Miracles: Then & Now, Part 2: Mystery and Inconsistency // Andy Stanley

The First, Second, and Third Letters of John are part of the New Testament and are traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. First John is a general letter calling believers back to the basics of Christian life—true doctrine, obedient living, and faithful devotion—while warning against those who deny Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. Second John is a brief, personal letter urging a specific community to live in God’s love according to the truth of Jesus Christ and to avoid supporting those who oppose the gospel. Third John addresses internal church conflict, encouraging faithfulness and hospitality despite opposition from a church leader named Diotrephes. Together, these letters provide insight into early Christian community life, the challenges of false teaching, and the importance of love, truth, and faithfulness.

This book is a detailed commentary on the Book of Revelation, written by Ernest Findlay Scott. Published in 1940, it provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical text, offering insights into its historical, theological, and literary context. Scott's work is considered a significant contribution to biblical scholarship, particularly in the field of New Testament studies.

First Peter 2 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the conduct of Christians among non-believers and their role in society. It emphasizes the importance of living honorably and enduring suffering, drawing parallels with Christ's example.

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.

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).