Chapter 1
1. There are four hundred years between the Old Testament and the events that take place in Matthew.
2. There are three main things that contribute to the significant changes that took place in the world during this 400 years preparing us for Christ’s coming. They are: The Greek Period: Alexander the Great conquered the Persian empire and much of the known world. He Hellenized the world-spread Greek culture and influence everywhere he ruled-forcing people to accept Greek culture. The Independent Period: The Maccabees, revolted. The Pharisees began during this time. They were the Jews that resisted the Hellenists assaults and closely guarded their faith, nation, and culture. The Roman Period: brought about Pax Romana (Roman Peace) a time of law, order and peace. The Greek Language was universally used at this time and the romans developed a complex system of roads for trade. All these things both helped prepare the world for Christ and allow for easier spread of the Gospel.
3. The five songs of Christmas found in Luke chapter 1 give us a picture of what life was like for the Jews at this time. There is so much I could say here, but I’ll just sum it up for this review as this: Mary-humble; Elizabeth-grateful; Zechariah-hesitant; The Angels-Praise; Simeon-anticipated. –ask me for more info if you’re interested 
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4. Christ’s lineage goes back to David on both sides. Women mentioned in Matthew are gentiles. Unusual at that time to list women or gentiles in someone’s lineage. Show’s Christ’s connection to us all.
Chapter 2
Jesus sets the example for us to follow.
1. By being baptized. Making a public statement of faith.
2. How He handled temptation. His response to Satan was to use scripture against Satan. It is important to see that Jesus did not just stick to one scripture but he resisted physical, spiritual, and personal temptation through the balance of God’s Word.
3. Jesus preached repentance through His ministry.
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