GOSPELS The word comes from the old English word GODSPELL which means Good News or Glad Tidings. That word is based on the Greek word EVANGELION which means the proclamation or announcement of good news. We get the word EVANGELIST (Gospel writer) from this Greek word.
SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (follow the same guide/outline)
Mark -considered oldest of the Gospels 65-70 CE -written in Rome by John Mark (learned of JC from Peter) -written for Gentiles -almost 50% of this Gospel deals with the crucifixion and resurrection. -the theme of suffering may be due to the fact that Mark was writing in Rome during time when Christians were severely persecuted.
Luke -Luke was a Jewish doctor who converted to Christianity. -believed to have written the Acts of the Apostles too -written in Antioch, Syria -written c.85 CE -believed to have been friends with Paul (where he may have got his info) -written for Christians to help them better understand their faith and its roots -stresses Jesus' mercy and compassion, especially towards the oppressed and outcasts of society - many of the most famous parables are found in this Gospel
Matthew -controversy surrounds who actually wrote this Gospel and when -written c.90 CE -written in Antioch, Syria -the structure seems to follow the first 5 books of the OT -the Gospel contains 5 great speeches/sermons by Jesus that the rest of the Gospel is based around -Matthew portrays Jesus as the next Moses, giving the new laws (Beatitudes) -written for Jews to convinve them that JC truly was the Messiah.
NON-SYNOPTIC John -few narratives and no parables -series of long reflections -speaks on a number of JC's miracles -it is believed that John also wrote the Book of Revelations -written by students of the school founded by John -written c.95 CE -written in Palestine -written for Gentiles -presents Jesus as the divine Son of God.
BOOK OF REVELATION The Book of Revelation is one of the most encouraging books of the NT. In it, John talks about the ulitmate defeat of evil and the glorious return and reign of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It talks about a time when God will dwell with men and He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES The Acts of the Apostles is the fifth book of the NT. It chronicles the early preaching, by the Apostles, about Jesus. Three of the key lessons spread by the Apostles are: Christ fulfills the promises of the OT, salvation comes through Him, and that the Christian community is the new chosen people.