The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the most important story in the entire Bible. Perhaps this is why God inspired four different authors to write portraits of Jesus’ life. Have you considered how the circumstances that led to the writing shaped their message? Like skilled artists, each author highlighted certain aspects of Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry to help strengthen the faith of their readers. Understanding the background of each Gospel, as well as Acts, can illuminate their message and provide a fresh encounter with Jesus and His timeless mandate for us today. 

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Discover The Background: The Gospels & Acts

Gain a deeper understanding of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John by exploring the historical background of the first century Jews and their expectations of the Messiah. This video will help you understand Jesus and the message within each Gospel.

Historical Background of Jesus in the Gospels

Gain a deeper understanding of Matthew and his message of Jesus through its historical background, then apply its message to your life and Bible study today. Matthew’s Gospel was originally written to Jewish Christians who were facing unique challenges, and asking questions about Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah. Matthew sets out to prove both to them and to us that Jesus is the promised Messiah spoken of in the Scriptures, and that His kingdom will encompass all nations. Matthew’s life is a testimony that Jesus’ invitation extends to all people!

Gospel of Matthew Historical Background

Gain a deeper understanding of Mark and his message of Jesus through its historical background, then apply its message to your life and Bible study today. Mark’s Gospel highlights Jesus as a Messiah who serves his disciples, and is happy to offer his life as a ransom for others. This servant attitude of Jesus is the model that all of His followers are to imitate, including the original readers facing increasing persecution in Rome.

Gospel of Mark Historical Background

Gain a deeper understanding of Luke and his message of Jesus through its historical background, then apply its message to your life and Bible study today. Across Luke’s Gospel and Acts he sets out to show that deliverance from slavery to sin is available only through Jesus. Jesus came to deliver, not just the righteous, but people from all walks of life, including Gentiles like himself. Imitation of Jesus is key to carry out God’s mission to the world.

Gospel of Luke Historical Background

Gain a deeper understanding of John and his message of Jesus through and the historical background, then apply its message to your life and Bible study today. As one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, John’s Gospel shows that the power and humility of Jesus were signs that pointed to Jesus as the full revelation of God. John shows how motifs from the Old Testament found their fulfillment in Jesus! When we recognize and follow these signs, we inherit eternal life.

Gospel of John Historical Background