Gospels | Navigating the Fall

Paul’s Travels

admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:17:52 +0000

Paul’s Travel Log: A Chronological Journey
Bible Study Resource

First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14) (c. 46-48 AD)

Antioch (Syria) – Paul and Barnabas are commissioned for their mission (Acts 13:1-3).
Seleucia – Departed from this port to Cyprus (Acts 13:4).
Salamis (Cyprus) – Preached in Jewish synagogues (Acts 13:5).
Paphos (Cyprus) – Encounter with magician Elymas; proconsul Sergius Paulus believes (Acts 13:6-12).
Perga (Pamphylia) – John Mark departs from the group (Acts 13:13).
Antioch (Pisidia) – Paul preaches in the synagogue; opposition arises (Acts 13:14-52).
Iconium – Paul and Barnabas preach but face persecution (Acts 14:1-7).
Lystra – Paul heals a crippled man; he and Barnabas are mistaken for gods; Paul is stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:8-20).
Derbe – Many disciples are made (Acts 14:20-21).
Return through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (Pisidia) – Strengthening the disciples (Acts 14:21-23).
Perga (Pamphylia) & Attalia – Paul and Barnabas sail back to Antioch (Syria) (Acts 14:24-26).
Antioch (Syria) – Report on the mission to the church (Acts 14:27-28).

Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22) (c. 49-52 AD)

Antioch (Syria) – Paul and Silas depart (Acts 15:36-41).
Derbe & Lystra – Timothy joins Paul; circumcised due to Jewish concerns (Acts 16:1-5).
Phrygia & Galatia – Holy Spirit directs them away from Asia (Acts 16:6).
Troas – Paul receives the vision of the Macedonian call (Acts 16:8-10).
Neapolis & Philippi – Lydia converted; Paul and Silas imprisoned and miraculously freed (Acts 16:11-40).
Thessalonica – Opposition arises from Jewish leaders (Acts 17:1-9).
Berea – The Bereans eagerly examine the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-15).
Athens – Paul preaches at the Areopagus about the “Unknown God” (Acts 17:16-34).
Corinth – Paul stays for 18 months; works with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-17).
Ephesus – A brief stop; Paul promises to return (Acts 18:18-21).
Caesarea & Antioch (Syria) – Paul returns to his sending church (Acts 18:22).

Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16) (c. 53-57 AD)

Antioch (Syria) – Paul departs again (Acts 18:23).
Galatia & Phrygia – Strengthening the churches (Acts 18:23).
Ephesus – Stays for about three years; great revival and opposition (Acts 19).
Macedonia – Encouraging the believers (Acts 20:1-2).
Greece (Corinth) – Stays three months; writes Romans (Acts 20:2-3).
Return through Macedonia – Avoids a Jewish plot (Acts 20:3-6).
Troas – Raises Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:7-12).
Miletus – Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38).
Tyre & Caesarea – Warned not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-14).
Jerusalem – Arrested in the temple (Acts 21:15-36).

Paul’s Journey to Rome (Acts 21:17-28:31) (c. 57-62 AD)

Jerusalem – Paul arrested and testifies before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22-23).
Caesarea – Imprisoned for two years; defends himself before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24-26).
Sails for Rome – Shipwrecked on Malta (Acts 27).
Malta – Paul heals the sick and preaches the Gospel (Acts 28:1-10).
Rome – Under house arrest, continues preaching and writing letters (Acts 28:16-31).

This travel log provides a chronological guide to Paul’s journeys, highlighting his mission work, key events, and the spread of the Gospel throughout the ancient world.

Jesus’ Take on Commandments

admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:10:45 +0000

Old Testament Commandments and Jesus’ Teachings
Bible Study Resource

Old Testament Commandment	Scripture Reference	Jesus’ Teaching/Update	Scripture Reference
Do not murder	Exodus 20:13	Jesus taught that even anger toward others is subject to judgment	Matthew 5:21-22
Do not commit adultery	Exodus 20:14	Jesus emphasized that even lustful thoughts are considered adultery in the heart	Matthew 5:27-28
Love your neighbor, hate your enemy (distorted interpretation)	Leviticus 19:18	Jesus commanded to love enemies and pray for persecutors	Matthew 5:43-44
Do not bear false witness	Exodus 20:16	Jesus emphasized truthfulness, teaching that a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ should be sufficient	Matthew 5:37
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth	Exodus 21:24	Jesus rejected retaliation, advocating turning the other cheek	Matthew 5:38-39
Honor your father and mother	Exodus 20:12	Jesus reinforced this commandment but warned against using tradition as an excuse to neglect parents	Matthew 15:3-6
Do not covet	Exodus 20:17	Jesus taught that material possessions should not be the focus, but rather seeking the Kingdom of God	Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:33
Keep the Sabbath holy	Exodus 20:8-10	Jesus clarified that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, not strict legalism	Mark 2:27
Do not swear falsely	Leviticus 19:12	Jesus instructed to speak with integrity so oaths would not be necessary	Matthew 5:34-37
Love your neighbor	Leviticus 19:18	Jesus reaffirmed this but elevated it to the greatest commandment alongside loving God	Matthew 22:37-39

This chart highlights how Jesus deepened and transformed Old Testament commandments, emphasizing heart attitudes and the spirit of the law rather than just external obedience.

Gospel Comparison

admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:07:27 +0000

Comparison of the Four Gospels
Bible Study Resource

Gospel	Author	Audience	Key Theme	Unique Aspects	Key Passages
Matthew	Traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), a tax collector and disciple of Jesus	Jewish audience	Jesus as the Messianic King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies	Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy; includes the most Old Testament references	Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
Mark	Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter	Roman audience	Jesus as the Suffering Servant, emphasizing His actions	Shortest Gospel; fast-paced narrative with frequent use of “immediately”	The Crucifixion (Mark 15), The Resurrection (Mark 16)
Luke	Traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of Paul	Gentile audience	Jesus as the Compassionate Savior of all people	Most detailed Gospel; includes parables unique to Luke, such as The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son	The Birth of Christ (Luke 2), The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24)
John	Traditionally attributed to John, the beloved disciple	General audience	Jesus as the Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature	Focuses on Jesus’ identity through His “I Am” statements; deep theological themes	The Prologue (John 1:1-14), Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17)

This chart provides an overview of how each Gospel presents the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus Christ. Each book has unique characteristics while collectively offering a complete picture of the Gospel message.