PURPOSESTATEMENTSfurBOOKSofilieNEW TESTAMENT BOOK: Matthew AUTHOR: Matthew (Levi- Jewish Tax Collector) DATE: late 50's- 60's Written From: Syria Antioch PURPOSE STATEMENT: Matthew proclaims the words and works of Jesus Christ using OT prophecies to show the Jewish readers that Jesus is Israel's King so they may believe He is the Messiah who builds the church by sending His disciples into the world to preach the gospel. KEY PASSAGES: Mt. 16:16-20; 28:18-20 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Jewish prophetic emphasis; genealogy to Abraham; frequent reference to Son of David and inclusion of the Gentiles.
BOOK: Mark AUTHOR: Mark (John Mark- Jewish cousin of Barnabas; friend of Peter; son of woman who housed Passover and first church in Jerusalem. DATE: 55-65 A.D. Written From: Rome PURPOSE STATEMENT: Mark presents the person and mission of Jesus Christ to show the Roman readers that Jesus is the Servant of Yahweh who did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. KEY PASSAGES: Mk. 8:34-37; 10:43-45 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Simple, brisk, clear style; moves vigorously, efficiently; emphasis on action over words; Peter's gospel.
BOOK: Luke AUTHOR: Luke (Gentile Physician who is historian/researcher) DATE: early 60's Written From: Rome PURPOSE STATEMENT: Luke researches and writes an orderly accurate, chronological and comprehensive account of Christ's life for the Gentile dignitary, Theophilus, so he will know that Jesus is who He is said to be, the Son of Man who came to seek and save that which was lost. KEY PASSAGES: Lk. 1:3, 4; 19:10 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Longest NT book; most comprehensive/ concise record of Christ's life; elegant Greek; high focus on prayer and the Holy Spirit.
BOOK: John AUTHOR: John (beloved disciple; brother of James= sons of thunder; cousin of Jesus; cared for Mary; last living apostle) DATE: 90 A.D. Written From: Ephesus PURPOSE STATEMENT: John writes to a general audience using seven sayings of Jesus (I AM) and seven signs (miracles) that declare Jesus Christ is the Son of God so the readers might believe in Him and know eternal life through His Name. KEY PASSAGES: John 1:11-13; 20:30-31 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Most selective, topical, theological of the gospels; contains a matchless portrayal of the incarnation of truth, life and glory of the eternal God.
BOOK: Acts AUTHOR: Luke, the Physician (companion to Paul in his last days) DATE: 62 A. D. Written From: Rome PURPOSE STATEMENT: Luke traces the life of Christ from His ascension to the development of His Church by the power of the Holy Spirit so Theophilus will know that Jesus Christ is building His church as the Apostles obey the Great Commission continues to rapidly spread by the Apostles to the Roman Empire KEY PASSAGES: Acts 1:8; 2:42-47 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Historical link from the Gospels to the Epistles; invaluable background for the NT Epistles; provides foundation for initial development of the Christian faith; transitional book of Apostolic Age.
BOOK: Romans AUTHOR: Paul (Saul of Tarsus; Pharisee who studied under Gamaliel; lost all things for sake of Christ) DATE: 57 A. D. Written From: Corinth (in Greece) PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to a mixed audience (Jews and Gentiles) about God's revealed sovereign plan of salvation to show Jews and Gentiles that all have sinned, that all need God's righteousness this is apart from the law and is of faith so they will live transformed and obedient lives. KEY PASSAGES: Rom. 1:16, 17; 3:21-25 CONTRIBUTION TO NT. Longest of Paul's Epistles; follows treatise style; provides doctrinal foundation on which other Epistles are built; most systematic and detailed exposition of the truth.
BOOK: 1 Corinthians AUTHOR: Paul (Saul of Tasus; less eloquent than Apollos but addresses Choloes report) DATE: 56 A.D. Written From: Ephesus PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to the church at Corinth as a response to the problems and questions the Corinthians had and clarifies that the cross is the center of the message of Christ so that the church at Corinth will live holy and united lives, personally and corporately so their relationships will reflect transformed attitudes and conduct. KEY PASSAGES: 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:12, 13 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Extremely practical; addresses social, moral and spiritual issues; plain, unvarnished; identifies the NT doctrine of the apostolic church as an organism, the role of spiritual gifts to edify the body and Resurrection truths.
BOOK: 11 Corinthians AUTHOR: Paul (Saul of Tarsus; DATE: late 56 A.D. Written From: Macedonia PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to the church at Corinth to defend his apostolic credentials and authority in the spirit of the New Covenant so the rebellious minority of 'false apostles' are silenced and the church is empowered to triumph over the true gospel and lead generous and so defend Paul's God-given authority and apostolic ministry. KEY PASSAGES: 11 Cor. 4:5,6; 5:17-19 CONTRIBUTION TO NT: Presents Christ as believer's comfort, triumph, Lord, light, judge, reconciliation, substitute, gift, owner, power, the mediator of the New Covenant; most personal of Paul's books.
BOOK: Galatians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: Around 50 A.D. Written From: PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to the Galatian church to remind them of the fact that they are justified by faith alone, to warn them of Judaizers who have bewitched them by insisting they practice certain Old Testament rituals and to defend the freedom that is in Christ so that they will live by the Spirit and show the fruit of the Spirit and so not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. KEY VERSES: 5:1, 16, 22; CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Strong defense against Judaizers by Paul of justification by faith, of his authentic apostleship, of believer's sanctification by obedience and freedom to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.
BOOK: Ephesians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 60 A.D. Written From: Rome, in prison (1st) PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to the Ephesian church and various churches in Asia Minor to help his readers understand the expanse of God's eternal purposes and plans for the church so that they will live by God's glorious grace and power, grow up into the unity of Christ with all believers and be filled with the Spirit in all their relationships and be strong in the Lord's power ready for combat. KEY VERSES: 2:8-10; 5:18-20 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Lofty statements of God's purpose in choosing believers, in describing salvation by grace through faith, in describing the unity Jews and Gentiles have in the church and practical ways to live lives filled by the Spirit of God.
BOOK: Philippians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 61 A.D. Written From: Rome, in prison (1st) PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to the Philippian church to thank them for their gift, to inform them of Ephaphroditus' health and to urge them to stand firm, conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel so that they will model the humility of the Lord Jesus, and joyfully experience Christ like unity as they spread the gospel and wait for the Savior to return. KEY VERSES: 1:6; 2:5-11; 3:7-9; 4:4-9 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Important pattern described of what it means to stand firm, contend as one man for the gospel, rejoice in suffering, care for others needs more than your own. Contains the most profound statement of the meaning of the incarnation.
BOOK: Colossians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 60 A.D. Written From: Rome- in prison (1st) PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes the Col ossian church (planted by Epaphras) to refute the Col ossian heresy by showing that Jesus Christ is supreme above all, the glue of the universe and by showing the emptiness of mere human philosophy that depends on worldly principles so that the readers will set their hearts on things above where Christ sits, be filled with Christ's word and live peacefully and prayerfully. KEY VERSES: 1:15-20,28, 29; 3:1-3, 16, 17 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Exalts Christ, stating He is completely adequate. Clarifies principles for holy living for a life with Christ.
BOOK: 1 Thessalonians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 51 A.D. Written From: PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes the church at Thessalonica to praise them for their faith that is known throughout their country and to encourage them to continue to live imitating the Lord in spite of suffering, loving each other, waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for believers to meet Him in the air so that they will not fear the coming wrath. KEY VERSES: 1:8-10; 4:16-18; 5:9 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Instructs the church on the. com1ng of Christ for His bride, reminds the church they will not face God's wrath, describes the state of the end times.
BOOK: 11 Thessalonians AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 51 or 52 A.D. Written From: PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes the church at Thessalonica to correct the misunderstanding they had been given by deceivers that the Day of the Lord had come and to clarify the order of prophetic events during the last days so that the believers will stand firm and live lives of prayer and valuable work until the Lord comes. KEY VERSES: 2:1-4 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Extensive discussion of eschatology, describing what to expect prior to the day of the Lord, strong call to stand firm, to work hard and to do what is right until Jesus comes.
BOOK: 1 Timothy AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 64 A.D. Written From: Macedonia PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes to Pastor Timothy (Jewish), 'his son in the faith' to instruct him in practical spiritual principles on how to shepherd/pastor the churches including the spiritual qualifications leaders in the church and godly women should possess so that Timothy will 'fight the good fight' in all aspects of his personal and church life and believers will know how to behave in the house of God in spite of a corrupt and pagan culture. KEY VERSES: 1 Tim. 1:18; 3:15 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: First of the Pastoral Epistles, primary emphasis on behavior in the house of God including discussions on prayer, women's appearance and role, qualifications of leaders and care of widows and handling of money.
BOOK: 11 Timothy AUTHOR: Paul DATE:66 A.D. Written From: Rome, last imprisonment PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes his final letter to Pastor Timothy to urge him to remain 'strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus' and 'a good soldier of Christ Jesus' as he relies on and teaches others the inspired Word of God in the face of the coming apostasy in the last days so that he will win the crown of righteousness. KEY VERSES: 2 Tim. 2:3; 3:1; 4: CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Last Pastoral Epistle, Paul last letter before he dies, places high importance on knowing, teaching and entrusting inspired Scripture to others in context of religious and cultural corruption of the last days.
BOOK: Titus AUTHOR: Paul DATE: 64 A.D. Written From: Macedonia or Nicopolis (Sthn. Greece) PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes Pastor Titus (Gentile). 'my true son in our common faith', to instruct him on how to shepherd the church in Crete with sound doctrine by describing how a variety of groups are to behave in the church and outside the church so that the believers will be sound in the faith, will devote themselves to doing what is good a11d the Word of God will not be maligned. KEY VERSES: 2:1-5, 11-14 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Closing details of Paul's life prior to final imprisonment, practical teaching on qualifications for church leaders, men, women, all ages and high value on 'sound doctrine' and its effect on the church and the world.
Book: Philemon Author: Paul Date: 60 or 61 A.D. Written from: Prison in Rome PURPOSE STATEMENT: Paul writes a 'postcard' to Philemon to introduce him to his runaway slave, Onesimus, who is returning as a brother in Christ so that Onesimus and the other believers in the Colossian church will welcome into the believing community as 'no longer a slave but as a beloved brother.' KEY VERSES: Philemon 16, 17 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Very personal, persuasive letter handling the delicate matter of slavery/mastery; addresses the lifechanging effects a relationship with Christ has on social conditions - the power of the gospel overcomes sociological barriers.
BOOK: Hebrews AUTHOR: Unknown WRITTEN FROM: DATE: 64-68 A.D. PURPOSE STATEMENT: The writer addresses Hebrew readers to demonstrate the superiority of Christ over all that came before in Judaism so that the readers would become mature and stable in spite of the opposition by Judaizers and recognize the exalted place of Christ's person, priesthood and power. KEY VERSES: 4:14-16; 12:1, 2 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Grand statement of Christ as 'better than' prophets, angels, Moses, Levitical priesthood, Mosaic Covenant, OT sacrifices. Grand statement of Christ's priesthood, complete sacrifice and the walk of faith that results because of Him. Written in elegant style Greek (polished and refined).
BOOK James: AUTHOR: James, half brother of Jesus WRITTEN FROM: DATE: PURPOSE STATEMENT: James writes to Hebrew-Christian readers to examine their faith in Christ by understanding the characteristics of someone who professes faith so that they will model the 'works' side of 'faith', endure in spite of suffering and not succumb to the pursuit of worldly pleasure and wealth. KEY VERSES: 1:19-22; 2:14-17 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Emphasis on truth about faith: that 'faith must work' or it is a dead faith; verbal faith is not enough, mental faith is insufficient. True faith endures trials, obeys God's Word, produces doers, harbors no prejudice, controls the tongue Acts wisely, provides power to resist the devil and waits for the Lord.
BOOK: First Peter AUTHOR: Peter, disciple of Jesus WRITTEN FROM: Babylon (Rome) DATE: 64 A.D. PURPOSE STATEMENT: Peter writes to comfort scattered believers who were being maligned for their faith and gives them a new view of the riches of their salvation and need for holy lives so that they will develop the attitude of submission and depend on Christ in their suffering. KEY VERSES: 1:10-12; 4:12, 13 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: A letter of warmth, sympathy that Includes 34 imperatives (1:13-5:9); clearly reflects Peter's knowledge of the OT (as his sermon in Acts 2) and includes many allusions to Peter's personal experiences with Christ. Many passages make Theological contributions to the NT. (1:2-12, 18-20; 2:21-25; 3:18-22; 4:12-19)
BOOK: Second Peter AUTHOR: Peter, Jesus' disciple WRITTEN FROM: DATE: 64-66 A.D. PURPOSE STATEMENT: Peter writes to scattered believers exposing the dangerous and seductive work of false teachers, to warn them to be on their guard so that they will not be led away with wicked error and so that they will rather grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus which is the best defense against spiritual counterfeits as they wait for the Lord's return. KEY VERSES:1:20, 21; 3:9-11 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Focuses on the knowledge of the truth as the proper response to error; words 'suffering' and 'knowledge' appear 16 times, clearest biblical description of the divine human process of inspiration is in 1:21.
BOOK: First John AUTHOR: John, cousin of Jesus, beloved disciple, Pastor at Ephesus DATE: Prior to 95 A.D. WRITTEN FROM: Unknown PURPOSE STATEMENT: John writes to the Asian congregations to give them the assurance of fellowship with God as they abide in Him and the resulting righteous life and love for the brothers that effects so that they be encouraged to hold fast to apostolic doctrine and refuse the destructive teachings of the Gnostics who fail the three tests of righteou.s living, love for the brethren, an belief that Jesus is the Christ. KEY VERSES: 1:3,4; 5:11-13 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: John's first epistle is simple in style and vocabulary, expressing the most profound concepts in Scripture like light, love, life, truth, righteousness. Includes antithetical parallelisms - light vs darkness, truth vs falsehood, love vs hatred, love of the world vs love of the Father, Christ vs antichrists, children of God vs children of the Devil, righteousness vs sin, Spirit of God vs spirit of antichrist.
BOOK: Second John AUTHOR: John, Jesus' cousin, faithful disciple/apostle DATE: 90 A.D. WRITTEN FROM: Ephesus PURPOSE STATEMENT: John writes to the Asian congregations to correct them on the error concerning the person of Christ by stressing the fact that 'those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh' are deceivers to be avoided so that they understand that those who have a relationship with God must abide 'in the doctrine of Christ.' KEY VERSES: 9, 10 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: All John's epistles focus on the then1 of fellowship- with God (1st John), forbids fellowship with enemies of the truth (2nd John), and with proclaimers of the truth (3rd John); second shortest book in the Bible; first 6 verses are positive, mentioning 'truth' 5 times and 'love' 4 times; last half is a negative warning.
BOOK: Third John AUTHOR: John, cousin of Jesus, beloved disciple/apostle DATE: 90 A.D. WRITTEN FROM: Ephesus PURPOSE STATEMENT: John writes to Gaius, elder in Ephesus, to contrast his servant hood with the error and selfishness of Diotrephes, to command Gaius for truth and hospitality, to encourage Gaius to support these brothers, to rebuke Diotrephes for pride and misconduct so that the believers will be ready for John's visit to come and straighten out the difficulties. KEY VERSES: 11 CONTRIBUTION TO THE NT: Emphasizes the themes of love, truth and joy already prominent in John's other epistles; length, style, mood similar to 2nd John.