“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)
Paul
The concept of splitting the Word of God into two groups, namely “Law and Gospel,” may be an over simplification, but it does point out that we are sinners (because we violated the God’s Law) and at the same time offer the solution to that problem, the offering of the free gift of salvation through Jesus (as read in the gospels).
The first four books of the New Testament offer a historical record of the ministry of Jesus Christ. They are called “the gospels” (the word means “good news”) because each book not only portrays the life of Jesus, they explain how we can be right with God and receive eternal life through Him.
As a Bible teacher the gospels have always been special to me. They bring all of the other books of the Bible in focus. In reading the gospels we recognize the immense love God has for us humans, so much so that He sent His Son to solve the biggest problem man ever encountered, sin (which results in death and eternal separation from God). The gospels are also special to me because I have seen and witnessed changes in people’s lives as they respond to the powerful story of redemption.Christians should have a thorough understanding of the gospels as they teach the words of Jesus, our Savior. Being called a Christian, identifies us as being followers of Jesus, people who believe in Him and His offer of salvation. Our faith in Jesus is what defines us as being Christians. But how can we say we are followers if we do not know what He said and did? I am reminded of the last words of Jesus recorded in Matthew, known as the Great Commission, where He instructed that we are to teach new disciples, “to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20) In order to do that, we need to know what He taught.
While reading please consider the considerations! When a book as complex as the Bible is read, especially during the first time, many of the details may be overlooked. In this commentary we have added a number of notes that go beyond the normal exposition; we call them “Considerations.” Just as the name implies, these are things to consider while reading the Scriptural text and commentary. They are not in any particular order or ranking, but should be read along with the other text; please do not skip reading them. These considerations make this commentary unique and should provide guidance and further illumination to the various subjects.
It is my sincere hope and prayer that the Holy Spirit open your heart and mind when you read this book. Whether read from cover to cover or used only as a handbook, I pray you a blessed. The gospel message is not only to be read and understood, it is to be shared, that is why we are alive, as we are His ambassadors in a fallen world (see 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). All glory and honor belongs to Jesus!Dave Heywood
Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
I. Introduction
A. What is a Gospel?
B. Why Four Gospels?
C. Only God Can Set Things Right Again
D. Old Testament Quotes and Citations
II. The Gospel According to Matthew
A. Introduction to Matthew
B. Commentary on Chapters 1 - 28
III. The Gospel According to Mark
A. Introduction to Mark
B. Commentary on Chapters 1 - 16
IV. The Gospel According to Luke
A. Introduction to Luke
B. Commentary on Chapters 1 - 24
V. The Gospel According to John
A. Introduction to John
B. Commentary on Chapters 1 - 21
VI. Conclusion
VII. Supplemental
VIII. Appendix
1. Sacraments
2. Daniel's Seventy Weeks
3. Election and Predestination
4. Psalm 22
5. Mark 16:9-20
6. Medical Aspects of Crucifixion
7. A Galilean Wedding
IX. Bibliographies
AMP - Amplified Bible
CSB - Christian Standard Bible
ESV - English Standard Version
GW - God’s Word Translation
ISV - International Standard Version
KJV - King James Version
LEB - Lexham English Bible
NASB - New American Standard Bible
NETS - New English Translation of the Septuagint
NIV - New International Version
NKJV - New King James Version
NLT - New Living Translation
NT - New Testament
LXX - Septuagint
OT - Old Testament
What is a Gospel? · Why Four Gospels? · Only God Can Set Things Right Again · Old Testament Quotes and Citations
Introduction · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14
15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28
Introduction · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14
15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24
Introduction · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14
15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21
Everything a Christian Should Know About the Gospels
A Commentary on the First Four Books of the New Testament
© 2022 by David A. Heywood. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted or verses marked ESV, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Verses marked AMP are taken from The Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA, 90631. All rights reserved.
Verses marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Verses marked GW or God’s Word are taken from GOD’S WORD. Copyright © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Verses marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ All rights reserved worldwide.
Verses marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Verses marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Verses marked The Message are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 19996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
All sections and chapter of this book were written using the following reverse interlinears as the primary source of the original Scriptural texts:
Old Testament
McDaniel, C. (2009). The English-Hebrew Reverse Interlinear Old Testament English Standard Version. Lexham Press. This reverse interlinear aligns the ESV Old Testament with the Lexham Hebrew Bible. Copyright 2009 Lexham Press.
New Testament
Schwandt, J. (2009). The English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament English Standard Version. Lexham Press. This reverse interlinear aligns with the ESV New Testament with the SBL Greek New Testament. Copyright 2009 Lexham Press.