Summary of the Books of The New Testament:
Matthew: Written about 38 A.D. It gives a brief history of the life of Christ. Mattress Gospel is highly valued in the Christian Church. His emphasis is on Christ’s teaching, both in the instruction of converts, and to refute any doctrines contrary to Christ’s teachings.
Mark: Written sometime between 65 and 70 A.D. It is the shortest of the four Gospels. It gives a brief history (relatively little) of the life of Christ, supplying some incidents omitted by Matthew. It begins with John the Baptist, moves on to Christ’s public ministry, and ends with Jesus death and resurrection.
Luke: Written before the fall of Jerusalem, possibly between 58-59 A.D. He gives a history of the life of Christ, with special references to Christ’s most important acts and discourses. It is the Gospel of authenticity. Luke’s Gospel has been, and is still often quoted by scholars, both past and present.
John: Written sometime between 80 to 98 A.D. Old school has it about 86 A.D. John gives insight to the life of Christ, giving important discourses not related by the other three Gospels. John’s Gospel was written for the church. It is a spiritual Gospel, whose purpose is to show who Jesus is.
Because of John’s close connection with Christ, it is upon the King that his emphasis falls. It records Jesus work in Judea. It is not expressed by parable or allegorical representation. It dwells on the events and discourses which had taken place in less then 24 hour periods. It emphasizes the coming of, and work of the Holy Spirit.
Acts: Written by Luke, about 61 or 62 A.D. It contains the history of both the work and labor of the apostles, and of the foundation of the Christian Church. It speaks of the day of Pentecost, which many consider to be the birth of the Christian church. Acts draws pictures of the early church in Jerusalem. It was the spreading of the Gospel to all Judea and Samaria, Asia, Africa, and Europe, Paul’s first missionary journey, Church counsel at Jerusalem, and admission of Gentile believers. Also Paul’s second and third missionary journeys.
Romans: A composition by Paul on the doctrine of justification by Christ, written in 57, or 58 A.D. This is a letter, and not a treatise. Paul once the great enemy of the Christian community became the greatest exponent of the faith, writing the most powerful statements of the Christian doctrine. Paul’s design was, by a full development of the gospel, to confirm the faith. and to end certain disputes which prevailed among the believers at Rome. Disputes which divided converted Jews and Gentiles into two parties.
1 Corinthians: Written about, 56 A.D. This Letter from Paul was written in Ephesus, on his third missionary journey. The letter to the Corinthian church was to correct errors into which they had fallen. He wrote in order to reprove those who were disturbing the peace of the church, disorders that were occurring in the assemblies, law-suits taking place among themselves, he addressed the issue of one individual who had committed incest and had not been separated from the congregation for that act. He also addresses the most important of their troubles, that being the resurrection of the dead.
2 Corinthians: Written about, 57 A.D. Paul confirms his disciples in their faith, and vindicates his own character. He reveals the Judaizing teachers, which had sought to discredit him, and turn the church against him. Titus was of great help to Paul in bringing about change.
Galatians: Written about, 52 A.D. Paul maintains in his letter, that Christians are justified by faith, and not by rites. Paul takes great pains to establish his creditability as an apostle, this being in dispute. The main thought throughout was to counteract the pernicious influence of the doctrine of these false Jewish teachers. They professed to be Christians, acknowledged Jesus as Messiah, but obscured the simplicity of the Gospel of free grace. They desired to add circumcision, and obedience to the Mosaic law, to the free grace teaching.
Ephesians: Written about 60, or 61 A.D, a treatise by Paul on the power of divine grace. He wrote Ephesian’s while a prisoner. It is loved by many for the richness, and fullness of its message. It sets forth the wealth of the believer who is in union with Christ. It portrays the glories of our Salvation, and emphasizes the nature of the church as the Body of Christ.
Philippians: Written about 52 A.D. The converted Philippians were always full of gratitude for the faith they had received from God, through the work of Paul. Paul sets forth the beauty of Christian kindness. He speaks of humility, joy and steadfastness, but the emphasis was on joy. As a theological letter, he writes of the doctrines of Christ, of His person, justification by faith, and of Christ’s second coming.
Colossians: Written during his first imprisonment in Rome, about 62 A.D. Paul warns his disciples against errors, and exhorts them to certain duties. He describes the dignity of Christ, and declares the universality of the gospel dispensation, this being made manifest in that day. He speaks of God having appointed him to be the apostle of the gentiles, and directs them to set their affections on things above, forbidding all licentiousness.
1 Thessalonians: Written about, 52 A.D. Jewish enemies had attacked his character, causing him to defend himself. Many members were concerned about their departed friends, and if they would share in the return of Christ, and the resurrection. Some had quite working, waiting idly for the Lord’s return. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians’ growth as Christian’s and to settle other issues. Paul exhorts his disciples to continue in the faith and remain holy conversation, departing from sexual immorality.
2 Thessalonians: Written about 52 A.D. Paul corrects an error concerning the speedy second coming of Christ’s. This epistle serves to clarify further the problems set forth in the first epistle, and to confirm the confidence of the readers. He again addresses those who remained idle, recommending them to withdraw fellowship from them.
First and Second Timothy: otherwise known as Pastoral Epistles, this includes Titus. Written during Paul’s second imprisonment, about 65 A.D. Paul instructing Timothy in the duties of a pastor, and encourages him in the work of the ministry.
1 Timothy deals with direction to public worship and prayer, warns against apostasy, gives direction to certain groups and individuals, older, younger, men, women, congregational life, family and individual life, and social live.
2 Timothy deals with sound doctrine, instructs in teaching, abiding in, and preaching it.
Titus: Written about, 64, after Paul’s first imprisonment. Titus is called by Paul, a partner and fellow-helper. Paul encourages Titus in the performance of his ministerial duties, and he becomes significant in the admission of Gentiles to the Church, solely on the basis of faith in Christ.
Philemon: Written by Paul to Philemon. Philemon was undoubtedly a wealthy man, and was very hospitable to Christians The letter is an appeal to a converted master = (Philemon) to receive back, his converted escaped slave, (onesimus) with kindness.
Hebrews: Written about, 68-70 A.D, authorship is in debate. Read first by Jewish Christians living in Italy, Jesus is the centrality of the book. It contains the course and finish of Divine revelation, the priesthood of Christ, Melchizedek’s eternal Successor, Jesus, the new covenant, the heavenly Sanctuary, Priestly service under both the old and new Covenant, the inadequacy of Sacrifices under the old law, in contrast with Christ’s sacrifice, and the perseverance of Christians. Paul maintains that Christ is the substance of the ceremonial law.
Epistle of James: There a two views as to who wrote these Epistles. These letters were intended for Jewish Christians, although its message is for all Christians. The object of the letter is to rebuke and correct the error and sins into which his readers have fallen. It’s a treatise on the effectiveness of faith united with good works. The author exhorts them to be doers and not just hearers of the word. Saving faith manifests itself in works, and if no works, then the genuine faith of a Christian may be in question.
Peters two Epistles: Written about, 60 A.D. Peter addresses Christian suffering, and how to deal with it. It’s a message of hope for those suffering persecution, or discouragement. It is an exhortation to a Christian life, with various warnings and predictions.
The second epistle is to warn its reader of threatening apostasy. It’s theme is knowledge, or, to know. This is in reference more to spiritual knowledge coming from a growing experience of Christ. Peter speaks of the inspiration of Scripture, and the return of Christ.
1 John, written before John wrote his Gospel. He warns readers against false teachers, the heresy John had in mind was the teaching of Gnosticism. He refers to them as, “anti-Christ’s.” He exhorts Christian’s to hold fast in the faith, and to fulfill their duties. He also writes in regard to respecting the person of our Lord, and an exhortation to Christian love and conduct.
2 John: John speaks of the elect lady and her children. Again Christian’s are warned against false teachers, to hold fast to the commandments received, especially love.
3 John, a letter to Gaius, praising him for his hospitality:
Jude: Written between 64 and 81 A.D. Jude is a book written against heretics, who by their false doctrines, and sin filled lives, began to corrupt the faith, and morals of fellow believers.
Revelation: Written by John the apostle, about 95 or 96 A.D. It reveals the future of the Church as it unfolds. It speaks of Jesus return. It gives insight to Christ, as in judging the merits, and faults of the church; He as the Controller of destiny; the Conqueror of Evil; the Consummator of man’s Hope; and closes with an appeal and invitation, to all.
Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com