Characteristics & Features of the Book: Messianic Particularism and Universalism Ecclesiastical (relating to the church) Eschatological (relating to last things) Sermons of Jesus – Five Great Discourses Some events, parables and miracles are exclusive to Matthew’s account.

Main Emphasis of the Book: Matthew was written initially to and for the benefit of the Jews. This record of the gospel was written in order to convince readers that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah and King of the Old Testament. Matthew accomplishes his purpose by quoting from and alluding to the Old Testament more than the other gospel writers (more than 100 times in Matthew).

Jesus Is the Promised Messiah of the Old Testament! The opening words of the book (and therefore, the opening words of the New Testament) focus on the genealogy of Jesus, in order to immediately tie Jesus to the prophecies of the Old Testament. Matthew uses the word “fulfilled” sixteen times to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matthew records the phrase, “it is written,” (sometimes from Jesus’ own mouth) nine times to tie the words and actions of Jesus back to what was “written” of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Matthew records Jesus saying, “Have you not read” or “Have you never read,” six times, in order to point His listeners back to the words of the Old Testament. Jesus of Nazareth, and He alone, is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, the Christ of the New Testament, and the only means of God by which we must be saved.

Jesus Is the Promised King of the Old Testament. The Jews were expecting a King and the establishment of a kingdom, because the O.T. had specifically foretold that such was coming (2 Sam. 7:11-16; Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; Zech. 9:9). Matthew calls Jesus “the Son of David” ten times (1:1, 20; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30, 31; 21:9, 15; 22:42). The other gospel writers combine for only eight uses total. Since the Jews were expecting a King, Matthew frequently referred to Jesus as “King.” One of Matthew’s great emphases is on the promised kingdom. Jesus is the promised King of the Old Testament, ruling over His kingdom, which He will (at the end of time) deliver to His Father in heaven (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24).

Characteristics & Features of the Book: Action! More chronological in its arrangement Emphasis on the death and resurrection of Jesus “The Gospel of Mark is terse, clear, and pointed, a style that would appeal to the Roman mind” (Tenney 164). It is evangelistic in its thrust, leading the reader through the amazing work of Christ, the shameful death of Christ, the glorious resurrection of Christ, and the offer of salvation from Christ.

Main Emphasis of the Book: Mark was written initially to and for the benefit of the Romans (Gentiles). This record of the gospel was written in order to set forth Jesus as the obedient and powerful servant of God, carrying out His divine mission with urgency and determination. Romans were known for their power and mighty works, so Jesus is set forth as a man of power, who used that wonder-working power for the good of others.

The Roman Audience Is Given Careful Consideration. Because the Romans had little to do with or understand about Jews, Mark’s account of the gospel varies significantly in its details from Matthew’s account. Mark translates certain Jewish words, such as: “Boanerges” (3:17); “Talitha, cumi” (5:41); “Corban” (7:11); “Ephphatha” (7:34). Marks explains certain Jewish customs that Romans would not have understood, such as: the Pharisees’ traditions (7:3); the feast of Unleavened Bread (14:12); the Preparation Day (15:42).

Jesus As the Servant of Mankind Is Emphasized. The key verse in the book is Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” To the Roman mind, that would have had an unusual appeal: A great and powerful man coming to use His power and greatness for the good of mankind! Mark even shows Jesus’ emotions as He encountered people. A Divine being possessing and exhibiting human emotions would be, again, quite a message to the Roman mind. Perhaps, through these methods, Mark was able to present the religion of Christ as a practical, real, personal religion— something that the Romans sought but could not find. The life of Jesus is one that impacts everyday living.

Jesus As the Servant of God Is Emphasized. The greatness of Jesus is portrayed in the miraculous power that He possessed over all things, and the fact that He used this power as an obedient servant of His Father in heaven. The miracles recorded by Mark are not intended as a showy demonstration of this Man from Nazareth; rather, they are Divine manifestations of power exerted to provide relief or meet a human need. The miracles of Jesus have a prominent place in Mark, as do the parables and sermons in Matthew. As one writer noted, “A servant works, while a king speaks.” Mark also emphasizes the effect of the miracles and the reactions of the people. For the readers to be told how people reacted would further reinforce the power and the servant- heart behind each miraculous act.