What is the New Testament?
Do you know? The New Testament is the second part of the Holy Bible.
It includes 27 books that were written by early Christians after Jesus’ death.
The New Testament tells us about Jesus’ life, his teachings, and how he died and rose again.
It also tells us about the early Church and how it spread throughout the world.
The New Testament is inspired by God.
This means that God helped human authors to write exactly what he wanted them to write.
So, we believe, and I know that the New Testament is true and trustworthy.
It is our guide for living as Christians today.
What is the New Testament?
The New Testament is the second half of the Christian Bible.
It includes 27 books, which were written between 50 A.D. and 100 A.D.
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ and his disciples.
It also includes letters from early church leaders, which provide guidance for Christians today.
The New Testament is divided into four sections:
- the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
- the Acts of the Apostles
- the epistles (letters from apostles)
- the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse of John.
The gospels tell the story of Jesus Christ, while the Acts of the Apostles tell the story of the early church.
The epistles are letters from Paul and other church leaders which provide guidance on how to live as a Christian.
Revelation is a book of prophecy that describes the end times.
Together, these books provide an essential resource for Christians seeking to follow Christ.
Let’s take a closer look at each section of the New Testament.
The Gospels
The gospels are the first four books of the New Testament.
They tell the story of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his death and resurrection.
The word “gospel” means “good news,” and that is what these books are: good news about Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers.
The four gospels are:
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
Matthew
The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and was written by the apostle Matthew.
Matthew was a tax collector who was called by Jesus to be one of his twelve disciples.
The book of Matthew is a Gospel, which means it is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings.
The book begins with the genealogy of Jesus and then tells the story of his birth.
It goes on to describe Jesus’ ministry, including his parables, miracles, and death on the cross.
The book ends with the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension into heaven.
Throughout the book, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who came to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies.
As such, the book of Matthew is essential for understanding who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish.
Mark
The book of Mark is the second book in the New Testament and was written by the apostle John Mark.
Mark was not one of the twelve disciples, but he did travel with Paul on his missionary journeys.
It begins with good news about Jesus coming to save people from their sins and then goes on to show how he did that through his life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
The main purpose for writing this book was probably to affirm that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah who came to save his people.
But Mark also wants to show that being a follower of Jesus means a life of self-denial, sacrificial love, and obedient service.
This is why he emphasizes that those who would be Christ’s disciples must take up their cross daily and follow him (Mark 8:34).
Ultimately, what sets Christianity apart from other religions is not a set of beliefs but rather a relationship with God through Christ that changes everything.
And it all starts when we say yes to Jesus’ call to “come, follow me.” (Mark 1:17)
Luke
The book of Luke is the third book of the New Testament.
It was written by the evangelist Luke, who was a companion of the Apostle Paul.
The book of Luke tells the story of Jesus Christ from his birth to his ascension into heaven.
Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which tells the story of the early church.
Together, these two books provide a complete picture of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
John
The book of John is the fourth book of the New Testament.
It was written by the apostle John, who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
The book of John is one of the most well-known books in the Bible.
It tells the story of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his death and resurrection.
The book of John is unique in that it paints a very personal picture of Jesus: we see him as a compassionate teacher, a miracle worker, and a loving friend.
But we also see him as the Son of God, who came to earth to save us from our sins.
The book of John reminds us that Jesus is not just a figure from history, but he is someone who is alive and active in our lives today.
When we read the book of John, we are reminded that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him.
The Acts of the Apostles
The Acts of the Apostles, which are also called simply Acts, is the fifth book of the New Testament.
It tells the story of the early church, beginning with Jesus’ ascension into heaven and ending with Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.
Acts show how the good news about Jesus spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
It also records some of the key events and teachings of the early church, such as Pentecost and the council at Jerusalem.
The book of Acts is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the history of Christianity.
The Epistles
The epistles are a series of letters written by Paul and other early church leaders.
These letters were written to churches and individuals, and they provided guidance on how to live as a Christian.
The epistles deal with topics such as faith, hope, love, and salvation.
They also include warnings about false teachers and instructions on how to handle conflict within the church.
The epistles are an essential resource for Christians today, as they provide guidance on how to live out our faith.
Here is the list of the epistles in the New Testament:
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
Romans
The book of Romans is a letter from the apostle Paul to the early Christians in Rome.
In this letter, Paul explains how God has given us a way to be saved from our sins through faith in Jesus Christ.
He also describes how we are justified by faith and how we can live a life that is pleasing to God.
In addition, Paul discusses various social and ethical issues such as slavery, marriage, and divorce.
Ultimately, the book of Romans is a powerful reminder of God’s love for us and His desire for us to live lives that reflect His righteousness and glory.
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians is a book of the Bible that tells the story of Paul’s ministry to the Corinthian church.
The book begins with Paul’s efforts to evangelize the people of Corinth and his struggles to establish a strong congregation in the face of opposition.
It goes on to describe how Paul addressed various problems within the church, including division, sexual immorality, and Idolatry.
The book ends with Paul’s instructions for how Christians should live their lives.
1 Corinthians is a valuable book for Christians today because it provides insight into how to deal with difficult situations and relationships.
It also reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to please God, not ourselves.
2 Corinthians
The book of 2 Corinthians is a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul.
It is addressed to the church in Corinth, which was struggling with division and immorality.
In the letter, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to repentance and unity.
He also defends his apostleship and describes his own sufferings for the gospel.
Throughout the letter, Paul stresses the importance of living a life worthy of the gospel.
The book of 2 Corinthians ends with a final appeal for unity and a blessing from God.
Galatians
The book of Galatians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia.
In this letter, Paul addresses the issue of whether Gentile Christians are required to follow Jewish law in order to be saved.
Paul argues that Gentile Christians are not subject to the law because they have been justified by faith in Christ. Rather, the law is only for those who are under its authority, such as Jews.
This argument is based on the fact that faith in Christ is what makes us right with God, not our own good works.
As a result, Gentile Christians are not bound by the law but are free to live according to their new life in Christ.
This freedom should not be used as an opportunity to sin but rather should be used to serve one another in love.
The book of Galatians concludes with a discussion of how we can use our freedom in Christ to bear fruit that will please God.
Ephesians
The book of Ephesians is a letter written to the church in Ephesus by the Apostle Paul.
In this letter, Paul thanks God for the spiritual blessings that the believers in Ephesus have received.
He also prays that they would be filled with wisdom and knowledge so that they might grow in their relationship with God.
Paul goes on to say that God has chosen them to be His holy people and that He has predestined them for a life of good works.
The book of Ephesians concludes with a call to unity among all believers, regardless of their social or economic status.
By coming together in love and humility, we can experience the fullness of God’s grace and power.
Philippians
The book of Philippians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christian church in Philippi.
In it, Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support and prays for their continued growth in faith.
He also urges them to live in unity and love and to stand firm against false teachers.
Finally, Paul warns them that they will suffer persecution because of their faith, but he encourages them to remain strong and to keep on trusting in God.
Ultimately, the book of Philippians is a message of hope and encouragement for all who suffer for their faith.
Colossians
The apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians while he was a prisoner in Rome (Colossians 4:18).
The recipients of this letter were the Christians living in the city of Colossae.
As with all of Paul’s letters, the book of Colossians is both doctrinal and practical.
In terms of doctrine, the book emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
In other words, Christ is preeminent over all creation, and He is all that we need.
Practically speaking, the book exhorts us to live lives worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10).
This means living in a way that is pleasing to God, and that brings glory to His name.
The book of Colossians is an excellent reminder that our relationship with Christ should impact not only our faith but also our daily lives.
1 Thessalonians
The book of 1 Thessalonians is an Epistle, or letter, written by the Apostle Paul.
It was written to the church in Thessalonica, Greece, which was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey.
In this letter, Paul encourages the Christians in Thessalonica to remain strong in their faith despite persecution from non-believers.
He also comforted them by informing them that those who have died will not miss out on the rewards of Christ’s return.
Finally, Paul gave instructions on how Christians should live their lives, including abstaining from sexual immorality and working hard instead of being lazy. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
This letter remains an important historical document for Christians today, as it provides insight into the early days of the Church.
2 Thessalonians
The book of 2 Thessalonians was written to encourage and comfort the Christians who were living in Thessalonica.
Paul had previously visited this city, and he had been greatly encouraged by their faith.
However, he had also been persecuted and driven out by those who opposed the gospel.
In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul commends them for their faithfulness in the face of persecution.
He also urges them to remain firm in their convictions and to persevere in spite of the difficulties they are facing.
Paul goes on to say that God will ultimately triumph over all evil and that those who remain faithful will be rewarded with eternal life. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-10)
This letter provides encouragement and hope for Christians who are facing difficult circumstances.
It reminds us that God is ultimately in control and that even though things may be tough now, we can have confidence in His ultimate plan.
1 Timothy
1 Timothy was written to encourage and instruct believers on how they are to live their lives, worship God, and treat one another within the church.
The book begins with Paul reminding Timothy of his calling to be a servant of the Lord.
He then goes on to offer practical advice on living a godly life, including personal hygiene, caring for widows and orphans, dealing with false teachers, and maintaining a proper attitude towards work.
Throughout the book, Paul stresses the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and worthy of His calling.
As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example by living lives that reflect His love, mercy, and grace.
By doing so, we can bring honor and glory to God.
2 Timothy
2 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul around 67 AD, near the end of his life. In it, he urges
Timothy, his faithful disciple to remain true to the gospel message in the face of persecution and false teaching.
Paul reminds Timothy of the great need for evangelists in the Church, and he exhorts him to be diligent in his studies and preaching.
Throughout the letter, Paul repeatedly urges Timothy to be bold in his faith and to stand firm against all opposition.
The book ends with a final exhortation for Timothy to remain true to the gospel message, even in the face of death.
Thus, 2 Timothy is a powerful reminder of the importance of Evangelism and discipleship in the Church today.
Titus
The book of Titus is a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul.
The letter is addressed to Titus, a young Christian leader in the city of Crete.
In the letter, Paul gives Titus instructions on how to effectively lead the Christian community there.
Paul emphasizes the importance of living according to Biblical principles and teaching sound doctrine.
He also urges Titus to be patient and merciful with those who are still learning.
The book of Titus is a helpful guide for Christians today who want to live godly lives and make a positive impact in their communities.
It reminds us that we are called to be patient and loving with others, even as we strive to live according to God’s Word.
Philemon
The book of Philemon is a short letter written by the Apostle Paul.
It was most likely written while Paul was in prison, and it was addressed to Philemon, a fellow Christian who lived in Colossae.
In the letter, Paul appealed to Philemon to forgive Onesimus, a runaway slave who had stolen from him.
He also asked that Philemon allow Onesimus to return to him so that he could continue to serve him and the cause of Christ.
The book of Philemon is a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness and redemption.
It also teaches us that every person has value in the eyes of God, regardless of their social status or station in life.
As we read this letter, we are challenged to examine our own hearts to see if we are truly living out the gospel message of love and forgiveness.
Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is a powerful letter that was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith.
The author, who is unknown, was very concerned about their spiritual condition and was urging them to hold fast to their confession of faith.
The book begins with a great deal of discussion about the nature of God and Jesus Christ.
The author stresses the fact that Jesus is superior to any earthly leader or angel and that He is the only one who can mediator between God and man.
He goes on to talk about the need for Christians to persevere in their faith, even in the face of persecution.
The book ends with a plea for the readers not to give up hope but to keep on believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
James
The book of James is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter).
This letter was written by James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was addressed to “the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion” (James 1:1).
The purpose of this epistle is to exhort Christians to persevere in their faith despite trials and temptations and to live out their faith through good works.
The book can be divided into five main sections:
- Trials and Temptations (James 1:2-18)
- Faith and Works (James 2:1-26)
- True Wisdom (James 3:1-18)
- Warning against Worldliness and the Love of Money (James 4:1-5:6)
- Perseverance in Suffering (James 5:7-20).
In conclusion, the book of James challenges us to put our faith into action by doing good works in spite of trials and temptations.
We are also reminded that true wisdom comes from God and that we should beware of worldliness and the love of money.
Finally, we are encouraged to persevere in our suffering as we wait for the Lord’s return.
I Peter
The book of I Peter is a letter written to Christians who are living in a time of persecution.
The author, Peter, starts by reminding them that they have been chosen by God and that they are now living as exiles in a hostile world.
He goes on to say that they must remain faithful to God, even when they are suffering.
In particular, they must not give in to temptation or turn away from their true faith.
Instead, they should continue to live holy lives and should be ready to suffer for their beliefs.
Ultimately, Peter says, if they remain faithful, they will receive a rich reward from God.
The book of I Peter is a powerful reminder for Christians that they need to remain strong in their faith, even when times are tough.
II Peter
The book of II Peter can be divided into three main sections.
The first section (II Peter 1:1-2:10) focuses on the importance of growing in one’s faith.
Peter begins by reminding his readers that they have been given “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (II Peter 1:3).
He goes on to urge them to make every effort to add to their faith qualities such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness (II Peter 1:5-7).
Only then will they be able to receive the full measure of God’s promises (II Peter 1:4).
The second section of the book (II Peter 2:11-3:13) is a warning against false teachers.
These false teachers are characterized by their abandonment of the true faith, their ungodliness, and their immorality (II Peter 2:15-16, 18-19).
Peter warns that these false teachers will bring upon themselves swift destruction and urges his readers to stand firm in the truth of the gospel (II Peter 2:20-22).
The third and final section of II Peter (II Peter 3:14-18) is a reminder that we are waiting for the Day of the Lord when God will bring about the final judgment.
In the meantime, we are to live holy lives, patiently awaiting Christ’s return ( II Peter 3:14-15).
This summary provides a brief overview of the main themes of II Peter.
As you read this book, you are challenged to grow in your faith and to remain steadfast in the truth despite the opposition of false teachers.
1 John
1 John is a book of the Bible that is full of practical advice for Christians.
The author, John, was one of Jesus’ original disciples, and he wrote this letter to a group of churches that he was responsible for.
In 1 John, John stresses the importance of living a Christ-like life.
He explains that those who do not follow Christ’s commands are not really Christians at all.
Furthermore, he teaches that Christians should love one another and show love to those outside the faith.
Ultimately, 1 John is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
It is a book that every Christian should read and apply to their own life.
11 John
The book of 11 John is a short letter that was written by the apostle John.
In this letter, John addresses a woman who is known to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
He commends her for her faithfulness and exhorts her to remain faithful in the face of false teaching.
He also warns her about those who do not believe in Jesus Christ and urges her not to give them hospitality.
The book of 2 John is a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to the truth of the gospel.
It is a timely warning against the dangers of false teaching, and it speaks to the need for each believer to remain vigilant in their faith.
III John
The book of III John is a short letter written by the apostle John.
In this letter, John greets his dear friend Gaius and commends him for his hospitality towards traveling preachers.
John also expresses his hope that Gaius will remain in good health.
The letter concludes with a warning against false teachers who do not teach the truth about Jesus Christ.
Despite its brevity, the book of III John provides critical insight into the early Church and its struggle to remain true to the teachings of Christ.
As we read this letter, we are reminded of the importance of spreading the gospel and showing hospitality to those who are on the front lines of the ministry.
Jude
The book of Jude is a short letter, only twenty-five verses long, that packs a powerful punch.
It was written by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, around 65 A.D.
Even though it is short, the book of Jude covers some important themes, including false teachers, the importance of contending for the faith, and God’s judgment on sin.
The false teachers that Jude writes about are probably Gnostics who were denying that Jesus Christ was fully God and full man.
These false teachers were probably also liberty-preaching antinomians who were living in immorality.
In response to these false teachers, Jude exhorts believers to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints.
This includes holding fast to sound doctrine and fleeing from immorality.
Jude also warns against these false teachers would be like clouds without rain, fruitless trees in late autumn, wild waves of the sea casting up the foam of their own shame, and wandering stars for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Additionally, Jude urges Christians to build themselves up in their most holy faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit.
He also promises that God is able to keep them from stumbling and to present them blameless before his presence with great joy.
The book of Jude ends with a doxology praising God, who is able to keep us from stumbling and make us stand blameless before his presence with great joy.
The Book of Revelation or Apocalypse of John
The Book of Revelation, which is also called the Apocalypse of John, is the final book of the New Testament.
It is a book of prophecy that describes the end times.
In Revelation, we see visions of heaven and hell, the return of Jesus Christ, and the final judgment.
Revelation also includes a series of seven letters to the churches, which provide encouragement and guidance for Christians who are going through difficult times.
The book of Revelation is an essential resource for Christians who want to understand what the future holds.
Revelation is a difficult book to understand, but it is full of hope for those who follow Christ.
Who Wrote The 27 Books Of The New Testament
The New Testament books were written by the following people:
| BOOK | AUTHOR |
|---|---|
| Matthew | Matthew |
| Mark | Mark |
| Luke Acts | Luke |
| John | John I John II John III John Revelation |
| Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon | Paul |
| Hebrews | Unknown |
| James | James |
| 1 Peter 2 Peter | Peter |
| Jude | Jude |
Final thoughts on the New Testament
The New Testament is a collection of 27 books, which are divided into four sections: the gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the epistles, and Revelation.
The New Testament is essential reading for Christians, as it tells us about the life of Jesus Christ and how to follow him.
If you have never read the New Testament, I encourage you to start today.
It will change your life. Thanks for reading!
