1:21–23; 28:19–20 Ch. 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) Jesus, disciples, Pharisees Kingship of Christ, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Kingdom of Heaven
Mark John Mark (companion of Peter) c. A.D. 55–65 “Polite” or “Shining” Romans (Gentiles) Jesus as the suffering Servant To show Jesus as the powerful yet humble Servant Mark 10:45 Ch. 15 (Crucifixion) Jesus, Peter, disciples Servanthood of Christ, Authority of Christ, Atonement
Luke Luke (beloved physician, companion of Paul) c. A.D. 60–61 “Light-giving” Greeks (Gentiles) Jesus as the perfect Son of Man To present an orderly account of Christ’s life and mission Luke 19:10 Ch. 15 (Parables of the Lost) Jesus, Mary, disciples Humanity of Christ, Salvation for all, Grace and Compassion
John John (beloved disciple, apostle) c. A.D. 85–90 “God is gracious” All believers (universal audience) Jesus as the eternal Son of God To inspire faith in Christ as the Son of God for eternal life John 20:31 Ch. 3 (New Birth), Ch. 17 (High Priestly Prayer) Jesus, Nicodemus, disciples, Mary Magdalene Deity of Christ, New Birth, Eternal Life, Love of God

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