What is the story of the New Testament?
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. It consists of 27 books written by apostles and disciples of Jesus after his death and resurrection. The New Testament books were composed between approximately A.D. 50 and 100.
The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels. They provide four unique perspectives on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record Jesus’ teachings, miracles, encounters with individuals, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The four Gospels are:
- Matthew – Emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews
- Mark – Presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God
- Luke – Depicts Jesus’ humanity and seeks to appeal to a broad audience
- John – Highlights Jesus’ divine nature and message of eternal life through faith
After the Gospels come the book of Acts, which describes how the gospel message spread from Jerusalem and expanded to Gentiles after Jesus’ ascension. Acts chronicles the ministries of Peter, Stephen, Philip, and Paul, and the establishment of the early church. The rest of the New Testament consists of letters from church leaders to provide instruction, encouragement, and correction to early churches and individuals.
The New Testament letters or “epistles” can be grouped into two categories:
- Pauline Epistles – Letters written by the apostle Paul or his associates to churches or individuals. These include Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
- General Epistles – Letters written by other apostles and leaders such as Peter, James, John, and Jude. These include Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude.
The Pauline epistles provide extensive teaching on salvation, grace, faith, Christian living, church leadership, and end times doctrine. They form a substantial portion of New Testament theology. The general epistles cover diverse topics like suffering, brotherly love, antichrists, spiritual wisdom, and perseverance of the saints.
The New Testament concludes with the prophetic book of Revelation. Written by the apostle John, Revelation depicts apocalyptic visions of God’s final intervention in history, Christ’s second coming, the defeat of evil, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. Using vivid imagery and symbolism, Revelation offers hope to persecuted believers and reveals God’s ultimate sovereignty over human affairs.
Some of the major themes covered in the New Testament include:
- Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 16:16-17, John 20:30-31)
- Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- The Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15)
- Love, sacrifice, and redemption (John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-12)
- New life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Unity and diversity in the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
- Perseverance through suffering (Romans 8:18, 1 Peter 1:6-7)
- Christ’s return and final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15)
In summary, the New Testament chronicles Jesus Christ’s life and work, the spread of the early church, essential Christian doctrine and theology, practical instructions for Christian living, and a glimpse into future prophetic events. It testifies to God’s mercy, love, and plan to redeem humanity through his Son Jesus Christ.
The New Testament carries the story of God’s relationship with mankind forward from the Old Testament. Where the Old Testament focuses largely on God’s covenant with the nation of Israel, the New Testament fulfills Old Testament prophecy about a coming Messiah for not only Israel, but the whole world. Through Jesus, the New Testament makes salvation available to both Jews and Gentiles by grace through faith. Jesus institutes a new covenant in his blood, bringing forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe in him (Luke 22:20, John 3:16).
Some key events covered in the New Testament include:
- Jesus’ virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38)
- Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17)
- Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
- Jesus calling his twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1-4)
- Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
- Jesus’ miracles and healings (Matthew 8-9, Mark 6:30-44, John 9:1-12)
- Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13)
- Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)
- Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)
- Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-56)
- Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10)
- Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
- Ascension (Acts 1:6-11)
- Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s descent (Acts 2:1-4)
- Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-19)
- First missionary journeys (Acts 13-14)
- Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35)
- Paul’s trips to Rome (Acts 27-28)
Through these events, the New Testament provides eyewitness testimony to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It establishes him as the resurrected Savior and divine Son of God who fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. It records the beginnings of Christianity and its spread from Jerusalem to the Roman Empire through the preaching of apostles and evangelists empowered by the Holy Spirit. And it lays the theological foundations for Christian belief and practice as God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Here is a brief summary of each New Testament book:
The Gospels
Matthew – Matthew’s gospel presents Jesus as the Messiah and King predicted in the Old Testament. Matthew links Jesus repeatedly to Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes his teachings. Key events described include Jesus’ birth, baptism, temptation, Sermon on the Mount, miracles, parables, transfiguration, triumphal entry, last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Mark – Mark’s account depicts Jesus as the suffering Servant who came to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark moves rapidly from one episode in Jesus’ life and ministry to another, emphasizing his deeds more than his teachings. Key passages include Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration, casting out demons, parables, the Last Supper, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Luke – Luke provides the most comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, adding more details about his birth, genealogy, childhood, and ministry. Luke highlights Jesus’ message of salvation, redemption, and forgiveness for all people. Major events include the annunciation, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the nativity, presentation at the temple, Jesus’ baptism, healings, parables, transfiguration, triumphal entry, Last Supper, arrest, death, resurrection, and ascension.
John – John’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity and eternal nature. John omits details covered in the other gospels to focus on unique events like the wedding at Cana, encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, raising Lazarus, washing the disciples’ feet, High Priestly Prayer, Passion, doubting Thomas, and resurrection appearances. John includes extensive unique teaching from Jesus as well.
History
Acts – Acts chronicles the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome after Jesus’ ascension. Peter and John lead the apostles in preaching the gospel in Jerusalem, performing miracles, and contending with Jewish authorities. The book then follows Paul’s missionary journeys across the Roman empire and describes the Jerusalem Council’s decision about Gentile converts. Finally, Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, trials, trip to Rome, and ministry under house arrest are recounted.
Pauline Epistles
Romans – Paul’s letter to the Romans systematically explains the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith alone. Paul also tackles questions about Israel, sin, predestination, God’s plan, spiritual growth, and life application.
1 Corinthians – Paul addresses moral and practical issues faced by the Corinthian church, including divisiveness, sexual immorality, legal disputes, marriage, food sacrificed to idols, propriety in worship, spiritual gifts, the resurrection of Christ, and giving.
2 Corinthians – 2 Corinthians features Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority and character. He asks the Corinthians to reject false teachers, forgive and restore an estranged member, show generosity in giving, and examine their own faith.
Galatians – Galatians refutes the claim that Gentiles must follow Jewish law and customs in order to be saved. Paul insists that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, not law-keeping. The fruit of faith is not legalism but the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life.
Ephesians – Ephesians explains the glorious blessings, resources, power, and love available to all believers through their union with Christ. As Christians, we are saved by grace, created for good works, and called to live in unity and purity.
Philippians – Paul thanks the Philippians for their love and support. He urges them to remain joyful, united, and steadfast in the face of persecution and false teaching. Christ’s humility and sacrifice should be modeled in their relationships.
Colossians – Paul warns the Colossians not to follow hollow philosophies or legalism but to focus on Christ alone. As Lord over all creation, Christ deserves preeminence in everything. Believers should live in him, rejecting worldly attitudes.
1 Thessalonians – Paul gives thanks for the strong faith and love of the Thessalonian believers. He urges them to live holy lives, giving thanks, testing prophecy, and relying on the hope of Christ’s return.
2 Thessalonians – Paul corrects misunderstandings about the timing of Christ’s return and the coming Day of the Lord. Some were afraid the Day of the Lord had already come. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to persevere in faith and obedience until Christ returns.
1 Timothy – 1 Timothy provides guidance for Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus, instructing him on false teachers, prayer, leadership qualifications, men and women roles, widows, elders, slaves, false doctrine, and wealth.
2 Timothy – Paul’s last letter anticipates his death and gives final exhortations to Timothy. Timothy is charged to guard and pass on the true gospel. He must stand strong even when people will not tolerate sound doctrine.
Titus – Paul advises Titus how to lead, teach, and disciple the churches on Crete in faith and good works. Correct teaching, spiritual maturity, submission, ethics, and pastoral oversight are emphasized.
Philemon – Paul makes a personal appeal to Philemon to forgive and accept back his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother, not just a servant.
General Epistles
Hebrews – Hebrews explains how Jesus is superior to the Jewish law, prophets, angels, and priests. Jesus is the perfect high priest and the ultimate sacrifice who established a new and better covenant. Hebrews exhorts believers to persevere by exercising faith, hope, and love.
James – The book of James discusses wisdom, temptation, faith, wealth, speech, impartiality, humility, patience, prayer, sickness, confession, and caring for widows and orphans.
1 Peter – 1 Peter encourages Christians facing persecution to stand firm by growing in holiness, purity, patience, and hope. Christ is their perfect example of suffering followed by glory.
2 Peter – Peter warns believers about destructive heresies and false teachers. He reminds them to continually grow in grace, knowledge, and fruitfulness while waiting patiently for Christ’s return.
1 John – John writes so believers can be assured of salvation and fellowship with God. God is light and love. Those in Christ must walk in purity, love, obedience, and truth.
2 John – This brief letter warns believers not to allow false teachers into their homes, in order to guard true doctrine.
3 John – John commends Gaius for his hospitality but rebukes Diotrephes for refusing to welcome fellow believers and exalting himself.
Jude – Jude urges diligence in contending for the faith against ungodly persons who have secretly slipped in among believers. Christians must seek God’s mercy while hating even the garment stained by sin.
Prophecy
Revelation – The book of Revelation depicts the end times, Second Coming of Christ, millennial kingdom, final rebellion, last judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth. John’s apocalyptic visions employ symbolic imagery to convey God’s sovereignty, the Lamb’s victory, and the final glorious state of the redeemed in eternal fellowship with God.