In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua] was in the beginning with God.

GOSPELS AND ACTS

The first five books of the New Testament are known as the gospels and acts. The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and Luke’s book of Acts most likely were written prior to AD 65 although an exact date cannot be determined. Since John the disciple wrote three epistles and the book of Revelation, the gospel book of John probably was written between AD 60 and AD 95.

The four gospels describe the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The authors present the same themes but each has his own style of presentation and emphasis. The word gospel is derived from the Greek word euangelion, which means "good news." This good news is that God sent His only begotten Son, Christ, to complete the final sacrifice and make an eternal covenant with man for the remission of sins. Through Christ, salvation is made available to all mankind, Jews and Gentiles. The resurrection of Christ began the era of the church, the dispensation of grace, when God would declare righteous those who believe on His son, Christ, through repentance and faith.

The book of Acts describes the work of the resurrected Christ through His eleven disciples and Saul who by conversion became known as the apostle Paul. God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to spread the good news and expand the church rapidly throughout Judea, Samaria and the Roman Empire. They preached the only way to salvation is through the resurrected Christ.

Matthew – Matthew Levi presents Israel’s promised messianic king foretold by the prophets

Mark – John Mark presents the Son of Man who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many

Luke – Luke, the physician, presents the most comprehensive accounting of the life of Christ

John – Johanan, “God has been gracious”, presents Christ in His deity as the incarnate Son of God

Acts – Luke records the “acts” or “actions” of the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit