The most confusing thing about the accounts in the New Testament is that they were principally written many years after the fact, and we do not have the primary documents from which they were translated. With that in mind, turn to Matthew Chapter 1 and then to Luke Chapter 3 starting at the 23rd verse. You will note as you read that after David, the lineage begins to differ from one list to the other, you will also have to turn the list in Luke around, in order to make a proper comparison, as Matthew listed from Abraham to the current time, and Luke listed from the current generation back to Hashem.

I was taught in Catechism (Lutheran) lo these many years ago that the difference was that one was Joseph's lineage, and one, Mary's. If you would keep yourself from getting confused regarding these inconsistencies between the Gospels, you might get yourself a good Bible Commentary, the one I used during my years in the church was one by Henrietta Mears, entitled "What the Bible is all About" it is written in plain English and helps you understand the exegesis from a Calvinist perspective.

There are many theologians from the turn of the last century to today that are quite readable, and I would, if I were you, find a list of theologians and their perspectives and make a study of each individual's viewpoints, so that you can seek the answers from the perspective you desire. And, yes, if you are wondering why I sound as if it's all very subjective, it's because it is. The words in the Bible will reflect the filters of your own mind, and it will be difficult for you to find an objective view without seeking the perspectives of the many gifted men whose studies have gone before us. Wikipedia has an excellent series of articles on theology, and also on the different theologians. You will be reading for quite some time if you begin to make them part of your reading list.

I am not a Calvinist. If my beliefs can be compared to any of the greats, I am probably more an Arminian, as I very much believe in free will and that we are born with the capacity to go either high or low, not in the total depravity of man as taught by Calvin.Here is a comparison of their POV's. It can get quite confusing, good luck!!

By the way, I'd be real careful about trusting answers you get on the internet, they might be coming from an apostate like myself. My blog on Spirit ~