Chapter
1: Introduction
The Gospel of Luke opens in
approximately 6 BC Palestine located in the Middle East.[1] Luke
was not a Jew but a Gentile (non-Jewish) doctor, and he was a faithful and
loyal traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, who was a Jewish Pharisee (see Acts
23:6; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:23-24). Many biblical
scholars believe Luke was a converted Gentile from Antioch in Syria, and he
joined the Apostle Paul at Troas on his second missionary journey.[2]
Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul on
several missionary journeys in the Middle East as the Apostle Paul proclaimed
the Good News of Jesus’ life, resurrection, and salvation through faith in Him
(see Acts 16:10-17; Acts 20:6-12; Acts 21:1-18; Acts 27:1-28:16). Because of
his traveling relationship with the Apostle Paul, Luke met many of the original
eyewitnesses and disciples of the historical Jesus (Luke 1:2; see also Acts
4:20; 2 Peter 1:16, 19).
These apostles had firsthand and non-hearsay
eyewitness testimony to the historical and Resurrected Jesus (e.g., see 2 Peter
1:16, 19; 1 John 1:1-4). First, these many original eyewitnesses had been with
the historical Jesus, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus ascended
and was taken up into heaven (see Acts 1:8-9, 21-22; Acts 10:37). Furthermore,
these eyewitnesses could testify that the living LORD God and His Spirit were
with Jesus and testified to all the many miracles Jesus did while on earth (e.g.,
see John 3:2; John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11; John 17:21-23; John 21:25; Acts 2:22; Acts
10:38-39). Moreover, these original eyewitnesses testified repeatedly that the
historical Jesus was the Son of God, and He was sent from His Father, who is
the Most High God of heaven and earth (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Mark John
3:16-17; John 17:3, 8, 18; John 20:30-31; Acts 9:20; 1 John 1:2-3; 1 John
5:20). Even more important, many of these eyewitnesses saw the Resurrected
Jesus (e.g., see Mark 16:14; Luke 24:34, 36-39, 50; John 20:19, 26; Acts 1:3-11;
Acts 9:1-9; Acts 10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:1). These many witnesses testified and confirmed
Jesus’ historical existence and resurrection from complete death by His Holy
Father, who is the Most High God of heaven and earth (e.g., see Exodus 3:15; Matthew
28:17; Luke 24:34, 36-51; John 20:19-29; John 21:1, 14; Acts 1:3; Acts 2:24, 32;
Acts 10:40-41; Acts 13:30-31; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11).[3]
Luke wrote his Gospel and then the book
of Acts to Theophilus (see Luke 1:3-4; Acts 1:1). Theophilus’s name means
“lover of God.”[4]
Luke wanted to provide Theophilus with an orderly and careful account of
Jesus’s life so Theophilus could discover the truth about Jesus. Many stories
were circulated about Jesus’ life and deeds in the early first century (see
Luke 1:1). Luke used the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of Jesus’
public ministry on earth to write his Gospel and the book of Acts (Luke 1:2;
see also 2 Peter 1:16, 19). As a doctor, Luke carefully studied, rechecked, and
investigated all the written accounts and oral sources on Jesus’ life, death,
resurrection, and ascension (see Luke 1:3).
Luke wrote his Gospel and then the book
of Acts to prove with certainty that Jesus of Nazareth was not a fictional
character and founder of the fledgling “Jewish sect” called Christians (see Luke
1:4; Acts 11:26). Instead, Luke’s Gospel and the book of Acts revealed the
truth to everyone that Jesus was Israel’s Messiah promised by the Old Testament
prophets and Savior of the world (see Luke 1:4; Luke 2:10-11; Luke 19:10; Acts
2:36; Acts 3:20; Acts 5:31, 42; Acts 9:20, 22; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:5, 28).
Chapter
2: The Announcement of Two Great Men –
John and Jesus
Early church tradition holds that Luke
talked with Mary about the events recorded in his Gospel’s first two chapters.[5]
Mary is the mother of Jesus and a relative of
John the Baptist (see Luke 1:36).
A.
Great Forerunner – John the Baptist
Luke began his Gospel in Palestine when
Herod was king of Judea (Luke 1:5; see also Matthew 2:1-2). In Judea, there was
a Jewish priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth.
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were both from the priestly line of Aaron (see
Luke 1:5). Importantly, Zechariah and Elizabeth were
good people and righteous in God’s eyes, and they were careful to obey all the
Lord’s commandments and regulations (Luke 1:6; see also Deuteronomy 5:33; Isaiah
56:1; Daniel 10:12; Acts 10:1-4, 22, 34-35). Zechariah and Elizabeth were filled
with the Holy Spirit of God (see Luke 1:41, 67). However, Zechariah and
Elizabeth were childless because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they
were both old (Luke 1:7, 18, 36; see also Genesis 17:17; Judges 13:3, 24; 1
Samuel 1:2, 19-20).
While serving God in the Temple for his
priestly duties, one day Zechariah saw an angel of the Lord (see Luke 1:8-11). Zechariah
was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw the Lord’s angel (see Luke
1:12). The angel told Zechariah not to be afraid because God heard his prayer
and his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive a son, and they were to name their son John
(see Luke 1:13, 60, 63). The living LORD God does not ignore our good deeds and
faithful prayers (e.g., see Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 5:33; 1 Kings 9:4-5; Acts
10:4, 31; Philippians 2:14-15).
Furthermore, the angel announced to
Zechariah that his son John would bring joy and gladness to him and many others
because his son John would lead many people to the living LORD God, like the
Old Testament prophet Elijah (Luke 1:14-17; see also 1 Kings 18:18, 36-39; Malachi
4:5-6; Matthew 3:1-2; Luke 3:2-3; Matthew 11:14). Even more, John would be
filled with the Holy Spirit and power while still in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15,
17, 41; see also Jeremiah 1:5). Finally, the angel announced to Zechariah that
his son John would be the prophetic messenger of the Most High God and prepare
the pathway for Lord’s coming to earth (Luke 1:17, 76; see also Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi
3:1; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:2-3; Luke 7:24-28; John 1:23). The angel that
announced this great message to Zechariah was Gabriel, and Gabriel stood in the
very presence of the Most High God – El Elyon (Luke 1:19; see also Matthew
18:10; Revelation 8:2).
Initially, Zechariah did not accept the
angel Gabriel’s message from God. Because of his lack of faith, Zechariah was
rendered mute (unable to speak) until John was born (Luke 1:20-22; see also
Exodus 4:11-12). After completing his priestly duties, Zechariah returned home
to his wife Elizabeth, and she became pregnant, and they rejoiced in Elizabeth’s
conception (see Luke 1:23-25).
B.
Coming Savior – Jesus Christ
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s
pregnancy, once again the Most High God sent His holy angel Gabriel to
Nazareth, a village in Galilee (see Luke 1:26). Gabriel went to visit a Jewish virgin
named Mary (Mariam) (see Luke 1:27, 34). At the time, the virgin Mary was
engaged (betrothed or legally pledged to be married) to a Jewish man named
Joseph (Luke 1:27; see also Matthew 1:18). Joseph was a descendant of King
David, Israel’s greatest king (Luke 1:27; Luke 2:4; see also Matthew 1:16, 20).
Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph was a righteous man before God (Matthew
1:19; see also Luke 1:6).
The angel Gabriel appeared and announced
to Mary that she was a highly favored and blessed woman, and the Lord was with
her (see Luke 1:28). Mary became confused and frightened, and she tried to
think what the angel could mean, just like Zechariah did earlier (Luke 1:29;
see also Luke 1:12-13). Gabriel informed Mary not to be afraid because she had found
favor with the Most High God (Luke 1:30; see also Luke 2:52; Acts 7:46). Then,
the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and miraculously give
birth to a Son to be named Jesus, who would save us from our sins (Luke 1:31; Luke
2:21; see also Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21, 25).
Jesus is a Greek form of the Hebrew name
Joshua.[6] The
name Jesus and Joshua both mean “the Lord is salvation” or “the Lord saves.” In
the Old Testament, Joshua led the ancient Israelites into the Promised Land
(see Joshua 1:1-2). With the New Testament covenant, Jesus redeems and saves us
from sin’s destruction, disease, and death through faith and belief in Him
(e.g., see Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; John 3:15-18, 36). By faith in Jesus, we
are healed, demons were banished, and sins are forgiven (e.g., see Mark
1:23-25; Acts 3:6, 16; Acts 4:10; Acts 9:33-35). Jesus was the Savior born to
lead us to repentance and save us from our sins (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Luke
2:11; John 1:29, 36; John
3:17; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31-32). Everyone who believes and obeys Jesus is
set free from sin (e.g., see Acts 13:38-39).
Notably, the angel Gabriel revealed to
Mary that Jesus would be very great, and He will be called the Son of the Most
High God (see Luke 1:32). In addition, the Most High God would give His Son
Jesus the throne of His ancestor King David (Luke 1:32, 69; Luke 3:32, 38; see
also 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:1; Revelation 22:16). Even more
important, the angel Gabriel declared to Mary that her unborn Son Jesus would reign
over Israel – the house of Jacob forever, and His Kingdom would NEVER end (Luke
1:33; see also Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:8;
Revelation 11:15).[7]
The angel Gabriel’s announcement revealed Jesus’ identity and divinity as the
Son of the Most High God and the promised Jewish Messiah (see also Matthew 1:1,
16-18; Mark 14:60-62; Luke 4:3, 40-41; Luke 22:70; John 20:30-31).
Mary asked the angel Gabriel how she
could become pregnant as she was a virgin and never been intimate with a man
(see Luke 1:34). Then, the angel Gabriel informed Mary that the Holy Spirit
would come upon her and the power of the Most High God would overshadow her so
she would become pregnant and conceive the holy and eternal Child of God (Luke
1:35; see also Matthew 1:18). Thus, Mary’s Baby would be the Holy One and called
the Son of the Most High God (Luke 1:32, 35; see also Matthew 14:33; John 1:34,
49; John 6:68-69; John 20:31).[8]
Significantly, Joseph and Mary had no
physical, sexual intimacy before Jesus’ birth as Jesus’ conception was through
the Holy Ghost, also known as the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 1:18, 20, 25; Luke
1:35). In Matthew’s Gospel, an unknown angel of the Lord also appeared to righteous
Joseph and confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived her Baby by the Holy
Spirit of God and not illegitimately (see Matthew 1:19-20). Later, Mary would
marry Joseph, and she would become the wife of Joseph and not the wife
of the living LORD God (see Matthew 1:16, 24; Luke 1:27). Joseph and Mary would
later have other children through normal human intimacy (e.g., see Matthew
12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luke 8:19-20; John 2:12; Acts 1:14). Jesus’
half-brothers listed in the Holy Scriptures include James, Joseph, Judas, and
Simon and several unnamed sisters (e.g., see Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).
To the people of first-century
Palestine, Joseph was considered Jesus’ father, but Joseph and Mary knew Jesus’
true Father – the Most High God of heaven and earth (Luke 1:27; Luke 3:23; Luke
4:22; see also Matthew 13:55; John 1:45; John 5:19; John 6:42; Hebrews 1:1-2). Joseph
and Mary understood their Son Jesus was the incarnate “God with us” (Immanuel) in
human flesh (see Matthew 1:21, 23; Matthew 28:20). Even more, Joseph and Mary realized
their Son Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah and Savior, as promised by
the Old Testament Hebrew prophets (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16, 18; John 1:34,
41, 45; John 11:25-26; John 20:30-31).
Then, the angel Gabriel announced to
Mary that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37; see also Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17,
27). The Most High God is not human, and He can do the impossible (e.g.,
see Genesis 18:14; Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27; Romans 4:21). Truly, the Most
High God can do the impossible, including moving any mountain and opening any
door, if we believe and have faith in Him (e.g., see Matthew 17:10; Mark 9:23;
Acts 12:9-10, 17).
Chapter
3: Messenger Gabriel
In the birth stories of John and Jesus,
the angel Gabriel played an important role in the announcement of their births
(see Luke 1:11, 19, 26). In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel also received
a heavenly message from the angel Gabriel (see Daniel 8:15-16; Daniel 9:20-21).
The Sovereign LORD used His angel Gabriel to explain Daniel’s visions (see
Daniel 9:20-21).
The angel Gabriel’s name means “man of
God” or “hero of God.”[9] Gabriel’s
ministry involves making special announcements concerning the Most High God's
plans.[10] The
angel Gabriel and Michael are the only angels named in the Holy Bible.[11]
Michael is an archangel or one of the chief princes of the Most High God (see Daniel
10:13, 21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9). The Most High God assigned archangel Michael
and His other holy angels to stand watch, protect, and guard His people (Daniel
12:1; see also Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 12:7). Michael’s name
means “who is like God?”[12]
Significantly, Muslims also believe the
prophet Muhammad received his message from God, known as Allah, through the holy
angel Gabriel.[13]
According to Muslim tradition, Allah literally spoke His message to Gabriel,
who conveyed Allah’s message to the prophet Muhammad.[14]
The prophet Muhammad received the Qur’an (also known as Koran) from the angel
Gabriel in AD 610 near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the “Mountain of Light.”[15] According
to tradition, this prophetic message Muhammad received from the angel Gabriel was
in perfect Arabic, and a perfect transcription of an eternal tablet that is kept
in heaven.[16]
Upon receiving this message, Muhammad heard a voice from heaven saying, “You
are the Messenger of God,” and this message marked the beginning of Muhammad’s
life as a messenger or prophet of God, Allah.[17]
The complete contents of the Qur'an were
revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel over twenty-three years, between 610
and 632.[18]
As Muhammad could neither read nor write, he memorized these heavenly revelations.
Muhammad then repeated the heavenly revelations to his followers who memorized
some of them and wrote others down in Arabic word for word exactly as Muhammad
had dictated them.[19] For
Muslims, every word in the Qur'an is the actual, literal word of Allah through
His prophet Muhammad.[20]
Interestingly, the Qur'an teaches the
Holy Spirit is the angel Gabriel.[21]
However, Christians believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person in the Godhead,
and the Holy Spirit bears witness to the Most High God’s Son, Jesus (e.g., see John
14:26; John 15:26).
Chapter 4: Mary’s Visitation and Hymn of Praise
After the angel Gabriel departed from
Mary, she hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived (see Luke 1:39-40, 65). This
trip is often called the Visitation (see Luke 1:39-45).[22] Mary
and Elizabeth were blood relatives (see Luke 1:36). Luke’s Gospel revealed that
John the Baptist and Jesus were blood-related because Mary was related to
John’s mother, Elizabeth (see Luke 1:36).
As soon as Mary entered Zechariah and
Elizabeth’s house and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s child John leaped with joy
within her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:15, 40-41,
44). Then, Elizabeth rejoiced with gladness and shouted to Mary that she was blessed
above all women, and her Child was also blessed (see Luke 1:42). Indeed, Mary was
blessed because she believed and submitted to the Most High God’s calling to
become the mother of His Son, the Lord Jesus (see Luke 1:38, 43, 45; Luke 2:11).
Then, Mary burst with shouts of praise
and rejoicing to the LORD God Almighty – who is the King of Heaven, and she
called Him her Savior (Luke 1:46-47, 49; see also Daniel 4:37). Mary praised
God for noticing her as a lowly servant girl and then blessing her amongst
women for all generations (see Luke 1:48). Mary confessed that the living LORD
God gives His mercy and strength from generation to generation to all those who
humbly love, obey, and honor Him, but He destroys and brings low the proud,
rebellious, and disobedient ones (Luke 1:50-52; e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:10;
Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 103:17-18; James 4:6). The living LORD God fills the
hungry with good things, but He sends the rich away with empty hands (Luke 1:53;
see also Psalm 34:10; Luke 6:21, 24-25).
Even more, Mary confessed that the
Sovereign LORD of heaven and earth has kept and fulfilled His promises to
Abraham and His servant Israel (Jacob) to be merciful to His people forever and
to bless all nations of the world through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Luke
1:54-55; e.g., see also Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:8; Genesis 17:1-7; Genesis
22:16-18; Genesis 26:24; Galatians 3:16-17). Truly, the Sovereign LORD God
keeps His Old Testament promises (e.g., see Luke 24:44-47; Romans 1:2).
Mary stayed with her relative Elizabeth for
three months and then went back to her own home (see Luke 1:36, 56). Mary’s beautiful
hymn is often called the “Magnificat,” from the first word of the Latin
translation of Luke 1:46-55. Mary’s hymn revealed the Most High God as Champion
of the poor, the oppressed, and the humble who honor and respect Him (e.g., see
also Matthew 5:3-12).
Chapter
5: Birth of God’s Messengers
A.
John the Baptist’s Birth
After Mary left and returned home,
Elizabeth reached her time to give birth (see Luke 1:56-57). Zechariah and
Elizabeth gave birth to a son (see Luke 1:57). Elizabeth’s neighbors and
relatives rejoiced when they heard that the LORD had been very merciful to
allow Elizabeth to give birth as she was advanced in age (see Luke 1:7, 36, 58).
When the baby was eight days old, Zechariah
and Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives all came for the circumcision ceremony
(see Luke 1:59). Zechariah and Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives wanted to
name the boy after his father, Zechariah (Luke 1:59, 61). However, Zechariah
and Elizabeth announced that their son would be named John, as instructed by
the angel Gabriel (see Luke 1:13, 60, 62-63). After John's naming, Zechariah’s
speech returned, and he shouted with praise and blessings to the Sovereign LORD
God (see Luke 1:64). Then, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives realized
this baby boy was special, and the hand of the Sovereign LORD was upon John in
a special way (Luke 1:65-66; see also e.g., Genesis 39:2-3; 2 Chronicles 1:1).
The name John means “God is gracious.”[23]
B.
Zechariah’s Prophecy and Praise
Then, Zechariah burst with a song of praise
to the Most High God after months of silence, and he was filled with Holy
Spirit (see Luke 1:67). Zechariah’s song is often called the Benedictus after
the first words in this passage's Latin translation.[24]
Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah
prophesied that the Sovereign LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) has come down to
earth once again to visit and redeem His people (Luke 1:67-68; see also Exodus
3:15-16; Exodus 4:31; Luke 2:38; Luke 7:16-17; Luke 9:31). First, Zechariah announced
that the Sovereign LORD God has sent the world a Mighty Savior – a horn of
salvation – from His servant David’s family line as He promised years earlier
in the Old Testament prophecies (Luke 1:32, 69-70, 72-73; see also e.g., 2
Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 89:3-4; Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1;
Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 34:22-24; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Micah 5:2-4; Matthew 1:1; Romans
1:2-4). As mentioned earlier, Luke established in his
Gospel and the book of Acts that Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies
as all the Hebrew prophets testified about Jesus the Messiah’s coming (see Luke
1:1; Luke 18:31-33; Luke 24:27, 37, 45-46; Acts 3:18-24; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22;
Romans 1:2; Hebrews 11:26). Furthermore, Zechariah declared God’s Might
Savior would redeem and rescue His people from their enemies and all who hate
them for as long as they live (see Luke 1:71, 74-75). Moreover, Zechariah
professed God’s Mighty Savior would fulfill the covenant promises given to Abraham
and his sons Isaac and Jacob (Israel) (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:16-18;
Genesis 26:2-3).
Next, Zechariah prophesied
and declared that the Sovereign LORD God had blessed
his son John to be prophet and messenger of the Most High God and prepare the
way for His Son Jesus’s coming into the world (Luke 1:17, 76; see also Isaiah
40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:3; Matthew 11:7-11; Mark 1:2-3; Luke 3:2-6; Luke
7:26-28; John 1:20-23; John 3:28). In his ministry, John the Baptizer would
announce to the world how everyone can find salvation and forgiveness of their
sins through Jesus (Luke 1:77; Luke 3:3, 16; see also Mark 1:4-5, 7-8; Acts
13:24-25; Acts 19:3-4).
Following his prophecy about his son
John, Zechariah again proclaimed that because of the Sovereign LORD God’s
tender mercy, the Morning Light from heaven was about to break upon all the
world (Luke 1:78; see also Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 60:2-3;
Luke 2:32; John 1:4-5, 9). This Morning Light would give light to everyone who
sits in evil’s darkness and the shadow of death and lead us to the path of
peace (Luke 1:78; Luke 2:14; see also Psalm 18:28; Isaiah 9:1-2, 6; Matthew
4:16; John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 5:1).
Jesus is the Morning Light and Dawn, and
He is the Dayspring and Sunrise from heaven that brings healing, deliverance,
and peace (Luke 1:78-79; see also Genesis 1:3-5; Malachi 4:2; John 1:4-5, 9; John
8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 2:8; Revelation 22:16).[25] Jesus
is the Light of the world (e.g., see John 9:5; John 12:46). Through faith in
Jesus, we are delivered from the darkness of sin and evil into the marvelous
light (e.g., see Luke 2:32; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10).[26]
At His birth, Jesus’ Star shined in the heavens as predicted by the Hebrew
prophecy (e.g., see Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:1-2). The Sovereign LORD God sent
John as a witness to testify concerning the Light of His Son, Jesus (see John
1:6-8). Some people reject the Light of Jesus and turn to the darkness of evil
Night (e.g., see John 3:19-21). God is Light (e.g., see
Psalm 104:2; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 1:5, 7). However, everyone that accepts and
believes in the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus repents and turns to the
Light of God and away from sin and darkness (e.g., see Acts 26:15-18; Ephesians
5:8, 14; 1 John 1:5-10).
C.
Birth of Jesus Christ
Only Luke’s Gospel gives the birth of
Jesus and the angels’ announcement of Good News for all people of every nation
– the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior (Luke 2:10-11, 32; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31;
Acts 13:23, 38; see also Matthew 1:21). Luke opens chapter 2 of his Gospel with
some background information on first-century Palestine.
At the birth of Jesus, Luke noted that Caesar
Augustus was the Roman emperor, and he decreed that a census should be taken
throughout the nation (see Luke 2:1). Luke reported that Caesar Augustus’s
census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria (see Luke 2:2). Everyone
was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration (see Luke
2:2).
Caesar Augustus reigned from 27 BC to AD
14.[27] Some
biblical scholars have argued this registration took place before Quirinius was
governor of Syria. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Quirinius became
governor of Syria and instituted a Judea registration in A.D. 6, too late for a
supposed birth of Jesus under Herod the Great as referenced at Matthew 2 and
Luke 1:5.[28]
Moreover, some New Testament critics have argued that there is no evidence that
Augustus ever issued a decree resulting in an empire-wide registration (census).[29] Nevertheless,
biblical scholars have argued that Quirinius was governor of Syria twice: from
4 BC to AD 1, when this census was taken, and again from AD 6 to 10.[30] Importantly,
biblical scholars have acknowledged the relevant historical facts are too
incomplete to determine a more definitive date.[31]
Luke reported that Joseph went up from his
hometown of Nazareth located in the Galilee region to Bethlehem, the city of
David, which was in the Judea region because he was of the house and lineage of
King David (Luke 2:4, 11; see also Matthew 1:16-18, 20; Luke 1:26-27; John 7:42).
King David was the greatest king of the Hebrew people.[32]
Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem with him
because Mary was his engaged wife (Luke 2:5; see also Matthew 1:18-19; Luke
1:27). By this time, Mary was obviously pregnant (see Luke 2:5). Joseph and
Mary had not consummated their marriage with sexual intimacy (see Matthew 1:25).
While in Bethlehem for the census, the time came for Mary’s Baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn Child, a Son (see Luke 2:6-7). Joseph gave
Mary’s Baby the name Jesus as instructed by the holy angel of the Most High God
(see Matthew 1:20-21, 25). Mary wrapped her Baby snuggly
in swaddling clothes, and she laid Him in a manger (a feeding trough where
animals fed) because there were no guest rooms for Joseph and Mary in the
village inn (see Luke 2:7, 12, 16).
Afterward, Luke reported that night some
shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding and watching over their
flocks of sheep (see Luke 2:8). Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared amongst
the shepherds, and the shepherds’ fields shone brightly with God’s glorious
light (Luke 2:9; e.g., see Luke 24:4; Acts 12:7). The shepherds were startled
and frightened (see Acts 2:9). The holy angel of the Most High God comforted
and reassured them not to be afraid (see Luke 2:10). The holy angel announced
to the shepherds the MOST AMAZING NEWS for the whole world! The SAVIOR – YES,
the MESSIAH AND LORD HAD BEEN BORN THAT TONIGHT IN BETHLEHEM! The holy angel of
God gave Jesus three titles at this birth announcement: Savior, Messiah (Christ,
Anointed One), and Lord (Yahweh, or God) (see Luke 2:11). Jesus is both God and
man.
The angel’s announcement was the most
joyful news ever announced for everyone – ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD (see Luke
2:10, 32). The long-awaited Savior of the world and promised Jewish Messiah
(Christ) had been born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:11; see also Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew
1:1, 16-17, 21; Matthew 16:16; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; John 11:27; Acts 5:31;
1 John 4:14).[33]
Even more, this Baby was our Lord, and He is the Life and Light of the world
(Luke 2:11; see also John 1:4-5; John 11:25-26; John 13:13; Acts 2:36; Acts
10:36; Romans 10:9). The holy angels announced to the shepherds that they would
recognize the Savior, Messiah, and Lord as He would be a Baby wrapped snuggly
in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (see Luke 2:7, 12). All of a sudden,
the holy angel was joined by a vast host of other holy angels — the Armies of Heaven
—praising the Most High God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and
peace on earth” (Luke 2:13-14; see also Luke 1:79; Revelation 5:11, 13).
When this great army of angels returned
to heaven, the shepherds hurried and ran to Bethlehem and found their way to
Mary and Joseph (see Luke 2:15-16). In Bethlehem, the shepherds found the
Savior and Messiah lying as a Baby in the manger as promised the God’s holy
angel (see Luke 2:16). These shepherds became the first evangelists, and they told
everyone what the holy angel said and what happened in Bethlehem (see Luke
2:17). Everyone who heard the shepherds’ testimony expressed astonishment and
excitement (see Luke 2:18). Then, the shepherds returned to their fields and
flocks, praising God for the visit of His holy angels, and seeing the Child – the
Savior, Lord, and Messiah – just as the angel had told them (see Luke 2:10-11, 19-20).
Some critics of Luke’s Christmas story argue
that Matthew’s Gospel tells an entirely different story. Matthew’s Gospel
references the “Child” and not the Baby, and Joseph and Mary’s “house” and not
the manger (see Matthew 2:8-9, 11, 14). Biblical scholars would answer these
critics with the similarities of Matthew and Luke’s Christmas story of Jesus’
birth.
Like the Gospel of Luke, Matthew wrote
that Jesus was born in Bethlehem located in the Judea region during the time of
King Herod’s ruling of the region (Matthew 2:1, 8-9; see also Luke 1:5; Luke
2:4-7, 15; John 7:42). After Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, some astrologers from
eastern lands (often called magi or wisemen) arrived in Jerusalem, and they were
seeking the newborn King of the Jews – Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2, 7, 16; see also
Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 27:11, 37). These wisemen had seen the King’s star in
far-off eastern lands approximately two (2) years before, and they had come to
worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:2, 7, 11, 16; see also Numbers 24:17;
Revelation 22:16).
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfilled the
Jewish prophecies because He was born in the very town prophesied for His birth
(Matthew 2:1-2, 4-6; Luke 2:4-7; quoting Micah 5:2). The Old Testament
prophecies predicted the Savior and Messiah would be born from King David’s
royal line in the town of Bethlehem (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7;
Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 33:14-17; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Hosea 3:5). Even more, the
Jewish prophecies predicted the Savior and Messiah would be King and Savior of all
the world (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9; Zechariah 9:9-10; Matthew
27:11, 37; Luke 2:26, 31-32, 38; Luke 3:6; John 1:29, 36, 49; John 4:42; John
12:13; 1 John 4:14). GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES AND HIS WORD NEVER FAILS (e.g., see
Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33).
Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
provide the birth stories of Jesus and His cousin John the Baptist (see Luke
1:36). The Gospels of Mark and John do not provide a narrative of Jesus and John
the Baptist’s births. Even more, after Matthew and Luke’s birth narratives
found in their first two chapters, the Gospel messages provide little information
on the early and formative days of Jesus and His cousin John. Only Luke’s
Gospel states that John grew up and became strong in Spirit, and he lived in
the wilderness deserts until he began his public ministry to Israel (Luke 1:80;
see also
Matthew 3:1; Matthew 11:7). Similarly, Luke’s Gospel gives only one story of
Jesus’ early boyhood when He visited the Jerusalem Temple with His parents,
Joseph and Mary, at the age of twelve (12) (see Luke 2:41-51).
Luke’s Gospel teaches that both Jesus
and His cousin John grew strong in wisdom and Spirit until the beginning began their
public ministry to Israel (see Luke 2:40, 52; Luke 3:23). Jesus began His
public ministry to Israel at the age of thirty (30) (see Luke 3:23).
Essentially, there are 30 years of silence in the New Testament Gospels on the early
life of Jesus and John until both begin their public ministries with a message
of repentance (see Matthew 3:1-2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:4, 14-15).
D. Amazing Love
The story of Christmas is the story of
God’s amazing love for the world through His Son Jesus. Despite some minor
differences, the Gospel message in all four New Testament Gospels is the
message of the King of Heaven sending His Son Jesus into the world to save the
world from sin, darkness, and wrath (e.g., see Daniel 4:37; Matthew 20:28; Mark
10:45; Luke 9:56; John 1:29; John 3:15-18, 36; John 5:24). Jesus became the
Most High God’s greatest gift and symbol of love because Jesus is the Most High
God’s atoning sacrifice – the propitiation – for the sins of the whole world through
faith in Him (e.g., see John 1:29, 36; Romans 3:23-25; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:3; 1
John 2:2; 1 John 4:9-10, 14-16).
Jesus’ apostles consistently taught in their
epistles (letters) to the early church that the Most High God gave His sinless
Son Jesus as a sin offering (e.g., see Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:21-22, 24; 1 John 2:2).
The King of Heaven poured into Jesus our sins, and in exchange, Jesus poured
God’s grace and goodness into our lives (e.g., see John 1:14, 16-18; 2
Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5). The Most High God sent His Son Jesus into the
world, born of the virgin Mary, to save the world through Him (e.g., see John 1:1-5,
12-14, 16-18, 29; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:17-18; 1 John 4:13-16). This is
amazing love!
Chapter
6: The Holy Trinity
The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth
confirmed the existence of Triune God – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus),
and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ Incarnation (becoming human) was accomplished
by the Holy Spirit – the Third Person in the Holy Trinity – in the body of Mary
and not by the Most High God’s sexual and physical intimacy with a human
woman (Luke 1:35; see also Romans 1:3-4). Through the Third Person of the Holy Trinity’s
power, Mary became the mother of God’s only begotten Son Jesus, who is One with
God (e.g., see Matthew 1:18, 20; Luke 1:32; Luke 22:70; John 1:14, 18; John
10:30, 38). Therefore, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine – the God-Man
(e.g., see Matthew 14:33; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:19-20; Colossians
2:9-10; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 5:20). Jesus was born of a woman; thereby,
Jesus was human. As the Son of God, Jesus was born without any trace of human
sin because He was Holy and conceived through God’s Holy Spirit (e.g., see Luke
1:32, 35; John 1:34, 49; John 6:69).
A.
One God
The Holy Bible confirms that there is
only one God, and He is the LORD God (Yahweh) and the God of Israel (e.g., see Exodus
34:23; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:17). The God of Israel is the true
and the Most High God – El Elyon, and He rules over the kingdoms of the world
because He is the Creator (Possessor) and King of heaven (e.g., see Genesis
14:18-22; Daniel 3:28-29; Daniel 4:25, 34-35; Daniel 5:21, Daniel 6:25-27;
Daniel 7:9-10). The Most High God exists in Three Persons – God the Father, God
the Son (Jesus), and God the Spirit (e.g., see Matthew 28:19; John 16:5-11; Romans
1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6).
Moreover, Christians believe the one God
is the only true and living God and not simply the greatest of many gods and
idols, and His Son is Jesus (e.g., see Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 16:16; 1
Corinthians 8:4, 6). The New Testament proclaims that the one true God has made
His Son Jesus both Lord and Christ (Messiah) (e.g., see Mark 8:29-30; Luke 9:20;
Acts 2:36). The Most High God chose to humble Himself, and He took on the form
of human flesh in His Son Jesus by His Holy Spirit, and He gave His life for
humanities’ sins (e.g., see Matthew 1:21, 23; John 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Philippians
2:6-11). Even more, the Most High God was one with Jesus Christ, reconciling
the world unto Himself (e.g., see John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11; 2 Corinthians
5:19, 21; Colossians 1:19-20). Importantly, Christians believe Jesus is the
only way to God and our only salvation through faith in His sacrificial death
on Calvary’s Cross for our sins (e.g., see John 3:16, 36; John 14:6; Acts 4:12;
Romans 3:23-25; 1 Peter 2:24).
B.
Other Faiths
However, our brothers and sisters from Judaism
and the Muslim faith reject the Trinity and the very idea of a Triune God.[34]
Jews and Muslims are monotheistic, and they believe there is one God who is the
Creator of the universe, and He must be worshipped with our whole hearts,
souls, minds, and strength like the Christian faith (e.g., see Deuteronomy
6:4-6; Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:6-8; Matthew 22:37; Luke 10:27).[35] Muslims,
Christians, and Jews are “People of the Book.”[36] Nevertheless,
our brothers and sisters from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Chinese faiths
accept a pantheon or a synthesis of gods.[37]
Even more, Muslims confess that their
Holy Book of Islam – the Qur’an, denies the Trinity God. The whole idea of the Christian
Trinity is rejected.[38] Muslims
believe in the oneness of their God – Allah. From Allah’s Oneness, Muslims
conclude that God is not two in one or three in one.[39]
Certainly, Muslims reject and disbelieve anyone who says: “Surely Allah is the
third (person) of the three.”[40]
Muslims do not deny the existence of
Jesus. Muslims call Jesus “Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah.”[41] Instead
of God in human flesh, Muslims believe that Jesus was merely a man and
messenger or prophet of Allah and not God as believed by Christians.[42] Muslims
believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah,
John the Baptist, and Jesus. However, Muslims believe God's most important and
final revelations came through the Prophet Muhammad, the last of Allah's
prophets.[43]
Also, Muslims proclaim that those who
believe Jesus is God are infidels or disbelievers.[44] To
associate anyone or human with God is the greatest of all sins in Islam, called
“Shirk.” Muslims confess and declare that the Qur’an teaches that there is One God,
and the One God does not have a Son nor associates:[45]
Say: He is
Allah, the One and Only.
Allah, the
Eternal, Absolute.
He begets not,
nor is He begotten.
And there is
none comparable unto Him. Surah 112:1-4 (Sura Al-Ikhlas)
This
concept of Allah’s oneness is called Tawhid or Tauheed. Tawhid/Tauheed refers
to God’s absolute unity and oneness.[46]
C.
Did Jesus Exist
In the first century and even today,
many people question if Jesus really existed in history. Some critics argue
that Jesus was a fictional character created by a small group of 120 Jews later
known as Christians to give their new religion – the Way, some legitimacy and
credibility (see Acts 1:15; Acts 9:2; Acts 11:26). However, the other New
Testament writers wrote their message to confirm Jesus as an actual Person in human
history that came to seek and save the lost (e.g., see Luke 15:1-7; Luke 19:10;
John 3:17). Luke documented that Jesus is the Great Prophet predicted by Moses
in the Old Testament (Acts 3:22; Acts 7:37 citing Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19).
There are other sources that documented
Jesus’ historical existence and not just a fictional character. For instance, the
holy book of the Qur’an that explains Islam to Muslims references the
historical Jesus. In the Qur’an, Jesus is known as “Isa the son of Mary.”[47]
Jesus is mentioned by name in the Qur’an 25 times in over 90 verses.[48] Moreover,
the Muslim faith acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah.[49]
Chapter
7: Truth of Christmas
As stated earlier, the Gospels of
Matthew and Luke give the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth into the human world
(see Matthew 1:18-2:12; Luke 1:26-2:20). However, some critics of the Holy
Bible would note that the Gospels of Mark and John do not include the story of
Jesus’ birth. Moreover, some critics would note that Matthews and Luke’s Gospel
differ on various details surrounding Jesus’ birth. Even more, some critics
would argue that other religions do not acknowledge Christmas or Jesus’s birth
as true. Moreover, critics argue that the date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, and December
25 was not mentioned until the 4th century as the date of Christ’s
arrival to earth.
Today, many people debate truth or even
the idea of religion as the guidepost for truth that can be trusted. People
look to the world and all the world’s pains such as AIDS, poverty, government
corruption, racial inequality, and hatred and question the very existence of
one true God.[50]
Even more, many people point to the human failures of sexual abuse by Roman
Catholic priests, scandals of televangelists that fleece and steal from their
flock, and the hypocrisy of so-called Christians, just to name a few and turn
away from all things church.[51] Instead
of the Holy Scriptures, many in the world look to reason, science, mediation, human
nature, or some abstract ethical principle for truth.[52]
Today’s world is pluralistic, diverse, consumer-oriented,
self-obsessed, and multicultural[53] In
reality, our modern culture seems to be following his or her own set of rules
and reject the idea of one true God and absolute truth.[54]
Despite all these challenges, many
biblical scholars have noted that our modern world still seeks truth.[55] Many
believers of Jesus continue to respond with the unchanging message of the Holy
Scriptures: “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”[56] The
very essence and nature of God is truth (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; John 14:6).
All three Persons of the Holy Trinity (Godhead) – God the Father, God the Son
(Jesus), and God the Spirit – are linked with truth and faithfulness (e.g., see
Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 65:16; Psalm 31:5; John 1:14, 17; John 14:6, 15-17;
John 15:26-27; 1 John 5:6, 20).
The Holy Trinity commands everyone to
speak the truth and live for truth, and turn away from falsehood, deception,
deceit, fraud, and trickery (e.g., see Exodus 20:16; Exodus 23:1; Leviticus
19:11-116; Deuteronomy 5:20; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 19:18; 1 Corinthians
6:9-11; Ephesians 4:15, 25; Colossians 3:9). The living LORD God hates lies,
and He condemns those who lie and deceive others (e.g., see Proverbs 6:16-19;
Proverbs 12:22; Romans 2:8; Revelation 22:15). The evil one and his followers
are liars, and they are filled with falsehood, corruption, deception, and fraud
(e.g., see Genesis 3:1-4; John 8:44; 1 John 2:4). These evil workers refuse the
truth and follow deceiving spirits taught by the evil one and his minions
(e.g., see 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Timothy 4:1-2). However, everyone in
alliance with the Holy Trinity seeks and speaks the truth and does not rely
upon worldly and human reason (e.g., see John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; Galatian
5:7; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4). Everyone that lives by the truth comes to God
and turns away from the darkness of lies, falsehood, and deception (e.g., John
3:21; 1 John 1:5-10).
During Christmas, Christians celebrate
the birth of the Most High God's Son, Jesus the Messiah (Christ), and His
greatest gift to the world – salvation. This is truth: The Most High God sent
His Son Jesus to earth as a Man to save and redeem all people – black, white,
Jews, Muslims, Hindus, gay, straight, young, and all – that are lost in our
sins (e.g., see Luke 2:10; Luke 19:10). Everyone receives this GREAT GIFT from
the Most High God when we BELIEVE in His Son, Jesus (see Matthew 1:21, 23; Luke
1:31-35; Luke 2:10-11, 14; John 1:1-5, 14, 16-18, 51; John 3:2, 16, 31-36; John
20:30-31; Colossians 1:19-20). Jesus unites and reconciles all people to His
Father, the Most High God of heaven and earth, through faith and obedience to
Him. Jesus is the Stairway to heaven and His Father’s grace, healing, and mercy
(see John 1:14, 16-18, 51; John 14:6, 9-11; John 15:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21;
1 Timothy 2:5).
The Christmas story of Jesus reveals the
Sovereign LORD God’s love for the world. In believing in Jesus, everyone finds real
and eternal life as the Sovereign LORD God designed life. Come discover Jesus
and see why Christmas matters!
References
Amplified
Bible
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).
Apologetics Study Bible:
Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).
Disciple's
Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible
Publishers, 1988).
ESV Study Bible,
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).
Life
Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House,
1971).
Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago,
IL: Moody, 1995).
Zondervan NIV Study Bible
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
Water, Mark Water. Encyclopedia of World Religions,
Cults and the Occult (Amg Publishing, 2006).
Janosik, Daniel. Answering Muslim Objections to the
Gospel.
Janosik, Daniel. The Guide to Answering Islam
(Cambridge, OH: Christian Publishing House, 2019).
Phillips, Timothy R. and Okholm, Dennis L. Christian
Apologetics in the Postmodern World (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1995).
Richey, Lola. Who Is Jesus? Essential Facts of Jesus
Christ (Simpsonville, SC: Praise Pure, 2012).
[1]
Richey, Lola. Who Is Jesus? Essential Facts of Jesus Christ (Simpsonville,
SC: Praise Pure, 2012), p. 2.
[2]
Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).
[3]
The Holy Father in the Old Testament is known as Yahweh or Jehovah.
[4]
Amplified Bible.
[5]
Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1971).
[6]
Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1971).
[7]
Jacob was the third Jewish Patriarch – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus is
connected to Judaism as Jesus is the long-awaited Promised Jewish Messiah
(Christ) (e.g., see Matthew 1:16, 18; Matthew 27:17, 22; Mark 8:29; Luke 2:11; John
4:25-26).
[8]
Jesus’ resurrection from complete death would affirm Jesus was the Son of the
living God (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Acts 2:24; Romans 1:3-4; Ephesians
1:19-20).
[9]
Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).
[10]
Ibid.
[12]
Ibid.
[13]
Christians and Jews are connected to Muslims through Father Abraham, who
worshipped the Most High God. By way of background, Muslims believe Islam
originated from Ishmael, which means “God hears” (see Genesis 16:11-12).
Ishmael was the first son of Abraham by the Egyptian concubine named Hagar (see
Genesis 16:1-16). Hagar and her son Ishmael were near death in the wilderness
when the Angel of God directed Hagar to a well to save her and her son’s life
(see Genesis 21:8-21). The Holy Scriptures teaches that the living LORD God was
with Ishmael, and Ishmael was also under God’s blessing (see 17:18-20; Genesis
21:20). The living LORD God promised
Abraham that He would bless his son Ishmael, make him fruitful, and greatly
increase Ishmael into a great nation (see Genesis 17:20). Abraham and his son
Ishmael were both circumcised in the flesh (see Genesis 17:26). Ishmael was one
of the first to experience the physical sign of God’s covenant,
circumcision. According to the Holy
Scriptures, Ishmael was the father of twelve sons see Genesis 25:12-16). Many Arabs claim Ishmael as their forefather
and thus Palestine as their land. Also,
Israel’s founding fathers — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the twelve sons of
Jacob (Israel) lay claim to Palestine as their land.
[14]
Dr. Daniel Janosik, Ph.D., Professor of Apologetics and World Religions (Due
West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, Fall 2020).
[15]
Water, Mark Water. Encyclopedia of World Religions,
Cults and the Occult (Amg Publishing, 2006).
[16]
Ibid.
[18]
Ibid.
[19]
Ibid.
[20]
Ibid.
[21]
Ibid.
[22]
Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).
[23]
Ryrie Study Bible.
[24]
Life Application Study Bible.
[25]
Jesus is not the sun or a stary hosts. The Sovereign LORD God created
the sun, the moon, and stary hosts on the fourth day of the creation story (see
Genesis 1:14-19). Importantly, the Sovereign LORD God forbids the worship of
the sun, moon, and the stary hosts of heaven (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:19; 2
Kings 17:16; Ezekiel 8:16-18). The Holy
Scriptures command we are to worship, praise, and love the Sovereign LORD God
and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:37; Romans 1:25;
Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians 11:31).
[26]
Disciple's Study Bible.
[27]
Ryrie Study Bible.
[28]
Ibid.
[29]
Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).
[30]
Ryrie Study Bible.
[31]
Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe.
[32]
In the Old Testament, David was considered Israel and Judah’s greatest king.
David was a king selected and anointed by the living LORD God of heaven and
earth to lead His people (see 1 Samuel 16:1; 2 Samuel 6:21-22; 1 Chronicles
17:7; Psalm 89:20). The living LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who is the God of
Israel and King of Heaven, took David from tending sheep in the pastures of
Judah, and He selected David to be the leader (ruler) of His people (e.g., see
1 Samuel 16:1, 11-13; 2 Samuel 7:8; Psalm 78:70-71). The LORD God looked at David’s heart, and He
found that David was a loyal and faithful man after His own heart (1 Samuel
16:7; Acts 13:22-23; see also 1 Chronicles 28:9).
[33]
In the New Testament, the word Messiah translates the Greek word for Christos
or Christ, which means Anointed One (see Matthew 1:17). Messiah (Hebrew term)
and Christ (Greek term) both mean “Anointed One” (John 1:41; see also John
4:25). For the Jews, the Messiah was the same as “Son of God” (see Matthew
26:63-64; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 22:67-70). Moreover, when the Jews spoke about
their Messiah, they were also thinking of the King from David’s family line who
would come to deliver them and establish God’s Kingdom (see Matthew 1:1,
16-17).
[34]
Dr. Daniel Janosik, Ph.D., Professor of Apologetics and World Religions (Due
West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, Fall 2020).
[35]
Janosik, Daniel. The Guide to Answering Islam (Cambridge, OH: Christian
Publishing House, 2019), pp. 268-269.
[36]
Ibid.
[37]
Corduan, Winfried. Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World
Religions 2nd Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012).
[38]
Janosik, Daniel. Answering Muslim Objections to the Gospel. p. 2.
[39]
Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults and the Occult.
[40]
Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults and the Occult quoting Qur'an 5.73.
[41]
Surah 4.157-158.
[42]
Janosik, Daniel. Answering Muslim Objections to the Gospel. p. 2.
[43]
Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults and the Occult.
[44]
Encyclopedia of World Religions, Cults and the Occult
[46]
Janosik, Daniel. The Guide to Answering Islam (Cambridge, OH: Christian
Publishing House, 2019), pp. 269, 334.
[47]
Janosik, Daniel. The Guide to Answering Islam (Cambridge, OH: Christian
Publishing House, 2019), pp. 37, 40.
[48]
Janosik, Daniel. The Guide to Answering Islam (Cambridge,
OH: Christian Publishing House, 2019), p. 38.
[49]
Surah 4:171; Surah 5:72-73.
[50]
Phillips, Timothy R. and Okholm, Dennis L. Christian Apologetics in the
Postmodern World (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1995), p. 21.
[51]
Phillips at 49-50.
[52]
Phillips at 12.
[53]
Phillips at 11, 14-15, 27.
[54]
Phillips at 10, 13, 15.
[55]
Dr. Daniel Janosik, Ph.D., Professor of Apologetics and World Religions (Due
West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, Fall 2020).
[56]
Phillips at 38, quoting John 8:32.
