Mat 2:1-12: What does Mat 2:1 teach us about the date when Jesus was born?[1] Who were the magi, and where were they from?[2] What significance would the inclusion of the coming of the (Gentile) magi have held for Matthew’s readers at a time when the gospel was spreading rapidly among the Gentiles and generating…
Mat 1:18-19: What do Mat 1:18-19 teach us about the binding nature of betrothal in the Jewish culture? Cf. Deut 22:23-27. Why was Joseph going to divorce Mary? Consider the emotions of betrayal and the threat to Mary’s marriage relationship with Joseph that her miraculous conception would cause, as well as the shame and humiliation…
Some suggest that Luke gives Jesus’ descent through Mary, which is a possible, but somewhat strained explanation in light of Luk 3:23 which would otherwise seem to clearly indicate that Luke too is tracing Jesus’ line through Joseph. Consider also that since Mary was related to Elizabeth (Luk 1:36) who was “from the daughters of…
Mat 1:1 Note: “book” is the Greek word transliterated as biblos from which we get our word Bible. Note: “genealogy” in this verse is the same word translated in Mat 1:18 as “birth” and is the Greek word transliterated as “genesis”; why is such a term appropriate in describing the human beginnings of the Son…
Introduction to Matthew: It is appropriate that Matthew is placed first in the New Testament because it is the most Jewish of the gospels and forms a natural bridge from the Old Testament. Matthew’s gospel contains more quotes and allusions to the Old Testament than any other New Testament book. A Jew himself, Matthew’s purpose…
Luke’s Gospel: There is strong internal evidence that Luke had written and was distributing copies of his gospel prior to 56 a.d. This is the approximate date Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia during his third missionary journey. In it Paul wrote that Titus, who had just returned from Corinth with comforting news to the apostle…
The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because of the similarities in the chronicle of Christ’s life and ministry they present. However, in addition to their similarities each also has its unique differences so that the question arises about their literary relationship: Was there some common source of…
Heb 13:10-14 What appeal of the Jewish ceremonial law were those being tempted by who were in danger of reverting to the legal religion of the Jews? Cf. 1 Cor 9:13, 10:18. How does the author counter that appeal? See Heb 13:10. In what way did Jesus’ better sacrifice parallel that of the sacrifices of the…
Heb 13:1-3 With what three exhortations does the author encourage his readers in these verses? Why are they particularly important given the increased persecution they were facing? I.e., why might the love of the brethren fall by the wayside in times when believers are being persecuted for their faith? Why might believers in such times…
Heb 12:18-24 What mountain is referred to in Heb 12:18, and what historical event is the author describing in Heb 12:18-21? See Ex 19:11-22, 20:18-20, Dt 4:10-13, 5:2-5, 22-27. With what 7 expressions does he describe the giving of the old covenant that would “fade away” (2 Cor 3:11) because it was “only a shadow of…