By Elaine
The Books of the Bible
(note: click on the Book's title to see art work associated with it)
Book |
Scripture |
Notes |
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Pentateuch |
The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch (meaning “five volumes”), were authored my Moses – a fact confirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 5:46-47). The last four of these books focus on the beginnings of Israel, the nation through which salvation by grace would be made available to the entire world. |
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Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
Theme: The Book of Beginnings Author: Moses. The book is well described it its title, Genesis, which means “beginning,” for it is a history of the beginning of all things – the beginning of heaven and earth, of all life and of all human institutions and relations. It has been called the seed-plot of the Bible from the fact that the germs of all the great doctrines concerning God, man, sin and salvation are found here. It is in Genesis that we read about the beginning of redemption. It is here that we learn of the origin of the universe, human race and the early history of Israel. |
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Exodus 9:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, so that they may worship me."
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Theme: Deliverance Author: Moses Exodus comes from Greek words meaning “going out”, and was so named because it recorded the departure of Israel from Egypt. In the book of Genesis we read about the beginnings of redemption. In the book of Exodus we read about the progress of redemption. In Genesis this redemption is being worked out through individuals; in Exodus, it is worked out through an entire nation – Israel. In Exodus we learn how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. It talks of bondage, deliverance, the ten commandments, the Tabernacle and the history of Israel on the way to Canaan under the leadership of Moses. |
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Lev 19:2 The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
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Theme: Holiness Author: Moses The book of Laws concerning morals, cleanliness, food, the worship of God etc.. Taught access to God through sacrifice. Leviticus contains a divinely appointed code of laws designed to make Israel different from other nations, spiritually, morally, mentally and physically. In other words Israel was to become a holy nation – a nation separated from the way sand customs of the nations surrounding them and consecrated to the service of the one true God. |
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Numbers 14:8-9 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
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Theme: Service, Order, Failure and Wandering Author: Moses The book of numbers is so called because it contains the record of the two numberings of Israel before entering Canaan. It discusses the pilgrimage of Israel and the forty years’ wandering in the wilderness. In Exodus we saw Israel redeemed; in Leviticus, Israel worshipping; and now in Numbers we see Israel serving. The service of the Lord was not to be done in any haphazard manner, so the book gives us a spectacle of a camp where everything is done according to the heavenly law of order. Besides being a book of service and order, Numbers is a book recording Israel’s failure to believe God’s promises and enter Canaan, and of their wandering in the wilderness as punishment. But this failure does not thwart God’s plans, for the end of the book leaves us at the borders of the Promised Land, where the new generation of Israelites awaits to enter. Thus four words – service, order, failure and wandering sum up the message of Numbers. |
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Deuteronomy |
Deut 6:18 Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers…
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Theme: Remember, Obey, Take Heed Author: Moses Deuteronomy comes from two Greek words meaning, “second law”, and is so called from the fact that it records the repetition of the laws given at Sinai. Moses has fulfilled his mission. He has led Israel from Egypt to the borders of the Promised Land. At the time of his departure is at hand, he reviews before the new generation, in a series of discourses, Israel’s past history and upon this review he bases the warnings and exhortations that make Deuteronomy one great exhortatory sermon to Israel. He exhorts them to remember Jehovah’s love towards them and admonishes them to observe the law in order that they might prosper. He reminds them of their past backslidings and rebellions and warns them of the consequences of future disobedience. |
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The Books of History |
These 12 books picture the rise and fall of Israel over a 1,000 year period – Israel’s settling of Canaan, her faltering under the Judges, her rise under Saul, David and Solomon. They also tell of the divided kingdom after Solomon’s death, the fall of the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. and the fall of Judah more than a century later. The last three books record the history of the remnant of Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. |
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Josh 21:45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. |
Theme: Promised Land Author: Joshua Joshua is the book of victory and possession. It shows us a once rebellious Israel transformed into a disciplined army of warriors for “the Lord fought for them.” The book records of the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua and the division of the land among the 12 tribes of Israel. |
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Judges 2:7, 10 7 “So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.”
10 “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” |
Theme: Falling Away from God (apart from Me you can do nothing…) Author: Samuel? Joshua is the book of victory; Judges the book of failure. After Israel strayed from God after Joshua’s death and did “that which was right in their own eyes” (17:6). God raised up judges to deliver them. The book covers the history of Israel during the times of the fourteen Judges |
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Ruth 3:12-13 Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning." |
Theme: Redemption Author: Samuel? One of only two books in the Bible to bear the name of a woman; Ruth and Esther. Ruth was a Gentile who married a Jew, and Esther was a Jewess who married a Gentile. Ruth is the only book in the Bible that is wholly devoted to the history of a woman. The story of Ruth a Moab. Yet she chose to serve God of Israel and later became the great grandmother of David. Jesus Christ also came from the lineage of Ruth. |
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Samuel 8:6-9 |
Theme: Samuel, Saul and David Author: Samuel and others The book records the transition from a government by judges and the passing from the rule of God, the invisible King. It covers the rise of Israel under monarchy and centers around three persons: Samuel, last of the judges; Saul, the first king; and David who succeeded a disobedient Saul. |
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Samuel 7:16 |
Theme: The Reign of David Author: Samuel and others The forty-year reign of David. Seven years over Judah and 33 years over a united Israel. The height of Israel’s glory. |
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1 Kings 9:4-7 |
Theme: The History of Israel from King Solomon to Ahab Author: Jeremiah King Solomon’s reign and the division of the kingdom through the reign of Ahab in the north and Jehosphaphat in the south. The introduction of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. |
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Theme: The Decline and Fall of Israel and Judah Author: Jeremiah The message if the prophets is unheeded and the king and people slide into idolatrous practices. Thus bringing about the final decline and fall of Israel and then Judah. Key book in giving the historical setting for the Old Testament Prophetical books. I and II Kings covers a 400 year period. Eljah taken up to heaven and Elisha stepping in to take his place. |
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Theme: A Miniature Old Testament Author: Ezra The annals of Israel from Adam to the Babylonian captivity and Cyrus’ decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles were originally one book. |
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Theme: Continuation of 1 Chronicles Author: Ezra Continues Israel’s history through Solomon’s reign then focuses on the southern kingdom. Closes with the decree of Cyrus. |
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Theme: Restoration Author: Ezra The return of the Jews from Babylon after the decree of Cyrus. One group under Zerubbabel and 78 years later under Ezra. The rebuilding of the temple. |
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Nehemiah 2:4-5 |
Theme: Restoration Author: Nehemiah This book centers around a person - Nehemiah. It is an autobiography of a man who sacrificed a life of ease and luxury in order to help his needy brethren in Jerusalem. It describes a man who combined spirituality with practicality. Absolutely fearless, Nehemiah refused to compromise with enemies on the outside or with sin on the inside. After rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and effecting many sweeping reforms among the people, he humbly gave God the glory for all that had been accomplished. The main lesson taught by Nehemiah's life is that prayer and perseverance will overcome all obstacles. |
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Esther 4:14 |
Theme: Queen Esther Author: Unknown God’s providential deliverance of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai during the time when many of them had dispersed throughout Person empire after the decree of Cyrus. Queen Esther’s deliverance of the Jews from the plot of Haman. |
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The Books of Poetry |
These five books are so called because they are books of poetry rather than prose. Hebrew poetry had as its chief characteristic a kind of “sense of rhythm” or repetition of ideas. Lamentations also is in poetic form. |
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James 5:11 |
Theme: Why do the Righteous Suffer? Author: Unknown The affliction of Job, the vanity of human wisdom and philosophy, the need for divine wisdom, faith and patience during adversity. The deliverance of Job. |
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Psalm
150:6 |
Theme: Praise and Worship Author: David and others The prayer and praise book of the Bible. A collection of 150 spiritual songs, poems and prayers. Over half of these are written by King David. One-fourth of the New Testament quotations are from Psalms. Some psalms are Messianic – foretelling of Christ. |
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Proverbs
1:7 |
Theme: Wisdom Author: Solomon Divine wisdom applied to the practical problems of everyday life. The word "proverb" itself means a comparison. |
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Ecclesiastes
3:11-14 |
Theme: The Purpose of Life Author: Solomon The futility of life without God’s guidance and wisdom. The word "ecclesiastes" means "the preacher". |
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Song
of Songs 2:4 |
Theme: Love Author: Solomon A love poem about Solomon and his Shulamite bride. Represents God’s love for Israel and prophetic of Christ and the Church. |
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The Major Prophets |
There are five major prophets and 12 minor prophets. The prophets, official spokesmen whom God raised up to speak for Him, especially in times of unbelief and apostasy, came into special prominence during the decline and fall of Israel. Thus the historical books – especially 2 Kings – gives valuable background for understanding the prophets.
The Bible does not present the prophetical books in chronological order. Instead, it groups the major prophets (most prominent) first and then the twelve minor prophets. The last three – Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi – ministered after the Babylonian exile; Daniel and Ezekiel during it; the others before. After Malachi there was a four-hundred-year “silence” between the Old and New Testaments before the coming of Christ. |
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Isaiah
1:18-20 |
Theme: Prophetic Author: Isaiah The great prophetic book of the Old Testament. Warns of coming Judgment against Judah (southern kingdom). Written during the decline and fall of Israel (northern kingdom). Much of Isaiah is Messianic. Isaiah has been called "the fifth Gospel" and its author, "the Evangelist of the Old Testament." Much of the book pertains to the Messiah and the coming of His kingdom. |
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Jeremiah
1:5 |
Theme: The Weeping Prophet Author: Jeremiah Written during the later decline and fall of Judah (southern kingdom) to the Babylonians. Jeremiah saw doom and urged surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. Talks of backsliding, bondage and the eventual restoration of the Jewish nation. Jeremiah served as a prophet to the Jews who remained in Palestine. |
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Lamentations
3:22-23 |
Theme: A Lament for Israel Author: Jeremiah Jeremiah’s lament over Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem. Also portrays God’s lament over this necessary act of divine chastisement. Jeremiah served as a prophet to the Jews who remained in Palestine. |
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Ezekiel 3:17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. |
Theme: Keep God’s Covenants Author: Ezekiel “God strengthens”. Ezekiel writes of Jerusalem’s impending fall (586 B.C.) then foretells its future restoration. Ezekiel served as a prophet to the Jews in exile in Babylon. |
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Theme: Prophecy Author: Daniel The prophet Daniel wrote from Babylon after he was captured during the early siege of Judah. A personnel biography and apocalyptic visions. An important book to understand other revelations including the book of Revelations. |
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The Minor Prophets |
There are five major prophets and 12 minor prophets. The prophets, official spokesmen whom God raised up to speak for Him, especially in times of unbelief and apostasy, came into special prominence during the decline and fall of Israel. Thus the historical books – especially 2 Kings – gives valuable background for understanding the prophets.
The Bible does not present the prophetical books in chronological order. Instead, it groups the major prophets (most prominent) first and then the twelve minor prophets. The last three – Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi – ministered after the Babylonian exile; Daniel and Ezekiel during it; the others before. After Malachi there was a four-hundred-year “silence” between the Old and New Testaments before the coming of Christ. |
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Theme: God’s Steadfast Love for Israel in Spite of Her Unfaithfulness Author: Hosea Talks of Israel’s unfaithfulness, chastisement and eventual restoration. Hosea was a contemporary of Isaiah and Micah and prophesied to the northern tribes of Israel. |
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Theme: The Day of the Lord Author: Joel One of the earliest prophetic writings (approx. 825 B.C.) Talks of Israel’s need for national repentance and of the coming “the day of the Lord”, a time of divine judgments may be transformed into a season of blessing. |
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Amos 4:11-12 “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD. “Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel." |
Theme: A Call to Repentance Author: Amos The herdsman prophet, a courageous reformer, denouncing selfishness and sin. Amos pronounced punishment upon the Gentiles and the Israelite nations for their transgressions. He proclaimed the promise of restoration in Messianic times. |
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Theme: The Judgment of Edom and the Folly of Pride Author: Obadiah The doom of Edom and the final deliverance of Israel. |
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Jonah 3:2,10 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
10 “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened.”
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Theme: The Reluctant Missionary Author: Jonah The lesson of obedience to God and the depth of divine mercy. Story also highlights God’s mercy on the Gentiles. Mercifully the whole city of Nineveh repented when Jonah delivers God’s message and the city is saved. |
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Theme: Hear! Author: Micah The dark moral picture of Israel and Judah but foretelling the establishment of a messianic kingdom in which righteousness will prevail. Includes key Messianic prophecies. While Isaiah prophesied to the court in Jerusalem and Hosea prophesied to the northern tribes of Israel. Micah was sent by God to prophesy to the common people of Judah. |
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Theme: Nineveh Author: Nahum The destruction of Nineveh and Judah’s promised deliverance from Assyria. |
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Habakkuk 2:4b “… the righteous will live by faith.” |
Theme: The Righteous Will Live By Faith Author: Habakkuk The mysteries of providence. How can a just God allow a wicked nation to oppress Israel. Why does God allow wickedness to persist within His own people? |
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Zephaniah 2:2b-3 “… Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you. Seek the Lord.” |
Theme: Judgment Author: Zephaniah Somber in tone but ends in a vision of the future glory of Israel. |
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Haggai 1:9 You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. |
Theme: Rebuild My Temple! Author: Haggai First prophetic voice after the Babylonian Exile. He was a contemporary of Zechariah and Confucius. His ministry was to call the people to finish the Temple, whole completion had been delayed for 15 years. Chastises the people for slackness in building the 2nd temple but foretells of a return of god’s glory when the building is complete. |
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Zechariah 4:6b '…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
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Theme: Hope and Faith Author: Zechariah A story of consolation and hope, beginning with a call to repentance and concluding with prophecies concerning the return and reign of Christ. Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple. Includes eight visions describing the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. Zechariah predicted more about Messiah than any other prophet except Isaiah. |
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Malachi |
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” |
Theme: Put God First in Our Lives Author: Malachi Describes the closing of the Old Testament period and shows the necessity of reforms before the coming of the Messiah. Malachi rebuked the people for their neglect of the true worship of the Lord and called them repentance. |
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The Gospels |
The four Gospels record the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Matthew emphasizes Him as King, Mark as the Servant, Luke as the perfect Man, John as the Son of God. |
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Matthew |
Matthew 27:11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor (Pilate), and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
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Theme: Christ the King Author: Matthew. Addressed primarily to the Jews, shows that Jesus had fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning Him and was in fact the Messiah. Begins with the genealogy of Jesus through His mother’s side of the family. Contains the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, the parable of the good fruit and several parables concerning the Kingdom of God. |
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Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
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Theme: Christ the Servant Author: Mark Describes the supernatural power of Christ over nature, disease and demons. Describes Christ as a servant and divides this message into two parts. The first describing the service of the servant and secondly, the sacrifice of the servant. This Gospel emphasizes what Jesus did rather than what He said. It is a book of action with the word “immediately” occurring over 40 times. Mark wrote with the Roman readership in mind and begins his story with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. |
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Luke 7:22b "…Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
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Theme: Christ the Son of Man Author: Luke The most complete biography of Jesus, it portrays Him as the Son of Man, full of compassion for the sinful and the poor. Luke, a Gentile, wrote with a Gentile readership in mind. Luke records the birth and childhood of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, the visit of the shepherds and many more details of Jesus’ early life. Luke includes the story of the good Samaritan, the parable of the fruit tree, the prodigal son and the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector. This is the most detailed of the four Gospels and shows that Luke gave great thought to his writing and carefully researched out all that he wrote. |
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John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
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Theme: Christ the Son of God. Author: John. Jesus as the Son of God and records His deeper teachings. Love, faith and eternal life. The Gospel is sometimes called the Book of the Seven Signs, since the author chose seven sign-miracles to reveal the person and mission of Jesus. These are: 1) the turning of water into wine; 2) the cure of the nobleman’s son; 3) the cure of the paralytic; 4) the feeding of the multitude; 5) the walking on the water; 6) giving of sight to the blind; and 7) the raising of Lazarus. Other important themes of the book include the Holy Spirit, satan and the world, the Word and the new birth. |
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Acts |
The book of Acts, written by Luke, records the early growth of Christianity after Jesus’ ascension. It acts as the historical record of the Churches growth in these early years. |
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Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." |
Theme: The Missionary Campaigns of the Early Church Author: Luke The origins and growth of the early church, from the ascension of Christ to the imprisonment of Paul in Rome – about 33 years. Stresses the work and importance of the Holy Spirit. |
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The Epistles |
The twenty-one epistles contain the inspired correspondence of the apostles and hose chosen by our Lord to communicate His truth to His Church. The Bible does not present these in chronological order but according to authorship. Paul wrote the first fourteen (there is debate if Paul wrote Hebrews or not). The first nine are directed to specific churches, the next four to individuals, Hebrews to the Jews. The other seven, often known as “general epistles” because they were not directed to anyone specifically, were written by James, Peter, John and Jude. |
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Romans 3:28 “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”
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Theme: Salvation by Faith Author: Paul. A systematic presentation of the Gospel, stressing salvation by faith alone. The second part of the book stresses the need to carry out our Christian duties. Book is foundational to Paul’s epistles. A number of basic Christian doctrines are discussed: natural revelation, the universality of sin, justification, propitiation, faith, original sin, union with Christ, the election and rejection of Israel, spiritual gifts and respect for government. |
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1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast-as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
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Theme: The Need to Purify the Church. Author: Paul. Addressed to the Corinthian church exhorting them to cleanse the church from various evils(e.g. dissension, immorality, lawsuits, general church disorder) and from doctrines that are not of God. The letter is largely practical in emphasis, dealing with spiritual and moral problems and questions. It is a casebook of pastoral theology. Important emphases include: the judgment seat of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit (you!), the glory of God, the Lord’s Supper, love, the exercise of gifts, and the resurrection. |
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2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. |
Theme: Paul’s Apostolic Authority Author: Paul. The characteristics of an apostolic ministry and the vindication of Paul’s apostleship. Speaks of the true Gospel ministry, stewardship, tithing, the ministry of reconciliation, treasures in jars of clay and Paul’s Apostolic authority. The letter contains many personal and autobiographical glimpses into Paul’s life. |
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Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." |
Theme: Justification by Faith Author: Paul. Addressed to the church in Galatia exhorting them onward in the doctrine of justification through faith, not works. Includes warnings against false teachers and a reversion back to the legalism of Judaism. Talks about the fruit of the Spirit being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. |
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Ephesians 4:11-13 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. |
Theme: Unity of Believers Author: Paul. One of the greatest books in the Bible. Written to the church in Ephesus, states our rights and privileges as children of the most high. Discusses the five-fold ministry and our goal as Christians to attain “the fullness of Christ.” Emphasizes that we all, regardless of our nationality, gender etc…. are one in Christ. The great theme of this letter is God’s eternal purpose to establish and complete His body, the church of Christ. Paul talks about Jesus’ headship over the body and the church as being the building and temple of God. |
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Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. |
Theme: Abounding Love Author: Paul. Love letter to the Philippian church and reveals Paul’s intense devotion to Christ and loving concern for the churches he has help found. Paul’s letter stresses the joy of being a Christian. Paul emphasizes humility and prayer. |
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Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 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. |
Theme: The Glory and Authority of Christ Author: Paul. Written to the church in Colosse. Discusses the transcendent glory of Christ as head of the Church. Paul refutes the philosophy of Gnosticism which denies Christ’s full deity and true humanity. Stresses that Christ is the Head of the Church. |
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1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. |
Theme: The Second Coming of Christ Author: Paul. Written to the church at Thessalonica. Counsels in Christian living and emphasizes the Lord’s return. |
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2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. |
Theme: The Second Coming of Christ Author: Paul. Written to the church at Thessalonica to enlighten them concerning the doctrine of Christ’s second coming. Tells the church to stand firm in their faith and to not be lazy waiting around for the Lord’s return. |
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1 Timothy 1:18-19a Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience…” |
Theme: Fight the Good Fight of Faith Author: Paul. First of the three “pastoral epistles.” Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government and principles to guide the church. |
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2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. |
Theme: Preach the Word of God Author: Paul. Paul’s last letter, written shortly before his death, giving instructions and counsel to his “true son in the faith.” Warns of apostasy already setting in. Stresses the Word of God as the remedy for all error (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Encourages Timothy to be a ‘good solider’ for Christ. |
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Titus 2:7-8 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. |
Theme: Sound Doctrine, Integrity of Character Author: Paul. Letter giving counsel and exhortation to a trusted friend who is a pastor in a difficult field. Stresses sound doctrine and a godly life, the qualifications for elders (church leaders), instructions for various age groups, relationship to government and the need to avoid foolish controversies and arguments. |
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Philemon 1:8-9 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. |
Theme: Do the Right Thing Author: Paul. A letter written to a Christian slave owner Philemon exhorting him to receive and forgive a runaway slave. Illustrates Christ’s intercession for us. |
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Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. |
Theme: A Better Covenant Established Upon Better Promises Author: Unknown (Paul?). Presents the absolute pre-eminence of Jesus Christ and Christianity’s superiority over Judaism. Christ is the Great High Priest, the one mediator between God and man. The author speaks of the blessings of the new dispensation, compared with those of the Old Testament. The book stresses the importance of the Word of God and it’s ability to judge our inner most thoughts and intentions. |
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James 1:22a But be doers of the word, and not hearers only… |
Theme: Good Works Author: James, Jesus’ brother. First of the general epistles. Teaches that true faith will produce good works, not just words. Addressed to the Jewish converts of the Dispersion. |
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1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. |
Theme: Victory Author: Peter A letter of comfort and encouragement to the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor. Especially those suffering attack from non-Christians. Discusses the privilege of believers, following the example of Christ and having victory in the midst of trials. “The true grace of God is an important theme of this letter. |
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2 Peter 1:5-8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Theme: Stand Firm in Your Faith Author: Peter Warning against false teachers and scoffers. Written shortly before Peter’s death; theme is similar to Paul’s last letter before his death (2 Timothy). Important passages include a reminder of the truth of Christianity, the inspiration of the Scripture and the certainty of the second coming of Christ. |
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1 John 4:21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. |
Theme: Fellowship Author: John Stresses the message of brotherly love. Written to combat Gnosticism, which denies Christ’s full deity and true humanity. Emphasizes fellowship and love in the family of God and assures true believers of eternal life. |
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2 John 5 Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. |
Theme: Love One Another Author: John Addressed to “the chosen lady and her children” warning against heresy and false teachers. Emphasizes that truth must be guarded in love. |
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3 John 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. |
Theme: Hospitality Author: John This is a very personal letter, addressed to Gaius, which focuses on the ecclesiastical problem regarding traveling teachers. Gaius had given them hospitality, while Diotrephes, a self-assertive leader in one of the churches, had refused to receive them. John exhibits his apostolic authority in his rebuke of Diotrephes. |
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Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. |
Theme: Keep Yourself in God’s Love Author: Jude, brother of James. Historical examples of divine judgment on sinners with warnings against immoral teachers. Theme is similar to that of II Peter. |
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Prophecy |
The Book of Revelation, penned by John, the climactic book of the Bible, giving us a glimpse into the future and the culmination of all history in the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ. |
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Revelations 1:19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. |
Theme: The End of the Age Author: John. Prophetic book of the New Testament. Tells of things to come. Describes the great moral conflict at the end of the age and the coming victory of the Lamb of God. |
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Sources |
Publisher |
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Thompson Chain-Reference Bible – NIV |
B.B. Kirkbride |
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The Ryrie Study Bible – New American Standard |
Moody Press |
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The Spirit Filled Life Bible – New King James |
Nelson Press |
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How to Study the Bible |
Sue Baird |
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Seeing the Story of the Bible |
Myer Pearlman |
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Through the Bible Book by Book Part I-IV |
Myer Pearlman |