Be It unto Me according to Thy Word

Acts 16–20

New Testament Student Manual: Religion 211–212 (2018)

Provides a review of the events and principles taught in Acts chapters 16 to 20, including Paul’s missionary journeys and experiences.

Acts 21–28

New Testament Student Manual: Religion 211–212 (2018)

“In these chapters, Paul gave five speeches defending himself before religious and civil authorities in Jerusalem and Caesarea, culminating in his masterful defense before Agrippa. Paul used these opportunities not only to defend himself against unjust charges, but also to bear testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These speeches represent fulfillment of the Lord’s prophecy that Paul would testify before kings and rulers.” Video: The Acts to Revelation, Discussions on the New Testament: Acts 21 to 28,” by BYU Division of Continuing Education

Are the Christmas Stories in Matthew and Luke Reconcilable?

John W. Welch

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Welch compares the Christmas narratives in Matthew and Luke, highlighting their differences while noting underlying agreement on essential points.

Dating the Birth of Christ

Jeffrey R. Chadwick

BYU Studies 49, no. 4 (2009)

Latter-day Saints have relied on James Talmage’s Jesus the Christ for understanding that Jesus was born on April 6 in the year 1 BC. Newer scholarship suggests that the date should be reconsidered. The article looks at astronomical data, the timeline of Herod’s reign, the Book of Mormon, and other sources and proposes that Jesus was born in approximately December of 5 BC.

Jesus Christ: Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992)

Latter-day Saints believe in the literal and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, supported by biblical and Book of Mormon accounts. The scriptures teach that the era preceding the second coming of the Savior will be perilous and filled with tribulation. When he does come, there will be an age of peace, harmony, and joy.

Jesus’ Atonement Foretold through His Birth

Lynne Hilton Wilson

To Save the Lost: An Easter Celebration (2009)

The birth narratives found in the Gospels prophesy of Jesus’ Atonement.

Matthew’s Portrayal of Jesus: Son of David, a New Moses, and Son of God

Tyler J. Griffin

Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God: The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, Sidney B. Sperry Symposium 47 (2018)

Griffin explores Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus, emphasizing his fulfillment of messianic expectations as Emmanuel, the Son of David, and a new Moses. Griffin discusses Matthew’s deep understanding of scripture and tradition, which informs his presentation of Jesus.

New Testament Come Follow Me Commentary

Lynne Hilton Wilson

Book of Mormon Central

When Paul writes about grafting branches of an olive tree, he may not be drawing directly from Zenos as Jacob did, but he is drawing on common Jewish theological literature. The way Paul and Jacob each use the symbol is significantly different, but there are commonalities too: Israel will be saved only by God, and the Lord will keep his covenants with his chosen people.

Paul’s Use of Old Testament Scripture

Jared L. Ludlow

How the New Testament Came to Be, Sidney B. Sperry Symposium 36 (2006)

Paul’s references to suffering in 2 Corinthians demonstrate his belief that it strengthens one’s testimony and serves as a means of representing Christ.

Teaching Matthew’s Genealogy (Matt. 1)

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Jan. 2015)

Huntsman discusses the significance of genealogies in the Old Testament and how Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. He analyzes Matthew’s objectives in selecting and structuring the genealogy, emphasizing its three sections of fourteen generations each, which highlight key periods in Israel’s history.

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 2 of 4, Mary

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

The earliest recorded prophecy that names Mary as the mother of the Savior comes from Isaiah. Centuries later, in Nazareth, the angel’s appearance to Mary changes everything for her. She goes to her cousin Elisabeth’s home, where Elisabeth welcomes her. Mary’s song in reply (Luke 1:46–55), known as the Magnificat from the first word in the Latin translation, goes beyond the song that Hannah, mother of Samuel, sings. Hannah mainly celebrates God’s exaltation of the low people of the earth, an idea that includes herself and her young son Samuel. In contrast, Mary’s song is chiefly one of redemption.

The Matrilineal Cord of Rahab in the Via Latina Catacomb

Catherine C. Taylor

Studies in the Bible and Antiquity 8 (2016)

“Rahab’s narrative is found in Joshua 2 and 6, and its legacy continues in the genealogical references found in Ruth 4 and Matthew 1 as well as in the typology of her conversion in Hebrews 11 and James 2. Rahab’s story is ultimately part of a larger story about the sovereignty of Israel’s God and the accounting of his interventions and deliverance in bringing Israel into the promised land of Canaan.” “The story features three main scenes in which Rahab’s voice serves as a powerful catalyst for the breach of walled boundaries, Israelite success, and the establishment of a new kingdom.”

When Was Jesus Born? A Response to a Recent Proposal

Lincoln H. Blumell, Thomas A. Wayment

BYU Studies Quarterly 51, no. 3 (2012)

When was Jesus born? In response to the article by Jeffrey R. Chadwick published in BYU Studies in 2010, two professors in the BYU Department of Ancient Scripture push the conversation forward and offer a different interpretation of the data.

Are the Christmas Stories in Matthew and Luke Reconcilable?

John W. Welch

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Welch compares the Christmas narratives in Matthew and Luke, highlighting their differences while noting underlying agreement on essential points.

I Will Send You Elijah the Prophet

Kenneth L. Alford

You Shall Have My Word: Exploring the Text of the Doctrine and Covenants, Sidney B. Sperry Symposium 41 (2012)

Moroni’s message to Joseph Smith in 1823 prophesied that Elijah would return, which happened on April 3, 1836. This article looks at how Elijah would return, how John the Baptist was not Elijah, when Malachi’s prophecy would be fulfilled, and Elijah’s mission.

Jesus’ Atonement Foretold through His Birth

Lynne Hilton Wilson

To Save the Lost: An Easter Celebration (2009)

The birth narratives found in the Gospels prophesy of Jesus’ Atonement.

John the Baptist

Loui Novak

Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992)

An overview of John the Baptist’s life, ministry, and postmortal influence, including his role in baptizing Jesus.

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 1 of 4, an Angel Comes to Galilee

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

The report of the angel’s visit also begins to unveil Mary’s notable qualities. In the first instance, she is not bowled over by the angel’s coming. Even in her youth, she maintains her presence of mind because she thinks of the right question to ask at the end of his message: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Second, the angel’s words “highly favoured . . . [and] blessed” (Luke 1:28) clearly imply both heaven’s regard for this young woman and, just as important, Mary’s maturing respect for heavenly things. Third, she is thoughtful enough to sense an imperative in the angel’s words about Elisabeth that she should visit her older cousin: “thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son” (Luke 1:36). And she acts on that implied command. Last, her final words to the angel, “be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38), disclose her anticipation of the challenges ahead, including her fall from her society’s standard of uprightness when people dis

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 2 of 4, Mary

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

The earliest recorded prophecy that names Mary as the mother of the Savior comes from Isaiah. Centuries later, in Nazareth, the angel’s appearance to Mary changes everything for her. She goes to her cousin Elisabeth’s home, where Elisabeth welcomes her. Mary’s song in reply (Luke 1:46–55), known as the Magnificat from the first word in the Latin translation, goes beyond the song that Hannah, mother of Samuel, sings. Hannah mainly celebrates God’s exaltation of the low people of the earth, an idea that includes herself and her young son Samuel. In contrast, Mary’s song is chiefly one of redemption.

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 3 of 4, Joseph and Mary

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

Brown discusses Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, their stay there, and the arrival of the shepherds, highlighting how these events reinforce the divine protection over Jesus.

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part One of Three, the Angel Comes to the Priest Zacharias

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

When Zacharias goes into the temple to offer incense, he is entering the Sanctuary, which is distinct from the larger temple grounds. The angel “was seen,” indicating seeing in a firsthand, sensory way. Three elements stand out in the angel’s words to this man. The first is embedded in the expression “thy prayer is heard.” The prayer that the angel points to is likely not a prayer for a son. The pronoun is singular and therefore does not include Elisabeth; besides, she is past childbearing. So why pray for a child? Rather, the prayer is one for the redemption of Israel that Zacharias offers in his priestly role as a matter of private but set worship. Hence, the angel is promising the fulfillment of his prayer for Israel’s redemption.

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part Three of Three, the Birth of John

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

Luke’s Gospel does not spell out how long Zacharias and Elisabeth wait for the birth of their son following the angel’s announcement. But hints exist that John’s birth occurs the prior October or perhaps late September. A lot happens on the eighth day after Elisabeth’s baby is born.

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part Two of Three, Elisabeth

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

The prophecy that John the Baptist would “be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15) signals as much about the spiritual character of Elisabeth as about her infant son. There are hints in this chapter of Elisabeth secluding herself to prepare spiritually for this infant.

The King Called David

Arthur R. Bassett

Ensign 3, no. 10 (Oct. 1973)

David, one of the most complex and tragic heroes of all Israelite history, was a powerful and influential king. This article lists David’s accomplishments and trials. David was not only a skilled warrior and statesman, he was also a musician and poet. While we do not know which psalms David wrote, these psalms prophesied often of Jesus’ anguish, and Jesus quoted Psalm 22 from the cross.

What Do We Know about “the Sixth Month” in the Infancy Story?

S. Kent Brown

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Luke’s Different Genealogy

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Huntsman compares the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, highlighting the structural and thematic differences between the two. He notes how Luke’s genealogy, ascending from Jesus to Adam, reflects a broader focus on the inclusion of Gentiles in Christ, contrasting with Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus' Davidic lineage.

Are the Christmas Stories in Matthew and Luke Reconcilable?

John W. Welch

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Welch compares the Christmas narratives in Matthew and Luke, highlighting their differences while noting underlying agreement on essential points.

Chart 8-8: Moses as a Similitude of Christ

John W. Welch, John F. Hall

Charting the New Testament (2002)

Here are ten similarities between the life of Moses and the life of Christ.

Dating the Birth of Christ

Jeffrey R. Chadwick

BYU Studies 49, no. 4 (2009)

Latter-day Saints have relied on James Talmage’s Jesus the Christ for understanding that Jesus was born on April 6 in the year 1 BC. Newer scholarship suggests that the date should be reconsidered. The article looks at astronomical data, the timeline of Herod’s reign, the Book of Mormon, and other sources and proposes that Jesus was born in approximately December of 5 BC.

How the Wise Men Became Kings

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Eric Huntsman discusses the origins of the Magi, traditionally known as wise men or kings, in the biblical account of Matthew, exploring their gifts, possible royal status, and the historical and prophetic contexts that contributed to their depiction in Christian tradition.

Jesus and the Man Born Blind (John 9:1–38)

Gaye Strathearn

Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God: The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Apr. 2019)

The real miracle was that the man received his spiritual sight, which enabled him to break free from his earthly shackles and “see” who Jesus really was: not just a man, or even a prophet, but his God.

Jesus Is Jehovah (YHWH): A Study in the Gospels

Roger R. Keller

Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior (2002)

Keller examines the identification of Jesus as Jehovah (YHWH) in the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on Jesus as the light and its Old Testament connections.

Jesus’ Atonement Foretold through His Birth

Lynne Hilton Wilson

To Save the Lost: An Easter Celebration (2009)

The birth narratives found in the Gospels prophesy of Jesus’ Atonement.

Matthew’s Portrayal of Jesus: Son of David, a New Moses, and Son of God

Tyler J. Griffin

Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God: The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, Sidney B. Sperry Symposium 47 (2018)

Griffin explores Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus, emphasizing his fulfillment of messianic expectations as Emmanuel, the Son of David, and a new Moses. Griffin discusses Matthew’s deep understanding of scripture and tradition, which informs his presentation of Jesus.

New Testament Come Follow Me Commentary

Lynne Hilton Wilson

Book of Mormon Central

When Paul writes about grafting branches of an olive tree, he may not be drawing directly from Zenos as Jacob did, but he is drawing on common Jewish theological literature. The way Paul and Jacob each use the symbol is significantly different, but there are commonalities too: Israel will be saved only by God, and the Lord will keep his covenants with his chosen people.

The Christmas Creche

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 4 of 4, Bethlehem and Beyond

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

Brown describes Jesus's infancy, including the visit of the wise men, Herod’s response, and Joseph’s obedience to divine warnings to flee to Egypt and later to Galilee.

When Was Jesus Born? A Response to a Recent Proposal

Lincoln H. Blumell, Thomas A. Wayment

BYU Studies Quarterly 51, no. 3 (2012)

When was Jesus born? In response to the article by Jeffrey R. Chadwick published in BYU Studies in 2010, two professors in the BYU Department of Ancient Scripture push the conversation forward and offer a different interpretation of the data.

Are the Christmas Stories in Matthew and Luke Reconcilable?

John W. Welch

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Welch compares the Christmas narratives in Matthew and Luke, highlighting their differences while noting underlying agreement on essential points.

Christ, Our Advocate and High Priest

John S. Tanner

Religious Educator 8, no. 2 (2007)

Jesus is called advocate only once in the New Testament. This occurs in 1 John 2:1. Christ is alluded to as advocate many times in modern revelation. Modern revelation also clarifies even the verse in 1 John. . . . The idea here is that Christ is by our side, as our helper and our defender; He speaks in our behalf.

Christmas and Childhood

James R. Kearl

Religious Educator 2, no. 2 (2001)

The Christmas season is a wonderful season—one that gives us the opportunity to see once again what a beautiful and extraordinary world this is when seen through the eyes of children. Christmas is in its transcendent meaning also a celebration of Jesus’s mission of redemption.

Dating the Birth of Christ

Jeffrey R. Chadwick

BYU Studies 49, no. 4 (2009)

Latter-day Saints have relied on James Talmage’s Jesus the Christ for understanding that Jesus was born on April 6 in the year 1 BC. Newer scholarship suggests that the date should be reconsidered. The article looks at astronomical data, the timeline of Herod’s reign, the Book of Mormon, and other sources and proposes that Jesus was born in approximately December of 5 BC.

For Such a Time as This

Barbara B. Smith

BYU Speeches (Feb. 1982)

“Esther’s actions are one of the greatest demonstrations of courage found in the Old Testament. Confronting the king at the risk of her life did not make Esther courageous; rather, it revealed the courage that was within her: the courage, the compassion, the devotion to her people. We have no reason to believe that Esther had prepared specifically for the role she had to play, and yet all her life was preparation, as mine is and as yours is.”

How Christmas Came to Be on December 25

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

How Did the Shepherds Find the Christ Child?

S. Kent Brown

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Is There a Mistake in Mark 2:26?

Julie M. Smith

The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Oct. 2015)

This excerpt examines a minor textual question regarding the phrase “in the days of Abiathar” in Mark 2:26 and discusses possible understandings of this issue.

Peace on Earth–to Whom?

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Peter, My Brother

Spencer W. Kimball

BYU Speeches (Jul. 1971)

Peter denied knowing Jesus, but Jesus forgave him. We also can forgive Peter and admire his strengths. The transcript can be found here: https://rsc.byu.edu/ministry-peter-chief-apostle/appendix-peter-my-brother

The Christmas Creche

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 1 of 4, an Angel Comes to Galilee

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

The report of the angel’s visit also begins to unveil Mary’s notable qualities. In the first instance, she is not bowled over by the angel’s coming. Even in her youth, she maintains her presence of mind because she thinks of the right question to ask at the end of his message: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Second, the angel’s words “highly favoured . . . [and] blessed” (Luke 1:28) clearly imply both heaven’s regard for this young woman and, just as important, Mary’s maturing respect for heavenly things. Third, she is thoughtful enough to sense an imperative in the angel’s words about Elisabeth that she should visit her older cousin: “thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son” (Luke 1:36). And she acts on that implied command. Last, her final words to the angel, “be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38), disclose her anticipation of the challenges ahead, including her fall from her society’s standard of uprightness when people dis

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 3 of 4, Joseph and Mary

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

Brown discusses Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, their stay there, and the arrival of the shepherds, highlighting how these events reinforce the divine protection over Jesus.

The Way of the Master

Thomas S. Monson

Ensign 33, no. 1 (Jan. 2003)

The Good Samaritan shows that by learning of Jesus, by believing in him, and by following him, there is the capacity to become like him.

What Do We Know about the Inn at Bethlehem?

S. Kent Brown

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

What on Earth Are Swaddling Clothes?

John W. Welch

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

When Was Jesus Born? A Response to a Recent Proposal

Lincoln H. Blumell, Thomas A. Wayment

BYU Studies Quarterly 51, no. 3 (2012)

When was Jesus born? In response to the article by Jeffrey R. Chadwick published in BYU Studies in 2010, two professors in the BYU Department of Ancient Scripture push the conversation forward and offer a different interpretation of the data.

Why Were the Shepherds in the Field at Night When the Angel Came?

S. Kent Brown

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Luke’s Different Genealogy

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Huntsman compares the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, highlighting the structural and thematic differences between the two. He notes how Luke’s genealogy, ascending from Jesus to Adam, reflects a broader focus on the inclusion of Gentiles in Christ, contrasting with Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus' Davidic lineage.