Revealing Gospel Patterns: A Web of Spiritual Design
Mathews | Mark | Luke | John | |
Presents | Messiah | Servant | Son Of Man | Son Of God |
What Jesus | Said | Did | Felt | Was |
To the | Jews | Roman | Greek | Church |
1st Miracle | Leper Cleansed | Demon Exp’ | Demon Exp’ | Water into Wine |
Outcome | Resurrection | Ascension | Holy Spirit | Return Of Jesus |
Symbol | Lion | Ox | Man | Eagle |
The First Epistle to the Corinthians, often referred to as 1 Corinthians, is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul. The authorship is based on the internal content of the letter and historical Christian tradition. In the letter itself, Paul identifies himself as the author. The New Testament includes this letter as one of the Pauline epistles, and it is considered a key part of the biblical canon.
Matthew
Matthew is one of the first three Gospels, and together they’re called the ‘Synoptic Gospels‘ because they tell the story of Jesus in a similar way. However, each Gospel has its unique focus. In Matthew, you’ll find a detailed family history of Jesus going back to Abraham, along with stories about Jesus’ birth in chapters 1-2. Matthew is well-organized and pays special attention to what Jesus said, including the famous Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7, parables about the kingdom of heaven in chapter 13, and stories about the end of time in chapter 25. Additionally, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah from the Old Testament.
Mark
This Gospel concentrates mainly on what Jesus did, although the writer does include some of Jesus’ teaching. Within the first few chapters several miracles are recorded. He does not speak about Jesus’ birth but begins with John the Baptist’s work and Jesus’ baptism and temptations. Chapters 1-9 are about Jesus’ work in Galilee, chapters 10-15 his journey to Jerusalem ending in his death, and chapter 16 about his sresurrection 16:9. 20
Luke
Luke’s Gospel delves into the unique incidents surrounding Jesus’ birth and early life found in the first two chapters. Luke goes beyond mere genealogy, tracing Jesus’ family tree all the way back to Adam, highlighting the profound role of Jesus as the Savior for the entire world. What sets Luke apart is his emphasis on how Jesus felt and his deep concern for minority groups, the poor, and the oppressed. The Gospel explores themes of prayer, joy, and the Holy Spirit, providing a rich and emotional portrayal of Jesus’ life. Luke frequently ties events to specific dates in secular history, offering a historical context for readers. It’s worth noting that Luke is not only the author of this Gospel but also the Acts of the Apostles.
John
In contrast, the Gospel of John creates a distinctive atmosphere from the very first verse. Here, Jesus’ miracles are referred to as ‘signs,’ and the focus shifts from the concept of the ‘kingdom’ to that of ‘eternal life.’ Instead of parables, John presents several long and complex sermons, often linked to one of the signs. This Gospel introduces unique ‘I am‘ sayings, where Jesus identifies himself, such as when he heals a blind man and declares, ‘I am the light of the world.’ These sayings are characteristic of John’s Gospel. Additionally, the accounts of Jesus’ appearances after his resurrection are exclusive to this Gospel, providing a distinct perspective on what Jesus was.