New testament summary

· Matthew: This book gives the birth of Christ, His baptism, temptation and ministry. The Sermon on the Mount is included in chapters 5-7. The Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer are found in 6:9-13. Also found is passage on future events.

· Mark: This book was written for the Gentile and Roman readers. This book centers on Christ and the service of the believer to Him.

· Luke: The theme of this book is also Christ. Christ is spoken of as the Son of Man, and gives us a view of the Christ’s compassion.

· John: This book deals mostly with the nature of Christ. It is a book about Him and about having faith in Him. He is the Son of God, yet He is hungry, thirsty, weary, felt pain, suffered death, and rose alive. John shows seven miracles of Christ: water into wine; the healing of the nobleman’s son; healing of the paralyzed person; feeding of the multitude; walking on water; opening the blind eyes and the rising of Lazarus from the dead. The Holy Spirit is spoken of and the new birth.

· Romans: This book is a book of justification by faith and what happens if faith is not present. The righteousness of God is shown and many things are discussed relating to Christianity. The confession of Christ as the Son of God grants salvation.

· 1st Corinthians: This is a letter written by Paul to the Corinthians. It deals with spirituality and morality. It speaks of the judgment seat of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s Supper, Love, gifts and resurrection.

· 2nd Corinthians: This letter written by Paul to the Corinthians is to show the joy Paul had at the churches acceptance of his ministry and to give us some insight into Paul’s life. This letter also talks about giving.

· Galatians: Paul’s letter to the Galatians talks about justification by faith. There is only one way for man to come to God—accept the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

· Ephesians: This letter was written while Paul was in prison. This letter speaks of God’s purpose in establishing the Church of Christ. Christ is spoke of as the head of the church. The church is spoke of as the building and temple of God and the church as the bride of Christ.

· Philippians: Paul was in prison at the writing of this letter also. This book speaks of self-denial, giving up self for Christ; it speaks of the importance of prayer also. Praying always, and in all things giving thanks.

· Colossians: Paul also wrote this book in prison. This book talks about the importance and supreme nature of Christ. We can find all things in Christ. In Christ, we are drawn into union.

· 1st Thessalonians: Paul speaks of his thankfulness to the church and talks about the rapture of the church, the last days and the day of the Lord.

· 2nd Thessalonians: This letter by Paul was written because it seems that the church had misunderstood Paul’s first letter pertaining to the coming of the day of the Lord. Paul speaks out against the idle talkers and clears up the message pertaining to the day of the Lord in its relation to the present, the believers and unbelievers and exhorts the people to pray and stand in faithfulness and obedience.

· 1st Timothy: The main idea of this book is for the believer to fight the good fight. We are told how to act in the house of God. Rules and structure is given for bishops, elders, and deacons of the church. The book speaks also of the last days and of caring for others and how to use money.

· 2nd Timothy: Here in this book we are told how to be a good and faithful soldier of Christ. The book speaks of the last days, the inspiration of the Words of God and the crown of righteousness. This book calls us to be courageous, faithful, strong, and loyal servants to God.

· Titus: Here we have the qualifications for the elders, operation of the church and the duties of the minister. An exhortation to be wary of false teachings and the working of the Holy Spirit.

· Philemon: This letter is also one that was written while Paul was in prison. This is a very personal letter. It gives praise to Philemon, a plea, and pledge and speaks of personal things concerning Philemon.

· Hebrews: This book speaks of the greatness of Christ. A great salvation is given to us, as are the throne of grace and the intercession of Christ for the believer. This book also describes faith and gives a roll call of the heroes of faith.

· James: The book of James talks about the conduct of the believer. We are told how faith can work in our everyday life. Faith and works are the two main points of the book followed closely by the tongue and prayer for the sick.

· 1st Peter: This book supposedly was written in Babylon (Rome) and is the depiction of the “true grace of God,” in the believer. This book tells us that grace includes security, submission, obedience, suffering, service, growth and love.

· 2nd Peter: Here we see the inspiration of the scriptures and the assuredness of Christ’s second coming. The book talks of faith and false teachings. It gives the characteristics of false teachers and look at the future.

· 1st John: This book is devoted to the welfare of the spiritual life of the believer. It is full of comparisons of dark to light, the love of the world and the love of God. It speaks of the children of God and the children of Satan. It speaks of the spirit of the antichrist and the Spirit of God.

· 2nd John: The main idea in this book is to walk in the commandments of Christ. We are told to love one another, be cautious about false teachings and to walk in truth and love.

· 3rd John: This is a personal letter addressed to Gaius. It speaks of godly living, the treatment of traveling ministers, and the selfishness of Gaius.

· Jude: Jude says that he is the author of this book and the brother of James, and half brother of Jesus. The purpose of the writing of this book is showing a defense of the faith developed by the apostles against the false teachings springing up in the churches. Jude exposes the false teachers and exhorts the believers.

· Revelation: Jesus Christ is the center of this book and this book is His revelation written by John. The book has four principal views or interpretations. 1) Preterist which is a view of prophecy as already being fulfilled. 2) Historical this is a portrayal of church history from the days of John to the end of time. 3) Idealist which is a picture of events as they are unfolding and in conflict. 4) Futurist which is a view of the majority of the book having not yet happened. The book is one that is to be understood by those desiring to read it and gain it's wisdom.

Resources:

Holy Bible KJV

Revelation An Understanding, Thomas E. Miles, Sr.