1. Themes and Significance of the NT and the Books of the NT
The New Testament
Themes and Significance of the NT and the Books of the NT

2. New Testament Introduction
NT – 27 individual books
Major sections – Gospels, History, Letters of Paul, Letters of John, General Letters and Book of Revelation
Major Theme of NT
who Jesus is and why is Jesus important
Christians – followers of Jesus –practical and ethical implications of being a Xn.

3. Makeup of New Testament
Gospels History Paul’s Letters
Matthew Acts Romans
Mark 1, 2 Corinthians
Luke Galatians
John Ephesians
Letters of Philippians
John Colossians
1, 2, 3, John 1, 2 Thessalonians
Book of Revelation 1, 2 Timothy
Titus & Philemon

4. Makeup of New Testament
General Letters
Hebrews
James,
1, 2 Peter
Jude
New Testament written mainly in Koine Greek – 100 AD.

5. The Gospels Four Gospels – Four Portraits of Jesus
Gospel = “good news” - life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The period of oral tradition – the Gospels are historical and theological in their emphasis. Such as the teaching of a parable given by Jesus is a fact, the time and location is secondary to the parable itself.
The period of the Gospel’s oral tradition (30 –65 AD).
Handing down in spoken word (not written word) the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ.

6. The Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Matthew – 64 – 68 AD Jewish Christian audience
Jesus fulfillment of OT and is seen not only as the Son of God, but a New Moses.
Five majors sections of Matthew = comparable to the first five books of OT. Sermon on the Mount – fulfillment of the OT Law.
Mark – earliest Gospel written around 60 – 64 AD.
Emphasis on Jesus’ deeds, not his teachings.
Probably the first known book of instruction for the Christians of the 1st century.

7. Luke
Luke – Date of writing 70’s AD.
Gentile audience. Gospel to the outsiders (marginalized persons,such as the poor, oppressed and needy. Two of Jesus’ best known parables, Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:30-37) and Parable of the Prodigal Son ( )

8. Gospel of John John’s Gospel – from 85 – late 90’s AD
Philosophical and theological – John 1 – Jesus = Logos
Jesus’ seven “I AM” sayings. Evidence of Jesus’ divinity as well as his humanity.
“I am the Bread of Life” (6:35)
“I am the Light of the World” (8:12, 9:5)
“I am the Gate for the sheep” (10: 7. 9)
“I am the Good Shepherd” (10:11)
“I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25)
“I am the Way, Truth and Life” (14:6)
“I am the True Vine” (15:2)
John’s Gospel – from 85 – late 90’s AD
Jesus’ seven “I AM” sayings. Evidence of Jesus’ divinity as well as his humanity.
“I am the Bread of Life”
“I am the Light of the World “I
John’s Gospel – from 85 – late 90’s AD
Jesus’ seven “I AM” sayings. Evidence of Jesus’ divinity as well as his humanity.
“I am the Bread of Life”
“I am the Light of the World “I

9. The Synoptic Problem Synoptic – from Greek synopsis = summary
Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Mark’s Gospel – a source used by Matthew & Luke.
Q- Quelle – source material common in Mt. and Lk.
M – source unique to Matthew
L – source to Luke
Concerns itself with the words and works of Jesus handed down between 30 – 60 AD.

10. The Acts of the Apostles
Written by Luke – 2nd volume to Gospel of Luke
Spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Samaria and throughout the Roman Empire (geographical, social, racial, economical, etc.)
1st 12 chapters – focus on Apostle Peter’s ministry
Remainder of Acts – focus on Paul’s ministry
Paul – a Jew who became the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Damascus Road conversion experience
Paul – three missionary journeys
Written- before 64 AD.

11. Letters of Paul
Letters – writings regarding Christian doctrine and practice historical setting/universal practice.
Written to churches (small groups meeting in homes). Paul’s early letters dealt with the Second Coming of Christ and the relation between Jews and Gentiles. His later writings dealt with theological truths and practical living.

12. Romans, Corinthians
Romans – 57 AD Paul – doctrine of justification by faith. “put right with God” Example – Abraham.
Most theological of Paul’s writings and discusses the old covenant and new covenant. (Rome)
1, 2 Corinthians – 55 AD. (Corinth). 1st letter deals with Christianity’s relation to others inside and outside the church. Response to pagan traditions in Corinth. Theological truths – Resurrection
2nd letter – dealt with controversy and Paul’s credentials. Also God’s compassion & graciousness.

13. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians
Galatians – 53 AD. Freedom of Christians, privilege and responsibility. Justification by faith. “Judaziers” wanted to add religious requirements to one’s faith in Christ.
Ephesians – concern with the church’s universal needs for correct theology and right practice.
Philippians – 61 AD. Written under house arrest. Theme – joy and to rejoice in all situations
Colossians – address the influence of Gnosticism
emphasis of spirit (good) over material (bad) Supremacy of Christ

14. 1,2 Thessalonians; 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
1,2 Thessalonians 49 AD. Emphasis on Second Coming of Christ & watchfulness.
1, 2, Timothy and Titus – Pastoral Epistles Dealt with church offices & governance and practical living. Addressed to individuals instead of churches.
Philemon – 60 AD. Dealt with a practical matter – the fate of a runaway slave, Onesimus, who is to be treated as a brother by Philemon upon Onesimus’ return.

15. General Letters
Hebrews – Jesus Christ – the fulfillment of the OT sacrificial system. Excellent Greek language.
James – faith in Christ, then works; not works plus faith to follow Christ.
1,2 Peter – encouragement to Christians being persecuted.
1, 2, 3 John – Gnosticism threat. Belief that Jesus’ body was apparent & not real. Distinction between the superiority of the spiritual over the material. Reality of Christ’s human nature and that Xns should not practice sinful lifestyles.

16. Jude and Revelation
Jude – a brief letter (book). Combat the influence of Gnosticism and Jewish superstition.
Book of Revelation 90 AD. Apocalyptic (hidden meaning). Symbolic and figurative language. Meaningful to this church and principles and truths derived for today.
Method of Interpreting the NT – the Person and Work of Jesus Christ