The Twelve Apostles

The Gospel of Luke is the third Gospel in the New Testament and provides a detailed account of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke, who was not an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry but carefully investigated everything from the beginning, wrote this Gospel to give believers an accurate and chronological understanding of Jesus' life. The book emphasizes Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10) and highlights his interactions with various groups, including the poor, outcasts, and marginalized. It also situates Jesus' life within the broader context of the Roman Empire, contrasting Jesus with the Roman Emperor Augustus to emphasize Jesus' role as the true savior of the world.

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. It chronicles the history of the early Christian church, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ and ending with Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12), and the second follows Paul's missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). It highlights the transition of the gospel message from a Jewish audience to the Gentiles, the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the church despite persecutions. The book also explores the relationship between Christians and the Roman Empire, showing how Christians could obey both God and the civil authorities.

The Gospel of John is the fourth of the New Testament's canonical gospels. It presents a highly schematic account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on seven 'signs' or miracles that demonstrate Jesus' divinity, and seven 'I am' discourses that highlight his divine identity. The gospel is divided into sections: a prologue introducing Jesus as the Word of God, the 'Book of Signs' detailing Jesus' ministry, the 'Book of Glory' covering his final night, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, and a conclusion stating the gospel's purpose. The author's intent is clear: 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name' (John 20:31).

In this book, Mark W.G. Stibbe introduces readers to a number of literary approaches to understanding John's Gospel. The work is designed to make these methodologies accessible to a wide readership, providing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the fourth gospel.

1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the importance of charity. It describes the characteristics of charity and its role in spiritual growth. The chapter emphasizes the importance of love in all aspects of life. It encourages readers to strive for a life of selfless service and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13 provides a powerful testimony of the importance of love in the Christian faith. The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of love and its impact on individual lives and society.

The Book of James, a New Testament epistle, emphasizes practical Christian living. It focuses on faith's demonstration through actions, highlighting the importance of good works and perseverance in the face of trials. James stresses the need for self-control, humility, and wisdom in navigating life's challenges. The book also addresses issues of wealth, poverty, and the dangers of worldly desires. Ultimately, James encourages readers to live a life of faith that is evident in their daily conduct.

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. It chronicles the history of the early Christian church, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ and ending with Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12), and the second follows Paul's missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). It highlights the transition of the gospel message from a Jewish audience to the Gentiles, the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the church despite persecutions. The book also explores the relationship between Christians and the Roman Empire, showing how Christians could obey both God and the civil authorities.

The Gospel of Mark is the earliest of the four Gospels and provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus' role as both the powerful Messiah and the vulnerable suffering servant. The narrative highlights key themes such as the Kingdom of God, the messianic secret, and Jesus' mission to suffer and die for the redemption of others. The Gospel is set against the backdrop of Jewish apocalyptic expectations and the socio-political landscape of 1st-century Judea, serving as a theological treatise and a pastoral response to a community in crisis.