The Four Gospels
The four Gospels were written after Jesus’ death by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The first three gospels are called synoptic because they share a similar synopsis – the form of sermons to the Galileans, while the Gospel of John is directed at the Pharisees. The four gospels have different symbols – an angel for Matthew, a lion for Mark, a bull for Luke, and an eagle for John.
The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for the Jews and about the salvation of the Jewish people. Matthew or Levi was a publican disliked by both the people and authorities, so his gospel worships salvation through mercy. Mark was a disciple of Peter, who directed his message to the Romans, and emphasized the fact that Christ was the King of kings, the Lord of the universe (Hindson and Towns 26). The Gospel of Luke is addressed to the Gentiles, and speaks of salvation for non-Jews, and the manly love of Jesus. John was considered the beloved disciple of Jesus, who rested at his chest during the Last Supper. This Gospel is aimed at the Pharisees, emphasizing the superhuman qualities of Jesus, his revelations, and miraculous powers.
The History Between the Old and New Testaments
The history between the Old and New Testaments covers almost three centuries before the coming of Jesus Christ, and its events are described in the Old Testament Apocrypha. The appearance of John the Baptist is considered a significant event of this time. Still, the Old Testament Apocrypha contains many other references and predictions of the coming of Messiah. The Old Testament Apocrypha first appeared at the turn of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.
These works include the Midrash, the Apocalypse, the Psalms, the Writings in the style of the Sages, and the Testaments. Midrash includes the Book of Jubilees or Small Genesis, which contains legends based on the stories of Genesis and Exodus. The author of this book says that the Law was written on the heavenly tablets before the world creation. The author suggests dividing history into cycles of 50 years – anniversaries.
The book of the life of Adam and Eve includes an artistic account of the life of the first people in Eden, their exile, life on earth, the death of Adam, and the fall of Satan. This book contains words about the future cleansing of sins by water, which is a testimony to the influence of the preaching of John the Baptist. Further, the Apocrypha of the Book of Genesis is a retelling of its chapters 12-15, and the martyrdom of the prophet Isaiah. Apocalypses include the Book of Enoch, which contains prophecies about the coming of Messiah and other world events. The Messiah is called the Son of Man, the Son of the Virgin, the chosen lord who was hidden before the world was created.
The book contains the parts introduction, angels and the universe, parables, heavenly bodies, visions, a call to righteousness, and a conclusion with the Book of Noah. This book presents the most complete description of the hopes of the Jews in the intertestamental period. There are three books of Enoch, and other apocalypses – the Ascension of Moses, the Apocalypse of Abraham, the Qumran Apocalypse, the Apocalypse of the Prophet Elijah, the Prophecies of the Sibyl, and the Apocalypse of Baruch.
The Apocrypha contains the Psalms of Solomon where unworthy rulers are exposed, and the coming of the Messiah is described as a supernatural but political event. Psalms also include the Odes or Songs of Solomon, Christian hymns, and hymns of thanksgiving. The Writings in the style of the Sages include the four Books of Maccabees on the Rule of Mind, which contain philosophical discussions. Finally, the Apocrypha include the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, the Testament of Abraham, the Testament of Adam, and the Testament of Isaac.
Prayer Emphasis and Worshipful Exaltation Textbook
Prayer emphasis and worshipful exaltation are seen as two distinct concepts in the Gospel of Luke. Prayer emphasis is understood as the importance of the close connection of Christ with God, while worshipful exaltation glorifies God as the Heavenly Father through whom Christ came down to earth (Hindson and Towns 378). In the Gospel of Luke, he often addresses the reader with references to prayers. Luke sought to express the human nature of Christ and emphasized his prayer life. At the same time, Luke interprets prayer as raising the heart to God and a form of communication with him.
Prayer was important to Jesus as he sought to fulfill the will of his Father, and prayer was a form of communication with God. This relationship was very personal, and Jesus, according to the Gospel of Luke, usually prayed alone. A clear example that reveals the purpose of prayer is Jesus’ conversation with God in the Garden of Gethsemane. Other episodes are the prayer of Jesus after baptism and receiving strength from the Holy Spirit, the prayer before choosing the twelve disciples, and the prayer when Jesus faces death on the cross.
Work Cited
Hindson, Ed, and Elmer L. Towns. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. B&H Publishing Group, 2013.