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NT contains 27 books and letters, probably written before the destruction of Jerusalem 70 AD but definitely after Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
Matthew: A brief history of the life of Christ, pointing to Jesus as the promised Messiah.
AUTHOR: The early church uniformly attributed this Gospel to Matthew, and no tradition to the contrary ever emerged. This book was known early and accepted quickly. Matthew occupied the unpopular post of tax collector in Capernaum for the Roman government, and as a result he was no doubt disliked by his Jewish countrymen. He was chosen as one of the twelve apostles and the last appearance of his name in the Bible is in Acts 1:13. Matthew’s life
from that point on is veiled in tradition.
TIMES: c. 4 BC-AD 33
KEY VERSES: Mt 16:16-19
THEME: Matthew is typically described as the story of Jesus written by a Jew for Jewish people. In this context it contains the most references to Jewish culture and the Old Testament of the Gospels. The author’s main purpose seems to be proving to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. Matthew is also the fullest systematic account of Christ’s teachings. These 5 “blocks” of teaching are one of the key differences with the other Gospels: Chapters 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount; Chapter 10, The Mission Charge; Chapter 13, The Parables of the Kingdom; Chapter 18, The Church; Chapters 23-25, Judgment and the End of the World.
Mark: The briefest and most fast-paced history of the life of Christ.
Luke: The history of the life of Christ, focusing on his important miracles and teachings.
John: The life of Christ, including many teachings and events not recorded by the other gospel authors.
Acts: The history of the apostles and the early Christian church.
Romans: Paul writes extensively on key realities of Christian belief and justification by faith alone.
1 Corinthians: Paul speaks to the errors of the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians: Paul encourages the church in Corinth and defends his character.
Galatians: Paul’s letter points out that believers are justified by faith, not by our own efforts.
Ephesians: Paul’s positive letter focuses on God’s amazing grace and urges the church to live in love.
Philippians: Paul writes on Christian contentment, unity and kindness.
Colossians: Paul warns his audience against following false teaching, focusing on Jesus’ work of salvation.
1 Thessalonians: Paul encourages his listeners to continue to live in a way that pleases God.
2 Thessalonians: Paul encourages the church and talks about Jesus’ second coming.
1 and 2 Timothy: Paul encourages and instructs his young student Timothy in his role as a pastor.
Titus: Paul encourages Titus in his role as a pastor.
Philemon: Paul asks a believing slave owner to treat a believing slave with kindness.
Hebrews: A discourse on how Jesus is the ultimate and permanent fulfillment of the Mosaic Law.
James: A letter from Jesus’ brother on the necessity of combining faith with work.
1 and 2 Peter: The apostle warns and encourages his audience as they live their Christian lives.
1 John: John elegantly explains basic truths about the Christian life.
2 John: John warns a believing lady about false teachers.
3 John: John’s letter to a believing man thanking him for his hospitality.
Jude: A letter warning Christians against those who try to deceive them.
Revelation: John’s vision of the exalted Christ and the future of the church.
