We may just indicate very briefly a very few of the interesting facts brought out by the comprehensive list we published last month, the result of the first research of the Bible Students' Class.
Going through the list in order, we may observe the value of the way in which the names and titles are arranged. First, are given tables of those that occur in more than one Gospel or Epistle, and then, lists of those that are only used in one Gospel or Epistle. The former are subdivided on a very useful plan suggested by one of the Class, into 6 classes:- names used by the Evangelist in the narrative-in quotations from the Old Testament-by the Lord Himself of Himself-by God-by others-and the names that the Lord said others called Him.
It is remarkable to notice into what prominence the word "Lord" comes after the resurrection, when God " made that same Jesus ... both Lord and Christ." In the Acts the title occurs 38 times in the narrative, being more than the whole number of names (Jesus excepted) used by all the Evangelists put together. In connection with this it is interesting to note that the only place where "the Lord Jesus " occurs in the Gospel, is in Luke 24:33And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:3). This compared with 23:52, is very striking. Before the resurrection, it is "the body of Jesus," after, it is "the body of the Lord Jesus."
The title used by the Lord in speaking of Himself is with very few exceptions, "the Son of Man." The only other title used to any extent is "the Son," which is used characteristically 12 times in John, and only 6 times in the other three Gospels. The common titles used by others are "Lord," or "Master." The former being conspicuously absent however from Mark; for, though occurring over 20 times each in Matthew, Luke, John, and Acts, it is found but three times in Mark. "Son of Man," although used in the Gospels over 80 times by Christ of Himself, is but twice used by others.
The list of the names the Lord said others gave Him, directly or indirectly, affords sad food for reflection.
In the Epistles, the common name is "Christ;" "the Lord" coming next. It will be noticed by many with surprise however, that whereas "the Lord Jesus" occurs only 18 times in all, "Jesus" is found 30 times.
The use of "the Son," or "the Son of God" is remarkable in 1 John (20 times).
Of the names peculiar to one Gospel or Epistle, those in John used by the Lord of Himself are most characteristic and remarkable, and will well repay a close study, as indeed will also each of the Gospels.
In the Epistles it is interesting to note how the names peculiar to each indicate the line of truth taught. Taking one or two, we notice that in Galatians alone is Christ called "the seed of Abraham." In Ephesians, all his relations to the Church are brought out; in Philippians, "Jesus Christ my Lord." In Colossians we get the peculiar titles which show His Lordship and supremacy. Titus peculiarly presents Christ as God the Savior, while Hebrews, as we all know, is the epistle that exclusively speaks of His priesthood. In 1 Peter, He is "the Lamb," "the Stone," and "the Shepherd." Then John and Revelation are also most characteristic. We are sure from the very rapid survey we have made, that ample food for most profitable study will be found in this comprehensive list-study too that will give us to understand in fuller measure the varied glories of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.