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9 Surprising Facts about the Apostle Luke

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Luke's Gospel is positioned as the third gospel in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is one of the most intricate gospels. Luke wrote the longest gospel account, including more of Jesus' life than the other gospels, announcing the birth of John the Baptist, including the census of Caesar Augustus, Jesus’ circumcision, the conversations with Simeon, and Jesus' trip to the temple, where he goes missing at age 12. The gospel also ends later as Luke covers the ascension to heaven, which is not found anywhere else. 1. The Gospel of Luke Is a Synoptic Gospel. Luke, Matthew, and Mark are three of the four gospels in the New Testament and are often referred to as the synoptic gospels. The word Synoptic is used to define them as they are all of similar structure, content, and wording. They could literally be set side by side and used to confirm the stories in each. Not all the gospels hold all of the same information but there are many stories which cross over. Scholars would suggest that around 50% of Mark's gospel is included in the gospel of Luke. Despite their apparent similarities, each author writes based on their own viewpoints, and so there are also many qualities unique to each gospel that teach us more about Jesus. Photo Credit: @Unsplash/Laura Nyhuis

MARY MAGDALENE: WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In Luke 8:2, we read that Jesus had delivered Mary Magdalene from seven demons, and that she went on to live her life following Him faithfully.

Stephen | The First Martyr

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:40:00 -0400

Stephen holds a profound place in Christian history as the first martyr, whose faith and testimony set a powerful example for all believers.

Who Was Saint Patrick Really?

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0500 2025-04-16T06:10:33-04:00

7 Surprising Facts about the Apostle Matthew

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Even Jesus didn’t minister alone. The paradise of Eden had one problem. Adam didn’t have a person like himself to be intimate with, to complete him, and to partner with him in ministry. Together, Adam and Eve were given a mission to multiply (have kids) and bring the rest of the world under God’s creative order and dominion. As we know, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and lost their purpose. The apostle Paul wrote how Jesus was the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), a new model for a new humanity, the Spirit living within men and women. Since he was this model, he gathered disciples unto himself to partner with him to fulfill his mission. The main 12 disciples we call apostles. Each of the main 12 were interesting men. Matthew stands as one of the most fascinating people Jesus called to follow him. 1. Matthew Was a Tax Collector The Jews had returned to Judea and Jerusalem after years of exile, yet they lived under Roman Imperial control. The Romans oppressed and subjugated the Jews, treating many like slaves. Matthew worked as a tax collector for the Romans, taking money from his own people for those who oppressed them. Most would have seen him as a traitor. Further, tax collectors would often overcharge and keep extra money, developing a reputation for greed and theft. Jews viewed these “publicans” as traitors and robbers. However, one day, while Matthew sat working at his tax booth, Jesus looked at him and said, “Follow me.” This would have been scandalous to the religious Jews of the day to even offer redemption. After hearing Jesus call him, Matthew obeyed. He left behind his position and wealth to embrace a new life as Jesus’ disciple for the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees critiqued Jesus for associating with such a sinner. But Jesus told them, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Matthew’s story tells us no one is beyond redemption. Once an agent of oppression and getting rich from it, he transformed. God’s voice and call can change and redeem anyone, even the ones we may feel are the least likely. In truth, no one is worthy or able to be saved. We all need his grace and mercy, and just as God saved us, he can save anyone. This gives us hope to pray for others and keep on praying. Photo Credit: Image created using Chat 40 2025. AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team.

5 Surprising Facts about the Apostle Mark

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Mark’s Gospel is often the one we turn to for a quick summary of the Good News, the events of Jesus ministry. There is no fluff in this shortest of the 4 Gospels, an efficient work which wastes no time but also lacks any literary flourish. Even the repeated use of “immediately” gives us the sense that Mark might have been a high-energy kind of person on a mission to spread the gospel. Who was this enigmatic figure? Here are 5 facts about Mark, the Gospel Writer.1. Mark Probably Did Not Meet JesusTwo of the Gospels were written by Apostles of Jesus - John and Matthew. Luke and Mark, however, were written by disciples. A disciple is a student, as are all of today’s Christians. Some scholars speculate that Mark was one of the 72 sent out by Jesus in (Luke 10:19), but numerous Bible Scholars agree with Papias of Hierapolis (who lived from around 60–163 AD) who “says the Mark who wrote the gospel was not an eyewitness”. Many other scholars agree that Mark heard the gospel from Peter and sought to record what he had heard. Though efficient with his words, this was a man who knew the value of Jesus’ teachings and the truth of the Resurrection.In spite of Mark having never met Jesus, J. Warner Wallace is satisfied with the evidence that Mark wrote the Gospel we attribute to him, and that his story is a truthful representation of events. “Most scholars believe the Gospel of Mark demonstrates a writing style and literary syntax exposing the author’s first language as something other than Greek [...], probably a Semitic language such as Aramaic. This would be consistent with the idea Mark, a Palestinian Jew (who most likely spoke Aramaic) was the author of the Gospel.” Moreover, Mark’s information and style are in keeping with the substance of Peter’s public preaching according to Wallace.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Priscilla-du-preez

Who Was Saint Valentine? His Life, Legacy, and Celebration of Love

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

You may not have known that one of the most popular holidays of the year is named after a Christian martyr. So what exactly do we know about Saint Valentine?

6 St. Augustine Quotes to Inspire and Encourage You

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:55:00 -0500

St. Augustine St. Augustine was a 4th and 5th century leader of the Christian church. He wrote from the experience of living a worldly life before he converted to Christianity. His life was rich in personal experiences, scholarly studies, and professional accomplishments. In addition, his contemplative lifestyle as a clergyman led him to cultivate many ideas that have inspired the church to this day Here are some of his enlightening thoughts.Photo credit: Public Domain portrait by Philippe de Champaigne

What Can Christians Learn from Martin Luther King Jr?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Martin Luther King Jr. lived a life centered in Christ that motivated him to fight injustice in unexpected ways, helping change a nation's attitude on race. So what can we learn from his essentially Christian vision?

What Is the Story of David and Bathsheba in the Bible?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500

David and Bathsheba's story shows us that God always cares about the behavior and heart attitude of his children, so if we willfully sin, He often allows us to experience the consequences of our sin to draw out repentance and restoration.