Four Sections in the New Testament

BIOGRAPHIES OF CHRIST (4)

These books were written to convince men that Jesus is the Christ. The four gospel accounts are four portraits of Christ posing in different ways. They show who Jesus was, rather than trying to cover all He did and the precise order in which He did it.

In Matthew, Christ is the King of the Jews. This book was written to Jews, and “King” is found twenty times (cf. 2:2; 21:5; 25:34, 40; 27:11, 29, 37, 42). Matthew has 28 chapters.

In Mark, Christ is the Servant of God. This book was written to Romans, and “servant” is found five times (cf. 9:35; 10:44; 12:2, 4; 14:47). It has 16 chapters.

In Luke, Christ is the Son of Man. It was written to Gentiles, and “Son of man” is found twenty-five times (5:24; 6:5; 7:34; 9:22, 26, 44, 56, 58; 11:30; 12:8, 10, 40; 17:22, 24, 26, 30; 18:8, 31; 19:10; 21:27). It has 24 chapters.

In John, Christ is the Son of God. It was written to all men, and “Son of God” is found ten times (1:34, 49; 3:18; 5:25; 9:35; 10:36; 11:4, 27; 19:7; 20:31). It has 21 chapters.

The Gospel records focus on the Messiah’s threefold roles of Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet, fulfilling Moses’ great prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:15– 19), Jesus did not merely speak for God as other prophets had, but God spoke through Him as His Son (Hebrews 1:1–3). As a Priest, Christ became both the Sacrifice and the Sacrificer; He died on the cross to save sinners (Hebrews 9:14), and through His resurrection, He lives eternally to make intercession for His subjects (Hebrews 7:25). As King, He now rules over His kingdom from heaven (1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 19:16).

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (1)

The book of Acts was written to convert men to Jesus as the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Acts—Conversions to Christ (1:8; 2:42–47). Acts shows the church from its beginning in Jerusalem till it filled the Roman Empire. It grew from a small group in one city to thousands in all the major cities of the Empire.

The most important lesson to learn in Acts is how to become a Christian and thus a member of Christ’s church today. If we do what they did (obey God’s Word), we will become what they became (Christians) and go where they went (heaven). They heard the preaching of the Word (Acts 2:36–37), believed in Christ as God’s Son (Acts 8:37), repented of past sins (Acts 2:38), confessed Christ (Acts 8:37), and were immersed for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). They then grew in knowledge and devotion (Acts 2:44), willing even to die for their faith (Acts 7). Acts has 28 chapters.

LETTERS ON LIVING FOR CHRIST (21)

These books were written to confirm the faith of those in Christ. (Key verses are in parentheses).

Romans—Righteousness in Christ (1:16–17; 3:21–25). It has 16 chapters.

1 Corinthians—Handling Problems in the Church of Christ (1:10–13; 6:19–20; 10:12–13). It has 16 chapters.

2 Corinthians—Examine Yourselves in Christ (13:5). It has 13 chapters.

Galatians—Freedom in Christ (2:20–21; 5:1). It has 6 chapters.

Ephesians—Unity in the Body of Christ (2:15; 4:1–3). It has 6 chapters.

Philippians—Rejoice in Christ (4:4, 12). It has 4 chapters.

Colossians—Submit to Christ, the Head of the Church (1:18; 2:9–10; 3:1–2). It has 4 chapters.

1 Thessalonians—Christ is Coming Back (3:12–13; 4:16–18). It has 5 chapters.

2 Thessalonians—Be Patient as You Follow Christ (2:2–3; 3:4–5). It has 3 chapters.

1 Timothy—Fight the Good Fight of Christ (3:15–16; 6:11–12). It has 6 chapters.

2 Timothy—Preach the Word of Christ (3:14–17; 4:2). It has 4 chapters.

Titus—Maintain Good Works for Christ (3:1, 8). It has 3 chapters.

Philemon—Accept One Another in Christ (1:16–17). It has 1 chapter.

Hebrews—Christ is Better (4:14–16; 12:1–2). It has 13 chapters.

James—Practical Living for Christ (1:19–22; 2:14–17). It has 5 chapters.

1 Peter—Persecuted for Christ (1:10–12; 4:12–13). It has 5 chapters.

2 Peter—Add to Your Faith as a Follower of Christ (1:5–8). It has 3 chapters.

1 John—Love Your Brother in Christ (4:19–21). It has 5 chapters.

2 John—Abide in the Doctrine of Christ (1:9–10). It has 1 chapter.

3 John—Be a Fellow Helper with Christ (1:8). It has 1 chapter.

Jude—Contend for the Faith of Christ (1:3). It has 1 chapter.

PROPHECY (1)

The Book of Revelation was written to console those who suffered for Christ.

Revelation—Victory in Christ (2:10; 19:11–15). It has 22 chapters.