4. Advancement of the Gospel

Now we will endeavor to create a single TimeLine, a chronological composite, of the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Before doing so, it is important to understand that each of the gospel accounts have a unique presentation and purpose to their approach. By creating a composite of all four gospel accounts some aspects of their uniqueness will be compromised. Therefore, it is advantageous to read each gospel account separately in order to understand and appreciate its original structure and context. 

The objective of this WebSite is to focus on the build-up of Yahoshua’s ministry as it moves onward to the fulfillment of YHWH’s Divine-Appointments; this is the reason for the title ‘Advancement of the Gospel’. The subtitle, ‘Gospel TimeLine’, refers to the dates that are used to follow the 'Advancement of the Gospel' by using the progression of time as a reference-point. The few timestamps recorded in the gospel accounts are not always as clear and conclusive as our modern, time-driven minds would expect. Consequently, there is not a generally accepted consensus concerning the actual timeline of the major events recorded in the ‘New Covenant’ section of the Bible. For this reason, the dates that are posted for the 'Gospel TimeLine' are an average, or a compromise, of the most common estimates concerning each event in the ‘Gospel TimeLine’.

Section One of the Gospel TimeLine opens with John’s declaration of the Word. (Gospel of John 1:1-5) John has taken the liberty to reach beyond the parameters of Time-Space-Matter in order to encounter the Cause of all things. This is a very profound introduction because it addresses the enduring curiosity and quandary that almost everyone considers sometime in their life; . . . how and why . . . am I here?

 In a pagan culture, that for the most part was ignorant of YHWH's Torah (Word), the metaphysical concept of the logos (the Word) started to emerge as early as 600 B.C. in ancient Greece. This gives evidence to Humanity’s inclination to reach beyond the restlessness and anxiety of the physical world in the quest to satisfy the ‘how and why’ of our existence. Our endeavor to make sense of our surroundings and what may lie beyond it is not only hindered by our own physical limitations, but it is also often thwarted by the many distractions that life seems to throw at us. For centuries various philosophies, religions and even the intellectual approach of science have been groping to acquire the satisfaction and the security of this quest, all too often resulting in more questions than answers. YHWH has clearly furnished planet earth with multi-layers of ‘discovery’ which actually encourages and expedites our innate curiosity of the, how and why, quandary of life. This is one of YHWH’s many expressions of Grace that He has woven throughout the fabric of His Creation. Yes Grace, because the Wisdom of YHWH implants this inquisitiveness within us that by the volition of our own curiosity we might adventure into the ‘unknown’ . . . perhaps to stumble upon who we really are?  

John is boldly proclaiming the answer to this ever-lingering inquiry by opening his gospel with, In the beginning was the Word. By John establishing the Word as the Cause-Source of Creation then it follows that the Gospel of Elohim (God), as confirmed by the gospel-testimonies of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, will provide the reason why we exist. Perhaps . . . to encounter the Source of this well-designed fabric that we call Time-Space-Matter that our lives are so entangled with . . . that in the astonishment and humility of ‘our own’ discovery we might actually live-out the ‘How and Why’ that we are so curious to know. 

TimeLine: Before the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth

John 1:1-5

1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 

2. The Word was with God in the beginning. 

3. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. 

4. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people.  

5. The light shines in the darkness, the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. 

                                                                         Common English Bible

Verse 1: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (CEB)

In the Beginning! What a beautiful, yet powerful proclamation for John to introduce the Gospel with the same opening words found in the first book of the Sacred-Scripture of Torah. As the book of Genesis opens, In the Beginning, refers to Elohim (God) creating the heavens and the earth. When the pages of the Gospel of John open, In the Beginning takes us beyond the starting point of the physical creation and refers to the inception and the cause of Creation. John is intentionally blowing the shofar (sounding the trumpet) in order to bring attention to the preeminence of the Word when he joins the opening statement of Torah with the profound revelation of the Word as proclaimed in the opening statement of his gospel-testimony, In the beginning was the Word. Not only does this announcement serve as an invitation for us to follow the Word up to the threshold of the, In the Beginning of Genesis, in a much greater sense it challenges us to break through the confines of Time-Space-Matter . . . to behold the ‘portal into Eternity’ . . . here, we fall to our knees with great reverence as we dare to peer into the ‘heart’ of Elohim. We are captivated as we catch a ‘glimpse’ of Elohim preparing with great pleasure the order in which His Creation will unfold. As we are drawn deeper into the inspiration of His heart’s desire, the Love for His intended creation overwhelms us . . . engulfed by His Love we are able to perceive the purposefulness and foresight of His Wisdom as it accompanies His venture to establish the foundation of the heavens and the earth. Read the entire chapter of Proverbs 8, The Personification of Wisdom, specifically verses 22-31 in reference to Creation.

At this juncture we are simply awestruck as we witness Wisdom and Love preparing to integrate the physical-matter of Creation throughout His divine-plan to reconcile Humanity to Himself. In His preparation to ‘Speak’ the heavens and the earth into existence, the statement and the Word was with God, is not implying that something or someone else has joined-up with Elohim as to accompany Him or make His mission more complete. Rather, the significance of the Word being with God, as the Greek word with is defined, is asserting that the Word is turned towards Elohim, pertaining to the direction or goal in which Elohim is taking or implementing the Word. Meaning that Elohim is the exclusive Source and inspiration of the Word as it springs forth from His ‘heart’ as He contemplates what He is about to speak into existence. It confirms that the inspiration of Creation is firmly situated within the very desire and will of Elohim Himself, that inevitably the essence and the substance of the Word is divine.

Following the second statement and the Word was with God is the unambiguous declaration, and the Word was God. This is a statement of clarity that affirms the harmony of these two phrases, simply put, the Word (that) was with God . . . obviously, was (from) God. There is absolutely no ambiguity concerning this statement, meaning that it is unmistakably evident that John was very deliberate to use the phrase . . . and the Word was God. The emphasis of this phrase is important because at this point in the text many individuals mistakenly take the liberty to say, “We could just as well insert the name ‘Jesus’ here”, that is, and the Word was Jesus (Yahoshua). Clearly John did not choose (or even thought) to do that for it would have entirely changed the context of the opening words of his gospel account. This would have deviated from John’s intentional focus on the Word being Elohim’s inspiration to create the heavens and the earth. John’s deliberate statement and the Word was God gives no liberty to supplant the Word with a separate entity, a ‘split-personality’ or an accompanying, co-existing entity with or of Elohim, nor does John ascribe the Word as being Torah, nor does John imply that the Word is something or someone else other than the actual substance and essence of Elohim Himself, that is, YHWH’s exclusive divinity.

The context is, that the In the Beginning of John’s Gospel intentionally draws our attention to the In the Beginning of Genesis . . . where Torah gives reverence to Elohim as He unfolds the order of His Creation. It is in this conjoined setting that John releases the preeminence of the Word by declaring . . . In the beginning was the Word. John then states and the Word . . . that was In the Beginning of Genesis, where the inception of Time-Space-Matter was being contemplated before the events of Creation actually unfolded, that this Word (the divine purpose for Creation) . . . was with God. By honoring the Scripture (Torah) that recognizes the sovereignty of Elohim in Creation, John then respectfully acknowledges the same sovereignty of Elohim in his introduction of the Word by stating . . . and the Word was God. What an expression of beauty and reverence for John to open his gospel testimony by honoring both the opening words and the thematic framework of the inspired Scripture as declared in Genesis.

This simple and clear statement and the Word was God serves as a testimony to the sovereignty of Elohim and confirms the fact that the Word is all wrapped-up in the prophetic message of Scripture and the divinity of Elohim. In other words, the Word is inherently YHWH in essence and will. To add something or someone else to the Word other than Elohim Himself is in direct contradiction to the context in which the statement and the Word was God is situated. John’s understanding (revelation) is that YHWH Himself is the essence and sole inspiration of the Word. This is both astounding and sobering, and therefore naturally summons a deep reverence for Who and What the Word actually is when it eventually unfolds in human form, that is, when the expressed image of YHWH actually animates the Word. 

Verse 2: The Word was with God in the beginning. (CEB)

The second verse is a condensed repetition and affirmation of verse one. John is asserting that Elohim (God) is the Source of the Word yet it is important to realize that in the opening words of John’s gospel (verses 1-4) he is clearly not handling the Word as an entity. Instead he is, with great reverence, reaching back to and even going beyond the In the Beginning of Genesis so he can declare . . . Look at not only what Elohim has created, but even more astonishing, give attention to why He has done it. John is acknowledging the preeminence of the Word because it is the inspiration and inception of the physical-creation. The wonders of this physical-creation will serve as the platform by which the Gospel of Elohim (God) will bring reconciliation to Humanity.  . . . In the Beginning . . . before the physical Creation came to be . . . was the Word . . . and the Word was . . . springing forth and was intimately . . . with God . . . and the Word was . . . intrinsically . . . God. Verse two simply reiterates this fact by stating that the Word was with God in the beginning when He deliberately wove the purpose of the Word throughout the fabric of His physical Creation, as verse three will now clarify.

Verse 3: Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. (CEB)

Verses one and two have clearly directed our attention to the Source of the Word, Elohim Himself. This is important because Creation’s existence hinges on the deliberate aim and purpose of the Word as declared in verse three. The definition of the word through as it is used in verse three is stating that the Word is the grounds, that it is the reason, that on the account of the Word . . . Everything came into being through the Word, . . . in this context the Word is not an entity, rather it is the reason why (how) everything does exist . . . and without the Word nothing came into being. John is stating that the physical expression of Creation is tied directly to the spiritual inspiration of Elohim’s purpose and will. The Word becomes the physical realization of Elohim’s inspiration that has come forth from His ‘mental-faculty’ of thinking, meditating, reasoning, preparing and calculating the intricate details of In the Beginning. In other words . . . nothing came into being . . . without (the deliberate influence of) the Word. Not only is the Word saturated with the will and purpose of Elohim it is also the means by which His will and purpose are made tangible to Humanity. Essentially verse three is affirming that the Word was with (and springing forth from) God when everything came ‘to be’.   

Verse 4: What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. (CEB) 

The first three verses have escorted us to the heart of Elohim where His inspiration for Creation has been expressed through the Word. In verse four John still parallels the Genesis account of Creation where Elohim spoke Life into existence. John claims that what came into being through the Word was life. Then he follows through with and the life was the light for all people. Just as Elohim sustains life in the physical creation with sunlight (Genesis) John uses ‘life’ and ‘light’ to illuminate the purpose of the Word. In the opening verses of John’s gospel he is proclaiming (shouting) that everything that has come into being is to fulfill the Word of YHWH. The Word, which is His purpose and will, is to impart Life, which is the Light for all people. At this point it becomes more and more apparent that the physical and spiritual ‘worlds’ are conjoined by the will of YHWH. Just as Elohim has used the physical elements of the universe to design and form His Creation, in a similar manner He has also used the spiritual essence of the Word to bring forth His (spiritual) purpose and will into existence. Therefore the heavens and the earth stand as a witness and give testimony to the unseen ‘hands’ that have formed the universe. Physical Creation is therefore the expression of YHWH’s purpose and will in graphic form. So that the wonders that decorate planet earth serve to nudge us in a way that awakens our spiritual awareness to the existence and will of Elohim; how awesome is that?

Verse 5: The light shines in the darkness, the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. (CEB) 

Without sunlight life on planet earth would cease to exist as we know it. In like manner the consequence of Adam and Eve’s rebellion (fall) has imposed a destiny of spiritual darkness upon Humanity. YHWH’s purpose for the Word is to illuminate Humanity, it is specifically designed to be the light that shines in the darkness (verse 5a). Even so, many people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil (John 3:19b), yet the darkness doesn’t (cannot) extinguish the light. (verse 5b). A darkened heart is not able to comprehend the brilliance (righteousness) of the Light. As the Light exposes the works of darkness it accentuates the confusion and exposes the disdain for the Light that has been wedged in the heart of the disobedient. In this environment the Light is often perceived as the source of the individual’s confusion and is therefore rejected by the already confused sinner. Even though many individuals reject the Light, the darkness cannot extinguish or overthrow the light in reference to YHWH’s ultimate plan of Salvation. His Word (Life-Eternal) is available to those who choose the Light, for His Word will not (cannot) return to Him void or unfinished. 

John 1:1-5

John’s opening words are actually very succinct. Well, that is, when the emotional weights of unfounded traditions and pet-doctrines are unshackled from John’s opening statement (introduction). Verses one through three clearly answer the ‘how’ of the ‘how and why am I here’ quandary. 

How . . . am I here?

(1a). In the beginning of (or before) Time-Space-Matter as we know it, 

(1a). was the Word, meaning, Elohim’s purpose and plan for Creation. 

(1b). The Word was not only 

(1b). with God, it actually sprang forth from Him, 

(1c). and therefore, in essence 

(1c). the Word was God. 

(2a). The Word that spoke everything into being 

(2b). was clearly 

(2c). with God in the beginning. 

(3a). Everything that is 

(3b). came into being through the determination of 

(3c). the Word, and without the purpose of 

(3d). the Word nothing came into being. 

Verse four clearly answers the ‘why’ of the ‘how and why am I here’ quandary. 

Why . . . am I here?

(4a). What came into being through the Word was life, that is, life-eternal, 

(4b). and the life was the light to illuminate the Gospel of YHWH 

(4c). for all people. 

In verses one through four John has basically recounted the development and purpose of the Word with a historical voice. Now in verse five John speaks more from His (then) present and enduring voice by proclaiming, 

(5a). The light continually 

(5b). shines in the darkness, because  

(5c). the darkness doesn’t have the power to 

(5d). extinguish nor the ability to comprehend 

(5e). the light. 

John has given us some great insight by pushing-back the veil of Time-Space-Matter in order for us to peer into the ‘heart’ of Elohim. Moving on from the pre-Creation-Mode (John 1:1-4) we now emerge in the Planet-Earth-Mode (John 1:5). John’s opening words have set the stage to demonstrate how Life is being offered to Humanity through the Gospel of YHWH. This Life is the Light that is continually shining into the darkness of the human heart. Acknowledging the Eternal-Source and reason for our existence is an excellent introduction for all four of the Gospel Accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). 

Luke 1:1-4

1. Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 

2. like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. 

3. So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 

4. so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.

Verses 1 & 2: Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. 

Although Yahoshua's ministry was very short, He stirred-up emotions, thoughts and convictions amongst the people of Israel. Apparently, the impact of His ministry inspired many individuals to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us.

Verses 3 & 4 So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.

Our Elohim (our God)

In the previous section (Preeminence of the Word - The Cause of Creation) John peels back the layers of Time-Space-Matter to unveil the Cause of the physical Creation. The impact of his insightful introduction to the Gospel by conjoining it with the In the Beginning of Genesis captures the attention of any curious or devout adherent of Scripture (Bible). The writer of Torah (the first five books of the Bible are often attributed to Moses) used a format for the Creation story in Genesis that was similar to or familiar to many of the cultures that surrounded him. However, Moses’ testimony of In the Beginning clearly proclaims that our Elohim (our God) is THE Creator of all things, that our Elohim made the substance that the other nations use to fabricate their superficial and false gods, that our Elohim-YHWH is alive, for He is mighty to do good and wondrous works. John not only affirms the testimony of Moses that our Elohim is the Cause for everything that exist, but he also boldly asserts the fact that He has a deliberate purpose for it. Our Elohim has determined that Creation will serve as the platform by which Humanity is illuminated in order to satisfy the quandary of . . . Why . . . that is, if they are willing to pursue it.

An Orderly Account of our Savior

Luke’s inquiry to validate the Gospel doesn’t span the same vastness of Time as John’s testimony does by returning to the In the Beginning of Creation. Rather Luke is dusting off a very small amount of dust (history) with the aim to revive the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning (Verse 2). His inspiration to compile this information was probably taking place 10 to 30 years after the ascension of Yahoshua. That would infer a date as soon as the early 40’s and possibly as late as the early 60’s of the first century. This clearly gives Luke access to the eyewitnesses and the servants of the word that were present from the beginning. This means that Luke would have directly encountered eyewitnesses, or those who knew the eyewitnesses, such as John’s parents and disciples, Miriam (Yahoshua’s mother), Yahoshua’s disciples and many of the individuals that were involved or were eyewitnesses to the miraculous ministry of Yahoshua and His disciples. His account of the things that have been fulfilled among us (Verse 1) would position us within the Timeframe of John the Immerser and Yahoshua the Messiah’s births then forward to Yahoshua’s ascension, a TimeLine from approximately 5 B.C. to 30 A.D. Luke’s inspiration was to write an orderly account for you, (Verse 3) . . . to declare that our Savior is the true Messiah (in contrast to the many false messiahs and fables of the first-century), that our Gospel is the true Gospel (in contrast to the gospel of the Roman Caesar), that our Savior has been truly resurrected (in contrast to the annual fertility rituals to incite the pagan gods to no avail) so that you may know for certain the things you were taught. (Verse 4)

After John introduces the Word as being the Source and Cause of everything that exist, Section One then continues to affirm the Advancement of the Gospel in its initial years. Almost completely obscure to the entire world the Gospel begins to sprout with the births of John the Immerser and Yahoshua the Messiah. The remainder (entirety) of John’s Gospel (along with the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke) gives testimony to how the Light fulfills the will of Elohim by shining (proclaiming) the Gospel of YHWH into the darkness of Humanity. Ultimately Elohim (YHWH) expresses Himself and the purpose of His (the) Word by embodying the flesh-veil of Yahoshua. This is how YHWH provides the answer (substance) to humanity’s question . . . Why . . . but, do we (will we) comprehend it?

TimeLIne: Approximately 15 Months before the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 6 B.C.  

Luke 1:5-25  

5. During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron. 

6. They were both righteous in the sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 

7. But they did not have a child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old.

8. Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 

9. he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the Holy Place of the Lord and burn incense. 

10. Now the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering. 

11. An angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared to him. 

12. And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel, was seized with fear. 

13. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John. 

14. Joy and gladness will come to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, 

15. for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 

16. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 

17. And he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.”

18. Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is old as well.” 

19. The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 

20. And now because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place.”

21. Now the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder why he was delayed in the Holy Place. 

22. When he came out, he was not able to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the Holy Place because he was making signs to them and remained unable to speak. 

23. When his time of service was over, he went to his home.

24. After some time, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she kept herself in seclusion. She said,   

25. “This is what the Lord has done for me at the time when he has been gracious to me, to take away my disgrace among people.”

As we step into the pages of the Gospel it is important to be aware that the Mosaic Covenant (Old Covenant) was in full operation at the Temple in Jerusalem. This is why Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the Holy Place of the Lord and burn incense (Verses 8b-9). Surely the hand of YHWH directed the outcome that ensured Zechariah was chosen by lot. While Zechariah was serving in the Holy Place of YHWH, to his amazement, an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared to him. And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel, was seized with fear (Verses 11-12). But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John. (Verses 13). The angel explains what the role of John will be: he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him. Whether immediately or soon after the angel’s announcement Zechariah would have connected the angel’s words with the messianic prophecy in Malachi 4:4-6, 4. “Remember the law of my servant Moses, to whom at Horeb I gave rules and regulations for all Israel to obey. 5. Look, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. 6. He will encourage fathers and their children to return to me, so that I will not come and strike the earth with judgment.” Zechariah would not have been able to grasp the immensity of what he was experiencing in the moment. Yet eventually he and his wife Elizabeth would have been in awe after they understood that the prophetic Word of YHWH was beginning to unfold in their son’s (John) life. John's calling was to open the portal that would eventually reveal (set in order) what Torah and the prophets had been pointing to for centuries. This portal would grant access to the climactic demonstration and prophetic fulfillment of YHWH’s Appointed-Times. Their arrival, of course, had been carefully prepared for from the onset of Creation. 

TimeLine: Approximately 9 Months before the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C.

Luke 1:26-38  

26. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 

27. to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 

28. The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” 

29. But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting. 

30. So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! 

31. Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 

32. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 

33. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 

34. Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” 

35. The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.

36 “And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age—although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month! 

37. For nothing will be impossible with God.” 

38. So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

TimeLine: Approximately 9 Months before the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C.

Luke 1:39-56  

39. In those days Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah, 

40. and entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 

41. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

42. She exclaimed with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child in your womb! 

43. And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me? 

44.For the instant the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 

45. And blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

46. And Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord,

47. and my spirit has begun to rejoice in God my Savior,

48. because he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. For from now on all generations will call me blessed,

49. because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name;

50. from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him.

51. He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts.

52. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;

53. he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.

54. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,

55. as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56. So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

TimeLine: Approximately 6 Months before the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C. / possibly during Pesach (Spring)

Luke 1:57-63  

57. Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. 

58. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

59. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father. 

60. But his mother replied, “No! He must be named John.” 

61. They said to her, “But none of your relatives bears this name.” 

62. So they made signs to the baby’s father, inquiring what he wanted to name his son. 

63. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 

TimeLine: Approximately 6 Months before the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C. / possibly during Pesach (Spring)

Luke 1:64-80 

64. Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue released, and he spoke, blessing God. 

65. All their neighbors were filled with fear, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea all these things were talked about. 

66. All who heard these things kept them in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the Lord’s hand was indeed with him.

67. Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

68. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has come to help and has redeemed his people.

69. For he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

70. as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago,

71. that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

72. He has done this to show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant—

73. the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham. This oath grants

74. that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, may serve him without fear,

75. in holiness and righteousness before him for as long as we live.

76. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

77. to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

78. Because of our God’s tender mercy, the dawn will break upon us from on high

79. to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80. And the child kept growing and becoming strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he was revealed to Israel.

TimeLine: Genealogy from Abraham to Yahoshua 

DATE: Approx. 2050 B.C. (Abraham’s Birth) to 5 B.C. (Yahoshua’s Birth)

Matthew 1:1-17

1. This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 

3. Judah the father of Perez and Zerah (by Tamar), Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 

4. Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 

5. Salmon the father of Boaz (by Rahab), Boaz the father of Obed (by Ruth), Obed the father of Jesse, 

6. and Jesse the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon (by the wife of Uriah), 

7. Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, 

8. Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah, 

9. Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 

10. Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, 

11. and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12. After the deportation to Babylon, Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 

13. Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 

14. Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 

15. Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 

16. and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to Christ, fourteen generations.

TimeLine: Genealogy from Yahoshua back to Adam

DATE: Approx. 5 B.C. (Yahoshua’s Birth) to 4004 B.C. (Creation of Adam) 

Luke 3:23b-38

23b. He (Yahoshua) was the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 

24. the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 

25. the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 

26. the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 

27. the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 

28. the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 

29. the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 

30. the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 

31. the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 

32. the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, 

33. the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 

34. the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 

35. the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 

36. the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 

37. the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, 

38. the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

TimeLine: Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C. / possibly during Sukkot (autumn)

Matthew 1:18-25

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way. While his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 

19. Because Joseph, her husband to be, was a righteous man, and because he did not want to disgrace her, he intended to divorce her privately. 

20. When he had contemplated this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

21. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” 

22. This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled:

23. “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” 

24. When Joseph awoke from sleep he did what the angel of the Lord told him. He took his wife, 

25. but did not have marital relations with her until she gave birth to a son, whom he named Jesus.

Luke 2:1-7

1. Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. 

2. This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 

3. Everyone went to his own town to be registered. 

4. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. 

5. He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. 

6. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 

7. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Elohim with Us / God with Us

The first five verses of John’s Gospel are his introduction of the Word. They serve as an invitation for individuals to encounter the Light. These opening verses set the stage for the remaining pages of his gospel as their script gives testimony of the Word (Elohim) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14a). Matthew introduces this same mystery from a different, yet affirming perspective in his gospel, “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “(God) Elohim with us.” (Matthew 1:23). The affirmation and security of ‘Elohim with us’ (YHWH’s obvious presence upon Israel) is a predominant theme in the Scripture concerning YHWH’s Covenant-Promise with Israel. As the Roman occupation lingered in first-century Israel, the anxiety to witness YHWH’s obvious presence intensified as their expectation to see Rome expelled from the Holy Land became more and more unbearable. Both John and Matthew honor the theme of ‘Elohim with us’ in their gospel for this hope was deeply imbedded in their culture. 

Throughout Israel’s history many individuals (humans) served as ‘YHWH’s anointed’ in the form of prophets, kings, priests, ‘messiahs’ and leaders in general. Although there are some miraculous aspects concerning the birth of some of these individuals, they were all born by a woman conceiving and bearing a child through the natural-practice of a man and a woman coming-together sexually. Matthew’s announcement of the virgin-birth distinguishes the natural-intimate process of a woman conceiving a child with a man from YHWH’s purpose to supernaturally plant a ‘SEED’ in Miriam; with the intent of fulfilling the gestation and birthing process naturally. Matthew’s conclusion of this miraculous event is the affirmation of ‘Elohim with us’. It is easy, and understandably so, to assume that this expression simply means that a human-being or an entity other than YHWH Himself will fulfill this role, just as it has been done the past. Yet John’s declaration and the Word was God (John 1:1b) and that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14a) won’t allow that assumption to stand. Rather, in light of this declaration the virgin-birth is undeniably proclaiming that this is (literally in the flesh) ‘Elohim with us’. So when YHWH takes on the veil of Yahoshua in bodily form it doesn’t diminish, deviate or supplant the core theme (Promise) and intended purpose of ImmanuEL;‘with us is Elohim’ (God).

TimeLine: Immediately after the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C.

Luke 2:8-20

8 Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. 

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. 

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: 

11 Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 

12 This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” 

13 Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.” 

16 So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger. 

17 When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child, 

18 and all who heard it were astonished at what the shepherds said. 

19 But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean. 

20 So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.

TimeLine: Circumcision Eight Days after Birth / Dedication 40+ Days after Birth 

DATE: Approximately 5 B.C. 

Luke 2:21-40

21 At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 Now when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 

23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be set apart to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord, a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 

27 So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 

28 Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying,

29 “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation

31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:

32 a light, for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. 

34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. 

35 Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having been married to her husband for seven years until his death. 

37 She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 

38 At that moment, she came up to them and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 So when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 

40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

TimeLine: Approximately one to two years after the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 4 B.C. – 3 B.C.

Matthew 2:1-12

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem 

2 saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

3 When King Herod heard this he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 

4 After assembling all the chief priests and experts in the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 

5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod privately summoned the wise men and determined from them when the star had appeared. 

8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, inform me so that I can go and worship him as well.” 

9 After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 

10 When they saw the star they shouted joyfully. 

11 As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

12 After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country.

TimeLine: Approximately one to two years after the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 4 B.C. – 3 B.C.

Matthew 2:13-15

13 After they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.” 

14 Then he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and went to Egypt. 

15 He stayed there until Herod died. In this way what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet was fulfilled: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

TimeLine: Approximately one to two years after the Birth of Yahoshua 

DATE: Approximately 4 B.C. – 3 B.C.

Matthew 2:16-18

16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. 

17 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone.”

TimeLine: Approximately two to six years in Egypt

DATE: Approximately 2 B.C. - 4 A.D.

Matthew 2:19-23

19 After Herod had died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 

20 saying, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 

21 So he got up and took the child and his mother and returned to the land of Israel. 

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. After being warned in a dream, he went to the regions of Galilee. 

23 He came to a town called Nazareth and lived there. Then what had been spoken by the prophets was fulfilled, that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

TimeLine: Twelve Years after the Birth of Yahoshua

DATE: Approximately 8 A.D.

Luke 2:41-52

41 Now Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. 

42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 

43 But when the feast was over, as they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 

44 but (because they assumed that he was in their group of travelers) they went a day’s journey. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 

45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 

46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 

47 And all who heard Jesus were astonished at his understanding and his answers. 

48 When his parents saw him, they were overwhelmed. His mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” 

49 But he replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 

50 Yet his parents did not understand the remark he made to them. 

51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with people.

Continue with: 5 Advancement of the Gospel / Gospel TimeLine - Section Two  

Return To: Navigate  / Advancement of the Gospel