The gospel
Jesus lives the life we could not, dies the death we deserved, and rises victorious.
Canon division
Gospels & Acts
The life of Jesus and the birth of His church.
Overview
At the center of the Bible stand four accounts of one life. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell the story of Jesus of Nazareth: His birth, ministry, teaching, miracles, and above all His death and resurrection: from a distinct angle and for a distinct audience.
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews; Mark, as the servant on the move to the cross; Luke, as the Savior for all people; John, as the eternal Son of God, that we might believe and have life. Acts then carries the story forward: the risen Christ pours out His Spirit, and the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Here the promises of the Law and the Prophets come to their fulfillment. The Word became flesh, dwelt among us, died for sinners, rose in triumph, and sent His people out with good news for the world.
Key themes
Fulfillment
Everything the Law and the Prophets promised comes true in Christ.
Discipleship
Jesus calls, forms, and sends followers to take up their cross and follow Him.
The Spirit and the church
In Acts the Spirit births the church and drives the gospel to the nations.
Books in this section
The 5 books of this division, in order. The 5 with a full study on this site are linked.