The Gospels and Acts

Question 1

Matthew

Answer 1

Author/Date: Matthew possibly to Jews (pre-AD 70)
Theme: Jesus, the Messiah from the line of David, fulfills old covenant promises and saves sinners

1. Genesis of the Messiah (1-4:16)
2. Ministry of the Messiah (4:17-16:20)
3. Mission of the Messiah (16:21-28:20)

“from that time on Jesus began to…”

Question 2

Mark

Answer 2

Author/Date: Mark probably to church in Rome or Italy, per church fathers (late 50s to early 60s)
Theme: Proclamation of how the True King brings His kingdom through the cross

1. Preaching the Kingdom of God (1-8:30)
    3 rounds of Teaching + blind healed
2. Cost of the Kingdom of God (8:31-10:52)
    3 rounds of death/discipleship + blind healed
3. Bringing the Kingdom of God (11-16)

Question 3

Luke

Answer 3

Author/Purpose: Luke to Theophilus (62 AD)
* Theme: To give confidence to follow Jesus since He is surely the long-awaited Savior

1. The Lord Jesus is born (1-4:13)
2. The Lord’s ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:50)
3. The Lord’s journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)
4. The Lord’s work in Jerusalem (19:28-24:53)

Question 4

John

Answer 4

Author/Date: John, the son of Zebedee, to unbelievers (mid-80s AD)
Theme: Jesus is the Son of God who gives life

1. Prologue: The Incarnate Word (1:1-18)
2. Book of Christ’s Signs (1:19-12:50)
3. Book of Christ’s Great Sign (13-20)
4. Epilogue: Fishers and Shepherds (21)

Question 5

Acts

Answer 5

Author/Date: Luke to Theophilus (63 AD)
Theme: The Triune God’s providence over the chruch as she brings the blessing of the gospel Word to the world

1. The Word in Jerusalem (1-8)
2. The Word in Judea and Samaria (8-12)
3. The Word to the ends of the earth (13-20)
4. The Word in Rome (21-28)