Introduction to Biblical Studies
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Question 1
John’s gospel is different from the other three in the New Testament. That fact has been recognized since the early church itself. Whereas in the three synoptic gospels Jesus actually eats a Passover meal before he dies, in John’s gospel he doesn’t. The last supper is actually eaten before the beginning of Passover. John’s gospel that is rooted in the revival of the post Pentecostal church derives its teachings on the life of Jesus and majors on the aspect of repentance. The synoptic gospel is rooted in the life and acts of Jesus that looks at the various aspects of faith and Grace and also borrows from Paul’s ideas. There is a great sense of correlation between the Synoptic gospel and the deeds of the apostles that talk about and prepared what Jesus would emphasize in his teachings and works. In particular, the John’s gospel narrates the life and works of faith that are derived in the need to stay pure. John as an apostle thus majors on the works of grace and faith that are what covers a large part of the New Testament.
The synoptic gospel is more conservative and focuses on works that would prepare key figures like Paul further what Jesus would leave behind. Throughout the New Testament, the words of Jesus are well documented and shows an application of grace. According to John’s gospel, there are distinct aspects of faith and grace that amounts to one’s state of spirituality. While it is true that the gospel of John is rooted in grace and works of purity, the narrations given talk more of the life of Jesus as a son of God. The synoptic gospel mainly in he Acts and Luke lays the foundation for the works that the promised messiah would accomplish. The two sets of gospels however strike the core value of repentance that was the main message that John talked of in his gospel. John seen as the one sent to call on people to “prepare the way” invites a new direction into the teachings of faith and holiness. Just like in the acts of the Apostles, John links the meaning for holiness to repentance as the gateway to welcoming the messiah into the heart. One of the main ways the derived message resonates with other gospel is that John worked through various teachings to show how grace and holiness are compatible and dependent on each other.
Looking at the synoptic gospel, it is cereal that the message is derived from what would become the teaching of faiths and holiness that came through repentance. The aspect of Jesus eating Passover meal before he dies also differentiates the synoptic from john’s gospel. In the synoptic gospel, Jesus as the central figure in the teachings eats Passover before he is crucified. However, there is not account of Jesus taking the Passover before his death in the John’s gospel. These differences accounts what and how Jesus led his life and the foundation to what and how he derived his teachings. The value to holiness, repentance, and works of faith are largely empathized in the synoptic gospel as mentioned in the four books.
Question 2
The Bible records key instances and calls that define the relationship between mankind and God that was base don promises and covenants. In Abraham’s call through his strong faith in God, there is an incredible narration of how God wanted to establish a nation that would form a new chapter in creation. Abraham’s call by God to be the father of many nations under the name Israelites compares to the Messianic expectations because both signify God establishing a new race that would rule over the earth. Likewise, the genealogy of Jesus that runs through many generations traces back to Abraham’s call that ties many aspects of faith and covenants thus fulfilling what God told Abraham about a new nation under his name as the father.
In Nathan’s Oracle depicted in 2nd Samuel 7:4-17, the Bible records how God intended to make a covenant that would a establish a firm relationship and birth a new generation. Nathan announced to David how God was making a covenant with him that would last forever and usher in a new phase of direction through kingdoms and faith. There is similarity between Nathan’s Oracle and Abrahams’s call because both instances depict God striking a new agreement bae don faith and belief that would alter the course of events.
David who would lay the foundation to a new beginning running from the Old to New Testament is hereby the pillar that connects mankind to a new phase through Jesus that came through the Messianic fulfillment. Likewise, the messianic expectations that are depicted in the Gospel of Mathew have outlined the various aspects of derived holistic approach to God’s promise of establishing a new generation. The messianic expectations are also a reflection of what God promised Abraham that he would give him a new generation based on faith and grace. Through the New Testament, the Abraham’s call is fulfilled with the birth of a messiah that would affirm a strong promise that God through David’s line showed that he was working a new phase on his relationship with mankind.
The messianic expectations in the Gospel of Mathew defines a long-awaited messiah that would come from the lineage of David. In addition, the gospel of Mathew depicts a King who would come to unify the old and the New. Considering that the promised King would come from the lineage of David, this thus connects to Abraham call that was foretold in the Old Testament. Linking g both Abraham’s call and Nathan’s Oracle lays the foundation to the events that would shape the New Testament in terms of the coming of a new king. The promise given to Abraham about the coming of a new Kind through his decedents is thus revealed through David. Nathan who by this time is just a normal person is used to bring the news of a covenant that God would make to usher in a new age of faith, grace, and holiness.
Through the promises made in the Old Testament mainly to Abraham, more is revealed into what and how God would structure the life of his decedents who would undergo persecution and suffering. These events are also narrated in the book of Isaiah where the fulfillment the promises made in the earlier days would be launched. Abraham’s call and the depicted events that shape the messianic coming are thus the foundation to the new testament and the fulfilment of the God-Abraham covenant. God establishes various covenants that abide and fulfil through the events that unfolded both in the old and new testament. More is revealed though the coming of the messiah and thus the book of Mathew that ushers in a new age thus affirms the Abraham’s covenant and call.
