THE GOSPELS:

The word Gospel signifies "good Tidings," and this name has been applied to the First Four Books of the New Testament because they contain the essence of God's greatest message to man.

These four books present a concise record of the Nativity, Life, Teachings, works,Death,Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus the Son of God, Son of Man. Savior, Redeemer, Priest and King.

Each of the four Gospels were written for different classes and for distinct purposes.

Matthew
Wrote especially for the Jews and presents the gospel of the Kingdom;

Mark
wrote particularly for the Romans and gives Gospel of power;

Luke
Wrote for the cultured Greek and presents Christ in his perfect humanity;

John
Wrote a supplementary Gospel designed especially to emphasize the spiritual ministry of Christ and His Kingdom.

The Gospel According to Matthew:
Written for Jewish readers, quotes largely from the Old Testament, sets forth Christ as the promised Messiah, shows the relation between Christ's Kingdom and the Old Covenant, establishes Christ's claim by prophecy, sets forth the doctrines of his kingdom, it trials and triumphs.

This Gospel does not give a chronological order of Christ's life, but groups important facts and teachings, first, regarding the origin, birth and preparation of Jesus;
second, regarding His public ministry in Galilee and Perea;
and third, regarding the closing scenes of His life.
Written by Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, probably about A.D. 60
It contains 28 Chapters
1,071 Verses and 23,684 words.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK:
Mark, portrays Jesus Christ as the Divine World-Conqueror, presents the kingdom of God in its universal world-wide conquest.
In this Gospel is given Christ in action, the word "straightway" being used more than fifty times, Quotations from prophecies and allusions to Jewish customs are avoided and special attention is given to Christ's power over nature, over the elements, over disease and over demons.
Mark gives an account of the inauguration of Christ's ministry, of the Galilean and Perean ministry, Of His sufferings, death and resurrection.
The book was written by John Marcus, John being his Jewish name and Marcus his Roman name.

He was a close associate of Peter.

Date of writing, about A.D. 61
The book contains 16 chapters.
678 Verses; and 15,171 words.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE.
Luke presents Jesus as the perfect Man, the universal Savior, the Brother of all the race. The genealogy of Christ is traced to Seth and Adam, emphasizing the fact that He come to save all man kind.

This gospel was written by Luke, a learned and cultured physician who was closely associated with Paul. He was a Greek, and the only Gentile writer of the New Testament Though he was not numbered among the apostles, he was evidently familiar with Christ's life and teachings,

His Gospel is perhaps the most chronologically arranged narrative of the life and teachings of Christ, with special emphasis on the sufferings and triumph of Jesus, the Son of Man, the savior of all mankind and redeemer of all the world.

The book was written about A.D. 63 or 64
It contains 24 chapters;
1,151 Verses and 25,944 Words.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN.
Supplementary and spiritual presenting Christ as the Divine, the God-Man.

The author who was evidently John the beloved apostle, passes over much that has been recorded by the other Gospels and emphasizes the great spiritual conversations and discourses of Jesus. He establishes the Divinity of Christ on the basis of His spiritual power and intimacy with God the Father, supports this claim by the record of miracles and teachings not found in the synoptic Gospels.

It is this Book that Jesus is revealed as the Bread of life, the Light and Life of the world, The true Shepherd, the Vine, and the intimate Friend and companion to His follows. John gives account of Christ's early Judean ministry, His ministry in Galilee and Perea, His last week in and around Jerusalem, and records of His death, resurrection and ascension.

The book was written by John in A.D. 97.
It contains 21 chapters.
879 Verses; and 19,099 words.

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES:
The last Historical Book of the New Testament. The design of the author was to set forth a record of the early progress of christianity, of the propagation of Christ's teachings and of the establishment of His Kingdom among the Gentiles under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. it records the account of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church; the ministry of the Apostles, with Jerusalem as the center of their operations; the spread of the gospel among the heathen nations of the first century, with Antioch as the center.

During the first period Peter was the leader while Paul become the foremost missionary during the last period. The book was written by luke and forms a connective link between the Gospels and Epistles.
The date of its writing has about A.D. 64
It contains 28 chapters;
1,007 Verses; and 24,250 words.

EPISTLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:
The Apostolic Epistles are Divinely inspired commentaries and authoritative expositions of the truths and doctrines of christianity, as taught by Jesus during His earthly ministry among men.

They contain the many things which Jesus told His disciples they were unable to bear and which were to be given to them later by the Holy Spirit.

The Pauline Epistles, of which there are fourteen, are both doctinal and practical. He refutes erroneous teachings and clearly sets forth the fundamental doctrine of christianity, and enjoins christian duties growing out of these truths. He is dogmatic, controversial and positive.

But always seeks spiritual edification and practical development among those to whom he writes.

THE EPISTLES TO THE ROMANS:
This is the greatest of the Pauline Epistles. While it appears in the order of arrangment in our Bible, chronologically it was sixth among the letters written by Paul.

As Paul Was unable to visit the church at Rome as early as he had hoped he sent this letter in which he sets forth, in a very comprehenive manner, the Doctrine of Grace,

The book may be divided into two general sections, the first chapters 1-3 presents the world under sin: while the second presents the world under Grace.

Written by Paul A.D. 58
And contains 16 chapters
433 Verses and 9,447 words

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS:
Written by Paul, at Ephesus in the year 57, to the church at Corinth, a city of Greece.

It was the fourth in the order of Paul's writings, and is classified among his great Doctrinal Treatise. Having received news of certain distubing conditions in the church at Corinth regarding marriage, eating meats offered to idols, the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts, and the doctrine of the resurrection, he writes to set these things in order.

Abuses and irregularities are reproved practical instructions are given, and the great fundamental doctrines of christianity are set out.
Written by Paul A.D. 57
16 chapters
437 Verses and 9,489 Words.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS:
Written a year after the first, at philippi, in Macedonia, and sent to Corinth by Titus and his assocates, Having received word of the good effects which his first letter had on the members of the Corinthian Church,

Paul now writes to confirm them in their good resolutions and to give advice on several important matters. The letter is deeply personal and reveals the intimate relationship of Paul to the Corinthians.

The book may be divided into three sections:

The spirit of fellowship and service, chapters 1-7;
The principle, privilege and duty of christian giving, chapters 8-9;
A defense of his Aposteship, chapters 10-13
It was written by Paul A.D. 57
257 verses; and 6,092 words.

THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS:
A circular letter addressed to the churches of Galatia,
written probably from Corinth in A.D. 56 or 57.
It is classified among the great Doctrinal Epistles of Paul.

It was the occasioned by two serious controversies: Judaizing teachers who demanded that the Gentile believers submit to Jewish legalisms, and effort to undermine the Apostolic authority of Paul.

In refuting these teachers the author gives his greatest treatise on the doctrine of Justification by faith, sustains his apostolic claims and enjoins the church to fidelity in doctrine. and faithfulness in christian service.

The book contains 6 chapters;
149 verses; and 3,098 words

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS:
A letter out of Paul's imprisonment, addressed to the church at Ephesus, a city of Ionia and the capital of Proconsular Asia, noted for superstition, luxury, uncleanness and vice,

The purpose of the Epistle was to establish the Ephesesians in the principles of christianity and to exhort them to holy living.

The key to the book is "I therefore beseech you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye were called."

Chapters 1-3 Doctrines of christianity;
4-6, Exemplification of these principles in church Unity, Holy Living, and Missionary service.

The Book was written by Paul A.D. 63 or 64
It contains 6 chapters
155 verses; and 3,039 words

THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS:
Written at Rome toward to close of Paul's first imprisonment and addressed to the church at Philippi, a city of Proconsular Macedonia.

This church was noted for its piety and missionary zeal and had been quite generous in its financial assistance to Paul. This letter is an affectionate outpouring of gratitude and love from an imprisoned sick and suffering missionary, It has been aptly called "Paul's Love Letter."
Wrote by Paul in A.D. 62 or 63
The book contains 4 chapters
104 verses; and 2,002 words.

THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS:
Another of Paul's letters of the imprisonment addressed to the christians at Colosse, in Asia Minor, in answer to inquiries regarding his health and welfare.

The spiritual life of this church having been endangered by certain Gnostic Philosophies, Paul refutes these heresies by setting forth the supreme Headship of Christ and the unity of believers in Him, giving four disinctive marks of christian character:
fruitfulness,
enlightenment,
patience and abounding grace.

Date written by Paul A.D. 62 or 63
The book contains 4 chapter
95 verses; and 1,998 words

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS.
In chronological order this is the first of Paul's Epistles,

The Church had enjoyed Paul's personal ministry and had evidently misinterpreted his teachings regarding the second coming Of Christ.
The purpose of the letter was to correct abuses growing out of their misunderstanding of this doctrine and to set forth the true character and ministry of Christianity.

Written by Paul A.D. 52 or 53 at Corinth.
The book contains 5 chapters;
89 verses; and 1,857 words.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS:
Written immediately after the First Epistle to the church and for the purpose of giving additional corrections of misunderstanding regarding the second coming of Christ.

Not only had the church failed to understand Paul's previous letter, but spurious epistle had been read to the church in which it was claimed that Paul announced the immediate approach of Christ's Second Coming. In refuting these abuses Paul sets forth an apostacy, and the coming of the man of sin, before the Second appearance of Christ.
Written by Paul A.D. 53
The book contains 3 chapters;
47 verses; and 1,042 words.

FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY:
A pastoral letter written by Paul to Timothy who held an important and affectionate place in his labors and who had been placed at Ephesus as overseer of the church.

The designed of this letter was to warn Timothy against false teachers and to encourage him as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Written By Paul A.D. 65
The book contains 6 chapters;
103 verses and 2,269 words.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY:
Written by Paul during his second imprisonment at Rome, and probably just before his martydom, and the last writings of the great Apostle that have been preserved.

Realizing that the end is at hand the aged prisoner of the lord writes his most beloved son in the gospel his dying message which naturally falls into three parts.
Chapters 1-2
Fundamentals of christian character and service, Chapter 3,
Prophecy of perilous times; Chapter 4
Farewell words.
The date of this epistle was A.D. 68
written by Paul
The book contains 4 chapters;
83 verses; and 1,703 words.

THE EPISTLE TO TIDUS:
A pastoral letter written probably from Macedonia to Titus who had been placed in charge of a church on the Isle of Crete, note for its corruption and evil. The design of this letter was to set forth the qualifications and duties of a faithful minister and the proper manner to meet false teachings.
Written by Paul A.D 65
the book contains 3 chapters;
46 verses; and 921 words.

THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON:
One of the four letters of Paul's first imprisonment at Rome, addressed to an individual in a very personal manner.

It is a masterpiece of christian courtesy and brotherly intercession. Onesimus was an escaped slave of Philemon, converted at Rome under Paul's ministry, and now returning to his master.

In a very tactful way Paul commended him as a christian brother and suggests that he be received kindly.

Written by Paul A.D. 62 or 63
The book has 1 chapter;
25 verses; and 445 words

THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS:
The author failed to affix his name to the Epistle. it has certain distinctive Pauline characteristics, and is thought to have been written by him by many ancient and modern scholars.

Among other suggested authors is Barnabas, Apollos, Silas and Priscilla. It is almost certain that the letter at least passed through Paul's hands or was written under his guidance.

The purpose of the author is to place before the Jews the claims and preeminence of Christ and christianity as compared with Judaism. The key-word of the epistle is
"Better" Better Revelation, 1/1-4
Better Hope, 7/9;
Better Priesthood 7/20-28;
Better Covenant. 8/6
Better Promises, 8/6
Better Sacrifices, 9/23;
Better Possessions, 10/24;
Better Country 11/16;
Better resurrection, 11/35

The date of its writing was probably between A.D. 68-70
The book contains 13 chapters
303 verses; and 6,913 words.

THE CATHOLIC OR GENERAL EPISTLE:
The epistle of the two Epistles of Peter, the three Epistles of John and the Epistle of Jude are called Catholic or general because they are addressed to the church at large and deal with matters in general regarding christian principles and practices.

THE EPISTLE OF JAMES:
The first of seven general epistles,, written by James the brother of Jesus and probably the pastor of the church at Jerusalem, and addressed especially to Jewish christians.

The design of the epistle was to emphasize the importance of putting faith into practical service,

While James stresses the doctrine of Good works, there is no conflict between his teachings and those of Paul when he teaches Justification by faith.

Paul presents the means of justification, James the evidence or practical expression of it.

Chapter 1; The believers attitude to trial, temptation and religious duties

Chapter 2; The relation between Faith and works,

Chapters 3-4, Exemplification of true religion;

Chapter 5, True riches.

The date of the writing is uncertain, probably about A.D. 45 although some authorities place it as late as A.D. 62
The book contains 5 chapters;
108 verses; and 2,309 words.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER:
A vigorous and impressive letter from the Apostle Peter, addressed especially to the Jewish converts of Asia Minor. It is a stirring appeal to christians under great trail, in which Christ, who has suffered beyond human description, is presented as their security and example,

Three things are set out in the letter:
The believer's life in Christ, chapters 1-2;
Exhortations for faithfulness under trail, chapters 3-4;
Christ through sufferings made perfect, chapter 5.

The book was written by Peter between A.D. 64 and 67,
It contains 5 chapters
105 verses; and 2,482 words

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER:
Written by the great apostle shortly before his martyrdom, probably from Rome, and like the first, addressed especially to Jewish converts of Asia Minor.

He exhorts them to exemplify the Graces of christianity;

Presents the inspired Word of God as a source of instruction and growth: and warns against heresies and scoffers,

Wrote by Peter A.D. 68
and contains 3 chapters;
61 verses; and 1,559 words.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN,
Written by the Apostle John, author of the fourth Gospel, during the closing days of his life at Ephesus where Gnostic heresies were quite prevalent and powerful. those who denied the human incarnation of Jesus are declared to be anti-Christ, and personal testimony to this doctrine is given.

No one was better qualified to write on this matter than the beloved apostle.

the letter may be divided into two sections:

The incarnate Christ, the foundation of the believer's spiritual life, chapters 1-2;

The experience, consciousness and significance of the New Birth, chapters 3-5

The date is uncertain, but probably near the close of the first century.

Written By the Apostle John.
The book contains 5 chapters;
105 verses; and 2,523 words.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF JOHN,
Addressed to "Elect Lady," but whether a church or an individual is meant, is not clear, although the manner of expression is strongly suggestive of an individual.

The author expressed his gratitude for hospitality previously enjoyed, speaks kindly of her children, and warns against certain current heresies.
Written By the Apostle John.
Date was near the close of the first century.
Book contains 1 chapter;
13 verses and 303 words.

THE THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN,
Addressed also to an individual named Gaius, who had extended special kindnesses to John, and is exhorted to do the same for other brethren engaged in missionary work. Warning against Diotrepphes, an impostor is given;

Demetrius, a faithful brother, is commended.

Written at the close of the first century.

The book contains 1 chapter;
14 verses; and 299 words.

THE EPISTLE OF JUDE,
The brother of James and of our Lord, denounces false teachers and teachings, and supports Apostolic doctrines. Christians are exhorted to fidelity of faith.

Written by Jude,Date uncertain,
Probably between A.D. 68 and 70
The book contains 1 chapter
25 verses; and 613 words.

REVELATION OF JOHN, OR THE APOCALYPSE:
Written from the barren island of Patmos to which he had been banished, and at a time when the church was under great persecution from the Roman Empire.

Its design was to assure a suffering and almost defeated church at Rome, with all her mighty imperial power, would fail in her attempt to crush out christianity, and that the kingdom of God would ultimately triumph over all enemies, and that Christ is to be enthroned in His universal Kingship.

After every attempt has been made by the beast and dragon, and every vial of wrath has been emptied, the marriage supper of the lamb and His Bride, the church, will inaugurate a new and blessed era.
The date of the book was probably about A.D. 95
It contains 22 chapters;
404 verses and 12.000 words.

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