Josh Levinson

22584153

BIBL104

10/13/10

Summary of the books of the New Testament

Matthew

The book of Matthew is largely narrative, but contains other genres as well, such as
Prophecy. Matthew, one of Christ’s disciples, wrote it near 50 A.D. The main
personalities of Matthew include Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the disciples, John the
Baptist, Pilate, and the Pharisees. The synoptic gospels begin with this book;
Matthew begins by revealing the lineage of Christ from David, as predicted, to
convince people of Christ’s Messianic nature. Matthew then describes the
miraculous events surrounding and including the birth of Christ. It continues on into
Jesus’ ministry, beginning with his baptism by John and ending with his death at
Calvary. It is in this section that we read of the detailed life of Christ, including his
Sermon on the Mount, his miracles, Satan’s tempting, and his teachings. The next
and last section of Matthew describes his death and resurrection. Many OT
prophecies are fulfilled in Matthew, such as the thirty silver coins Judas betrayed
Jesus for and Jesus’ crucifixion between robbers. The central theme of the book of
Matthew is Christ’s message of salvation.

Mark

The genre of Mark is the same as Matthew – Narrative while Prophetic, written by
John Mark. The main personalities include Christ, his disciples, Pilate, John the
Baptist, and the Pharisees. The central theme of Mark is evidence for the Messianic
nature of Christ, and his suffering and servitude. Mark consists of two main parts –
Christ’s travel north whilst preaching until Phillipi, then travel south to Jerusalem,
ending with his crucifixion at Calvary. Mark begins by introducing John the Baptist,
who is readying the people for Christ’s ministry. Mark writes of Christ’s baptism and
his temptation in the wilderness. The book then continues on to describe Jesus’
selection of His disciples. The central theme of Christ’s servitude is largely exposed
in this section of Mark – Christ is constantly teaching, feeding, healing, performing
miracles, helping, and performing other acts of servant hood. The last section of
Mark parallels his death and resurrection again as an act of servitude. Mark ends
with the many sightings of Christ after his resurrection, the Great Commission, and
his ascension.

Luke
It would appear that all of the synoptic gospels are of the same genre, as Luke
continues the trend of Narrative & Prophetic. Luke is famous for being a Greek
Christian doctor, and wrote the book around 60 A.D. Key personalities are Christ
and his disciples, Mary and Joseph, John the Baptist, Herod, Pilate, and the Jewish
religious leaders. The main purpose of Luke is presenting Christ to the Greeks as the
Son of Man and Savior of the world. Luke begins the book by detailing Christ’s birth.
It is from this section that most modern day Christmas stories come from. He
continues on to describe John’s preparation for Christ’s public arrival, Christ’s
baptism, and the beginning of Christ’s ministry. The next section of the book deals
with Christ’s ministry – preaching, teaching, and healing. A main theme seen here is
Christ rewarding the faithful – evidenced by Him healing the Roman Centurion’s
servant. Also seen here is the opposition Jesus faced from the Jewish religious
leaders, who tried to kill and deceive him countless times. In the last part of the
book, Luke writes of Christ’s betrayal by Judas, his conviction and trial, and death.
Luke also recounts witnesses to Christ’s resurrection/resurrected body.

John

If on guess were given as to the genre of the last of the four gospels, John, chances
are it would be guessed correctly – Narrative and Prophetic. Similar to the other
gospels, the book is aptly named after its author, John. John the Baptist to be
specific, who wrote it around 90 A.D. Key personalities include Christ, his disciples,
John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha, Pilate,
and Jewish religious leaders. The theme of John is belief in Christ that results in
eternal life. After reading John, one notices that it is not written as the other three
gospels, in a synoptic manner. John contains much more theological perspective on
Christ’s life. John begins by showing how Christ was more than just a man, and how
Christ has been in existence eternally. John continues on to describe Christ’s
ministry and his meeting with Nicodemus. In John, Christ is recorded to have made
claims to deity several times. The next to last section in John describes the 24 hours
before Christ’s death – the Last Supper and Christ teaching His disciples and praying
for them and all His future followers. The last section of John describes Christ’s
crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Acts

Acts is a purely narrative book, written by Luke around 60 A.D. Key personalities
include Peter, John, James, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Lydia, Silas, and
Apollos. The purpose and theme of Acts is the new life Christians had after Christ
left earth. These new believers were empowered by the Holy Spirit to do great
things on many occasions. The theology of being Spirit-filled comes from this book.
Acts also describes the birth and spread of the Christian church, from Jerusalem to
Rome, from Jew to Gentile. Acts begins by describing the early church and the
events of the Pentecost, where there were 3000 new believers. The next section of
Acts shifts to evangelism in Samaria and other pagan countries. In this section,
Stephen is falsely accused, tried, and stoned to death. Saul was present here, and
Stephen’s robes were laid at Saul’s feet. In Chapter 9, Saul is confronted by Christ
on the road to Damascus, and becomes Paul. The first gospel is preached to the
Gentiles, causing the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman commander, and his men.
Saul preaches the gospel with zeal. The word Christian is first used in Antioch. Saul
changes his name to Paul and preaches even farther out to the Gentiles. The
Jerusalem Council meets and backs the spread of the gospel. Christians are
forbidden. Here Paul preached his famous sermon at Mars Hill, then travels to
Jerusalem and is arrested. The last part of Acts describes the hardships he endured
on the way to his trial in Rome.

Romans

The epistle of Romans was written by Paul to believers in Rome. The genre is
epistle. Key personalities include Paul and Phoebe, the letter’s deliverer. The theme
of Romans is theology on which the Christians were to base their faith and servitude
to Christ. Paul begins the book by detailing the Gospel that is to be taught and
preached to the world. Romans contains many memorable Scriptural truths key to
the Christian theology. Basic truths are covered here such as man’s sin, justification
through Christ, and Christ’s victory over sin. Paul continues on to reveal a very
important concept - the Gospel is meant for all people, Jew and Gentile. Paul
laments that the Jews still refuse to accept Christ as Messiah. Paul also covers a
description of a holy life, and instructs the Christians that that holy life is what they
are to pursue. Paul’s epistles were written to the many churches of the time that
rejected conformity to this lifestyle, instead accepting the way of the world.

1 Corinthians

1st Corinthians is the second epistle of Paul. Key Personalities include Timothy, Paul,
and Chloe. The theme of this book is the immorality of the Corinthian church and
divisions that were arising. Paul begins the book by addressing several reports he
had gotten of the Corinthian church. He informs the church of his plan to send
Timothy to them. He also instructs the church to expel a man who had been
sleeping with his father’s wife. He then speaks of the immoral behavior that the
church was allowing – sexual immorality, marital issues, and lawsuits between
believers. He also addresses several problems that the church was facing about
worship, such as the role of women, spiritual gifts, and the Lord’s Supper. Here Paul
gives Christian’s evidence for predestination, and even speaks of the “coming last
days.” The last section of the book deals with Christ’s Resurrection. Here the Gospel
is plainly stated for the Corinthian church.

2nd Corinthians

Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians was written in 56 A.D. The key personalities
are Paul, Timothy, and Titus. The theme of the epistle is the defense of Paul’s
Apostleship and heretical prophets that were rampant in the city of Corinth. Paul
begins the letter by describing the attributes of an Apostle, obviously drawing the
conclusion that he fulfills the attributes. He also points out that he is not preaching
himself, but Jesus Christ. The theme here is the humility of the Apostle. Paul
continues on to encourage the citizens of Corinth to fulfill their promise to give
offerings to Judea. A major theme here is the reward of those who give to others. In
the last section of the book, Paul defends against attacks on his ministry and
Apostleship by the Corinthians. Paul contrasts his ministry with the ministry of false
teachers. Paul ends the book by giving the Corinthians a way of testing themselves
in their beliefs. Paul instructs the Corinthians to test their faith to see if it is genuine.

Galatians

Galatians is yet another epistle of Paul’s. Key personalities are Paul, Titus, Abraham,
Barnabas, Peter, and false teachers. The theme of the book is Paul’s address
towards problems with circumcision and hostility towards Gentiles. Paul begins the
book with the source of the Gospel he was teaching, pitting it against any other
message that might be being taught. Paul clearly warns against false teachers. Paul
then describes the source of salvation – not in keeping the Law, but in Faith and
Trust in Christ. He describes the Law as a guide to lead a person to salvation, not a
standard to legalistically attain salvation by. Paul then teaches the Fruits of the
Spirit in chapter five. Here Paul refutes all legalistic views – stating that good works
do not save a person, but that good works are a product of God instilling a desire to
produce Fruits of the Spirit. Paul teaches that Christians desire to live a holy life
before God.

Ephesians

Paul wrote the epistle Ephesians while he was in prison, around 60 A.D. Key
personalities are Paul and Tychicus. The theme of Ephesians is the benefits of a
follower of Christ that produces fruit such as serving in unity and loving whilst being
persecuted. Paul begins the book by promoting unity in the church. Paul described
Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Paul addresses
the truth of Salvation by grace through faith – confirming that it is impossible to
“earn” salvation through good works. That being covered, Paul explains another
vital truth: how Christians should act, and why. Paul charges Christians with the
responsibility to serve Christ with their lives. Paul continues preaching unity among
believers, explaining that it is not an easy thing to do. Paul also gives family and
marital advice. Paul also teaches the armor of God – how to prepare for spiritual
warfare.

Philippians

Paul also wrote the epistle Philippians while he was in prison; however, this epistle
has the air of his anticipated release. Key personalities include Paul, Timothy,
Syntyche, Eudoia, and Epaphroditus. The theme is Paul’s appreciation and love to
the Philippians for the help and support they showed Paul. Paul also wrote the letter
to encourage the Philippians in the growth of their faith. Paul begins the letter with
a description of his time in prison, and how through his suffering God’s Kingdom
was increased. Paul doesn’t euphonize the truth for Christians – he tells the
Philippians to expect to suffer as Paul did if they serve Christ with their lives. Paul
draws a clear parallel of Christ as a man to what humans are supposed to be like.
Paul encourages the church to continue evangelizing and finding joy in life by
pursuing that which is Christ like. Paul recognizes the importance of prayer and
being thankful for what God gives his people.

Colossians

Paul wrote the epistle Colossians while in prison around 61 A.D. Key personalities
are Paul, Timothy, Onesimus, Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Epaphras. The theme
of the book is a heart attitude of servitude, as well as a response to increasing
heretical teachings in the area. Paul begins the book by thanking those who had
founded the church at Colosse. He then preaches on the deity of Christ, countering
the false teachings of many heretics in the area who were denouncing Christ’s
divine nature, similar to Islamic and Hindu teachings of today’s world. Paul warns
about the worldly dangers of Philosophy and confirms to the church that Jesus was
God. Paul then reminds the Colossians to remain focused on God, laying aside
anything that gets in between God and man, such as family matters, conflict with
other believers, etc. Paul states that these things inhibit evangelism and ultimately
relationship with God.

1st Thessalonians

The epistles Paul wrote to the Thessalonians were some of his earliest letters. Key
personalities are Paul, Silas, and Timothy. The theme is the strengthening and
encouraging of the Thessalonian church. Paul accomplished this by highlighting
Christ’s promise of his second coming. Three main points Paul writes of is Faith,
Hope, and Love. Paul begins the book by commending the Thessalonians on their
Faith to God. Paul then hits on the other two topics – Love and Hope. Paul instructs
the church to walk in love. He also writes here of the second coming of Christ – how
to be prepared and what will happen when Christ returns. Paul explains the
resurrection on the last day and Christ’s return in the clouds. Before ending the
letter, Paul instructs the church to remember to pray always and examine
everything carefully. In this book, Paul gives Christians a detailed explanation of the
last days, and the events surrounding Christ’s return.

2nd Thessalonians

Paul wrote the second epistle to the Thessalonians around 53 A.D. The key
personalities include Paul, Silas, and Timothy. The theme of the book is Christ’s
return – to reassure the Thessalonians of its future happening. Paul begins the letter
by emphasizing the immanence of Christ’s return, while recognizing the impossible
predictability of the event. Paul also encourages the Thessalonians to continue to
persevere amidst persecution – even stating that the persecutors will not go
unpunished. The latter part of the book gives a clear description of the antichrist’s
arrival, reign, and appearance. Here Paul gives evidence for a pre-tribulation
rapture, and the removal of the Holy Spirit from being able to restrain the antichrist.
The Holy Spirit lives within all believers, and when all believers are raptured, the
Spirit will go with them. Paul encourages Christians to not sit around and wait for
Christ to return, but to pray and serve, to “wait on the Lord” with anticipation and
readiness, and to work hard until the Master calls Christians home.

1st Timothy

Paul wrote the epistle of Timothy to the pastor of the church at Ephesus, Timothy.
Paul and Timothy are the key personalities of the book. The theme is
encouragement for the young pastor and guidelines on how to pastor. Paul begins
the book with a formal greeting to Timothy, then immediately launches into a
warning against false teachings, highlighting the need for people, especially a
pastor, to maintain correct beliefs. Paul then shares the desire of God that all be
saved through the mediation of Christ Jesus. Paul then informs Timothy of several
principles to follow in leading a church. Many false teachings are derived from this
section – Paul covers the role of women in the church, offices of leadership (Deacon
and Overseer), public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. Paul explains
the innermost workings of the church – relationships, deaconship, and widows. Paul
lays down the guidelines for ministry and instructs the wealthy to give more.

2nd Timothy

Paul wrote the second epistle to Timothy while in prison for the second time. Key
personalities include Paul, Timothy, Mark, and Luke. The theme is Paul’s time in
prison and a recognition that Paul’s life and ministry is ending soon. Paul begins the
letter by thanking God for His faithfulness and Timothy for the same. Paul charges
Timothy to remain faithful and strong in the Lord. Paul is now chained in a cold
dungeon cell, but still trusts God to have a Plan in mind. Instead of focusing on his
current situation, he instructs Timothy in what to do in his absence. Paul tells
Timothy to entrust the faithful to teach others – the Gospel nonbelievers and the
Word to believers. Paul guarantees Timothy that hardships will come, but
encourages him to remain faithful nonetheless. Paul ends the letter with a few
personal requests – asking for belongings to be brought to him.