Matthew
Author – Matthew
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.
Summary – Matthew’s Gospel is aimed at a Jewish audience. Its purpose is to witness that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Matthew emphasises the words of the Lord regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This was done to counterbalance the popular Jewish belief of the day that the Messiah would be a militant leader who would overthrow the current Roman occupation and re–establish the throne of David.
Key Verse – “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” Matthew 1 v 1
Unique Features – Matthew makes no less than sixty references to the Old Testament writings as fulfilled in Christ, so that the word ” fulfilled” becomes characteristic of the book. The word “Kingdom” occurs fifty–five times; “Kingdom of Heaven” thirty–two times; “Son of David” seven times. The Jews laid great store on Scripture, and this Gospel, written particularly for them, abounds in such references.
Preparation – Chapter 1 v 1 to 4 v 11
Passage Subject
1 v 2 to 2 v 23 Jesus’ birth
3 v 1 to 17 His baptism
4 v 1 to 11 His temptations
Preaching – Chapter 4 v 12 to 7 v 29
Passage Subject
4 v 12 to 25 Proclaiming the Kingdom
5 v 1 to 7 v 29 What Jesus taught
Eleven works showing Christ’s ability to rule – Chapter 8 v 1 to 10 v 42
Passage Subject
8 v 1 to 4 The cleansing of the leper
8 v 5 to 13 Centurion’s servant healed of palsy
8 v 14 to 15 Peter’s wife’s mother’s fever
8 v 16 to 27 The stilling of the storm
8 v 28 to 34 Gergesene demoniacs healed
9 v 1 to 17 The man cured of the palsy
9 v 18 to 22 The woman with haemorrhage
9 v 23 to 26 The ruler’s daughter raised
9 v 27 to 31 Two blind men given sight
9 v 32 to 38 The dumb demoniac healed
10 v 1 to 42 The Apostles empowered to preach
There are a couple of digressions – see Chapter 8 v 18 to 22, 9 v 9 to 17 – but they are related to the miracles performed; the miracles revealed physically what the Gospel can do spiritually.
What people thought: Reactions to his call – Chapter 11 v 1 to 18 v 35
Passage Subject
11 v 1 to 15 John the Baptist – in doubt
11 v 16 to 19 “This generation” – unresponsive
11 v 20 to 30 Galilean cities – unrepentant
12 v 1 to 45 The Pharisees – unreasonable
12 v 46 to 50 His family – misunderstanding
13 v 1 to 58 The multitudes – undiscerning
14 v 1 to 13 Herod the king – unintelligent
14 v 14 to 36 The disciples – of little faith
15 v 1 to 20 Jerusalem scribe – unimpressionable
15 v 21 to 39 Gentile multitudes – seeking
16 v 1 to 12 Pharisees, Sadducees – unrelenting
16 v 13 to 18 v 35 The Apostles – needing education
Passover – Chapter 19 v 1 to 28 v 20
Passage Subject
19 v 1 to 25 v 46 Parables and entry into Jerusalem
26 v 1 to 27 v 66 Arrest, trial and crucifixion
28 v 1 to 20 Resurrection
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Mark
Author – Mark
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.
Summary – The book of Mark describes in detail Jewish customs and is therefore thought to be aimed at a non–Jewish audience (in particular, Romans). Mark describes in very life–like terms the miracles of Jesus, and great detail is given of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is thought that Mark was the first of the four Gospels, probably written between 65 and 70 A.D. It is thought that the book was taken by dictation from the Apostle Peter, because some events contained in the book are unique to Peter.
Key Verse – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10 v 45
Unique Features – Being originally written (as is thought) for Romans, there are very few references to the Old Testament Scriptures contained in this Gospel. Jewish words are explained (Chapter 3 v 17; 5 v 41; 7 v 11, 34; 14 v 36); and also Jewish customs (Chapter 7 v 3 to 4; 14 v 12; 15 v 42). Latin expressions are frequently used such as Legion, Centurion, etc. The Romans admired action, and this Gospel depicts the Lord as a worker.
Sanctification – Chapter 1 v 1 to 13
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 8 The witness of John
1 v 9 to 13 The anointing of Jesus
Service – Chapter 1 v 14 to 8 v 30
Passage Subject
1 v 14 to 3 v 12 First disciples and first work
3 v 13 to 6 v 6 Appointment of Apostles and extension of labour
6 v 7 to 8 v 30 Co–operating in service
Sacrifice – Chapter 9 v 1 to 15 v 30
Passage Subject
8 v 31 to 10 v 57 Anticipated
11 v 1 to 14 v 42 Approached
14 v 43 to 15 v 47 Accomplished
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Luke
Author – Luke
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.
Summary – The book of Luke gives us the most complete look at the life of Jesus. Luke uses eyewitnesses as sources for his writings. He stresses Jesus’ humanity (since Luke was a doctor himself) and compassion as well as the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer.
Key Verses – “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man!” Luke 23 v 47 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19 v 10
Unique Features – It was written particularly for Greeks, who delighted in wisdom, beauty and system. Luke, therefore, tells the story of Jesus, unfolding his development in a systematic manner, setting the facts in chronological order in a manner not attempted by the other writers. Luke was an artist with the pen, drawing the portrait of Jesus as the perfect man. He followed up by writing the book of Acts (the Acts of the Apostles).
The Son of Man in his human relationships – Chapter 1 v 1 to 4 v 13
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 4 Prologue
1 v 5 to 2 v 52 In the days of Herod
3 v 1 to 4 v 13 Thirty years later
The Son of Man as prophet to King in Galilee – Chapter 4 v 14 to 9 v 50
The Son of Man in his Judean / Perean ministry– Chapter 9 v 51 to 19 v 27
Passage Subject
9 v 51 to 13 v 21 In Judea
13 v 22 to 19 v 27 In Perea
The Son of Man rejected as Israel’s King – Chapter 19 v 28 to 23 v 56
Passage Subject
19 v 28 to 22 v 46 Before the arrest
22 v 47 to 23 v 56 After the arrest
The Son of Man Glorified – Chapter 24 v 1 to 53
Passage Subject
24 v 1 to 8 The initial appearance after resurrection
24 v 9 to 53 The next forty days
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John
Author – John
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.
Summary – The book of John was written in order that men may believe that Jesus is the Son of God and consequently the Redeemer of all who believe in him and the things concerning the Kingdom of God. John cites eight signs to establish and prove this point, culminating in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. John is the only one of the four Gospels that does not cite any parables; instead John emphasises Jesus as the manifestation of God.
Key Verse – “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20 v 31
Unique Features – There are many key words in John’s Gospel, and dominant throughout is the word “believe”, which occurs over eighty times. The word, however, implies a belief that has developed into faith or conviction. As such, this Gospel was written for believers. They are enabled thereby to perceive the inner strength of Jesus, and to see that it stemmed from a greater than he, even God. Another peculiarity is the frequent use of the word “Jew”. It is only found once in Matthew, twice in Mark and in Luke, but over sixty times in John.
John concerns himself more with the Judean ministry, which Matthew and Mark hardly touch upon, and he records eight miracles (which he terms “signs”) that set in sequential order the whole purpose of God in Christ.
From everlasting – Chapter 1 v 1 to 18
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 8 God before Christ
1 v 9 to 18 God in Christ
God Manifest in the Flesh – Chapter 1 v 19 to 19 v 42
Passage Subject
1 v 19 to 12 v 50 In the world
13 v 1 to 17 v 26 To his own
18 v 1 to 19 v 42 Arrest, trial and crucifixion
To Everlasting – Chapter 20 v 1 to 21 v 25
Passage Subject
20 v 1 to 18 The empty tomb
20 v 19 to 21 v 25 Resurrection appearances
The earliest and most reliable manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11.
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Acts of the Apostles
Author – Luke
Time – 30 to 60 A.D.
Summary – Acts records the foundation and activities of the first–century church. It illustrates the struggles and problems that they faced as well as the solutions to overcome the problems. It describes the power that was given to a select number of men by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to promote the Gospel. The book also traces the missionary journeys of Paul as he helped form churches throughout Asia Minor, southeastern Europe and Rome.
The Witness to Christ
Key Verse – “But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” Acts 1 v 8
Preparation for preaching – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2 v 4
In Jerusalem – Chapter 2 v 5 to 7 v 60
In Judea and Samaria – Chapter 8 v 1 to 25
To the end of the earth – Chapter 8 v 26 to 28 v 31
Passage Subject
8 v 26 to 40 Towards Africa
9 v 1 to 15 v 35 Towards Asia
15 v 36 to 18 v 17 Towards Europe
18 v 18 to 26 v 32 In Asia
27 v 1 to 28 v 31 In Rome
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Romans
Author – Paul
Time – 58 to 60 A.D.
Summary – Paul was instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ to be a minister to the Gentile people. He begins the letter by showing how all men are sinners in the eyes of God and therefore worthy of death. However, Paul explains that Jesus Christ was the “last Adam” in whom no sin was found, and is able to provide an acceptable covering for men’s sin if they agree that God is always right, accepting all that Jesus said and follow after him in their own lives. With this in mind, Paul explains the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles and the final outcome of all things when the Lord Jesus returns to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God.
Christ – The power of God to us
Key Verse – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith”. Romans 1 v 16 to 17
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 15
Doctrinal – How the Gospel relates to salvation– Chapter 1 v 16 to 8 v 39
Passage Subject
1 v 16 to 3 v 20 Condemnation
3 v 21 to 5 v 21 Justification
6 v 1 to 8 v 17 Sanctification
8 v 18 to 39 Glorification
National – How the Gospel relates to Israel – Chapter 9 v 1 to 11 v 36
Passage Subject
9 v 1 to 33 Selection
10 v 1 to 21 Rejection
11 v 1 to 36 Restoration
Practical – How the Gospel relates to conduct– Chapter 12 v 1 to 15 v 13
Passage Subject
12 v 1 to 21 Social responsibilities
13 v 1 to 14 Civil responsibilities
14 v 1 to 15 v 13 Congregational responsibilities
Epilogue – Personal matters – Chapter 15 v 14 to 16 v 27
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1st Corinthians
Author – Paul
Time – 55 – 57 A.D.
Summary – Written to the church at Corinth by the Apostle Paul. He deals with a series of problems and false teachings that were present in the newly formed church. Most members were from an immoral pagan background and were encouraged to change their way of life. There were also problems with those who tried to “blend” the teachings of Christ with the Law of Moses.
Christ: The wisdom of God to us
Key Verses – “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect”. 1 Corinthians 1 v 17
“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” 1Corinthians 1 v 24
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1Corinthians 2 v 7 & 8
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 9
Reproof: Concerning divisions – Chapter 1 v 10 to 4 v 21
Correction: Concerning inconsistencies – Chapter 5 v 1 to 6 v 20
Instruction: Answers to problems – Chapter 7 v 1 to 15 v 58
Passage Subject
7 v 1 to 17 Concerning the marriage state
7 v 18 to 24 Regarding circumcision and slavery
7 v 25 to 40 Regarding virgins and marriage
8 v 1 to 11 v 1 Regarding meat offered to idols
11 v 2 to 16 Regarding sisters in the ecclesia
11 v 17 to 34 Regarding the Lord’s Supper
12 v 1 to 14 v 40 Regarding Spirit gifts
15 v 1 to 58 Regarding the resurrection
General Matters – Chapter 16 v 1 to 24
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2nd Corinthians
Author – Paul
Time – 55 – 57 A.D.
Summary – This second letter to the church at Corinth was also penned by Paul. It was written after he made a “painful” and unsuccessful visit to the young church in an attempt to give instruction and guidance on several divisive issues. Upon learning that a majority of members had repented, he wrote the letter of 2nd Corinthians. It gives encouragement, yet teaches of the suffering that each member must face for the Lord Jesus’ sake. He concludes by surmising that when he is weakest, then God is able to work through him most powerfully. This letter was, in all likelihood, written about six months after the first letter to the Corinthians.
Christ: The comfort of God to us
Key Verses – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1 v 3 and 4
Introduction: The voice of experience – Chapter 1 v 1 to 11
Explanation: Paul the minister – Chapter 1 v 12 to 5 v 21
Passage Subject
1 v 12 to 2 v 11 Concerning his motives
2 v 12 to 5 v 21 Concerning the ministry
Exhortation: Paul the father – Chapter 6 v 1 to 9 v 15
Passage Subject
6 v 1 to 7 v 1 Concerning spiritual matters
8 v 1 to 9 v 1 Concerning material matters
Vindication: Paul the Apostle – Chapter 10 v 1 to 12 v 18
Passage Subject
10 v 1 to 11 v 1 The critics and their pretensions
11 v 16 to 12 v 18 The apostle and his credentials
Conclusion: Future Intentions – Chapter 12 v 19 to 13 v 14
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Galatians
Author – Paul
Time – 48 – 50 A.D.
Summary – The letter to the churches in Galatia focuses on the divisions that Jewish Christians were causing among new Gentile converts. These Judaisers were trying to convince the Gentiles that first, Paul’s authority was given by men and not by God, and secondly, that they needed to be circumcised and to keep the ritual law in order to be saved. Paul argues that both Jew and Gentile alike enjoy in Christ complete salvation. Through Christ they can be justified, that is, reckoned right with God, by association with the Promises made to Abraham. Reliance on the Law would only lead to death, and could not produce life–giving freedom, as only Christ could grant that freedom. Paul was showing that all legalistic variations of the Gospel are perversions of it and should be shown as such.
Key Verses – “If righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” Galatians 2 v 21
“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” Galatians 3 v 6
“We … wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” Galatians 5 v 5
Introduction and salutation – Chapter 1 v 1 to 5
The purpose of the letter – Chapter 1 v 6 to 9
Personal details – Illustrating the authenticity of Paul’s Gospel – Chapter 1 v 10 – 2 v 21
Doctrinal – A declaration of the Gospel – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 31
Passage Subject
3 v 1 to 14 Justification by faith
3 v 15 to 29 Faith’s relation to the law
4 v 1 to 31 Relationship of faith to the law illustrated
Practical – the demands of the Gospel – Chapter 5 v 1 to 6 v 10
Passage Subject
5 v 1 to 12 The call to liberty
5 v 13 to 26 Liberty in reality
6 v 1 to 10 Freedom in Christ must be mutually enjoyed
Concluding review – Chapter 6 v 11 to 18
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Ephesians
Author – Paul
Time – 62 – 63 A.D.
Summary – The letter is divided into two sections. The first outlines the blessings and spiritual riches in Christ; the second the walk in imitation of Christ. The letter illustrates the abundance of spiritual riches that Christ himself received, namely grace, glory, mercy, immortality, and was written to foster the development of Christ–like behaviour. By doing so, the believer would learn to walk worthy of his vocation; not as Gentiles which know not God, but as children of light who show forth love and walk correctly in all aspects of life and action until the return of the Lord Jesus. It is thought that this letter was one of several letters which were circulated to the different churches in Asia and that it was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28 v 30).
Key Verses – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1 v 18 to 20
Our wealth in Christ – Chapter 1 v 1 to 3 v 21
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 2 Salutation
1 v 3 to 23 The origin of the church
2 v 1 to 22 The construction of the church
3 v 1 to 21 The function of the church
Our walk in Christ – Chapter 4 v 1 to 6 v 24
Passage Subject
4 v 1 to 16 Responsibilities in the church
4 v 17 to 6 v 9 Individual conduct
6 v 10 to 24 Faith’s warfare
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Philippians
Author – Paul
Time – 62 A.D.
Summary – The tone of this letter is more personal in nature than any other letter. Paul outlines his own beliefs and states that all believers must not be self–centred in their lives, but must look to Christ for an example of self–sacrifice and unity in purpose. He further contrasts enemies of the cross with those who are friends of the Lord Jesus and the cross. It is thought that Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison.
Key Verses – “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3 v 7 to 8
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind” Philippians 3 v 13 to 15
Christ our life – Chapter 1 v 1 to 30
Christ our mind – Chapter 2 v 1 to 30
Christ our goal – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 1
Christ our strength – Chapter 4 v 2 to 2
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Colossians
Author – Paul
Time – 62 – 63 A.D.
Summary – The letter to Colossae was written in response to the heresies that were brought to Paul’s attention. The major errors that had crept into the church were:
* the exaltation of angels or other “elemental spirits”,
* the belief that self–denial and religious rituals produce spirituality, and
* the claiming of a special knowledge beyond that found in the Gospel of Christ.
Paul states that these are ideas based on human tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority, and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.
Christ : The fullness of God to us
Key Verses – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power. In him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead” Colossians 2 v 8 – 12
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 15
Doctrinal – “That you may be filled” – Chapter 1 v 16 to 2 v 23
Practical – “Seek those things which are above” – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 6
Personal – “That he may know your circumstances” – Chapter 4 v 7 to 18
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1st & 2nd Thessalonians
Author – Paul
Time – 50 A.D.
Summary – The main focus in these letters is the state of the dead in Christ. It deals with their resurrection and the future Kingdom of God. Paul appears to have written these letters because of the large number of newly baptised believers in Thessalonica. He was forced out of the city by jealous Jews. The occurrence of “you know” in the letters indicates that Paul had begun to teach them but was interrupted and therefore wishes to solidify the subject matter. Further encouragement is given in the second letter regarding the punishment of those wicked men who were persecuting them.
1st Thessalonians – Christ as our hope
Key Verses – “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1Thessalonians 1 v 9 and 10
Looking back: how they were called – Chapter 1 v 1 to 3 v 13
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 10 Through example
2 v 1 to 20 Through preaching
3 v 1 to 13 Through after–care
Looking on: How they should live – Chapter 4 v 1 to 18
Looking forward: Watching and waiting – Chapter 5 v 1 to 28
2nd Thessalonians – Christ As Our Victory
Key Verses – “And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ …. when he comes, in that day, to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who believe” 2Thessalonians 1 v 7 to 10
Consolation: – From the fact of Christ’s coming – Chapter 1 v 1 to 12
Caution: Instruction on the time of Christ’s coming – Chapter 2 v 1 to 17
Command: Injunctions in view of Christ’s coming – Chapter 3 v 1 to 18
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1st & 2nd Timothy
Author – Paul
Time – Between 62 and 66 A.D.
Summary – Paul gives Timothy encouragement and reminds him of the work at hand. He reveals his fears to Timothy of the dangers within the church and gives advice for the godly conduct of all individuals. The two letters to Timothy, along with that to Titus are often called the Pastoral letters, because they were addressed to pastors, or leaders, of churches and not to the churches themselves.
1st Timothy
The charge – Guard that which has been committed to you
Key Verses – “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy … that …you may wage a good warfare” 1Timothy 1 v 18
“O Timothy! guard what was committed to your trust” 1Timothy 6 v 20
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 20
Ecclesial conduct – Chapter 2 v 1 to 3 v 16
Ecclesial problems – Chapter 4 v 1 to 6 v 10
Personal admonition – Chapter 6 v 11 to 21
2nd Timothy
The challenge – Stir up the gift of God
Key Verses – “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you” 2 Timothy 1 v 6
“The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” 2 Timothy 2 v 2
“Perilous times will come” 2 Timothy 3 v 1
“The time of my departure is at hand” 2 Timothy 4 v 6
Hold on to the charge – Chapter 1 v 1 to 18
Encourage others to take up the charge – Chapter 2 v 1 to 26
Guard the charge in the face of apathy – Chapter 3 v 1 to 17
Preach the charge at all seasons – Chapter 4 v 1 to 8
Paul’s final words – Chapter 4 v 9 to 2
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Titus
Author – Paul
Time – 62 to 66 A.D.
Summary – This letter was written by Paul from Nicopolis to Titus who was teaching the churches on the island of Crete. The letter provides Titus with instruction and advice for his conduct as well as guidance for dealing with the believers in Crete.
The caution – What a church must aim for.
Key Verse – “That you should set in order the things that are lacking” Titus 1 v 5
An orderly church – Chapter 1 v 1 to 16
A sound church – Chapter 2 v 1 to 15
A practical church – Chapter 3 v 1 to 15
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Philemon
Author – Paul
Time – 61 – 62 A.D.
Summary – Paul writes to Philemon whose slave, Onesimus, had run away to Rome, where he met Paul and became a Christian. Paul sends him back to his rightful owner with his personal letter of recommendation to accept him back with love and charity.
Responsibilities in Christ
Salutation – v 1 to 3
Paul’s praise of Philemon – v 4 to 7
Paul’s plea for Onesimus – v 8 to 17
Paul’s pledge of repayment – v 18 to 22
Final greetings – v 23 to 25
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Hebrews
Author – Probably Paul
Time – 63 A.D.
Summary – This letter persuasively presents the distinctiveness of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The letter is primarily written to Jewish Christians who were wavering between Judaism and Christianity. Its primary message was to prove that Jesus Christ was the fulfilment of all Old Testament prophecy and symbol. With Christ as the fulfilment, there was no longer a need to offer the animal sacrifices, etc., required under the Mosaic Law. Christ is the High Priest and mediator of all believers in all ages who look for the salvation of God.
Christ – The New and Living Way
Key Verses – “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he consecrated for us, though the veil, that is , His flesh; and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful . And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”. Hebrews 10 v 19 to 25.
Christ the Son: Better than his Predecessors – Chapter 1 v 1 to 7 v 28
Passage Subject
1 v 1 to 3 A better voice than the prophets
1 v 4 to 2 v 18 A better name than the angels
3 v 1 to 19 A better apostle than Moses
4 v 1 to 13 A better leader than Joshua
4 v 14 to 6 v 20 A better priest than Aaron
7 v 1 to 28 A better priestly order than the Levitical
Christ the Sacrifice: Confirming the better covenant– Chapter 8 v 1 to 10 v 18
Passage Subject
8 v 1 to 5 Christ the antitype of the Mosaic order
8 v 6 to 13 Christ the mediator of a better covenant
9 v 1 to 5 The Mosaic Tabernacle
9 v 6 to 10 The lessons it taught
9 v 11 to 14 Christ provided a better sanctuary
9 v 15 to 28 Christ provided a better sacrifice
10 v 1 to 4 The limitations of animal sacrifices
10 v 5 to 10 The effectiveness of Christ’s offering
10 v 11 to 18 The completeness of his offering
Christ and faith: the true and better way – Chapter 10 v 19 to 13 v 21
Passage Subject
10 v 19 to 39 Faith – The true response
11 v 1 to 40 Faith – The moving power of the ages
12 v 1 to 13 Faith leads to Christ
12 v 14 to 13 v 21 Faith expresses itself in practical morality
Final words – Chapter 13 v 22 to 25
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James
Author – James
Time – 43 – 50 A.D.
Summary – The letter of James contains practical information pertaining to everyday life as a Christian. It is not directed at any church in particular, but rather to Jewish believers, revealing their responsibilities to the principles of the Law as manifested in Christ. It focuses on real faith, and shows that there is a need to develop faith as an energizing power that would find its outworking in a changed life; therefore, the epistle dwells on practice and not doctrine.
Faith in action
Key Verse – “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” James 2 v 26
How faith can triumph over trials – Chapter 1 v 1 to 27
How faith can govern action towards others – Chapter 2 v 1 to 26
How faith can discipline the tongue – Chapter 3 v 1 to 18
How faith can purify character – Chapter 4 v 1 to 17
How faith can create confidence in God – Chapter 5 v 1 to 20
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1st Peter
Author – Peter
Time – 60 A.D.
Summary – This letter was written to Christians in Asia Minor to help establish a joyful hope in the face of coming persecution. Peter sternly warns that persecution would come and that each individual must stand fast against it.
Triumph in tribulation
Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 2
The call and what it involves – Chapter 1 v 3 to 2 v 10
The pilgrim life and how to live it – Chapter 2 v 11 to 4 v 11
The fiery trial and how to bear it – Chapter 4 v 12 to 5 v 11
Final words – Chapter 5 v 12 to 14
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2nd Peter
Author – Peter
Time – 66 A.D.
Summary – The theme of this letter is true knowledge. The newly formed church was threatened by false teachers, and therefore Peter exhorts the Christians to be aware of this danger. Peter explains that false teachers had crept in and were secretly subverting the true doctrine of the Gospel.
The true knowledge and the sure hope
The well – founded Gospel message should produce an enthusiastic response – Chapter 1 v 1 to 21
Warnings against evil doers and false teachers – Chapter 2 v 1 to 22
The certainty of the Lord’s return – Chapter 3 v 1 to 18
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1st John
Author – John the apostle
Time – 85 to 100 A.D.
Summary – This letter was written to a community who faced heresy. John teaches how to walk in the light and also to keep in remembrance the sacrifice which the Lord Jesus Christ made for them.
The Truth and the ecclesia
Introduction: Why the letter was written – Chapter 1 v 1 to 4
God is Light – Chapter 1 v 5 to 2 v 29
God is love – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 21
God is life – Chapter 5 v 1 to 21
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2nd John
Author – John the apostle
Time – 85 to 100 A.D.
Summary – The letter is addressed to an “elect lady”, who is advised to have minimal fellowship with unbelievers. The ideas of love, truth, and obedience are emphasised.
The Truth and the home
Introduction – v 1 to 4
Exposition: love defined – v 5 to 6
Exhortation – v 7 to 9
Application: False charity to be avoided – v 10 to 11
Information – v 12 to 13
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3rd John
Author – John the apostle
Time – 85 to 100 A.D.
Summary – The letter commends Gaius for allowing Christian teachers the use of his home and financial means. He is urged to receive only good men, which were known by their works and to shun evil men.
The Truth and the individual
Gaius: The sincere, dedicated and loveable – v 1 to 8
Diotrephes: The domineering, self–assertive, arrogant – v 9 to 11
Demetrius: of good repute to all – v 12
Last words from John – v 13 to 14
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Jude
Author – Jude
Time – Around 60 A.D.
Summary – Jude warns of the danger of the false teachers who have “slipped in” unknown to the newly converted Christians. He further outlines the past judgements upon evil men who forsook the Word of God and perverted it into the traditions of men.
Contending earnestly for the faith
Introduction – v 1 and 2
The need to contend: Apostate teachers – v 3 to 16
The way to contend: Available resources – v 17 to 25
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Revelation
Author – The apostle John
Time – 95 A.D.
Summary – This is the final book of the New Testament and the Bible as a whole. John is shown events down the ages affecting the true believers and the events leading up to the return of Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The vision is highly symbolic, and shows the corruption of the church as well as the judgements on those who are held accountable.
The events down the ages that lead eventually to the Kingdom of God.
Key Verse – “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants – things which must shortly take place. And he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John” Revelation 1 v 1
Jesus Christ and the redeemed – Chapter 1 v 1 to 20
Jesus Christ and the ecclesia – Chapter 2 v 1 to 3 v 22
Jesus Christ and the Kingdom – Chapter 4 v 1 to 22 v 21
Passage Subject
4 v 1 to 5 v 14 Introduction
6 v 1 to 7 v 17 The seven seals
8 v 1 to 11 v 19 The seven angelic trumpeters
12 v 1 to 14 v 20 The development and destruction of the beast, his image and organization
15 v 1 to 16 v 21 The seven vials of Divine wrath
17 v 1 to 20 v 15 The judgement of the great whore and triumph of the Lamb
21 v 1 to 22 v 21 New heavens and new earth
One Return | Messenger of God 
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