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
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[1] 2[2] 3[3]
NT-1 2[4] 3[5]