New Testament Courses
Courses
1.1 Jesus' Birth 1.2 Jesus' Childhood |
Courses
2.1 Jesus Preparation 2.2 Beginning Ministry 2.3 Jesus Gathers Disciples |
Courses
3.1 Sermon on the Mount 3.2 Faith and Forgiveness 3.3 Kingdom Parables 3.4 Jesus' Power |
Courses
4.1 Popularity to Opposition 4.2 Jesus Teaching the Few* 4.3 Jesus' Last Weeks* |
The New Testament consists of three major types of books: historical books, Pauline epistles, (which are divided between those written to churches and those written to pastors), and the general epistles. But chronologically, the story line is carried by the gospels and Acts. Half of the epistles occur during the time of the Book of Acts. The other eleven epistles occur during either Paul’s freedom from bondage, including the book of 1 Timothy, or during his second Roman imprisonment, or during the expansion of the church after Paul’s death.
Gospels
It is believed that the gospel's were written in the order of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.
It is believed that the gospel's were written in the order of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.
- Mark was close to Peter and therefore likely recorded events from the view of Peter. Peter referred to John Mark as 'my son'.
- Together with these books, many other writings existed. It is therefore believed that the writer's of the gospels drew of these writings to draft a book aimed at their target audience.
- Mark does not have the birth of Christ document, but does focus on that later stages of this life. Therefore it is also likely that Matthew sought to record these events to confirm that Christ came from the house of David.
- Luke sought to carefully document history, putting events in chronological order. Therefore when studying these books chronologically, this book is accepted as a credible source. He provided the gaps around and in the birth of Jesus. As there were other well documented writings on the sermon on the mount, including Matthew's, he also did not go the same lengths in documenting this.
- The book of John was written many years later. John would have known what was documented historically in the other three books documented the facts, John wrote his book so that 'we may believe'. However, in addition to this, it is believe that John's book is a supplement to history. His eye witness events that are unique in his book (and not in the others) is intentional to ensure all facts known are recorded.