Vocabulary
The Testimony of Jesus' Acts (Luke 1:1-4)
The prologue to the Gospel of Luke highlights the author's aim to provide a trustworthy and orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, seeks to compile an accurate record based on the testimonies of those who were eyewitnesses and...
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Magnificat refers to a hymn that Mary pronounces before the birth of Jesus Christ. The name "Magnificat" is based on the first word from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum (My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord)" (Luke 1:46).
Song of Zechariah: The Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79)
Benedictus refers to a hymn of thanksgiving that Zechariah pronounces during the circumcision of John the Baptist. The name "Benedictus" is based on the first word from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel (Blessed be the Lord God of Israel)" (Luke 1:68).
Song of Angels: Gloria in Excelsis (Luke 2:14)
Gloria in Excelsis refers to a short hymn that is pronounced by angels when the birth of Christ and savior was announced to shepherds. The name "Gloria in Excelsis" is based on the first three words from the verse in the Latin translation: "Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae...
Song of Simeon: Nunc dimittis (Luke 2:29-32)
Nunc dimittis refers to a hymn that Simeon pronounces when seeing a Messiah as he was promised by the Holy Spirit before his death comes. The name "Nunc dimittis" is based on the first two words from the first verse in the Latin translation: "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum...
Last Supper (Luke 22:7-38)
The Last Supper coincides with the celebration of the Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God," symbolizing His role as a sacrifice for humanity's sins. By connecting Jesus to the Passover,...
Gospel of John
The Gospel of John, one of the four canonical Gospels in the Christian Bible, presents a unique and deeply theological portrayal of Jesus Christ, distinct from the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This book emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and his role as the Son of God, offering a...
Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
One of the most important verses in gospel of John is John 1:18. It says: "No one has ever seen God: only begotten God who is at the bosom of the Father, He made Him fully known." (translation from Greek). This is how the gospel begins and Jesus is right when He answers Philip, that who ever...
Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22)
The story of Cleansing of the Temple seems to be presenting Jesus in a violent way. In this way, we are not used to imagining him. What happened to the kind and loving Jesus, the Lord of love? It is challenging to find a balance between these pictures. To understand the story we need a little help...
Healing at the Bethesda Pool (John 5:1-16)
In John 5:1-14, Jesus goes to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival and encounters a disabled man at the pool of Bethesda. The man has been unable to walk for several years. The pool is believed to have healing powers, but this man has no one to help him get into the water when it's stirred up, which is...
Authority of the Son (John 5:16-30)
In this passage, Jesus responds to Jewish leaders who are persecuting Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. Jesus begins by declaring that His Father (God) is always at work and that He too is working. Jesus then describes His unique relationship with the Father, emphasizing that the Son only does...
Testimonies About Son (John 5:31-47)
In this passage, Jesus addresses the Jewish leaders, highlighting various testimonies that confirm His divine authority. He first mentions that self-testimony isn't valid but alludes to other witnesses. He references John the Baptist, noting the brief joy the leaders found in his teachings....
Feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15)
In the Gospels, there are two separate miracle accounts of feeding the multitude. The first account, "Feeding of the 5,000", is recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-15). The second account, the "Feeding of the 4,000", with seven loaves of bread and...
Jesus Walks on the Water (John 6:16-21)
In John 6:16–21, the narrative follows the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. This passage describes an event where Jesus' disciples go down to the Sea of Galilee, board a boat, and start crossing over to Capernaum. It is evening, and Jesus has not yet joined them. As they are crossing, the sea...