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The Old Testament
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There are 39 books in the Old Testament, generally separated into 4
divisions:
† The Pentateuch, traditionally designated as the 5 books of Moses.
†
Historical Books, number 12, from Joshua to Esther.
†
Poetical Books, number 4, from Job to Song of Solomon.
†
Prophetical Books, including the writings of the 4 Major Prophets, from
Isaiah to Daniel, and the 12 Minor Prophets from Hosea to Malachi.
There are 27 books in the New Testament, generally separated into 4
divisions:
†
The Gospels
†
Historical Books
†
Doctrinal Books
†
Prophetical Book
The Pentateuch
GENESIS Top
The word "genesis" signifies "generation" or "origin" and comes from the
Greek translation of Genesis 2:4. It is an appropriate title for the first
book of the Bible, which contains the record of the origin of the universe,
the human race, family life, nations, sin redemption, etc. The first 11
chapters, which deal with primeval or pre-Patriarchal times, present the
antecedents of Hebrew history from Adam to Abraham. The remaining chapters
(12 - 50) are concerned with God’s dealings with the Patriarchs Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, and Jacob’s son Joseph, all "fathers" of the people whom
God has chosen to carry out His plan for the redemption of mankind. The book
closes with these "Chosen People" in Egypt.
EXODUS Top
The name means "going out" or "departure". While it refers to one of the most
important events of the book, the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, other
highly significant events are also found here, such as the oppression of the
Chosen People in Egypt, the flight and call of Moses, and God’s covenant
with the nation Israel at Sinai - an experience climaxed by His giving of
the moral law (Ten Commandments) through Moses to the people. A code of
secular laws is also included, and the latter part of the book contains an
elaborate description of the sacred Ark of the Covenant and its ten
(tabernacle), God’s place of dwelling among His people.
LEVITICUS Top
This book was so named because it treats of laws of service and worship of
special importance to the Tribe of Levi. It has been aptly called "the
Handbook of the Priests". Many basic precepts of the New Testament are
foreshadowed in this book, such as the seriousness of sin in God’s sight,
the necessity of atonement for sin, the holiness of God, and the necessity
of a mediator between God and man.
NUMBERS Top
The name of this book originated from the two numberings of the people
related in it: the first at Sinai in the second year of the Exodus and
another on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho in the 40th year. A better
title is the one give by the Hebrew themselves, Bemidhbar ( "In the
Wilderness"), for it describes the locale of the major events of the book.
In all these events, the writer sees the guiding hand of God, sustaining,
delivering, and keeping covenant with His people, as He prepares them for
entrance into the land promised first to Abraham (Gen. 12:1ff).
DEUTERONOMY Top
The final book of the Pentateuch derives its English name from the Greek
work deuteronomion, meaning the "second law", or the "law repeated".
Deuteronomy is essentially Moses’ farewell address(es) to a new generation
in which he summons them to hear the law of God, to be instructed in the
application of its principles to the new circumstances awaiting them, and to
renew intelligently the covenant God had made with their fathers - a
covenant that must be faithfully observed as the condition of God’s
blessings upon them in the Promised Land.
Historical Books
JOSHUA Top
This book serves as the connecting link between the Pentateuch and the later
historical books; it name is derived from the principal character, Joshua.
Chapters 1 to 23 describe the conquest of the land and it division among the
tribes of Israel. In the final chapters (23-24), Joshua, somewhat after the
fashion of Moses, exhorts the people in a series of farewell addresses "to
keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses," and
solemnly challenges them to the renewal of their covenant commitment to God.
JUDGES Top
Named after the "Judges of Israel," the heroic leaders whose deeds it
records, this book covers a period of time from the death of Joshua to the
birth of Samuel, an era often called "the dark ages" of Hebrew history. Here
is a story, on the human side, of disobedience and disaster, and on the
divine side, of direction and deliverance. Of the 13 judges named, only 3
are well known: Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
RUTH Top
The Book of Ruth offers a striking contrast to the Book of Judges, but its
story is associated with the same period. In Judges, national sin and
corruption portray a dark picture. The story of Ruth the Moabitess and her
loyalty and devotion to Naomi, her Hebrew mother-in-law, presents the reader
with a picture of the nobler side of Hebrew life in the days of the judges.
I and II SAMUEL Top
These books were named after Samuel, not only because he is the principal
figure in the first part, but also because he anointed the two other
principal characters, Saul and David. Originally a single book which was
divided when translated into Greek, the books of Samuel cover a period of
time in Israel’s history from the birth of Samuel to the close of the reign
of David. First Samuel presents the transition from Israel’s judges to the
monarchy. Second Samuel deals almost exclusively with the history of David
and presents a vivid picture of the theocratic monarchy in which the king
represents God’s rule over the people.
I and II KINGS Top
These books are the sequel to I and II Samuel and should be read as a
continuation of the history of the Hebrew nation contained in the former
work. Originally one book, I and II kings relate the history of Israel form
the last days of David to the destruction of the northern kingdom, Israel,
in 721 B.C., and to the fall of the southern kingdom, Judah, in 586 B.C.
This is the period of Israel’s glory, division, decline, and fall.
I and II CHRONICLES Top
In the Hebrew Canon these books formed a single volume called "Things of the
days" (i.e., annals). The translators of the Greek Septuagint Version gave
them the title, Paraleipomena, meaning "things left over", implying their
use as a supplement to Samuel and Kings. Jerome (c. A.D. 340-420) called
them "a chronicle of the whole and sacred history" from Adam to Cyrus (538
B.C.), hence their English name. Actually, Chronicles is a summary of Hebrew
history that duplicates much of Samuel and Kings.
EZRA and NEHEMIAH Top
Written originally as one book, these two books describe the return of the
Jewish exiles after more than a half-century of bondage in Babylon, and the
subsequent restoration of Jerusalem, its Temple and it walls. Ezra and
Nehemiah are of special importance, since they contain nearly all of the
direct information known of the post-Exilic period of Hebrew history.
ESTHER Top
The Book of Esther, in the form of a short story similar to the Book of
Ruth, has its setting in the palace of Shushan, or Susa, one of the three
capitals of the Persian Empire. The story gives us a vivid picture of the
Jews in exile, of the hostility of their non-Jewish enemies in Persia, and
of how Esther became the queen of Ahasuerus (Xerxes), subsequently risking
her life in order to save her people, the Jews, from total destruction.
God’s providential care of His people is magnified throughout, though the
word "God" never appears in the book.
Poetical Books
JOB Top
So named from Job, its chief character, the book deals with an ageless
question, one that is puzzling to every generation - the problem of human
suffering, particularly the affliction of the righteous. The reader is given
an account of the sufferings of the pious Patriarch Job, of the argument
carried on between Job and his friends as to the cause of his sufferings,
and finally, of the solution to his difficulty,. The book’s principal aim is
to refute the popular view that all suffering is the result of sin in the
life of the sufferer.
PSALMS Top
A collection of 150 psalms, who Hebrew name is "The Book of Praise". Authors
of individual psalms include David, Solomon, Moses, Asaph, and others who
are anonymous. The variety and unity of Psalms have given this book a unique
place in the devotional life of the individual and the Church. Almost every
aspect of man’s relation to God is depicted in these poems: simple trust,
the sense of sin, appeals to a higher power in time of trouble, and the
conviction that the world is in the hands of a loving God.
PROVERBS Top
This book is a compendium of proverb collections. Although Solomon inspired
the development of the book, its entire content did not derive from him. A
proverb is a short, pithy saying with practical implications. The ones
included here cover a variety of subjects, for example, chastity, control of
the tongue, laziness, knowledge, relations with others, justice. Perhaps
above everything else in Proverbs there is the reiterated assertion that the
source of true wisdom is "the fear of the Lord".
ECCLESIASTES Top
In English, the title means "Preacher". Traditionally held to have been
written by Solomon, this book is now almost universally recognized as about
him rather than by him. The author’s purpose is to prove the vanity of
everything "under the sun". This truth is first announced a fact, then
proved from the "Preacher’s" experience and observations. Finally, the
author shows that the fullness of life is found only in the recognition of
things "above the sun", things spiritual as well as material.
THE SONG OF SOLOMON Top
This book, the only one in the Bible that has love for its sole theme, is a
collection or cycle of marriage songs. Again, as with Ecclesiastes, the
composition is about Solomon, and not by him. The Song is didactic and moral
in its purpose, and has traditionally been interpreted as showing God’s love
for His Chosen People and Christ’s love for His Bride, the Church.
Prophetical Books
ISAIAH Top
This book, as is true of all the prophetical books, derives its name from
the prophet whose messages it records. The unity of Isaiah, a problem
related to authorship and contents, has been the subject of much debate. The
message of the book is twofold: judgment upon Judah for her sins (1-39), and
comfort and hope for an exiled people (40-66). In these messages of
encouragement are found some of the most graphic portrayals of the Messiah
in the Old Testament.
JEREMIAH Top
Jeremiah was God’s spokesman during the decline and fall of the southern
kingdom, Judah. Among the Prophets not one had a more difficult task than
that of standing alone for God in the midst of the apostasy of his own
people, and not one who bares his soul to his reader as does Jeremiah.
Although Jeremiah announced the coming destruction of Judah, he looked
beyond this judgement to a day when religion, no longer national, would be
individual and spiritual. This new kind of religion would result from God’s
"new covenant" with His people.
LAMENTATIONS Top
Entitled in most English versions The Lamentations of Jeremiah, this book is
placed immediately after Jeremiah in the Septuagint, Vulgate and English
Bible. In the Hebrew text it is found among the "Writings". In spite of the
ancient tradition that Jeremiah was the author, present scholarship is
reluctant to accept this view. The book is composed of five poems, lamenting
the siege and destruction of Jerusalem (586 B.C.). The poet also makes
sincere confession of sin on behalf of the people and leaders, acknowledges
complete submission to the will of God, and finally prays that God will once
again smile upon His people and restore them to their homeland.
EZEKIEL Top
Ezekiel was carried into exile in Babylon, where he received his call and
exercised his prophetic ministry. His dual role of prophet-priest and his
position as "watchman" over his people make Ezekiel unique among the
prophets and may account for the uniqueness of his message and his methods
of delivery. The book contains 48 chapters, divided at the halfway point by
the fall of Jerusalem. Ezekiel’s prophecies before this event are chiefly
messages of condemnation upon Judah for her sin; following the city’s fall,
the prophet speaks to helpless people of the hope and certainty of
restoration to their homeland and of worship again in the Temple.
DANIEL Top
Traditionally considered as the work of the Prophet Daniel in exile in
Babylon during the 6th century B.C., many modern scholars classify the book
as an "apocalypse" that was the product of a pious Jew living under the
persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.). In a series of events and
visions, the author presents a view of history in which God rules and
prevails over men and nations to achieve ultimate victory for the "saints"
of God.
HOSEA Top
Sometimes called the "Prophet of Divine Love," Hosea was a native of Israel
and was called to be God’s spokesman during that kingdom’s darkest hour. The
apostasy of his own people was enough to break Hosea’s heart, but he also
bore a heavy cross in his own life - his wife had proved unfaithful. In this
bitter experience Hosea came to fathom God’s love for his erring children
and pleads with his people to repent and avail themselves of God’s divine
compassion and a love that will not let Israel go.
JOEL Top
Traditionally called the "Prophet of Pentecost," since his prophecy of the
outpouring of the Spirit (2:28ff.) is quoted by Peter (Acts 2:16) as being
fulfilled at Pentecost, Joel was the kind of man who could see the eternal
in the temporal. The occasion of his message was a devastating locust
plague, which he interpreted as foreboding the Day of the Lord when God
would act directly to punish His people for their sins. Joel calls upon the
people of Judah to repent, promising that repentance will bring God’s
blessings, material and spiritual.
AMOS Top
Among the "writing" prophets Amos was the first of a new school, for, like
Elijah and John the Baptist, he denounced sin with rustic boldness. A
shepherd and native of Judah, he was called by God to prophesy to the
northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (786-746 B.C.).
Sparing no one, the prophet fearlessly announced the impending judgment of
God. Although the dominant note of the book is judgment, the final words
promise the restoration of a righteous remnant.
OBADIAH Top
This shortest of the prophetic books, containing only 21 verses, is a
scathing denunciation of the Edomites, descendants of Esau, who from the
beginning had been hostile to Israel. Its message is primarily one of
destruction and doom for Edom. The latter part of the prophecy is concerned
with the Day of the Lord when God’s judgment will be upon other nations as
well as Edom and concludes with the promise that "the kingdom shall be the
Lord’s".
JONAH Top
The Old Testament counterpart of John 3:16, this book declares the
universality of God’s love embracing even pagan nations. Its authorship and
historicity are disputed. If one is willing to accept the miraculous, there
is no compelling reason to deny its historicity. There is a strong
possibility that the book is about Jonah and not by him. The author relates
how Jonah refused God’s call to preach to the people of Nineveh, his
punishment for this disobedience, his ready response to a second summons,
and his bitter complaint at God’s sparing the city following her repentance.
Christ Himself alludes to Jonah when speaking of His own death and
Resurrection (Matt. 12:39, 16:4; Luke 11:29-32).
MICAH Top
The Prophet Micah was a younger contemporary of Isaiah and spoke at a time
when conditions in Judah paralleled those in the northern kingdom of Israel
during Amos’ day. Micah’s messages are strikingly similar to those of Amos:
many of the same sins are denounced and the same rugged, direct, indignant,
and convincing language is used. While announcing God’s certain judgment
upon sin, he also spoke of a sure deliverance to come through the Messiah
whose place of birth he predicts.
NAHUM Top
This book is a vivid prediction of the approaching downfall of Nineveh, the
capital city of Assyria, one of the most warlike of the ancient heathen
nations. Of the Prophet Nahum, whose name means "consolation" or "comfort",
little is known. His purpose was to comfort his people, long harassed by
Assyria, with the promise that this cruel and oppressing people would soon
meet destruction at God’s hand.
HABAKKUK Top
While this book is true prophecy, its method is quite different from other
writings of the prophets. Dramatically constructed in the form of dialogue,
this book contains the prophet’s complaints (questions) and God’s reply to
them. In god’s answers Habakkuk discovers the doorway leading from
questioning to affirmation, through which he enters into a faith that
enables him to affirm, "I will rejoice in the Lord… God, the Lord, is my
strength."
ZEPHANIAH Top
This book, though brief, is comprehensive, embracing the two great themes of
prophetic teaching: judgment and salvation - both extending to all nations.
In some great catastrophe of his day, perhaps the Scythian invasion (c. 626
B.C.), Zephaniah sees God’s terrible judgment upon the nations, including
Judah. He exhorts the people to repent and assures them that God will dwell
in the midst of a righteous remnant following repentance.
HAGGAI Top
This book, the first among the writings of the post-Exilic prophets,
consists of four prophecies delivered within the space of 4 months, some 15
years after the return of the first exiles to Jerusalem. Work on the second
Temple has begun shortly after the exiles’ arrival, but had been delayed for
almost two decades. Haggai comes forward with a series of timely and
vigorous messages challenging the people to respond wholeheartedly to a
noble task - rebuilding the House of God.
ZECHARIAH Top
Sometimes called the "Apocalypse of the Old Testament", this book contains
the messages of the Prophet Zechariah, a contemporary of Haggai. The main
division of the book (1-8, 9-14) are noticeably dissimilar in both style and
subject matter, a fact that has led some to assign the last division (9-14)
to another author. The first eight chapters are primarily concerned with the
rebuilding of the Temple, although the language used is highly symbolical.
Chapters 9 to 14 deal with "last things", the "end time". Many Messianic
references are found, and the writer foresees the Day of the Lord when
Israel will be restored, the nations judged, and God’s kingdom triumphant.
MALACHI Top
The name of the last book of the Old Testament and of the Prophet whose
oracles it contains. Malachi ( from Hebrew meaning "my messenger") is an
invaluable source concerning the Judaean Jews during the Persian period. Two
themes are predomination: the sin and apostasy of Israel (1-2); and the
coming judgment upon the faithless, with blessings promised for those who
repent (3-4). The growing Messianic expectation in the Old Testament is
apparent in Malachi by the announcement of God’s "messenger of the
covenant", by whose coming Israel will be purified and judged; and of the
return of the Prophet Elijah who will proclaim the Day of the Lord.
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Saint Matthew |
Saint Mark |
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Saint Luke |
Saint John |
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The New Testament
Go to Old Testament There are 39 books in the Old Testament, generally separated into 4
divisions:
† The Pentateuch, traditionally designated as the 5 books of Moses.
†
Historical Books, number 12, from Joshua to Esther.
†
Poetical Books, number 4, from Job to Song of Solomon.
†
Prophetical Books, including the writings of the 4 Major Prophets, from
Isaiah to Daniel, and the 12 Minor Prophets from Hosea to Malachi.
There are 27 books in the New Testament, generally separated into 4
divisions:
†
The Gospels
†
Historical Books
†
Doctrinal Books
†
Prophetical Book
The Gospels
MATTHEW Top
From at least the 2nd century A.D., the Gospel of Matthew has been ascribed
to Matthew the publican, tax collector, and disciple. It is the most
complete account of Jesus’ teachings and was written to convince the
writer’s Jewish audience that Jesus was the Messiah descended from David,
the One promised by the Old Testament Prophets. It is peculiarly the Gospel
for Israel. The most significant teaching passages are the Sermon on the
Mount (5-7) and the parable sections (especially Chapter 13).
MARK Top
The Gospel of Mark, the shortest, is also held by most to be the first of
the Gospels to be written. A tradition dating from the 2nd century ascribes
this book to John Mark, a companion of Peter and also of Paul and Barnabas
in their missionary endeavors. The preaching of Peter may well have been the
source of most of Mark’s material. Mark accounts for the ministry of Jesus
from His Baptism to His Ascension. Most commentaries agree that Mark’s
purpose was neither biographical nor historical, but theological: to present
Jesus as the Christ, the mighty worker rather than great teacher. Hence,
Mark makes fewer references to the Parables and discourses, but meticulously
records each of Jesus’ "mighty works" as evidence of His divine power. Mark
contains 20 specific miracles and alludes to others. Bible scholars quite
generally agree that Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome for the gentiles.
LUKE Top
There is almost universal agreement that Luke, the "beloved physician" (Col.
4:14) who accompanied Paul on his missionary travels, was the author of the
third Gospel. Luke wrote to present Jesus as the Universal Savior, the
compassionate healer and teacher. His careful historical approach is
revealed in the preface, which states that the author has traced "all things
from the very first". Unlike Mark, this author includes an account of the
Virgin Birth, and unlike Matthew he extensively describes the Perean
Ministry (Chapters 9-18).
JOHN Top
The Gospel of John endeavors to explain the mystery of the Person of Christ
by the use of the term "logos" (word) and was written to confirm Christians
in the belief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Its purpose is
evangelical and is so stated in 20:31. John not only records events as do
the other Gospels but also uniquely interprets the events by giving them
spiritual meaning. The author makes significant use of such words as light,
water, life, love, and bread. Traditionally the author of this Gospel is
considered to have been John, the Beloved Disciple.
Historical
ACTS Top
Addressed to a certain Theophilus, about whom nothing is known (1:1), the
Book of Acts records the early history of the Apostolic Church. Beginning
with the Ascension of Jesus to heaven, it traces the growth of Christianity
in Palestine and its spread to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and eventually to
Rome. The leading figure in the first chapters is Peter, who delivered the
stirring sermon on the day of Pentecost (2). The greater part of the book,
however, is devoted to the experiences of Paul and his companions during
their missionary endeavors. The Book of Acts provides a useful background
for study of the Pauline Epistles. The introduction (1:1) attests to a Lukan
authorship.
Doctrinal
The Epistles of Paul
ROMANS Top
This letter, the first in canonical order, but not the first of Paul’s
Epistles, is the longest and the most influential of all the Apostle’s
writings. Writing to Christians at Rome whom he hoped soon to visit, Paul
presents to them his mature convictions concerning the Christian faith: the
universality of sin; the impotence of the law as a means of salvation; the
nature of God’s saving act in Christ, and its appropriation by faith. The
letter closes with spiritual advice and some personal remarks.
I CORINTHIANS Top
This letter discusses doctrinal and ethical problems that were disturbing
the Corinthian church, and presents a picture of the life of a particular
local congregation in New Testament times. Writing from Ephesus, where he
spent at lead three year, Paul addresses the Corinthian church concerning
the significance of the new life in Christ, which should be demonstrated in
the fellowship within the Church. He advises them regarding spiritual gifts
(12), Christian love (13), and the meaning of the Resurrection (15).
II CORINTHIANS Top
Often called "the hard letter", this is an intensely personal letter. It
recounts the difficulties and hardships Paul has endured in the service of
Christ (10-13). The Apostle regards the Corinthians as his children in
Christ.
GALATIANS Top
Paul’s letter addressed to the churches in Galatia is the great letter on
Christian freedom; in it Paul attacks the Christians who wished to exalt the
law. Galatians’ emphasis is similar to the theme of Paul’s letter to the
Romans. The doctrinal section, as is typical of the Pauline format, is
followed by an intensely practical section in Chapters five and six.
EPHESIANS Top
The Ephesian letter is one of Paul’s four "Imprisonment Letters" -
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon being the others. Although addressed
to the church in Ephesus, this letter is generally believed to have been a
circular discussing the believers’ exalted position through Christ, the
Church as the body of Christ, her relationship to God, and practical
implications of the Gospel.
PHILIPPIANS Top
In this letter, which is a message of joy, Paul expresses his gratitude for
the Philippians’ love and material assistance. The Epistle is uniquely
significant because of its presentation of the humility of Jesus. Its
practicality is also observed in Paul’s advice to Euodia and Syntyche.
COLOSSIANS Top
The Colossian letter is well known for its doctrine as well as for its
brevity. In the letter, Paul insists upon the Lordship of Christ. Colossians
has come under recent scrutiny because of its references, implied or actual,
to incipient Gnosticism, a growing heresy in the Church.
I AND II THESSALONIANS Top
These letters constitute what is probably the earliest writing of the
Apostle Paul. There were written in A.D. 51-52, soon after the founding of
the Thessalonian church, and give Paul’s answer, to some basic problems
disturbing the Christians of Thessalonica. The major contributions are
eschatological, investigating especially the events preceding and
accompanying the return of Christ. The concern of Paul for his followers is
apparent throughout.
I AND II TIMOTHY Top
Along with the letter to Titus, these writings are defined as "pastoral
epistles", which approach the material from the perspective of the minister,
not of the Church. The letters to Timothy discuss such matters as the duties
and qualifications of church officers, the inspirations of Scripture, the
treatment of widows, and the expectation of a future reward.
TITUS Top
This is a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul to a young minister
whom he had left on Crete. Like the Timothy correspondence, the letter to
Titus is practical and discusses the everyday problems confronted by a young
minister. This letter is probably to be dated between the first and the
second letters to Timothy.
PHILEMON Top
This shortest of all Paul’s letters was addressed to Philemon (although two
other persons are included in the salutation). Paul entreats Philemon, the
master of Onesimus, a runaway slave, to receive him back as a brother in
Christ (16, 17). This very personal letter reveals not only the concern of
the Apostle for a converted slave but also a practical demonstration of
brotherhood in Christ, "where there is neither bond (slave) nor free". (Gal
3:28)
The General Epistles
HEBREWS Top
Although tradition ascribed Hebrews to Paul, it is now generally believed to
have been written by someone other than the Apostle, but certainly someone
who was acquainted with Paul’s teaching. The Epistle portrays Jesus, who
performed the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, as the great High
Priest of the line of Melchizedek (Gen. 14). The Bible’s only definition of
faith occurs in this Epistle (Chap. 11) and is followed by the "great line
of splendor" of the men of faith.
JAMES Top
The author of this letter introduces himself as "James, a servant of God and
the Lord Jesus Christ". Four men in the New Testament bore this name but the
writer of this Epistle is usually identified with James who was the leader
of the church in Jerusalem. The letter is addressed to the "the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad", and is the most Jewish in style and form
of any of the New Testament books. It is not a treatise on Christian
theology but rather a practical letter dealing with Christian ethics. James
insists that works, not words, are the mark of a disciple.
I PETER Top
The author describes himself as "Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ", and
there is no overriding reason to doubt the truth of his claim, although the
beautiful Greek style employed has led some scholars to believe that the
actual writing may have been done by an associate (probably a secretary).
The contents breathe the spirit of Peter. His speeches recorded in Acts
indicate a similar attitude toward persecution and suffering. The letter
here reflects a time of suffering and trial. No doubt the widespread
persecution of the Christians by the Roman authorities was the occasion of
the "fiery trial" (4:12). The writer admonishes his readers to a life of
purity, of godly living, and exhorts them to steadfastness and faithfulness.
II PETER Top
This letter was a "reminder" to the readers of the truth of the Gospel,
which they had received as against the attacks of false teachers who would
pervert it. The author urges his hearers to remain steadfast even amidst
persecution and reminds them that the Lord will keep His promises. He speaks
of the "day of the Lord" (parousia) and of the necessity of keeping
themselves "without spot and blameless" (3:14)
THE EPISTLES OF JOHN Top
Three Johannine Epistles - I, II and III John - are included in the New
Testament collection. These Epistles should probably be dated A.D. 90-95.
John, the author of the Fourth Gospel, addresses the first one to an
unidentified group. I John 5:13 indicates that the author writes in order
that this group might know the certainty of eternal life. II John is
addressed to an elect lady, either a church or perhaps a woman. III John is
addressed to Gaius, a man commended for his hospitality.
JUDE Top
The author of this short letter warns his readers against the dangers of
apostasy, and points to the faithlessness of the Israelites as a reminder of
God’s judgment. Surrounded as his readers were by moral corruption and
apostacizing influences, the author urges them to "contend for the faith"
(3), and in a closing benediction he commends them to the One "who is able
to keep you from falling" (24). Both the similarity of this letter to II
Peter and Jude’s use of non-Biblical sources (9,14,15) have been the subject
of much discussion.
Prophetical
REVELATION Top
This last book of the Bible identifies itself as "the revelation of Jesus
Christ", and its author is designated "his servant John" who was exiled to
the Greek island of Patmos because of his faith. Traditionally, John is
identified with the author of the Fourth Gospel. Addressed to seven
historical churches in Asia Minor, the Book of Revelation was written to
warn against spiritual indifference and to elicit courage under persecution.
Because of the extensive use of symbolism and picturesque imagery, its
interpretation has posed many problem for the student of the Bible. While
recognizing the historical situation (Roman persecution) that elicited this
writing, many interpreters look upon it as a prophecy depicting events that
were to take place at the end of the age. The ultimate victory of Christ is
the dominant theme of this book.
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