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As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
In this session, you will be introduced to an overview of the New Testament and be given a summary of each book.
Read John 14:16-20.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever –17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me any more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
Praise God for the privilege of his indwelling presence every bit as real, yet better in that we can never be separated from him.
Introduction: The New Testament records what Jesus taught and did, as well as Spirit-guided explanations of implications of the New Covenant we have with the Father through Jesus Christ His Son.
Read your assigned verses and then tell the group:
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.17 He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken,’37 and, as another scripture says, ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.’
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eye witnesses and servants of the word.3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
16 He [Paul] writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God –2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to provide a way for us to become Kingdom citizens, to re-align us to the ways of the Kingdom, and to teach and empower us for a Kingdom agenda. It is all about Jesus’ rule and reign expanding to all the peoples of the earth. His disciples recorded for us Spirit-inspired testimonies of what they saw and were taught by Jesus. Jesus spoke through Paul to relate Jesus’ life to the Old Testament and to explain the implications of the Kingdom in the practical matters of every day life.
The New Testament completely reveals Jesus as the Messiah. It shows the fulfillment of all promises about Him from the Old Testament. The New Testament reports many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles He performed, proving that He was both completely human and completely God. The New Testament highlights Jesus’ sacrifice as the foundation for salvation to forgive the sins of all who believe in Him.
The New Testament is made up of:
There are 27 Total Books in the New Testament.
The Four Gospels report events in the life and ministry of Jesus up to the time of His crucifixion and resurrection.
The Gospels give account of the events, teaching and meaning of the life of Jesus Christ, from beginning to end, so that mankind will believe in Him, that He is the Messiah who became the sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. They also show Jesus’ mission to make a disciple making
movement to expand His Kingdom reign to all peoples of the earth.
Matthew – The gospel of Matthew was written by the Apostle Matthew. It emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah. It shows many of Jesus’ ministry activities but includes large sections of Jesus’ teachings: the Sermon of the Mount, Kingdom parables, and discussion on the end times. It closes with Great Commission.
Mark – The gospel of Mark was written by John Mark from sermons stories shared by the Apostle Peter. It emphasizes Jesus as God’s Son but shows that the disciples, the crowds and the religious leaders did not understand who He was until after His death on the cross.
Luke – The gospel of Luke was written by Paul’s co-worker Luke to a man named Theophilus. It emphasizes Jesus as a real human. He shows Jesus’ compassion on the poor and the outcast while showing how Jesus fulfilled His purpose to “seek and save the lost”.
John – This gospel was written by the Apostle John. It emphasizes Jesus as Lord and tries to persuade people to believe in Him. John highlights seven signs (miracles) and seven “I AM” statements that show His divinity. It includes the most used summary of the gospel (John 3:16).
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Letters to the Churches
These letters give instructions to the new churches to help them mature spiritually and resolve daily and practical challenges that come up in their fellowship together.
Uniqueness of Each Letter:
Romans—The letter to the church in Rome was written in 57 AD at the end of Paul’s third missionary journey. It provides a systematic explanation of the Gospel. It shows that being right with God has always been by faith and explains the freedom that comes with being righteous by faith. Paul explains that Israel has rejected the Gospel for a period of time as the Gospel spreads to the Gentiles. Romans 12-15
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.20 On the contrary:
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.7 Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.9 The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.
11 And do this, understanding the present time: the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters.2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.11 It is written:
‘“As surely as I live,” says the Lord,
“Every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.”’
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
‘Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.’
10 Again, it says,
‘Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.’
11 And again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.’
12 And again, Isaiah says,
‘The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.’
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.15 Yet I have written to you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done –19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way round to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.21 Rather, as it is written:
‘Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.’
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and that you will assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there.26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favourably received by the Lord’s people there,32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
1 Corinthians—The first letter to the church in Corinth was written in 55 AD while Paul was in Ephesus. He instructs the church at Corinth to resolve conflicts in the church and corrects church members who are still living worldly. It deals with issues that were dividing the church like
marriage, worship, spiritual gifts, food offered to idols and the resurrection. Paul appealed to the Corinthians to be unified and give themselves fully to the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58).
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
2 Corinthians—The second letter to the church in Corinth was written in 56 AD while Paul traveled in the province of Macedonia at the end of his third missionary journey. Paul defends his apostleship and shows how to overcome Satan’s testing of the church. He continues addressing issues from the first letter as well as writing about ministry work, holy living and
giving.
Galatians—The letter to the churches in the province of Galatia was Paul’s first letter. It was written after Paul finished his first missionary journey. It emphasizes the freedom that Jesus’ followers have from the Law through the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul also defends his ministry and corrects those who try to mix the grace of Christ with the requirements of the Law.
Ephesians—The letter to the believers in the city of Ephesus was written while Paul was in prison in Rome about 60 AD. It highlights believer’s new identity in Jesus. It also instructs believers how this impacts the church, individuals and families. Paul encourages the Ephesians to increase in faith and stand strong against Satan.
Philippians—The letter to the church at Philippi was also written while Paul was in prison in Rome about 60 AD. Paul praised the believers for their continued financial partnership in his work. He expressed joy at how many people were hearing about Christ and challenged the
Philippians to live a life of thankfulness (Philippians 4:4).
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!
Colossians—The letter to the church in Colossae was the third letter written while Paul was in prison in Rome around 60 AD. This is unique because it is a church started by one of Paul’s coworkers. The church was being influenced by false teachers that were trying to require strict
rules on them. Paul explains Jesus Christ’s position as LORD (Colossians 1:13-23),
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour.22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation –23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
1 Thessalonians—The first letter written to the church in Thessalonica during Paul’s second missionary journey around 50 AD. Paul encourages new believers in their faith and challenges them to live godly lives. He also addresses believers who have died and the resurrection.
2 Thessalonians—The second letter to the church in Thessalonica was written about 6 months after the first letter (about 51 AD). Paul wrote to clarify questions about the resurrection and to reassure them about the second coming of Jesus. He warned them about being lazy and urged
them to follow his example of working hard.
The purpose of Paul’s letters is to advise the church leaders on living as a minister of the gospel and also how to function as a church. These letters were written by Paul to two co-workers who he won to Christ and mentored spiritually, named Timothy and Titus.
Uniqueness of Each Letter:
1 Timothy—This is the first letter written to Paul’s younger co-worker named Timothy after Paul was released from the prison in Rome around 62 AD. Timothy was working with the church in Ephesus and Paul wrote to advise him how to handle various issues. He instructed Timothy on
dealing with false doctrine, public prayer, roles of women, and requirements for church leaders.Paul urged Timothy to model a godly life as an example to be followed.
2 Timothy— The second letter to Timothy is Paul’s last letter he ever wrote. Paul wrote had been arrested again and wrote from prison around 66 AD. Even though Paul had been abandoned by everyone else and was facing death, he pointed Timothy to place his hope in Jesus. He instructed Timothy to pay attention to sound doctrine and emphasized the importance of older believers passing on what they know to others (2 Timothy 2:2).
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Titus—The letter to Titus was written in the 60s sometime after Paul was released from the prison in Rome in 62 AD. Paul and Titus had just finished planting churches in all the towns onthe island of Crete. Paul writes to instruct Titus how to organize the new churches and giving
requirements for church leadership. All believers were to live godly lives.
The purpose of the public letters was to advise and strengthen the churches to live holy lives and do the Lord’s will.
Uniqueness of Each Letter:
Philemon—Paul’s letter to Philemon was the fourth letter written while he was in prison in Rome about 61 AD. He tells Philemon how he met one of his escaped slaves named Onesimus. Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus because Onesimus has confessed his belief in Jesus and
has become useful in Paul’s ministry.
Hebrews—This letter was written sometime during the 60s. It was written to encourage Christians who were facing persecution. They were being tempted to return to their old Jewish lifestyle. It shows how Jesus is by very nature equal to God and that He accomplished complete
salvation for us. When faced with trials, we should look to the examples of faithful people who came before us in our everyday lives.
James—The letter of James was written by Jesus’ brother James in the 40s. He was leading the church in Jerusalem and wrote to all of the Jewish believers who had been scattered during the persecution during the 30s. It has many short teachings about joy in trials, prejudice, real faith,
sins of speech and relating to other believers.
1 Peter—The first letter from Peter was written in the mid-60s to believers in the northeastern provinces of the Roman Empire. They were facing a lot persecution for their faith and Peter encourages them to stand strong. Peter explains how believers should live holy lives in the face of their trials.
2 Peter—The second letter from Peter was written shortly before his death about 67 AD. He reflects on witnessing Jesus’ glory during the transfiguration (Matthew 17).
1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified.7 But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
10 The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’
11 Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.15 ‘Lord, have mercy on my son,’ he said. ‘He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.’
17 ‘You unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.’18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’
20 He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’
22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.’ And the disciples were filled with grief.
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’
25 ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. ‘What do you think, Simon?’ he asked. ‘From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or from others?’
26 ‘From others,’ Peter answered.
‘Then the children are exempt,’ Jesus said to him.27 ‘But so that we may not cause offence, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.’
1 John—John’s first letter was written the last part of the first century to believers in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). He was the last eye witness of Christ still living and he wrote to assure believers of the truth they had been taught. The test of real believers would be found in their
love, their obedience to Jesus and their sound doctrine.
2 John—John’s second letter was written to a church around the same time and warns believers about false teachers. These false teachers were taking advantage of Christian hospitality and using it as a way to spread their lies. Agreement on doctrine about Jesus is how they would be
able to have meaningful fellowship.
3 John—John’s third letter was written to a believer named Gaius. He encourages Gaius in his example of living out the teachings he was given.
Jude—This letter was written by Jesus’ brother Jude sometime in the 60s AD. Jude tells the church to follow true teaching and live in God’s love.
Revelation—This is the last known letter written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. He wrote to seven churches in the province of Asia (modern day Turkey). It has personal messages to each church from Jesus Himself and then
a series of visions. The visions include symbolic expressions of judgment on the wicked, persecution of the church, and the final victory by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This final victory ends human rebellion and ushers in a new heaven and a new earth.
After reviewing the summaries, discuss:
We live in the last days of history and God’s Kingdom is advancing to fulfill Jesus’ promise to build His church (Matthew 16:18).
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
27 BOOKS OF THE
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