New Testament Books

BIBL 104

10/13/13

Summary of the books of the New Testament Books

Matthew
The Book of Matthew is of gospel genre. It is the first book of the New Testament and the first of the four gospels. Matthew is sometime referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount”. Matthew begins with the descent of Jesus. Matthew is a book that was wrote by the Jews for the Jews retelling the story of Jesus’ birth. King Herod orders all male babies ages two and under in Bethlehem and surrounding towns to be killed. King Herod was afraid that Jesus would take his throne. Jesus escaped to Egypt, later after returning to Nazareth. Jesus is baptized by his cousin John the Baptist. Jesus called upon the twelve disciples and began to preach about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus did not come abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. Jesus heals many through his preaching and He uses parables to teach the Gospel. Matthew’s main focus is on presenting Jesus as the King. Matthew tells of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. Christ is King, even during his death and His resurrection ensured victory for the Jewish people.
Acts
The Book of Acts is of the narrative and gospel genre. The book begins with the story of Jesus’ life right before and right after His death. In Acts, Peter addressed the crowd, and the men and women took the commission and devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles. Peter healed a beggar and began to teach the gospel to the onlookers. Peter and John were arrested for teaching the gospel to the people. They were released and warned not to teach again. Peter and John return to their people and they all begin to pray and search for seven additional men to preach and teach the gospel of the people. One of the seven men, Stephen, was captured and was bought back to the Jewish courts, Sanhedrin, and he spoke out against the people. Stephen was stoned to death as he prayed. The church was persecuted and it caused the church to scatter. Peter began teaching to the Gentiles after the Jews refused to listen to him. While the book of acts mentioned many apostles, the book primarily focused on Peter and his movements.

Romans
The Book of Romans is of the epistle genre. It is stated that Romans is Paul’s greatest work. The book of Romans explores the significance behind Christ’s crucifixion. NKJV states that, “Romans is more than a book in theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation”. In the introduction, Paul explains the wrath and judgment of God. Paul continues to advise the Romans about righteousness of God, and the righteousness that he extends to all who have faith in Jesus Christ. Paul tells how the action of Adam cast death on all of God’s creatures, but how eternal life comes through Jesus Christ. Righteousness alone does not come by works, but it come by faith. Paul states that Abraham was blessed because of his faith in God. The Romans are assured that through Jesus Christ, they can accomplished and achieve anything, because of the strength and encouragement that are bestowed upon the righteousness.
Jude
The Book of Jude is of the epistle genre. The Greek title Iouda, which means “Of Jude”, comes from the name Ioudas and can be translated into the name Jude or Judas. The main focus of this book is to inform the people of false teachers and to remind them of God’s judgment against all sinners. In the beginning, Jude warns the readers of false teachers and preachers slipping among the people of faith. The false prophets, preachers, and teachers came into the church and shaped God words to work for them, doing as they pleased. Judas explains how only the believers and true worshippers of Christ, who are spiritually in shape, can answer the true calling of God. Judas focuses on the true believers and the common salvation, but begins to challenge the integrity of their true faith. Jude reminds the people the power of God and the challenges placed upon the people of Israel because of their unfaithfulness and sins. Jude instructs the readers to persevere their righteousness by prayer and faith and to show mercy to those who doubt.
Revelation
The Book of Revelation is of the apocalyptic genre. It is the only book in the New Testament that focuses primarily on the prophetic events. Revelations is the final book or the consummation of the Bible. In Revelations, John brings into fruition the vision he has had. John addresses the seven churches; he describes the throne in heaven, and gives a description of the sealed scroll. As John watched the seals are opened, as the Lamb was the only one that could break the seals, the sixth seal containing four angels described as the 144,000 were sealed as servants of God. The Lamb opened the seventh seal, which starts the seven trumpets. Each trumpet represents a catastrophe. The seventh trumpet, John sees the 144,000 sealed with the Father’s name on their forehead, three angels proclaim judgment, and then reap the harvest. The Seven angels contained the seven bowls filled with the seven plagues of God’s wrath. Babylon was destroyed. After years and years, Satan will wage war, but will not gain any victory. The dead are judged. John concludes with a warning that anyone who adds to or takes away from the prophecy will be dealt with from the wrath of God.