Matthew, Mark, Luke & John: A Synchronized Study
The first four books of the New Testament are collectively known as "The Gospels" and they cover the same story from four different perspectives. They revolve around the reported events, the detailed conversations, the life, the ministry and the miracles of Jesus Christ. Each report was written around the same time period with subtle differences and perspectives unique to the observer. Jesus had twelve main followers (Disciples & Apostles); Matthew was one of the twelve and the author of the first report, commonly known as "The Gospel According To Matthew". He was a former customs official who knew short-hand so his recording techniques were extremely detailed. Matthew focuses primarily on the words and conversations of Jesus during his ministry. He targets an audience of Jewish readers and presents Jesus as the prophesied Messiah and begins his account with a Jewish genealogy and then Jesus' birth. Mark was a secretary of Peter who was one of the twelve, so what is commonly known as "The Gospel According To Mark" is actually Peter's account. Peter was a professional fisherman, a boisterous man of passion and quick to action. In his account, he focuses primarily on the events and actions of Jesus during his ministry. He targets an audience of Roman readers and presents Jesus as the prophesied Suffering Servant and begins his account with Jesus' baptism. Matthew, John and Peter were all eyewitnesses to what they reported. Luke, however, was an investigative reporter who didn't witness these events first hand but chronicled them after careful investigation to prequel his other book, "The Acts Of The Apostles" in which the events of that book he did witness. Luke was a professional physician and his account primarily focuses on Jesus' humanity while paying close attention to what he felt. He targets an audience of Greek readers and presents Jesus as the prophesied Son Of Man and begins his account with Jesus' conception. John of course was one of the twelve and the author of the last report, commonly known as "The Gospel According To John". He primarily focuses on Jesus' deity while paying close attention to who he actually was. He targets an audience of a wide variety. It's addressed to a universal audience while showing evidence of being written primarily for a spiritual audience. John presents Jesus as the prophesied Son Of God and begins his account with Jesus' role in the creation of universe. The following sessions are a synchronized study of the reports provided by all four of these men.