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Building Bible Confidence: Part 16

Part 16: A Survey of the New Testament

 

Between the Testaments

 

After the last prophet, Malachi, completed his divinely inspired message, there were about 400 years of written silence. This means there were no more revelations from God recorded. During this intertestamental time, the Jewish people who returned from slavery were but a remnant of the mighty nation of Israel that once existed. Around 60BC, the Roman Empire took control of the Judean region. They ruled with an iron fist and the times were often tense with rebellion and strife. The Jews longed for the promised Messiah to come.

 

The majority anticipated a great military leader who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel to international glory and power. The true mission of the Messiah, of course, was spiritual in nature. The Savior intended to overthrow Satan’s schemes and redeem man from sin and spiritual death. After 400 years, the divine silence was broken. Jesus ushered in the New Testament. Twenty-seven books were written and collected to guide mankind to the truth. This lesson will offer a brief survey of the New Testament books.

 

Gospels of Jesus Christ

 

The Gospels are four accounts of the good news about Jesus Christ. The word “gospel” comes from an Old English phrase “godspell” which means “good tidings.” It has come to be synonymous with the idea of “good news.”  Some may ask why there are four books of the same narrative. The Gospel writers had different audiences in mind when they wrote their books. They all worked in harmony to describe perfectly who Jesus was, is, and is to come.

 

Matthew focuses on Jesus as Messiah. It traditionally thought as “for the Jews” to convince them through Jewish prophecy that Jesus was the Christ. It centers on Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, His messianic reign, Kingdom living, and Kingdom growth.

 

Mark reveals Jesus as Son of God. Mark's principle audience is thought to be Roman. His short, straight-to-the-point style reflects an audience who, like the Romans, preferred brevity. Tradition says Mark wrote this Gospel based on the reflections of the apostle Peter. Some themes of Mark include Jesus as the Son of God, the model of suffering, and a Savior for all who believe.

 

Luke is about Jesus as the universal Savior. His gospel and narrative history of the church (the book of Acts) have many purposes. Some include  strengthening the faithful, demonstrating the truths of Jesus and the church, and countering the attack against Christians by persecutors. Some highlights include: the universality of the gospel, the non-threat that Christianity posed to Rome, responsibility to social outcasts, repentance, and managing wealth.

 

John is a reflection of Jesus as the great I AM. This gospel was written for those who had doubts about the deity of Christ and whether or not He actually came in the flesh. The themes of John include Jesus' humanity and deity, Jesus’ authority, and theological discussions of who Jesus is to the believer.

 

New Testament History

 

There is only one book in the section of New Testament history: The Acts of the Apostles. Acts is about Church Beginnings. After Jesus' resurrection, He showed Himself to His followers and ascended to Heaven. His disciples began sharing the gospel with others. The book of Acts tells of the early years of the church, especially how in just a few years it grew from a Jerusalem-based group to an international religion. This book emphasizes the kingdom nature of Jesus’ Way. It also gives us great examples of how the church lived out their faith. 

 

New Testament Epistles

 

As the church grew, the inspired apostles and evangelists could not be everywhere at once. They had to encourage, correct, rebuke, and teach the churches that were all over the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, certain men began writing letters to churches and individuals. These twenty-one letters are called referred to as the epistles. Their practical instructions are for Christians to learn from and obey.

 

The Pauline Epistles. The apostle Paul wrote at least thirteen of the twenty-one epistles. His epistles are the first in the section. They are organized by length (from longest to shortest) instead of chronological order.

 

Romans is about righteousness through faith. Paul explains to Roman Christians that faith is the cornerstone of Christianity. First Corinthians is about correction. Paul corrects various errors in the church in Corinth and appeals for a return to pure doctrine. Second Corinthians is about vindication. Paul encourages Corinthian faithfulness and vindicates his own character.

 

Galatians is about justification by faith. Paul teaches the church in Galatia that we are justified by faith and not by the Law of Moses. Ephesians is about revealing the mystery. Paul explains to the Ephesian Christians that Gentiles receiving grace was always a part of God’s plan, a mystery to people before the Christian age. Philippians is about joy. Paul teaches the church in Philippi the value of joyful living and Christian kindness.

 

Colossians is about the supremacy of Christ. Paul warns the disciples in Colossae about errors. He lifts up Christ as supreme and exhorts them to do their duties. First and Second Thessalonians are about endurance. Paul exhorts the disciples in Thessalonica to continue in the faith and in holy conversation. He also corrects false teaching about the second coming of Christ.

 

First & Second Timothy are about teaching others. Paul appeals to a younger evangelist named Timothy to train others, and be encouraged in his ministry. Titus is about training others. Paul encourages a young evangelist named Titus to ordain elders and train Christians for good works. Philemon is about forgiving others. Paul appeals to a Christian master to receive a converted, escaped slave.

 

Other Epistles. Hebrews is about new > old. The writer maintains that Jesus and the New Testament are greater than the Old Law. Christians are warned not to attempt to return to the Old Law. If they do, Jesus' sacrifice cannot cover their sins. (The epistle of Hebrews bears a striking similarity to Paul’s writing style but does not bear his name.)

 

James is about faith + works. The Lord’s half-brother James writes a letter to all Christians on the value of faith united with good works. First and Second of Peter are about exhortation. Peter exhorts Christians to live faithful lives, with various warnings and predictions. First John is about love. The apostle John confirms the eye witness of Jesus’ coming in the flesh. He exhorts that love always prevail.

 

Second John is about warning. John warns the church against false teachers. Third John is about hospitality. John writes a personal letter to Gaius, praising him for his hospitality and telling him to stand against the tyranny of a corrupt leader. Jude is also about warning. Jude warns against deceivers who would corrupt the church.

 

New Testament Prophecy

 

The last book of the Bible is The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Revelation is about victory. Revelation is a prophetic epistle written with figurative language. This book was written to encourage Christians who were enduring persecution. Its main encouragement is that Jesus will be victorious over the devil. Great descriptions of Heaven are also discussed in Revelation.

 

In Review: A Survey of the New Testament

 

The New Testament is divided into four main parts: Gospels, History, Epistles, and Prophecy. When a Bible reader looks at these books for the first time, it may feel overwhelming. With an understanding of the purpose of the books, Bible readers may grow, gain more confidence, and begin to see God’s great plan.

 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm119:105).

 

*This article was taken from The Bible Series, a twelve-part study written by Jonathan Edwards. This study is available for free PDF download at www.pureandsimplebible.com


 

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