Overview Of The Bible
By Michael
A. H. Back
Now for
the New Testament section. This section ends with a small section
that presents some of the evidence that Paul is the author of Hebrews.
New Testament |
|
Gospels ("Good News")
(1) Matthew
(2) Mark
(3) Luke
(4) John |
Acts (Early history of church)
(5) Acts |
Paul's Letters
(6) Romans
(7) 1 Corinthians
(8) 2 Corinthians
(9) Galatians
(10) Ephesians
(11) Philippians
(12) Colossians |
(13) 1 Thessalonians
(14) 2 Thessalonians
(15) 1 Timothy
(16) 2 Timothy
(17) Titus
(18) Philemon |
Hebrews
(19) Hebrews
|
General Letters |
|
(20) James
(21) 1 Peter
(22) 2 Peter
(23) 1 John |
(24) 2 John
(25) 3 John
(26) Jude |
|
Revelation (End times)
(27) Revelation |
Some Evidence that Paul wrote Hebrews |
New
Testament
Gospels
("Good News")
(1) Matthew
Author:
Matthew (called Levi)
Time
Period: 6 BC - 28 AD
Date
Written: Traditional - 45 to 50 AD; Modern - 60 to 65 AD
Theme:
Matthew was an eyewitness to most of Jesus' ministry. Primarily aimed
at a Jewish audience, it contains more Old Testament references than
the other Gospels (53 direct quotes, 76 indirect references).
Emphasis on Jesus as a Jew (called "Son of David"
everywhere), and that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament
promise of the Messiah, who would save the whole world.
Key
People: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples,
religious leaders, Caiaphas, Pilate, Mary Magdalene
Interesting
Facts: Matthew records Joseph's genealogy (the "Jeconiah"
of verses 11 and 12 are father and son: Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin in
Hebrew). This is the only Gospel in which the author himself produced
an Aramaic translation (no longer in existence) of his own work.
Matthew is NOT a chronological account; he tends to group similar
topics together no matter when they happened. The early church
fathers claimed Matthew was the first gospel written.
(2) Mark
Author:
John Mark (companion of Paul and Barnabus)
Time
Period: 6 BC - 28 AD
Date
Written: Traditional - 65 AD; Modern - 55 to 60 AD
Theme: May
have been an eyewitness of the very end of Jesus ministry (14:51-52),
but he certainly knew all the disciples (and traveled with Paul and
Barnabas). More focus on what Jesus did and a little less on what He
said than other gospels. Emphasis on Jesus' supernatural power (Mark
records more miracles), His identity and role as the Christ, the Son
of God.
Key
People: Jesus, 12 disciples, Pilate, Jewish religious leaders
Interesting
Facts: Mark is written in two halves. The first half addresses the
question, "Who is Jesus?" The second, "Why is he
here?" (First part: 1:1 - 8:30; Second part: 8:31 - 16:20). In
both cases, the full answer is unfolded carefully, one point at a
time. The shortest Gospel, the information in all but 31 verses is
found in Matthew or Luke. Because of this, modern scholars believe
Mark was the first gospel written.
(3) Luke
Author: Luke
Time
Period: 6 BC - 28 AD
Date
Written: Between 55 and 60 AD
Theme: Not
an eyewitness to Jesus' life, Luke carefully researched everything
about Jesus' ministry (it is thought much of his information came
from Peter and Matthew). Aimed at a non-Jewish audience, Luke is the
only confirmed Gentile writer of the entire Bible. Emphasis on Jesus
as a compassionate Christ who came to save the WHOLE world from its sin.
Key
People: Jesus, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Mary,
disciples, Herod the Great, Pilate, Mary Magdelene
Interesting
Facts: Luke records Mary's Genealogy (3:23-38), and gives more time
to what the women did than the other gospels. Most of 9:51 - 18:35 is
unique to Luke. Part one of the two-part book on the early history of
Christianity by Luke.
(4) John
Author: John
Time
Period: 6 BC - 28 AD
Date
Written: between 75 - 85 AD
Theme:
Eyewitness to most of Jesus' ministry from one of the three
"inner circle" disciples. Many sections, such as the first
chapter, are worded in such a way as to be direct refutations of the
dominant Gentile philosophy of the day (Gnosticism), and as such, was
very much aimed at a non-Jewish audience. More focus on what Jesus
said, and less on what He did. The most evangelical and theological
of the gospels with a strong emphasis on the deity of Jesus.
Key
People: Jesus, John the Baptist, disciples, Mary, Martha, Lazarus,
Jesus Mother, Pilate, Mary Magdelene
Interesting
Facts: Over 90 percent of the material in this gospel is found no
where else. The other three gospels were in full circulation by the
time this one was written, so John intentionally chose to focus on
events not already covered in the other gospels. John makes no
mention of Jesus' childhood, the appointment of the disciples, nor
any of Jesus' parables.
Acts
(Early history of church)
(5) Acts
Author: Luke
Time
Period: 28 - 65 AD
Date
Written: Between 65 - 70 AD
Theme:
Luke personally witnessed much of this book (mostly as Paul's
companion). Primary focus is on how the ministries of Peter, Paul,
Barnabas and the other disciples spread the message of Jesus
throughout the Roman Empire.
Key
People: Peter, John, James the brother of John, Stephen, Philip,
Paul, Barnabas, Cornelius, James the brother of Jesus, Timothy,
Lydia, Silas, Titus, Apollos, Agabus, Ananias, Felix, Festus,
Agrippa, Luke
Interesting
Facts: Part two of the two-part book on the early history of
Christianity by Luke (sequel to the Gospel according to Luke). The
historical details in this book are so accurate they have guided
archeologists to the discovery of numerous ancient cities.
Paul's Letters
(6) Romans
Date
Written: 57 AD
Theme:
Comprehensive examination of the foundational teachings of
Christianity with special emphasis on how everyone is a sinner and in
need of salvation, and how only through faith in Jesus can this be
accomplished. Called "the ABC's of Christianity."
Key
People: Paul, Phoebe
Interesting
Facts: Written from Corinth. Paul was not involved in the
establishment of the fellowship in Rome, but he did know a number of
the believers there.
(7) 1 Corinthians
Date
Written: 55 AD
Theme:
Focuses on doctrines related to the daily lives of Christians. A
strong emphasis on how an entire fellowship of unified believers,
living holy lives and practicing love, all by the power of God's
grace, is the best way to represent God to an unsaved world, and
spread the message of the Gospel.
Key
People: Paul, Timothy, members of Chloe's household.
Interesting
Facts: Written from Ephesus, this is actually Paul's second letter
to the Corinthians (first letter no longer exists). Contains the
famous "love" passage (chapter 13).
OT-1 2 3
NT-1 2 3
