What on Earth is the Forty-Day Challenge?

All too often in our Bible study we go to church or sunday school and listen to someone tell us about a particular passage in the Bible and think we "have it" while failing to read the Bible for ourselves. In fact, for most of us the idea of reading the Bible is an overwhelming task - one that we hope or plan to do someday yet we never quite get around to it. Perhaps it's because it is such a big book (my study bible has almost 2000 pages). Or, perhaps, it's because it includes 66 different books. Some of us are afraid of the archaic language in the KJV we grew up with, or that a more modern translation isn't the "real" bible (for my opinion on bible translations, I would refer you to this post: Alphabet Soup). The links on this site will be to the English Standard Version, a "new, essentially literal Bible translation that combines word-for-word precision and accuracy with literary excellence, beauty, and depth of meaning" that was first published in 2001.

The New Testament is an important story for the Church. In it we find the gospel message, the good news of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. This book, or compilation of twenty-seven books, provides for us the story of the redemption of mankind prophesied in Genesis 3:15 and developed throughout the Old Testament. In the pages of the New Testament we find the story of God who condescended to become man - fully God yet fully man - to live the perfect life and die our agonizing death in order to reconcile us to himself. Then on the very first Easter, he was resurrected from the dead in demonstration that he is God and after forty days ascended to the Father where he now intercedes for those who are his. This story is told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The remaining books of the New Testament provide the history of the growth of the early Church and provide doctrinal teaching (doctrine, by the way, means "teaching" or "instruction").

The "Forty-Day Challenge, New Testament Edition" is designed to get individuals into the habit of daily Bible reading. It has been said that if you do something for 28 days in a row, it will become a habit. I'm hoping and praying that that is the case for you. But more than that, the Forty-Day Challenge is also designed to acquaint you with the New Testament. There are no requirements for deep study; no hard questions to answer; no deep theological puzzles to solve. Just read the New Testament to start a habit and become acquainted with the nine authors of the New Testament and their writings. We won't jump around and we won't try to keep all the writings of one author together (except for John and Luke, the New Testament does this for us anyway).

By using this blog, it should all be very easy. Open your browser; connect to this site; and select the post for the current date. I'll provide a brief introduction to each day's reading and a hyperlink to the daily passage, but otherwise there will be no devotional content, no Q&A, no evaluation of the reading. My plan is to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. However, if you do have a question, I want to try to get you an answer. Respond to the daily reading in the comment section and I'll respond as soon as possible and to the best of my ability. For now the sessions will be moderated, but I may change my mind as this program develops and permit unmoderated comments.

The daily link connects to the ESV Bible Online and will open the complete reading for the day. You may choose to read right there on-screen, print the daily content, listen online (there's a button on the page), or simply determine the reading and read from your own favorite version. If you want a different online version, go to BibleGateway.com and enter the version and passage in the appropriate locations and you're on your way.

As you read, you may find the following chart of New Testament books, authors, dates, audience, theme and teaching to be of use to you. If you click on the chart, it should open in a new window, allowing you to print it for future reference.


The Apostle John pronounced a blessing on those who read and study the book of Revelation:

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3)

This blessing is available to all who read and study the Word of God and I'm sure that you will be blessed by taking up this challenge and completing the program.

Daily New Testament Reading

By following this daily reading plan you will read through the entire New Testament in just 40 days by reading about 30 minutes every day. To read (or listen) online, click a link below and the blog post for that day will open in a new window. There is a brief introduction to the day's reading and another link to the passage itself in the ESV Bible Online. When you click on the passage for the day, that day's passage will open for your reading pleasure. (Note that if you choose to listen, there may be a limitation on the number of verses played at one time. If the audio version stops short, simply return to the top of the ESV page and in the box containing the daily passage, change the selection to begin at the next verse, press the "search" button, and select "listen" again.) If you find that you clicked on the wrong day, click on the Select Another Day link and you will return to this page.

Through this page, you may go back and re-read any passage that you wish to read again, or you may read ahead. However, in order to achieve the most satisfaction from spending time in the Word of God, I recommend that you make time each and every day for your reading.

Day 1 Matthew 1:1-7:27
Day 2 Matthew 7:28-12:50
Day 3 Matthew 13:1-18:9
Day 4 Matthew 18:10-22:46
Day 5 Matthew 23:1-26:68
Day 6 Matthew 26:69-Mark 3:30
Day 7 Mark 3:31-8:13
Day 8 Mark 8:14-12:40
Day 9 Mark 12:41-Luke 1:25
Day 10 Luke 1:26-5:11
Day 11 Luke 5:12-9:17
Day 12 Luke 9:18-12:56
Day 13 Luke 12:57-18:30
Day 14 Luke 18:31-22:53
Day 15 Luke 22:54-John 2:22
Day 16 John 2:23-6:59
Day 17 John 6:60-10:42
Day 18 John 11:1-15:17
Day 19 John 15:18-21:14
Day 20 John 21:15-Acts 6:7
Day 21 Acts 6:8-10:48
Day 22 Acts 11:1-16:24
Day 23 Acts 16:25-21:36
Day 24 Acts 21:37-27:44
Day 25 Acts 28:1-Romans 7:6
Day 26 Romans 7:7-14:12
Day 27 Romans 14:13-1 Corinthians 6:20
Day 28 1 Corinthians 7:1-13:13
Day 29 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 Corinthians 4:18
Day 30 2 Corinthians 5:1-Galatians 1:24
Day 31 Galatians 2:1-Ephesians 4:16
Day 32 Ephesians 4:17-Colossians 1:23
Day 33 Colossians 1:24-2 Thessalonians 3:15
Day 34 2 Thessalonians 3:16-2 Timothy 4:22
Day 35 Titus 1:1-Hebrews 7:28
Day 36 Hebrews 8:1-James 1:27
Day 37 James 2:1-2 Peter 1:15
Day 38 2 Peter 1:16-Jude 25
Day 39 Revelation 1:1-12:6
Day 40 Revelation 12:7-22:21

Day 40 - Revelation 12:7-22:21

The theme of Revelation is absolutely clear. In the words of John:

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. . . . the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. (Revelation 1:1, 19)

The purpose of the book is to reassure Christians facing persecution of the absolute sovereignty of God and that He will keep His promises; that He has a plan that has been in motion since the beginning; and that He will complete everything that He has set in motion. Revelation is the culmination of all the Bible, from the fall of man; thru the redemption afforded through Jesus Christ; to the end when Christ returns to rule and reign forever in the New Jerusalem.

Truly, John's words at the close of the book speak volumes in regard to the value of the book:

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:16-17)

In summary, the book of Revelation pronounces blessings on:

1. he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it (Revelation 1:3)
2. the dead who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13)
3. the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame (Revelation 16:15)
4. those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9)
5. the one who has a part in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6)
6. he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7)
7. those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14)

Jesus says, " Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." To which, like John, we must respond:

"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Click on the link to read day 40: Revelation 12:7-22:21

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Day 39 - Revelation 1:1-12:6

The book of Revelation is, perhaps, the most misunderstood and controversial of all the New Testament writings. There are many who are simply fearful of opening the book and opening their minds as to its content and interpretation and others who simply attempt to interpret the book in order to justify their own brand of eschatology (eschatology is the doctrine of last things). The various views of Revelation all tend to center around one's interpretation of the book in regard to eschatology – or perhaps more precisely – the book is interpreted based upon one's eschatological perspective. These issues tend to include various aspects such as the author, date, and interpretation of the prophecies given as either figurative, allegorical-historical or literal future.

This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to John the apostle while in exile on Patmos. The figures and symbols in the book are generally interpreted within their own context and the entire book should be interpreted with the same principles as are applied elsewhere in Scripture. Within the pages of Revelation, God has chosen to reveal the end times; the final victory of Jesus Christ over Satan and his angels; a wonderful promise and an explanation that there is an ultimate end to sin and suffering in the world; that it is and always was in God's master plan for creation.

The date of the writing of the book of Revelation is a highly debated topic. There are those who would date the book as early as AD 64 while others place the writing near AD 95.

Those who seek an early date for Revelation tend to "spiritualize" the return of Christ. They would claim that the AD 70 destruction of the Temple and the fall of Jerusalem are the marks of the tribulation and that everything else in the book is symbolic, spiritual or allegorical rather than literal. Further, it is claimed that if Revelation was written after the fall of Jerusalem that it would have been used as validation of Jesus Christ and his message.

Even so, a late date is supported by both internal and external testimony. The author, identified four times in the book as John (Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:9 and Revelation 22:8), writes that he received the revelation while exiled to the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). We know that Emperor Domatian (reigning from AD 81 to ad 96) had banished John to Patmos because of his Christianity. Thus, based on the evidence from Revelation 1:9, the date could not have been prior to AD 81.

Philip Schaff wrote that "the traditional date of composition at the end of Domitian's reign (AD 95 – 96) rests on the clear and weighty testimony of Irenanus, is confirmed by Eusebius and Jerome, and still has its learned defenders."

With all the evidence taken together, the Revelation should be dated to AD 85 – 95.

Click on the link to read day 39: Revelation 1:1-12:6

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Day 38 - 2 Peter 1:16-Jude 25

2 Peter

Peter's first letter focused on the persecution of the church and remaining faithful in trials; however, this second letter was written in order to counter false teachers within the church. Peter makes some bold statements regarding false doctrine and false teachers, deceivers of the true church:

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Like Paul's letter to the Colossians, Peter is warning against Gnostic heresies which were beginning to invade the 1st century church and remain as a destructive enemy even today.

Two references in the letter provide some indication of the date of writing of 2 Peter. In 2 Peter 1:13-15, Simon Peter wrote that he knew his death was close and in 2 Peter 3:16 he made reference to the writings of Paul. Together, these point to a relatively late date of around AD 67 or 68.

1 John

The three letters which bear John's name have, from the earliest times, been associated with the Apostle John. These letters are believed to have been written from his exile on the Isle of Patmos near the end of the 1st century AD. Much of the writing style is the same as that of John's gospel and many of the references to Christ are similar as well. The first letter does not bear the usual marks of a 1st century letter, although both 2 John and 3 John do.

1 John is the longest of this Apostle's three letters. In form, it is more like a small treatise on Christ rather than a letter; yet it keeps the highest reverence for Christ that his gospel does. This letter is not specifically addressed to anyone, but the theme is that of the fellowship of believers.

2 John

The second letter of John is addressed to "the chosen lady and her children." Although it is not clear who that "lady" may be, there has been much speculation as to whether the "lady" was a woman who John knew or whether it was code for a church, or a group of churches with which he was associated. The primary theme of John's second letter is love and truth. He begins with a greeting, "whom I love in truth" and continues this theme throughout. In the first three verses, John discusses the fact of love in truth, love because of truth and love and truth are of the grace of God. 2 John is the shortest book in the New Testament.

3 John

3 John, like 2 John deals with truth in the church and among believers. However, 3 John is addressed to a specific believer whereas John's other writings are not addressed at all. This letter, like Colossians and 2 Peter, contains instruction against false teaching that was the growing heresy of Gnosticism.

3 John, like all of John's writings was penned between AD 85 and 90.

Jude

"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James" is the only introduction we get for the author of this, the last letter of the New Testament. If, in fact, he is a brother of James the leader of the Jerusalem church, then he also is a half brother of the Lord and as humble as James in his self-introduction. The book itself is a short volume warning against false teachers. He states very clearly that these false teachers have "crept in unnoticed" and that the church must contend earnestly for the faith.

Although there are no pointers in the letter which can be used to identify the date of writing, tradition holds that Jude was written shortly before the fall of Jerusalem around AD 68.

Jude's letter is short, direct and strongly in opposition to the apostasy being spread through the church by "certain persons." He begins with words of encouragement and ends with a blessing of hope, but all the while in between, Jude makes a fiery case against evil and immoral behavior. Jude refers back to Moses and the days of Noah and the fact that "the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5) and uses them to build his case against the immorality of his day.

Click on the link to read day 38: 2 Peter 1:16-Jude 25

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Day 37 - James 2:1-2 Peter 1:15

James

The author of the Epistle of James is generally considered to be the half-brother of Jesus. He is mentioned both in the gospels and Acts. Although there have been attempts to make James a cousin of Jesus, or a son of Joseph by a previous marriage, these claims have no biblical support and are generally put forth as an attempt of Rome to justify their doctrine and to explain the perpetual virginity of Mary. The theme of James is its clear teaching on living the Christian life. Some have said that, for James, real faith must work. That is not to say that James promotes a works-based salvation, but that faith that is real will be clearly observable in the lives of believers.

Assuming the author of James to be the brother of our Lord, the book must certainly be dated prior to his death in AD 62. One must note, too, that without any reference to the Jerusalem Council of AD 49, the book was likely written prior to that. Thus, James is generally dated between AD 45 and 48.

Peter

Peter the fisherman and his brother Andrew, according to Matthew, were the first of the twelve to be called into the service of the Lord. The gospels describe Peter as a brash, quick-spoken, quick-tempered man, known more for his tactless approach and forthright speech than for considered deliberate action. Peter, along with James and John were the disciples in Jesus' inner circle. He witnessed the transfiguration; it was Peter who admitted that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:16) at Caesarea Philippi; and it was Peter who swore allegiance to Christ on the night He was betrayed. This same Peter abandoned Jesus during His trial and was restored at Galilee only days later in order that he would speak boldly the words of Joel the prophet on the day of Pentecost. A man who had been so deeply in remorse became the boldest of the spokesmen in Jerusalem.

From the tone and admonitions in his letter, one may assume that the persecutions of the Church under Nero had begun, or were just beginning around AD 64. It does not appear that he was a prisoner of Rome at the time of writing although he does state that "She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings" (1 Peter 5:13). Perhaps this is used cryptically of Rome and the church located there as Babylon had for years been symbolic of everything hostile to God and His people (cf. Zechariah 5:5-11). Since Peter was martyred around AD 67 or 68, 1 Peter must have been written between AD 64 and 67.

Click on the link to read day 37: James 2:1-2 Peter 1:15

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Day 36 - Hebrews 8:1-James 1:27

Few questions concerning the New Testament have generated more curiosity and fewer answers than the question, "Who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews?" The question of authorship may have contributed to its place in the canon of Scripture with suggestions which include Paul, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla, Jude, Apollos, Philip and Silvanus. What we do know is:

1. Hebrews is the work of a dynamic preacher of the gospel.
2. The author of Hebrews was an Old Testament scholar; knowledgeable in its text and interpretation.
3. This author was well-educated.
4. This man was committed to Jesus Christ and was deeply concerned about the spiritual health of his audience.

Not only is the author unknown, but there are not a lot of pointers in Hebrews to indicate the date of writing of this epistle. It was known to Clement of Rome and quoted by him in the letter known as 1 Clement, therefore it must have been written prior to AD 95. It may also be concluded from the text that references to active sacrifices indicate writing prior to the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 (cf. Hebrews 8:4, Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:6-9; Hebrews 10:1-3). Clearly the author was in Rome and a friend of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23) and he may have known Paul; but the lack of reference to him here indicates that Paul may have already died. Therefore, the letter should be dated around AD 68 or 69.

Click on the link to read day 36: Hebrews 8:1-James 1:27

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Day 35 - Titus 1:1-Hebrews 7:28

Titus

Paul's short letter to Titus has been called "a priceless and unrivalled manual of pastoral advice." It is a message that is timeless in its instruction, both to pastors and to the Church as a whole. In this instructional letter to Titus, Paul includes advice on dealing with many of the issues that Timothy was dealing with in Ephesus: false teaching, immoral living by church members, and for instruction in church governance including the selection, roles and responsibilities for deacons and elders.

During the period of Paul's freedom from AD 62 – 66, he traveled freely around the area in which he took his missionary journeys, continuing to preach the gospel to those he could. As he traveled, he left Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5), and from somewhere in Asia Minor wrote this letter around AD 63.

Philemon

Philemon was a wealthy owner of slaves in Colosse (Colossians 4:8-9). We know that he hosted a house church (Philemon 2) and was considered a friend and probably a convert of Paul (Philemon 19). The primary theme of Philemon is that of forgiveness. Paul, in this one letter, demonstrates his tact and grace in settling an issue between Christian brothers. His simple statement, "though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you" (Philemon 1:8-9) is enough to show how delicately Paul addressed difficult situations. Often, Paul pounded his fist and proclaimed the necessary action, but here, he shows his softer side.

Since Onesimus and Tychicus carried both this letter and the letter to Colossians from Paul, it is apparent they were written at the same time. As with all the "Prison Epistles" this letter was written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome around AD 61.

Hebrews

In regard to the book of Hebrews, John Calvin wrote:

There is, indeed, no book in the Holy Scriptures which speaks so clearly of the priesthood of Christ, so highly exalts the virtue and dignity of that only true sacrifice which he offered by his death, so abundantly treats the use of ceremonies as well as of their abrogation, and, in a word, so fully explains that Christ is the end of the Law.

There is no clearer way to introduce the book of Hebrews. It is a book which describes the superiority of Christ; His superiority to the Mosaic priesthood; to the Melchizedekian priesthood; to the Mosaic sacrifices; to the Law in all its parts. Christ is the end of the Law.

Click on the link to read day 35: Titus 1:1-Hebrews 7:28

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Day 34 - 2 Thessalonians 3:16-2 Timothy 4:22

Paul wrote four letters to individuals; two to Timothy, one to Titus and one to Philemon. The first three are known as the "Pastoral Epistles" because they provide instruction in the care and leadership of the local church. The pastorals were the last of Paul's extant writings and reflect the things that concerned him as he knew his time was growing short. These letters are very personal and practical; designed to meet the needs of the church in the ages to come.

The Pastoral Epistles provide Paul's instruction in the organization and governance of the local church. This includes the roles and qualifications of elders, deacons and pastors. Although the role of deacon did not originate with Paul (see Acts 6:1-7), the qualifications were spelled out very clearly in these letters.

Timothy first appears in the Scriptures in Acts 16:

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1-3)

Clearly, by Paul's reaction to this young man, Timothy was a firm believer with a great understanding of doctrinal issues. Paul wanted to take him along on his journey, and did so; presumably leaving him to lead the church in Thessalonica. This letter was written from prison in Rome, is very personal, and provides instruction and encouragement in regard to his leadership of the church.

1 Timothy

Not only did Paul write to encourage Timothy, but he wrote to provide guidance in the structure and governance of the local church.

Paul begins with a discussion in regard to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:5-7) and follows that with the role of prayer, as well as that of women in the church. Paul then moves his discussion quickly toward the role of the pastor in appointing elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Following these points, Paul begins to point to what is required of a pastor (1 Timothy 4:7-12). Paul continues through chapters 4, 5 and 6 to instruct Timothy with encouragement to employ his knowledge and faith to overcome apostasy and to maintain right relations with his flock.

2 Timothy

Paul's second letter to Timothy was the last letter he wrote. Written near the end of his life, Paul wished to encourage Timothy to remain faithful regardless of the hardships he may face; using his own circumstances as an example.

Because this was the last of Paul's letters, and one in which he alludes to his soon-anticipated execution, the apostle writes primarily to encourage Timothy to continue the work that Paul himself had started. Certainly he asks for some specific personal items: his cloak for warmth in the dungeon and his books, especially the parchments, or the Scriptures, presumably for the comfort they surely gave to him. However, the primary theme of 2 Timothy is guidance and advice as he carries on after the death of his mentor. Paul's final word of advice is as timely today as it was for Timothy:

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

No statement could be more worthy of Paul as his dying wish as these words written to Timothy some two millennia ago.

Click on the link to read day 34: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-2 Timothy 4:22

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Day 33 - Colossians 1:24-2 Thessalonians 3:15

1 Thessalonians

As Paul carried the gospel westward during his second missionary journey, he founded the church at Thessalonica, only one hundred miles or so from Philippi. Here Paul sought to teach the Jews that it was necessary for Christ "to suffer and rise again from the dead" (Acts 17:3). Soon, there were a number of Gentile and women believers which stirred the jealousy of the Jewish leaders who, in turn, accused Paul and his followers of proclaiming another king besides Caesar. As a result, Paul left town; but he left a thriving young church behind. It is likely that Paul left Timothy behind to look after the new converts. Soon, however, Timothy joined Paul with good news regarding the faith of the Thessalonian believers. It was the news that Timothy brought that encouraged Paul to write:

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)

It is Paul's teaching in 1 Thessalonians that provides the best picture of the future glory of the church anywhere in the Bible:

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18)

This complementary passage to his teaching to Corinth:

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-25)

Together, these two passages provide a full picture of Christ's plan for the Church: to return to claim His bride; to take her with Him to heaven – both the dead and the living who will be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" into their resurrection bodies. This is a marvelous passage, and the church at Thessalonica was the first to hear the message.

2 Thessalonians

Shortly after Paul sent his first letter to Thessalonica in AD 52, he sent a second letter. This second letter is apparently in response to a misunderstanding of the phrase, "we who are alive, who are left" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Paul's response is one of caution:

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Because of this confusion in Thessalonica, God has revealed details in regard to the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12) that are revealed no place else in the Scriptures.

Click on the link to read day 33: Colossians 1:24-2 Thessalonians 3:15

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Day 32 - Ephesians 4:17-Colossians 1:23

Philippians

It was during his second missionary journey that Paul founded the church at Philippi. Here, a number of people are identified as having placed their faith in the Lord. Among them were Lydia and her household (Acts 16:14-15) and Paul's jailer (Acts 16:27-33). Following this second event, Paul and Silas were asked to leave Philippi, and did so willingly; however, the church remembered them and supported them in their mission:

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5)

Paul wrote this letter to recognize their service in his support and to provide some teaching on practical living of the Christian faith.

Paul's purpose was threefold when he wrote the epistle to Philippi:

1. To reassure the church at Philippi that his ministry was still alive and well although he was in prison in Rome;
2. To inform the church of an upcoming visit by Timothy;
3. To warn and correct the church in regard to false teaching and doctrines originating with the Judaizers.

Colossians

Colossians was written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome in order to correct the gnostic heresy that had begun to take root in the fledgling church at Colosse. In its pages, Paul encourages that the church look to Christ Himself as the response to heretical teaching and doctrinal error.

Colossians is similar to Ephesians in discussion of Christ and the Church, except that its focus is more on Christ as the Head of the Church whereas the focus in Ephesians is on the Church as the Body of Christ. This focus derives from the fact that the church at Colossae had been infected with heretical teaching.

Click on the link to read day 32: Ephesians 4:17-Colossians 1:23

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Day 31 - Galatians 2:1-Ephesians 4:16

Ephesians

At the time of writing of the New Testament, the Roman government provided postal service only for official government correspondence and not for personal letters. Thus, the letters of Paul and the other New Testament authors had to be delivered by a designated courier. In all of his letters, except perhaps Ephesians, Paul addresses the letter to a specific party. For example, the letter to the Romans opens, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus . . . to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans 1:1,7). However, the words "at Ephesus" in Ephesians 1:1 do not appear in three of the early Alexandrian Greek manuscripts suggesting that Ephesians may have been a "circular letter" intended to be sent to a number of different churches. Even so, there are no letters extant with any other name in the place of Ephesus. Likewise, it has been noted that it is strange for Paul not to mention individuals he knew and worked with in the church there. Instead he concludes simply with, "Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible." (Ephesians 6:23-24). This may be explained by the fact that Paul knew so many people there after three years that he did not want to single out any individual. And, whether addressed solely to the Ephesian church or to a number of others, it is not unlikely that the letter was copied and distributed to other churches in that region, including Laodicea and Colosse as were other letters (cf. Colossians 4:16).

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians was one of four he wrote from prison in Rome. This letter is a practical treatise in the Christian's daily walk, speaking on such matters as the believer's position in Christ and Christ in the believer. Perhaps the best known passage in Ephesians is the passage in Ephesians 6:10-20 regarding spiritual warfare.

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Day 30 - 2 Corinthians 5:1-Galatians 1:24

Galatians

Following Paul's visit to Galatia on his first missionary journey, those who would undermine the teaching of Paul arrived and began to teach that the prople had not heard the whole truth regarding the gospel message. These men were opposed to Paul's teaching, for whatever reason, and taught that although salvation was by faith in Christ, perfection comes through the keeping of the Law.

Paul's letter to the Galatians, probably the first of his theological writings, is a masterful work in regard to the doctrine of justification. The doctrine in this letter is similar to Romans and, perhaps, served as the background for it. Seeing that Judaizers had entered into the church teaching that in order to be a Christian, one first had to become a proselyte to Judaism with its rites and ceremonies, particularly circumcision, Paul begins the book by defending his authority as an apostle, but quickly turns to the truth of justification by faith, without the addition of any works at all:

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— (Galatians 3:1-5)

This powerful book was of relatively high importance during the Reformation and was a favorite of Martin Luther.

Click on the link to read day 30: 2 Corinthians 5:1-Galatians 1:24

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Day 29 - 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians

Paul wrote this book (2 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 10:1) shortly after he wrote the first letter to Corinth. In it, we find more autobiographical material than in any of his other writings. But, according to 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul's first letter to Corinth was not the letter which now exists as 1 Corinthians, but one which preceded that letter and has since been lost. Thus, 2 Corinthians has historically been considered Paul's third letter to that church.

Although the number and dates of writing of Paul's letters to Corinth is debated, 2 Corinthians was written from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey. After he had sent the letter we have as 1 Corinthians Paul returned to Corinth; presumably to further clarify his teaching found in the two previous letters he wrote there. It was after this visit and his return again to Ephesus that Paul wrote this last letter, 2 Corinthians, around AD 55.

This letter deals primarily with his apostleship and the presence of false teachers in the church. Paul defends both his message and his calling which were being attacked by his opponents. In addition, he provides himself as an example of ministry.

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Day 28 - 1 Corinthians 7:1-13:13

1 Corinthians

During the 1st century AD, Corinth was quite the cosmopolitan city. It was strategically located for commerce; was a center for study of the arts and sciences; was the center of the sports world of its day; and was a city with a plurality of gods and cults. It was during Paul's second missionary trip that he founded the church at Corinth. He lived as a tentmaker, along with his friends Aquila and Priscilla, for about eighteen months.

Paul wrote this letter to address the spiritual and moral condition of the local church. Many of the individuals within the church were slow to mature in their faith as well as in their conduct. Paul identifies the fact that there is division in the church, the causes for that division, and the consequences of that division.

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Day 27 - Romans 14:13-1 Corinthians 6:20

Paul's letters were written over a period of years, from his first to the Galatians around AD 45, to his last, a farewell letter to his friend and long-time companion Timothy, in about AD 67. These letters were written for a number of reasons and from a variety of places throughout Paul's ministry as shown in the table below:


The New Testament order of the letters, however, is in descending order of length.

Romans

Romans is a masterful work of Paul. It is the clearest, most straightforward look at the condition of mankind and salvation through Christ anywhere in Scripture. Paul uses the book of Romans to spell out the gospel in no uncertain terms, always returning to his Scriptures, the Old Testament, in support of the truths he writes. Paul anticipates all the contemporary arguments people use against belief and their own depravity and cuts straight to the chase:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:18-23)

But, like all his writing, Paul does not simply diagnose the condition of man, he provides the antidote:

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)

Romans is a book of theological truth taught at the layman's level. It is clear, concise, direct truth aimed at every one of us in regard to salvation.

Click on the link to read day 27: Romans 14:13-1 Corinthians 6:20

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Day 26 - Romans 7:7-14:12

Although he was called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, he maintained a heart for his own people and always taught in the synagogues as well as to the Gentiles along his way. The fact of Paul's education as a rabbi and his earnest devotion to Judaism is found in his extensive use of the Old Testament. In his writing, Paul quotes his Hebrew scriptures more than ninety times and includes many allusions to the Old Testament without directly quoting.

In regard to his style of writing, Philip Schaff in his eight-volume The History of the Christian Church wrote:

"The style is the man." This applies with particular force to Paul. His style has been called "the most personal that ever existed." It fitly represents the force and fire of his mind and the tender affections of his heart. He disclaims classical elegance and calls himself "rude in speech," though by no means "in knowledge." He carried the heavenly treasure in earthen vessels. But the defects are more than made up by excellences. In his very weakness the strength of Christ was perfected. We are not lost in the admiration of the mere form, but are kept mindful of the paramount importance of the contents and the hidden depths of truth which lie behind the words and defy the power of expression.

Paul's style is manly, bold, heroic, aggressive and warlike; yet at times tender, delicate, gentle, and winning. It is involved, irregular, and rugged, but always forcible and expressive, and not seldom rises to more than poetic beauty, as in the triumphant pæan at the end of the eighth chapter of Romans, and in the ode on love (1 Cor. 13). His intense earnestness and overflowing fullness of ideas break through the ordinary rules of grammar. His logic is set on fire. He abounds in skilful arguments, bold antitheses, impetuous assaults, abrupt transitions, sudden turns, zigzag flashes, startling questions and exclamations. He is dialectical and argumentative; he likes logical particles, paradoxical phrases, and plays on words. He reasons from Scripture, from premises, from conclusions; he drives the opponent to the wall without mercy and reduces him ad absurdum, but without ever indulging in personalities. He is familiar with the sharp weapons of ridicule, irony, and sarcasm, but holds them in check and uses them rarely. He varies the argument by touching appeals to the heart and bursts of seraphic eloquence. He is never dry or dull, and never wastes words; he is brief, terse, and hits the nail on the head. His terseness makes him at times obscure, as is the case with the somewhat similar style of Thucydides, Tacitus, and Tertullian. His words are as many warriors marching on to victory and peace; they are like a mountain torrent rushing in foaming rapids over precipices, and then calmly flowing over green meadows, or like a thunderstorm ending in a refreshing shower and bright sunshine.

Paul created the vocabulary of scientific theology and put a profounder meaning into religious and moral terms than they ever had before. We cannot speak of sin, flesh, grace, mercy, peace, redemption, atonement, justification, glorification, church, faith, love, without bearing testimony to the ineffaceable effect which that greatest of Jewish rabbis and Christian teachers has had upon the language of Christendom.

Click on the link to read day 26: Romans 7:7-14:12

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Day 25 - Acts 28:1-Romans 7:6

Today we begin the third division of the New Testament, that of the Epistles. The next thirteen books we read will be the epistles (or letters) of Paul. Of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, twenty-one are letters written to the various churches; thirteen of Paul, one to the Hebrews, one by James, two written by Peter, three by the beloved John and one by Jude. The typical letter of the period included a very short greeting, or address, such as found in 3 John 1:1, "The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth." Paul typically expanded this greeting into a phrase of blessing and thanksgiving, whereas Hebrews and 1 John contain no greeting at all.

The greeting was typically followed by the body of the letter wherein the author expressed the purpose for his letter and wrote the things necessary for his communiqué, and then the letter closed with a conclusion. The conclusion by the New Testament authors included a benediction and greetings to others known by both the author and recipient.

A study of the New Testament epistles indicates that they generally followed the practice of 1st century AD Greco-Roman letters, but there are significant differences as well. Perhaps the differences may be attributed to the Jewish influence on the writers, or perhaps in the message they had to send. However, the differences are not significant in determining the genuineness or authority of the New Testament epistles. Nineteenth century church historian Philip Schaff wrote in regard to Paul's epistles, "of these epistles, the four most important – Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians – are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius."

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Day 24 - Acts 21:37-27:44

The only real clues we have to the date of the book of Acts are the events it records and the events which it does not. Acts ends with Paul in prison in Rome, which is suggested to be from about AD 61-62 following his arrest in Jerusalem about AD 56. Yet the book makes no mention of the persecution under Nero in AD 64. There is no mention of the Jewish-Roman war of AD 66-70, nor of Paul's activities following his release from Roma. Since it is generally believed that Paul was released from prison in AD 62, Acts is generally dated to AD 61 or 62.

Click on the link to read day 24: Acts 21:37-27:44

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Day 23 - Acts 16:25-21:36

Luke is exacting in his detail describing the spread of the gospel "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Luke appears to have as carefully outlined the book of Acts as he did his gospel; describing people, places and events sequentially. Luke's facts regarding places and dates continue to be validated today through new archaeological discoveries. It is Luke's Acts that provide the historical account of the growth of the early Church; independently attests to the Apostle Paul, his writings and his travels; and provides a connection between the gospel accounts and the epistles of the New Testament.

The book of Acts is a book of history. Beginning with Jesus' final instructions to the disciples, Luke tells the story of the Church of Jesus Christ and its growth to all the world. Luke gives the account of the promised coming of the Holy Spirit; the change in Peter from his denial of Christ to powerful preaching in His name; the first martyr; the conversion of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles and his journeys into Europe to evangelize the world. The title, "Acts" is intended to be a name which carries the idea of "great deeds" done in the name of Christ and this is precisely what the physician provides.

Yet Acts is not the story of Paul. It is the story of Christ and a powerful demonstration of the good news and how that news can and does change lives. It is the dramatic hinge between the gospel message and the application of that message; between the Giver of Life and the living of that life. Surely without the book of Acts, there would be no context for the epistles of Paul and they would have little value in the world today.

Click on the link to read day 23: Acts 16:25-21:36

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Day 22 - Acts 11:1-16:24

The author of the Acts of the Apostles is the physician Luke. It is clear from the introductions of both books that the author is the same. The gospel opens with an explanation regarding the reason for writing the book, as well as the recipient, a man named Theophilus:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

Likewise, Acts opens with a similar statement which is also addressed to a man named Theophilus:

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3)

Other evidence available is that the end of Luke is precisely where Acts begins; the similar, high quality Greek language style in both books which leads to the speculation that Luke was a Gentile; the book is as clear and organized as the gospel account; and the precision of detail, as would be expected of a man trained in the sciences or of an historian. Luke's details of people, places and events recorded here is unequalled in the scriptures. Luke never claims for himself to have been an eyewitness of the events of his gospel, but apparently he was a participant along with Paul in many of the events recorded in Acts (cf. Acts 21:17; Acts 27:1). Besides that which he witnessed himself, other sources, which he references in Luke 1:3, were Peter, John, Mark, James, Philip, Paul, and perhaps Barnabas.

Click on the link to read day 22: Acts 11:1-16:24

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Day 21 - Acts 6:8-10:48

Today is the 21st day of our 40-day challenge. We're half way through the course and half way through the New Testament! We're done with the gospels and yesterday we began to read in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Just as the Pentateuch (the 5 books of Moses; that is Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) serves to describe the beginning of the Jewish nation and the need of redemption for all men, the book of Acts serves to describe the beginning of the Church and the plan of redemption for all mankind. It moves beyond the prophets and beyond the gospels into the Greek world, in fact, "to all nations" to present the saving grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The book of Acts describes the events surrounding the birth and early years of the church and her greatest leaders: Peter, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, James, John Mark and the many who accompanied them and supported them on their missions to evangelize the world. Acts pulls no punches in its descriptions of the early Church, its people and their issues – many which are still prevalent in the Church today. In its pages are found the very human stories of struggle which are as full of pain and joy, setbacks and victories, death and life as any in the pages of Holy Scripture. Acts, through telling the accounts of the evangelists, demonstrates that the early Church was as full of men's arrogance as was the young nation of Israel, or as 21st century America. Yet through it all, God's hand is visible in the lives of those who trust him – the apostles' release from jail (Acts 5:17-32); Paul and Silas in the Philippian prison (Acts 16:16-34); Paul and the ships' company at Malta (Acts 27:13-44) – are but examples of God at work in the world to bring about His purpose.

Click on the link to read day 21: Acts 6:8-10:48

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Day 20 - John 21:15-Acts 6:7

In John's gospel, Jesus clearly proclaims that He is the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, the Christ, the Savior. In fact, Jesus makes seven direct "I am" statements within the pages of John:

1. I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
2. I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
3. I am the Gate for the sheep (John 10:7-10:9)
4. I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11; John 10:14)
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
6. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
7. I am the True Vine (John 15:1)

It has been said of John that one may find the gospel on every page of the book. I hope you have.

Click on the link to read day 20: John 21:15-Acts 6:7

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Day 19 - John 15:18-21:14

In John 20:31, John writes that the purpose of his gospel is "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." The word "belief" is found 98 times in the gospel and is at the core of John's teaching. John's gospel is different from the synoptics in a number of ways; he does not address Jesus' birth, His genealogy, His temptation, His transfiguration, or any number of other events in the life of Christ. John's purpose is to present the eternal Son of God in all of His glory. His focus is on the ministry of Christ in Jerusalem rather than in Galilee and on the presentation He makes of Himself as the Son of God. The bulk of the gospel is given in the "Book of Signs" (John 2:1-12:50) wherein Jesus provides the following seven signs to demonstrate His claim:

1. Changing water into wine in Cana (John 2:1-2:11)
2. Healing a government official's son in Capernaum (John 4:46-4:54)
3. Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:1-5:18)
4. Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee (John 6:5-6:14)
5. Walking on the water on the Sea of Galilee (John 6:16-6:21)
6. Healing a blind man in Jerusalem (John 9:1-9:7)
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany (John 11:1-11:45)

Click on the link to read day 19: John 15:18-21:14

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Day 18 - John 11:1-15:17

The Apostle John spent the latter years of his life near the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor. While there, he filled his time preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ and over time, must have determined that in addition to the historical narratives of the life of Christ in the synoptic gospels, there was a need to present Christ as the Living Word, the unique Son of God.

This gospel, like all of John's writings was penned between AD 85 and 90. Some tend to place this gospel as early as the 60s and others as late as 150. However, the evidence points to the latter years of the 1st Century AD.

John also records how, some 50 or more years after these events occurred, he could so clearly state the explicit truth:

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26, italics are mine)

Click on the link to read day 18: John 11:1-15:17

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Day 17 - John 6:60-10:42

Although the fourth gospel has historically been attributed to the Apostle John, nowhere in the text does John claim authorship. This has caused modern "scholarship" to question his authorship, and in fact, some recent commentators simply dismiss, or even ignore the authorship of this gospel. However, the external witness of Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Tatian and others of the 2nd century AD all clearly refer to John's authorship. In remembering his childhood, Irenaeus writes of Polycarp (AD 70 – 156), "I remember the events . . . in which the blessed Polycarp . . . reported his converse with John and with the others who had seen the Lord, how he remembered their words. . ."

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Day 16 - John 2:23-6:59

John, the son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus' first disciples; called from his fishing business with Peter in Galilee (Luke 5:10), he remained in Jesus' inner circle with his brother James and Peter throughout Jesus' ministry. John's writing is unique among the New Testament authors in that he wrote a biography of Jesus, three epistles and the book of Revelation.

John's gospel, like that of Matthew, Mark and Luke, is interested in telling the good news of Jesus; however, John's approach is different. John's presentation of Jesus is of Jesus as the Messiah and as the Son of God. Much of the gospel relates to Jesus' Jerusalem ministry in what is referred to as the "Book of Signs" (John 2:1-12:50) wherein Jesus performs signs and wonders to demonstrate His deity and discourses to explain the signs. This is followed by His instructions to the disciples in preparation for life without Him. An examination of the following chart comparing the synoptic gospels to John shows the clear distinction between John and the synoptics. John was writing for the mature church and in that he wrote more on the deity of Christ, the meaning of His ministry and recorded the long discourses of Christ given primarily to His disciples.



Click on the link to read day 16: John 2:23-6:59

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Day 15 - Luke 22:54-John 2:22

Today we begin the gospel of John. John wrote his gospel in a simple grammatical form, as easy to understand today as it was nineteen centuries ago. He speaks his thoughts clearly, yet there is an almost mystical sense about his writing. The very first paragraph lets his readers know that this is a special story about a special man:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

John moves quickly through his story, but all the while remembering the purpose he established in his prologue:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. (John 1:14-18)

It is this style, the direct and simple statements of John that make it the gospel story of choice for the introduction of Jesus to the world. John explains who the Word is; why He came; and how He accomplishes his purpose. John takes little from the other gospel accounts; but adds much to the revelation of the God-man Jesus. His discussions are not deep theological discussions to remain in the halls of modern seminaries; rather John places the gospel message in front of the world as if to ask the question, "What will you do with Jesus?"

Click on the link to read day 15: Luke 22:54-John 2:22

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Day 14 - Luke 18:31-22:53

We find that, like Mark, Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Christ. Although Papias (who described the gospel of Mark as being the summation of Peter's teaching) has nothing to say regarding Luke, he did know of a gospel collection. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lugdunum (now Lyons) in the late 2nd century, clearly knew of the gospel of Luke and recognized his gospel as the preaching of Paul. Eusebius, quotes Irenaeus as follows:

Matthew published among the Hebrews a gospel in writing also [i.e. in addition Old Testament the oral preaching] in their own speech, while Peter and Paul were preaching the gospel and founding the church in Rome. After their death Mark in his turn, Peter's disciple and interpreter, delivered to us in writing the contents of Peter's preaching. Luke also, the follower of Paul, set down in a book the gospel preached by him [i.e. by Paul]. Then John, the disciple of the Lord, the one who leaned back on his bosom, gave forth his gospel while he was living at Ephesus in Asia.

Click on the link to read day 14: Luke 18:31-22:53

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Day 13 - Luke 12:57-18:30

The only possible way to place a date on the book of Luke is to establish a date for the book of Acts. It is clear from the opening paragraph of each book that they were written as two volumes, presumably to the same man known to us only as Theophilus:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3)

Since Acts is the sequel to Luke and may be dated around AD 61 – 62, Luke must have been written earlier, presumably in about AD 60 or 61.

Click on the link to read day 13: Luke 12:57-18:30

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Day 12 - Luke 9:18-12:56

Less is known of Luke than of any other of the New Testament authors. He was a companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24); joining the Apostle at Troas and sailing with him to Macedonia (Acts 16:10-11). While there, Luke was apparently spared the arrest and beating received by Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19-24). Paul refers to him as the "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). It may be that Luke was the brother of Titus. Although Luke did not witness the events of the life of Christ, he was an exacting historian who carefully checked and verified his facts in order to provide an accurate account of the events of which he wrote. His Greek was almost classical in its style and beauty and his gospel has been referred to as the "most beautiful book ever written." Because of this, many claim that Luke was a Gentile; however, scriptural evidence would suggest that he, like all the other biblical authors was a Jew (see Deuteronomy 4:8, Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalm 147:19, and Romans 9:4).

Click on the link to read day 12: Luke 9:18-12:56

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Day 11 - Luke 5:12-9:17

Luke is the longest of the four gospels and quite comprehensive in the detail he provides surrounding the various events in the life of Christ. Without in the least diminishing the deity of Christ, Luke has focused on Christ in His humanity, the "Son of Man," as evidenced first in the extensive account of the birth of the Messiah. Luke's audience is primarily the Gentile world, so he takes great pains to explain the events surrounding both the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus Himself. Luke is the only writer in the Bible to provide a brief glimpse into the life of the boy, Jesus in his account of Jesus at the Temple at about age 12 (Luke 2:41-52).

Written to a Gentile world, and perhaps that of the philosophical Greeks more than any other, Luke presents the truth of Jesus Christ as an historical account. The genealogy provided in chapter 3 extends back to Adam, the first man, in order to demonstrate that all men are stained by sin and in need of a Savior, and that Jesus is a part of the human race, and not just God come down.

Since Luke tells his purpose in writing "having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order" (Luke 1:1-4), it may be assumed that Luke's history was planned from the beginning to be pure truth in chronological sequence. (I've heard it said, although I can't cite a source, that Luke may have been written as a legal defense for Paul while the latter was imprisoned in Rome.)

Click on the link to read day 11: Luke 5:12-9:17

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Day 10 - Luke 1:26-5:11

As we noted last time, the first three gospels are known as the synoptic gospels because they are so similar in content and it is the synoptic aspect of these books which validate them as much as it provides fodder for those who would discredit the accounts. There is no question that the men who wrote the gospels took material from other sources. This is openly admitted in Luke 1:1-4 wherein the Luke notes that "many have undertaken to compile a narrative" based on "eyewitnesses and ministers of the word . . . to write an orderly account" that Theophilus could be certain of the things he had been taught. In the case of Matthew, the author was a disciple of Jesus. Mark was an associate of Peter; Luke traveled with Paul. Although Luke did not witness the events of the life of Christ, he was an exacting historian who carefully checked and verified his facts in order to provide an accurate account of the events of which he wrote. These facts are critical in understanding the similarities of the gospel accounts.

Click on the link to read day 10: Luke 1:26-5:11

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Day 09 - Mark 12:41-Luke 1:25

By now it should be apparent that Matthew and Mark have similar accounts of many of the same events. The same is true of Luke. The first three gospel accounts are known as "synoptic" gospels because they are so similar in content. The German scholar J.J. Griesbach was the first to use the term synopsis, which literally means "seeing together." He chose to use this term because of the high degree of similarity between the three records in both content and tone. Although the three gospels have a different message in their presentation, they all seem to follow the pattern of Jesus in Galilee, Jesus in the north, Jesus in Judea enroute to Jerusalem and finally Jesus in Jerusalem.

The primary controversy regarding the gospel accounts, particularly among liberal theologians, is whether the synoptic gospels were written by the ascribed authors or whether the authors took their material primarily from other sources. The term "synoptic" itself derives from the Greek terms syn and opsesthai, which literally mean "together" and "seeing," respectively. Thus, "synoptic" is used to mean "those which see together" or "those which see alike." Unfortunately, it is the synoptic aspect of the gospels which validate them as much as it provides fodder for those who would discredit the accounts. Although the first three gospels view the life of Christ in a similar fashion, there are distinctives between them in focus and message.

Click on the link to read day 9: Mark 12:41-Luke 1:25

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Day 08 - Mark 8:14-12:40

Mark likely wrote his gospel around AD 67 or 68. Mark does not appear anywhere in the gospel accounts; however, it has been believed from the earliest days of the church that Mark's gospel is a summary of the teaching of the Apostle Peter. Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea near the end of the 3rd Century, quoted Papias (c. AD 60-135) as writing:

The elder [the Apostle John] said this also: Mark, who became Peter's interpreter, wrote accurately, though not in order, all that he remembered of the things said or done by the Lord. For he had neither heard the Lord nor had been one of his followers, but afterwards, as I said, had followed Peter, who used to compose his discourses with a view to the needs of his hearers, but not as though he were drawing up a connected account of the Lord's sayings. So Mark made no mistake in thus recording some things just as he remembered them. For he was careful of this one thing, to omit none of the things he had heard and to make no untrue statements therein.

Click on the link to read day 8: Mark 8:14-12:40

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Day 07 - Mark 3:31-8:13

Mark (also John Mark and sometimes simply John) first appears on the scene in Acts 12:25 when he travels with Barnabas and Saul (later Paul) from Jerusalem to Antioch. He joined Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-5), but for unknown reasons he left the expedition at Perga (Acts 13:13). As a result, he apparently lost Paul's respect (Acts 15:38) but before the end of Paul's life, he and Mark were reconciled and Paul asked that Timothy "get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11).

Reconciliation with Paul likely was due to the continued work Mark did in evangelizing the Greek world. It is clear from Acts 15:38-39 that Mark's cousin Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) gave Mark a second chance when Paul had already removed him from his missionary team.

Click on the link to read day 7: Mark 3:31-8:13

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Day 06 - Matthew 26:69-Mark 3:30

Today we conclude the gospel account as recorded by Matthew. In these final chapters, we see Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the release of Barabbas, the crucifixion of Christ, his burial and resurrection and finally the directive that is known as The Great Commission.

We close out today's reading with the opening of Mark's gospel. Mark is the shortest of the four gospels. Whereas Matthew presented Christ as King, Mark plainly shows Jesus as a servant; a concept that was altogether radical for the Roman mind. The Romans were men of action as opposed to the intellectual philosophical men of Greece, and needed a direct witness to the power of servanthood. As you read, notice the theme of servanthood throughout the text, both that of Christ and in his instruction to the disciples with phrases such as "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35). In today's reading we see the confession of a father whose son is possessed and comes to Jesus for help. In their exchange, he is told, "All things are possible for one who believes." The confession of this man is one that we can all identify with, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24).

Click on the link to read day 6: Matthew 26:69-Mark 3:30

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Day 05 - Matthew 23:1-26:68

Our reading from yesterday included the beginning of Jesus' Passion Week. Today's reading continues the account of Christ's final week up through his arrest. This is the section of the book where we find seven woes pronounced on the Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-36) as well as one of the most important oracles of Jesus ever recorded in what is known as the Olivet Discourse in chapters 24 and 25. Although the Olivet Discourse may be found in Mark and Luke, Matthew includes the most extensive record of this sermon.

Click on the link to read day 5: Matthew 23:1-26:68

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Day 04 - Matthew 18:10-22:46

Today's reading concludes Jesus' traveling ministry and begins the story of his "Passion Week." According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, the word passion in this context means "to suffer" or "the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces." Truly, this is an important description of the final week of our Savior's life. Matthew, as well as the other gospel writers, provide a daily account of this week before the crucifixion which includes Jesus' verbal sparring with the Pharisees through a number of parables, questions and other confrontations; the treachery of Judas; the Last Supper; the arrest, trial and crucifixion of the Lord; and finally his resurrection from the dead.

Click on the link to read day 4: Matthew 18:10-22:46

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Day 03 - Matthew 13:1-18:9

The Gospel According to Matthew was probably written sometime between AD 50 and AD 56. It seems apparent that the general theme of the book is Christ the King and in it, Jesus spends a lot of time describing what Matthew terms the kingdom of heaven. This phrase, "kingdom of heaven" seems to be typical of Matthew, whereas we will see that the other gospels prefer the phrase "kingdom of God." Although some interpreters would suggest a distinction to be made between the "kingdom of heaven" and the "kingdom of God," I see this as completely arbitrary and unnecessary, particularly in comparing passages such as Matthew 5:3 to Luke 6:20, Matthew 11:11 to Luke 7:28, Matthew 13:11 to Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10 and Matthew 13:31 to Mark 4:30-31.

It is in this section of Matthew where we find Peter's famous confession:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16)

Click on the link to read day 3: Matthew 13:1-18:9

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