English Christian Education - The New Testament

St. Matthew, originally named Levi, was a Jewish tax collector from Capernaum, Galilee, working for Herod and the Romans. This made him unpopular among the Jews. He was one of the 12 apostles.

St. Matthew's Gospel, written in Greek, is believed to be a translation or re-written version of an original Aramaic manuscript that is now lost. The Greek version was written for Jewish Christians in the Diaspora and is accepted as canonical.

St. Matthew's Gospel focuses on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah who fulfills Jewish prophecies.

St. Matthew was a humble and committed follower of Jesus. He willingly gave up his tax collecting career to become an apostle and serve Christ.

St. Matthew's Gospel often uses Jewish customs, laws, and traditions.

St. Matthew's Gospel presents Jesus as the King who fulfills God's promises to Israel.

St. Matthew emphasizes Jesus' teachings and authority, often presenting him as King and Teacher.

Jesus warns his followers to be watchful and prepared for his return, urging them to not be distracted by the temptations and worries of everyday life.

Jesus stresses the importance of constant prayer and striving to be worthy of standing before him, highlighting the need for spiritual readiness.

Jesus' dedication to teaching and guiding his followers is evident in him spending his days teaching in the temple and his nights on the Mount of Olives, demonstrating his commitment to his mission.

Jewish genealogy was a crucial aspect of Jewish identity, and maintaining accurate records was vital for several reasons.

Jewish genealogical records were considered essential for maintaining the purity of lineage, as any foreign blood would disqualify someone from being considered a Jew.

The Great Commission is Jesus' command to his followers to spread the Christian faith to all nations.

Jesus' statement that he has been given all authority in heaven and earth. This means he has the power to rule over everything.

St. Luke was a Gentile who converted to Christianity around 36 AD.

He was born in Antioch, Syria, and became a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle.

St. Luke is often referred to as "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14).

St. Luke is often depicted with an ox on one side and painting tools on the other.

St. Luke is believed to have painted the first image of the Virgin Mary.

St. Luke is known for his detailed and careful historical accounts in his writings.

St. Luke's writings are filled with vivid details of the events and people of the time.

St. Luke's Greek background and education are evident in his writing style.

The writing style of the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Jesus as the King of Heaven, fulfilling Jewish prophecies, and defending against Jewish claims about his resurrection and Messiahship.

St. Matthew's Gospel was primarily written for Jewish people, particularly those newly converted to Christianity.

The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes that the original text of the Gospels was written in Greek, not translated from Hebrew, supported by similarities with other Gospels, the use of Hebrew and Septuagint sources, and explanations of Jewish customs.

Matthew's Gospel is characterized by a focus on the Kingdom of God, presenting Jesus as the King of Heaven, the anticipated Messiah fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and providing a defense against Jewish claims about his resurrection and Messiahship.

Matthew's Gospel explores the teachings of Jesus about God's kingdom, the nature of discipleship, and the end times.

A collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew 5-7, emphasizing the 'righteousness of the New Testament' and contrasting it with the Old Testament.

Instructions provided by Jesus to his Apostles in Matthew 10, outlining their mission and guiding them in their work.

Stories used by Jesus to teach about the nature of God's kingdom in Matthew 13. These stories aim to help understand the kingdom's workings and dynamics.

This refers to the requirements to follow Jesus and be a disciple, as presented in Matthew 18. It emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness.

St. Luke wrote his Gospel primarily for Gentiles (Greeks), represented by Theophilus, meaning "loved by God."

St. Luke's Gospel emphasizes that Jesus came for all people, including Gentiles, not just Jews, presenting God's salvation as universal.

St. Luke wrote his Gospel in classic Greek, using an elegant style.

St. Luke's Gospel was written in Rome around 58-63 A.D., before the martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul.

The Kingdom of Heaven is open to Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56). The grateful leper was a Samaritan (Luke 17:11-19). Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

St. Luke emphasizes Jesus' concern for the poor and outcasts, like the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) and the woman who anointed Jesus' feet (Luke 7:36-50).

St. Luke provides unique details about Jesus' birth and childhood, including the Annunciation to Mary, the visit to Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, and Jesus' first visit to the temple.

God's angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-45).

St. Luke describes the birth of Jesus, including the appearance of angels to shepherds and the presentation of Jesus at the temple.