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HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
Part Six
ITEMS ON WHICH TO FOCUS
Before we leave the four Gospels, there are a few things of importance to consider:
In the book of Matthew, chapters 5-7 we find a section called “the Sermon on the Mount”. These portions of Scripture focus on what the character of the child of God should be. Remember, that Matthew’s gospel is the gospel of the kingdom. So, at the very beginning, we are taught how a true child of the kingdom manifests himself.
Later, in Matthew 24, 25, we have two chapters dedicated to the coming of the King. The teaching is found in these chapters give us the teaching given by Jesus concerning His coming again. John's Gospel is different from the other three in this way. The information that John gives to us is not found in the other Gospels. John deliberately focused on other aspects of Christ’s ministry. He talks about Jesus being the son of God and how his life clearly revealed it. John’s reasons for writing his gospel are clearly found in John chapter 20 and 21. I am putting them together in order to clearly demonstrate the thought uttered by John. In John 20:30 we have these words ”and many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, and there are also many other things which Jesus did, the witch, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written, but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
(These verses are found in John 20:30; John 21:25; and finally, in John 20:31 and they are put together as a composite producing unity in the purpose for writing John’s Gospel.
ABOUT THE BOOK OF ACTS
In order to appreciate and understand the book of Acts, it is helpful to understand something about the author. Both the gospel of Luke and Acts were written by Luke, who is not one of the original apostles, but was an eyewitness of all that Jesus began to do and to teach. In his gospel, Luke addresses a man known as Theophilos. Not much is said about him, but my interpretation based on information given was that he was a high- ranking official who chose to be called Theophilos. The Greek meaning of the word Theophilos is “one who loves God”.
Luke has written a careful, historical, treatise intended specifically for Theophilos, with the purpose that he would gain a clearer understanding and have a more knowledgeable faith. It was designed to teach everything concerning Jesus from his birth to his ascension. That is the scope of Luke’s gospel.
Previously Luke explained to his friend Theophilos all that Jesus began to do and to teach. Although not specifically stated, his purpose for writing Acts was to present information concerning Jesus beyond His ascension. He is now explaining all that Jesus is continuing to do and teach through the administration of the Holy Spirit. So we see Luke is presenting all the information that he has pertaining to the workings of the Holy Spirit, as displayed through his church.
As we begin studying Luke, one more reference from his gospel is mentioned in Acts chapter 1 verse 4. In this verse, they have reminded of Jesus the last command to them. That command is found in Luke chapter 24, verse 49, which say:” and, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” God also gave them this promise as they obeyed his command, “but you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Thus, this command and promise are given at the outset of the book. To observe this promise in this command is all that was required.
You would think something as simple as this would not be hard to observe, but then there was Peter. He always seems to make something complicated and confusing about simple things. He is a strong personality and the motivated one convinced the rest of the apostles and disciples that something had to be done to replace Judas. This was Peter’s idea not God’s. But they proceeded and took a straw vote and chose Mathias to replace Judas. I guess we can’t blame Peter for being Peter, but we see that they prematurely chose Mathias. God didn’t seem to have any problem with this action, however, as we shall show in the book of acts, God had a better plan and a better person to do the job that they felt was necessary then. So we have an introduction to the book of Acts.
Now the book of Acts begins to unfold. In chapter 2, we have the most important chapter in the whole book; that is the arrival of the day of Pentecost. What happened as they waited, God fulfilled his promise and as they were praying, they began to speak in a different language as the Holy Spirit came upon them causing everyone in the surrounding area to understand the good news of God’s word.
That day, at the preaching of Peter, conviction by the Holy Spirit came and 3000 souls were entered into the kingdom. From that time forward, we begin to see the Holy Spirit in action through the lives of Christ’s followers. Immediately they went forth, preaching the gospel everywhere and the church was growing. But when we get to chapter 6, followers were so busy preaching the word that other important needs were being neglected. To take care of these neglects, Stephen was selected to oversee the problem.
There rose opposition from the Jews and Stephen courageously and boldly spoke out, causing the opposition to become angrier and Stephen, as a result, was martyred. But that was not the end. As a result of Stephen’s martyrdom, something else happened. Saul of Tarsus who was in charge of initiating persecution toward the Christians was approached by God on the Damascus Road and he became a follower of Jesus. From that time all is history.
The rest of the book of Acts focuses mainly upon Paul, Silas, and Barnabas as they preached in the synagogues, people believed, persecution arose, and churches were established. Saul of Tarsus now became Paul the apostle: The one chosen by God to replace Judas.
We find now, new churches were established and these churches became the focus on the rest of the book of Acts. Acts is the only historical book in the New Testament.
DIVISION OF THE BOOKS.
The remainder of books in the New Testament is individual letters from the apostles designed to encourage, correct and inform.
Letters from the apostle Paul
Romans, I, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I, II Thessalonians, I, II Timothy. Titus, and PhilemonGeneral Epistles
Hebrews, James, I, II Peter, Jude
Writings of the Apostle John
I, II, III John. The Gospel of John, Revelation
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