Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

Jesus’ birth story per Matthew....Was Mary really a Perpetual Virgin?” Key Points: Joseph is the “hero” of Matthews account. (Vs Mary the “hero” in Luke’s account.)  This is not a contradiction, just a difference of emphasis. Joseph a great example for us: He chose to forego his legal rights to follow God’s will and act for the benefit of others. The word “until” in verse 25 does not mean that Mary was not a perpetual virgin. (Two other examples of “until” in scripture.) The Magi were non-Jews; Jesus came for all of us! No Magi in Luke, no shepherds in Matthew; just different emphases. Luke emphasizes women, poor. Matthew emphasizes fulfillment of OT prophecy.

Overview of Matthew: Jesus’ Genealogy; Why the difference between Matthew’s and Luke’s account, and why should we care? Key Points:   The Gospel of Matthew  written between 50-90AD by a convert to Christianity from Judaism. Matthew’s emphasis- to show that Jesus is the promised Jewish Messiah, the ultimate King of the Jews, and to the world.  Jewish prophesy fulfillment.  Jesus is a 2nd, better Moses, and a 2nd, better David. Though from a royal dynasty, Jesus had many deeply sinful people in his ancestry-just like us! Differences in Matthew’s, Luke’s genealogy of Jesus:  Matthew’s gospel records only back as far as Abraham, the founder of the Jews.  Luke, a GENTILE, goes back further,  to Adam, who predated Judaism, to emphasize Jesus came for ALL people. The difference between the 2 genealogies from David to Jesus may be because Mary’s genealogy was used for that time frame.

Best English translation :  Revised Standard Version- 2nd Catholic Edition. Second best translation : New American Bible (Personal Study Edition) Study tips: Write notes IN MARGINS, or on sticky notes you can attach to the bible pages. Use different colors of CRAYONS to highlight key verses. Buy a CATECHISM of the Catholic Church, refer to bible passage index in back of it. Read the bible through the eyes of the Church. (See #3 above)

Key Points: Dealing with Discrepancies In The 4 Gospel Accounts, and Emphases of Each Gospel Account. We would EXPECT discrepancies from 4 separate accounts of a person’s life.  Yet the accounts, combined, paint an honest picture of the life and divinity of Christ. Matthew-written to a JEWISH (Jewish convert) audience, to show that Jesus is the promised Jewish messiah. Mark-written to Christians in Rome. “Peter’s Gospel.”  Emphasises Jesus’ ACTIONS and his HUMANITY.  “Suffering Servant.” Source document for Matthew and Luke. Luke-written for GENTILES .  Emphasises:Kingdom is for ALL.  Women in high esteem.  Treatment of poor.  Holy Spirit presence. Jesus’ prayer life. Matthew, Mark, Luke-“Synoptic.” John- Emphasises: Jesus’ DIVINITY . (NOT “Suffering Servant”, He’s always in control.)  Most symbolism, double meanings, numerology.

  Key Points: The  bible  is NOT a science book or history book.  It is a LIBRARY , calling us to an eternal RELATIONSHIP with God. The  bible  is not DICTATED by God.  God INSPIRED the human authors, but they used their own words, styles, emphasis. The  bible  is ALL TRUE, for the sake of our salvation. Not necessarily always LITERALLY true.  (See 1st Session of Old Testament for more detail on “Truth in the  bible .)  The books of the  bible  were chosen among many others and ratified by the CATHOLIC church, guided by the Holy Spirit,  in the late 300’s.  ALL Christians agree on the Catholic choice of the 27 New Testament books. Martin Luther error on choice of books: no “keys” and was 1200 years late.

Key Points: The UNIQUE AUTHORITY of the Catholic Church: Jesus started ONE Church ( Mt16:16-19 ), prayed for UNITY in that Church ( Jn .17 ), intended for that Church to remain until the end of human history ( Mt 28:20 ), gave that Church the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth ( Jn 16:13 ), and gave that Church the Unique Authority it would need ( Mt16:16-19 ).   That Church even preceded the bible.   That Church (that Jesus started) is “The Pillar and Foundation of truth.” ( 1Tim 3:15 ) The Authority issue is essential in solving doctrinal differences between Christians.