Praise and Glory to HIS Holy Name!

RCR Ministries Serving God Through Bible Studies
 
 

 

The Birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

(as told by Matthew and Luke)

Before we begin lets take a look a the writers of Matthew and Luke.

 

The Book of Matthew

  • Church fathers unanimously agreed that the apostle, Matthew wrote this book.
  • The name Matthew means “gift of the Lord.”
  • He was a tax collector before following Jesus and becoming an apostle.
  • Scholars disagree as to when the book was written, however, most agree it was written between 50-60 BC.
  • The book was written to a Jewish audience.
  • Originally written in Greek.
  • Purpose of the book was to convince Jewish readers that Jesus was the Messiah and to show that his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.

The Book of Luke

  • This gospel was a companion volume to the book of Acts.
  • Writer was the apostle, Luke. The Muratorian Fragment (170AD) and the works of our early church father, Irenaeus (180 AD) uphold that this is the writings of Luke.
    • The Muratorian Canon or fragment, as it is often known as, is very important to the history of the Biblical canon. This fragment was believed to be written in Rome (170-200 AD). Additionally, scholars believe that it was originally written in Greek and then translated into Latin. The manuscript of the Ambrosiana has preserved this Latin text. Some of the Muratorian Canon is preserved in the codices of St. Paul's Epistles in Monte Cassino. It also supplies historical information and text pertaining to some of the Gospels, the Acts, Philemon, Titus, and Timothy.
    • Irenaeus, Bishop of Lundunum in Gaul, was mentored by Polycarp of Smyrna who was said to be a disciple of John. He is recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
  • Luke was a Gentile by birth, educated in Greek culture, a companion to Paul and he was a doctor and historian.
  • The book was written to Theophilus and to those that he would distribute the book to.
  • The purpose of the book was a message to the Gentiles so that they might know that Jesus’ teachings provided a place for the Gentile in God’s kingdom and that we should carry the gospel to the whole world.

Click here "Fairytale or Actual Event" for lesson one.

 

About Us

RCR Ministries was born out of a sincere desire to help all who seek God to find Him. It is our hope that by providing you with sound interpretation of the scriptures along with the historical background that you will gain a foundation of God's word that will lead you to a un-shakable personal relationship with him. A realtionship where by you will experience a steadfast confidence  in His love, compassion, and grace.  Learn More

Our Goal

It is our desire to study the word of God by keeping it in context with all the teachings of the Bible. We strive to not add to or take away from God's Holy Word. Instead, we will ask you to move through the old and new testaments that weave the rich fabric that is the Word of God. We stand on His Holy Word which is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The New International Version is used unless otherwise stated.

Before You Begin

Dear Heavenly Father,

Praise and glory to the one true Living God, the alpha and the omega. Holy, Holy, Holy is   your   name.   Thank   you Father, for your son Jesus Christ who redeemed us from our sins. And thank you for this day and everything you have brought to me. May my prayer rise to you as sweet incense from the alter. I ask that you guide me, Father, through your Word. Please open my heart and mind to recieve your word and please reveal your Holy Truth. Please dwell in me and help me to live each day of my life in keeping with your Word. In the Holy name of Jesus Christ, I pray and ask it. Amen.