This special Bible overview has been designed for those people who:
- Have read through the Bible many times already but want a good summary of what it’s all about
- Are reading the Bible for the first time and would like a brief summary of what they will find
- Are wondering what are in those last few chapters of Daniel!
The Bible itself is made up of 66 books that fall into two categories: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books) and contains a variety of literary styles, including law, history, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospels, letters, and apocalyptic vision.
This summary gives an overview of the contents of each of the books of the Bible in order to better understand the message of the book. These summaries help us understand how the Bible is organized and how the story is developing.
Genesis
In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, God creates the world and people who proceed to experience such important events as the Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. It segues into the story of the patriarchs, featuring God’s covenant with Abraham and his children (Isaac, Jacob) guaranteeing them land and a glorious future. Joseph carries the narratives still further, and after the doctrinal didacticism of Exodus, we again hear the still familiar tune of divine providence and reconciliation, as Joseph’s exaltation in Egypt saves his kin. Key themes are God’s sovereignty over creation and sin, and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive purpose from his promises to Abraham downwards.
Exodus
Exodus narrates how the descendants of Israel, enslaved in Egypt, are delivered from enslavement by God under the leadership of Moses. After a bunch of miracles (the ten plagues; the parting of the Red Sea), the Israelites are freed and brought to a mountain named Sinai, where God provides for them a Law. The Decalogue and other covenantal laws identify Israel as God’s elect people, to be taught holiness, justice, and worship. The book also discusses the building of the Tabernacle, representing God dwelling in the midst of His people. Exodus is replete with themes of the liberating activity of God, covenant fidelity, law and worship, and the faithfulness of God to the promises given to the patriarchs.
Leviticus
Leviticus contains the commands of what Israel should do in worship and life to remain holy. It describes the system of blood sacrifice for atonement, the priesthood (the Levites), as well as purity, the festivals, and ethical living. A key message is a mandate to holiness (“Be holy, for I am holy”) which communicates the truth that God is holy and His people must embody His character. Leviticus emphasizes God’s concern for His people by means of standard rituals and regulations which show how sin is dealt with and social order is maintained. The book reemphasizes the gravity of sin and the necessity of ritual for access to God, stressing the need for a mediator between a holy God and a sinful people.
Numbers
Numbers details Israel’s trek through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land (Canaan). It offers censuses of the tribes and tales of faith and failure as the wanderers spend 40 years in the desert. And though the people complain and disobey (for example, when they refuse to conquer Canaan), God goes on giving them manna, water, and leadership in a pillar of cloud and fire. The book exposes the results of disbelief—causing a generation to wander—while displaying God’s forbearing and devotion to His covenant. With trials and rebellions and the Balaam story and other stories to show it so, Numbers indelibly continues to teach us about perseverance, faith in God, and readiness for the next step in God’s promise.
Deuteronomy
It records Moses’ last words to the Israelites as they’re about to enter Canaan, sort of a refresher course on God’s law and his covenant with His people. He summons a new generation to obedience and faith, repeats the Ten Commandments, and sets before them blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Moses predicts a future prophet similar to himself and emphasizes Yahweh’s faithfulness to His covenant oaths. Moses dies on Mount Nebo, and is succeeded by Joshua. Deuteronomy highlights renewal of the covenant, the choice to serve God, and readiness to participate in God’s rule in the promised land.
Joshua
Joshua narrates Israel’s history through the conquest and settlement of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. God miraculously parts the Jordan River for the crossing and brings down the walls of Jericho, and subsequently, victory in battle against the Canaanites. Joshua then divides up the land among the tribes once he has vanquished numerous foes, and the promise of the land to Abraham’s seed is thereby fulfilled. Along the way Joshua insists over and over again on the need for the people to keep the terms of the covenant between them and God, in formal commitment statements and ceremonies. The book also emphasizes the faithfulness of God in giving the land, and calls for courage and obedience on the part of Israel as it settles in the land of Canaan.
Judges
Judges explains that in the confusing time following the death of Joshua, Israel swings grotesquely from sin to deliverance. If the Israelites serve other gods, God allows them to be subjugated by nations nearby until they repent. And then God raises up deliverers, known as judges (like the judge Deborah or Gideon or Samson) to save them, and there is a season of peace. This pattern of rebellion and salvation is a recurring theme throughout the book, and it demonstrates the consequences of rejecting God. A frequent refrain is that of righteous leadership and loyalty: “there was no king in Israel” to direct and bind the loyalties of the people.
Ruth
Ruth is a touching, captivating short story of faith and loyalty, set in the days of the Judges. Naomi, a widowed Israelite, returns home to Bethlehem from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, who is a Moabite widow. Ruth, a foreigner, nevertheless fastens herself on Naomi, and on the God of Israel, and ends up working in the fields of a relative, Boaz. Boaz stands in the place of the levirate-redeemer by taking Ruth as his wife and saving the family line by securing the inheritance for Naomi’s family. The narrative also focuses on God’s supremacy, God’s grace, His salvation, and it especially has relevance to Israel’s history since Ruth becomes a great grandmother of King David. Themes include loyalty, inclusion (God can include the Gentiles in his plan), and God’s never-failing provision.
1 Samuel
1 Samuel describes how Israel’s final judge, Samuel, guides the people to monarchy. The people want a king “like other nations,” and God commands Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s king. Saul starts well but later disobeys God and God rejects him as king. David, while privately being anointed as Saul’s successor, becomes famous for slaying the Philistine giant Goliath. The book concludes with Saul’s demise and David’s growing stature. Key themes include the sovereignty of God in the selection of leaders, the peril of pride, and the reminder that obedience counts more than appearances in leadership.
2 Samuel
2 Samuel picks up where 1 Samuel leaves off following Saul’s death, and explores David’s kingship and legacy. David is anointed king of all Israel, and after capturing Jerusalem, it is established as the city of the United Kingdom of Israel, and David sets up his palace there. God made a covenant with David that there would not fail him a man to be ruler in Israel. It deals with David’s personal failures: His adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah bring conflict into his family (notably Absalom’s rebellion). Even with David’s sins, God is ever faithful to His promises. The themes touched upon are: The establishment of the Davidic dynasty; Mercy and justice of God, and even a chosen king will have to stand before God for moral failures.
1 Kings
The book of 1 Kings opens with the rise of Solomon to the throne, famous for his wisdom and constructing the Temple in Jerusalem, to be the symbolic location of God dwelling among Israel. The reign of Solomon begins in fidelity, swerves towards the worship of foreign gods and so undermines the covenant. This unfaithfulness results in the splitting of the kingdom during Solomon’s son Rehoboam. The book then examines the kings of Israel (north) and Judah (south), including radical prophets like Elijah who challenge idolatry and social injustice and the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Some of the recurring topics are wisdom and wealth as a part of God’s blessing; the danger of idolatry; and the hope in God’s faithfulness in spite of human frailty.
2 Kings
2 Kings continues where 1 Kings leaves off to narrate approximately 400 years of Israel’s monarchy, concluding with the deportation of both kingdoms. The north is conquered first, despite the miraculous ministry of Elisha and his message of warning, and the northern kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria in 722 B.C. Judah endures longer, with reforms under some righteous kings (Hezekiah, Josiah) before it succumbs to sin. The prophet Jeremiah warns of impending judgment, but the people refuse to listen, and Babylon takes Jerusalem and the people into exile in 586 BC. All along, 2 Kings insists that idolatry and injustice incur God’s judgment whereas faith and reform provide only a temporary respite. But even in the midst of destruction, God’s promise remains, guaranteeing hope for future restoration.
1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles is a general review of Israel’s early history written from a priestly view with an emphasis on genealogies, worship, and the Temple. It began with lengthy genealogical lists from Adam down to the tribes of Israel, reaffirming national identity. There is then a focus on the reign of king David (paralleling material from 2 Samuel), but emphasizes David’s devotion to God: organizing the Levites and temple musicians. The account soft-pedals David’s faults as an individual, and stresses his role in imposing order on worship. Themes such as the Davidic covenant and the role of worship and the temple in Israel’s history are important.
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles describes Solomon’s dedication of the temple and discusses the kings of Judah to the Babylonian exile, primarily from the standpoint of Temple worship. It opens with Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the new Temple, then pans across Judah’s succession of kings: obedient kings (such as Hezekiah and Josiah) usher in religious reform, while evil kings precipitate a downward spiral. The story focuses entirely on the southern kingdom, Judah (David’s side), and ignores Israel (north). It reminds that when Judah’s leaders are loyal and ensure the Temple is upheld, God blesses the land – when they look away, punishment falls. At the end of the book is the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the decree of the Persian king Cyrus permitting exiles to return, which anticipate the motif of restoration.
Ezra
Ezra continues the post-exilic story, opening with Cyrus of Persia’s edict to return and rebuild the Temple. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and then the priest-scribe Ezra, the exiles rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem and reinstitute worship. Ezra stresses a return to God’s Law, with Ezra reading the Law publicly, and the people acknowledging their past transgressions (including taking foreign wives). Construction is resumed for its completion in Jerusalem despite fierce opposition which demonstrates the faithfulness of God to restore His people. Themes focus on covenant renewal, the value of the Law, and God’s sovereignty in salvation, even post-exile.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah, beginning where Ezra leaves off, centers on the civic and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, an official of the Persian king Artaxerxes, receives word that the walls of Jerusalem are in disrepair and seeks and receives permission to rebuild them. Through difficult resistance, he manages to get the people to build and repair the walls, and the city is protected. Nehemiah is also a social and religious reformer: he enforces the observance of the Sabbath, battles economic inequality (such as debt slavery), and assists Ezra in reading the Law to the people. This results in public confession and rededication to the covenant. The book emphasizes God’s leadership, man’s steadfastness, and reliance on God’s aid. It shows how prayerful, decisive action and adherence to the Bible can heal a fractured community.
Esther
Esther narrates a dramatic tale of God’s behind-the-scenes providence in the Persian captivity. Orphaned Esther becomes queen to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and keeps her Jewish heritage secret. The bad guy Haman wants to murder the Jews, but Esther has the courage to intervene with the king (and put her life at risk). Thus, Haman is discovered and hanged, Mordecai (Esther’s cousin) is honored, and the Jews are saved on the feast of Purim. In the book of Esther, God is not mentioned by name, but His providence is evident all the way through. Among the themes are courage, divine timing, and a turnabout of fortune: what was designed for evil is indeed used to save God’s people.
Job
Job is an extended meditation in verse on the question of why the pious suffer. It starts in the heavenly sphere, where God gives Satan permission to challenge Job’s faith. A pious, rich, and blameless man, Job, wakes up one day to find his life destroyed: he loses his children, his health, his money, and he cries and screams to know why, since he is innocent, he is suffering. His friends tell him that his agony must be a result of some hidden sin, but Job continues to maintain his innocence and long for a hearing before God. The climax arrives with an answer from God himself, in a whirlwind, underscoring divine wisdom and power that far exceed human understanding. Job ends with God “giving Job back the double” and emphasizing that God’s thoughts are higher. The book does, however, point to divine sovereignty, human suffering, faithfulness in the midst of adversity, and humble submission to God’s inscrutable ways.
Psalms
Psalms is a writing of psalms and prayers which are poetic for all of the human emotion and thoughts towards God. Written by a range of composers (though many by King David), it has Psalms of lament, praise, thanksgiving, wisdom, and royalties. These poems exalt in the greatness of God, grieve over Israel’s difficulties, and declare God’s eventual salvation. Common Themes: The themes of the Psalms center on the reign of God, his steadfast love (hesed), trust in the midst of trouble, repentance, and hope for the coming reign of the Messiah. As the songbook of Israel, Psalms provides instruction on worship and prayer, demonstrating how to offer praise and petitions to God in all of life’s situations.
Proverbs
Proverbs is a book of wise sayings, credited mostly to King Solomon, about living a godly life. It gives succinct advice on wisdom, morality, family life, work, and ethics. Over and over it says that “the fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom, meaning reverential submission to God. The book juxtaposes wise behavior with foolishness, and recommends hard work, good self-control, humility, and integrity. Salvation here is wisdom itself as a treasure of life (cf. 3:13-18) and contrasted with foolishness and its calamities, a life blessed by discipline and righteousness. Proverbs serves as a manual for moral character and practical living.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes is a philosophical meditation on the question of the meaning of life, frequently summarizing human pursuits as “vanity,” or a kind of emptiness, “under the sun.” Ascribed traditionally to Solomon, it discusses different pursuits (pleasure, wealth, work, wisdom), finding them in the end unsatisfactory and fleeting. In this atmosphere of doubt, the book asserts that the fear of God and obedience to His commandments are the only things that can give a real purpose to life. Ecclesiastes underlines human understanding’s limits, calls for humility in the face of them, and reminds readers that creaturely things cannot offer ultimate satisfaction.
Song of Solomon
THE SONG OF SONGS: A unique book among the books of Scripture, the Song of Solomon (also called the Song of Songs) is a collection of songs or poetry celebrating the love relationship between a bride and bridegroom. It’s a rich metaphorical expression (using perennial images) of mutual affection, desire, and delight in each other’s beauty. The language is lush and celebratory, more about the pleasures of marital love. Though distinctive in its erotic imagery for the Bible, the book has long been interpreted as an allegory for God’s love of his people or Christ’s love of the church. At any rate, it reminds us that sensual and emotional love within marriage is a good gift of God.
Isaiah
The one of the major prophets, Isaiah, speaks to Judah amid moral decline and looming foreign oppression. It includes solemn warnings of judgment for evil, unrighteousness, and false worship and ends with gladdening images of future hope and of restoration. In Isaiah God prophesies about a coming saviour (“Immanuel,” meaning God with us) and a suffering servant who will carry the sins of others. It does so by focusing on God’s holiness and his rule over the nations, by stressing the necessity of repentance, and by affirming the certainty of a future kingdom of peace. Themes include justice, faith, ultimate victory of God’s plan, and the comfort of knowing that one day all nations will worship God.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah is writing in the last days of Judah before its fall to Babylon, delivering God’s final appeal to repentance before catastrophe comes. He cautions that if Jerusalem’s covenant infidelity and idolatry continue, siege and deportation will occur unless the city repents. Jeremiah, also called the “weeping prophet”, expresses his own pain and he laments over the impending doom. But he also predicts a future “new covenant”: The day will come when God will write his law on hearts and return his people. The themes of covenant accountability, the price of sin, divine judgment, and the hope for renewal even in the face of judgment find fuller expression in the book.
Lamentations
Lamentations contains a series of poetic laments mourned over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple. Even though these are traditionally ascribed to Jeremiah, these are poems of deep lament, despair, and grieving over the fall of the city. The poets acknowledge God’s justice in judgment, but they also cry out for mercy and restoration. Lamentations graphically depicts the pain and exile sin and infidelity bring and, grudging hope in God’s mercy (“great is Your faithfulness”). It explores the raw agony of a broken nation but ultimately places faith in the God of steadfast love and the prospect of redemption.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel was exiled in Babylon, a priest-prophet receiving dramatic visions and enacting symbolic movements. He announces the divine judgment on Jerusalem and the nations over disobedience and rebellion, but he also promises Israel’s future restoration. Notable visions include the valley of dry bones (reflecting the restoration of Israel) and a vision of a new temple (representing the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people). Ezekiel focused on the sovereignty of God (the Lord is God) and the individual’s culpability of sin and the hope that God’s glory will return to the people. It summarizes with themes of divine judgement, personal responsibility, but also the promise of restoration through remnant examples.
Daniel
Daniel is a combination of court tales and apocalyptic visions. In the Babylonian diaspora, Daniel and his friends decline to relinquish their faith and show God’s power while surviving blast furnaces and the lions’ den. In its latter part, Daniel may be given symbolic visions regarding future world empires and God’s kingdom and dominions, such as the “seventy weeks” prophecy and empires rise and fall. Daniel stresses divine sovereignty over history, vindication of the righteous, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. The book is also a comfort to believers that God is still sovereign and will bring justice even in exile under foreign rule.
Hosea
Hosea speaks metaphorically of his own marriage to an adulterous wife as an image of Israel’s relationship with God. There has been symbolic spiritual adultery on the part of Israel (Gomer), who has committed harlotry by seeking other gods, yet God still loves and seeks his people. Hosea predicts judgment (Assyrian exile) upon Israel’s infidelity, but also the promise of God’s unfailing love and eventual restoration if the people repent. The sins of the nation are betrayed in the pain of infidelity but, even in this, the unfailing love of God’s covenant is revealed, to make clear that however many times Israel may waver, the mercy of God will be extended to those who return.
Joel
In Joel, a powerful locust invasion and drought lead off warnings of judgment from God, met with lament and repentance. He calls Israel to turn back to God through fasting and prayer. It is this “Day of the Lord” (preceded, but also followed, by the locust plague) that Joel prophesies: a day of judging the nations and purifying His own. A prominent feature is the forecast that God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, resulting in spiritual regeneration and universal adoration of God. The book touches upon the message of the need for repentance, how there is judgment when it comes to God, and an encouragement towards restoration through the Holy Spirit.
Amos
Amos, a shepherd who has turned prophet from Judah, delivers a stinging warning to the northern kingdom of Israel. He rebukes the ruling class for oppressing the poor, engaging in corrupt business, and presenting empty sacrifices while living unjustly. Amos declares that Israel’s social and religious sins will be punished with divine judgment (manifested in Assyrian conquest). He describes the imminent catastrophe in lurid terms, declaring that only true justice and righteousness can forestall disaster. The book emphasizes that worship in the full sense necessarily involves ethical conduct: religious ritual that is devoid of justice is empty, and God finds hypocrisy offensive.
Obadiah
Obadiah is a brief prophetic poem about God’s judgment on one of the descendants of Israel’s brother Esau—a nation called Edom. It rebukes Edom for its pride and violence in the days of Judah’s calamity (when Edom revelled in Jerusalem’s fall). It is because of this treachery that Edom is warned that it will be made to fall. Yet, Obadiah ends with a message of hope for Israel: the Lord’s kingdom will be established on Zion. The book accentuates God’s justice — haughty nations will be brought down — and encourages the reader that God’s people will inherit the land and be saved by Him.
Jonah
Jonah is a story about a reluctant prophet and God’s compassion for a pagan city. God sends Jonah to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh, to prophesy its destruction. He does obey after repenting, and the Ninevites (including their king) also repent, whereupon God withholds the destruction of the city. Jonah is upset that God would have mercy on Israel’s enemies. The story emphasizes God’s wider concern for sinners, defies a narrow nationalism, and drives home the teaching that God’s mercy embraces all who humble themselves and repent.
Micah
Micah addresses both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) in the time of social injustice. He condemns corrupt leaders and the wealthy for taking advantage of the poor and for NOT practicing real worship. Micah prophesies that Samaria and Jerusalem will both be held to account for these sins (Assyria and Babylon). But he also gives hope: He predicts a ruler from Bethlehem (the Messiah) who will bring peace. Micah famously distills God’s ethical demand in Micah 6:8 – to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. The book combines judgment and consolation: judgment on the way, but a purified remnant and righteous ruler will bring deliverance.
Nahum
Nahum is a prophecy of God’s judgment against the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. It describes Nineveh’s past wickedness and cruelty and its inevitable downfall. Within this violent, apocalyptic rhetoric of divine wrath, God appears as a divine warrior who will take vengeance on the oppression of Judah by defeating Assyria. Nahum offers consolation to the oppressed by assuring them that God will indeed bring justice upon savage empires. Divine justice is the one major theme – pride and violence will have their consequences, and God will protect those who put their trust in Him.
Habakkuk
Habakkuk is a conversation between the prophet and God regarding the perplexing presence of evil and injustice. Habakkuk wonders why God allows injustice among His people and why He would employ the evil Babylonians to execute judgment. God says that He IS sending Babylon to punish Judah for its iniquity. Unnerved that a holy God would employ an even more unholy nation to chasten His people, Habakkuk wrestles with this paradox. God’s answer has the overt emphasis on faith: “the righteous will live by his faith.” The book concludes with Habakkuk’s prayer-psalm of trust, acknowledging the centrality of trust in God in the midst of difficult circumstances. The topics involve faith in God’s wisdom, the righteousness of divine arrangements, and the endurance of suffering.
Zephaniah
Zephaniah prophesies in the days of King Josiah of an approaching “day of the Lord” when Judah and its neighbours will suffer judgment for their idolatry and depravity, and urges people to seek righteousness and humility. He urges the city Jerusalem to repent in the hope that a humble remnant may be saved. The oracle is also about other nations (such as Philistia, Moab). Despite that pending judgment, Zephaniah is also indicating that the Lord will do a work in which he will purify His people and create for Himself a humble nation who will worship Him alongside those nations who will seek Him. The divine judgment, the call to repentance, and the hope for a reborn purified community are all dominant themes.
Haggai
Haggai prophesies to the repatriates from Babylon who have lost heart in building the Temple. God, in two concise messages, summons His people to think about their ways and to give heed to the rebuilding of His house. The people answer, and the foundations of the Temple are laid. Haggai tells the people that God is with them and the future glory of the Temple will be greater than the previous one. In the book, obedience and dedication to God’s work are stressed. Themes: devotion to worship, benefits of following God’s word, God’s pledge to be with His people.
Zechariah
Zechariah is a series of visions and of oracles delivered after the returning exiles have started to rebuild the Temple. It focuses on the need for repentance and urges the people forward by laying bare future hope. There are pictures of God’s care in Zechariah’s visions (horses among the myrtle trees) and a number of Messianic predictions: For example, the king who comes to Jerusalem humbly, mounted on a donkey, and the one who is pierced (a picture of Jesus to come). The book closes with apocalyptic visions, including the nations who know the Lord in Jerusalem. Principal motifs are God’s encouragement to despairing people, the advent of the Messiah, the victory of the kingdom of God.
Malachi
Malachi is the Last Old Testament Prophet, scolding a people grown indifferent about their faith. He is challenging the priests to reverence God and the people to cease bringing blemished sacrifices. He also faces problems including divorce, social injustice and the people being lazy about tithing. All along the way, Malachi insists that God’s love and His fidelity to the covenant remain steadfast in the face of Israel’s betrayal. He foretells the appearing of a messenger (as Elijah) to prepare the way for the Lord. Themes include faithfulness to covenant, judgment for hypocrisy, and hope for divine interaction in the future.
Matthew
Matthew’s Gospel traces Jesus as the expected Messiah whom people were waiting for and recognised as a King through the Old Testament. It chronicles the birth of Jesus (a descendant of David), his teachings (in the form of the Sermon on the Mount), miracles (e.g., healing of the paralytic), death and resurrection. Matthew stresses the authority of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. Tenets include the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, the demand of discipleship (including such ethical commands as love of enemies) and the inauguration of a new covenant. Matthew focuses on Jesus as being divine and human, and bringing God’s rule to earth.
Mark
Mark’s Gospel is a fast-paced narrative that leaves no space for Jesus to do anything but suffer on the way to the cross as the servant of God and as the son of God. It opens with the ministry of John the Baptist and promptly carries us into Jesus’ own teaching and miracles. Mark employs action verbs such as “immediately” to tell the story urgently and highlights Jesus’ power over nature, demons, disease and death. It depicts the deceptions and misapprehensions of Jesus’ disciples and culminates in his suffering, crucifixion and resurrection. There are multiple themes: discipleship (including the call to take up one’s cross); the nature of Jesus’ messiahship (a crucified yet victorious king); and the persistence of faith in the face of misunderstanding and adversity.
Luke
Luke’s Gospel is a clear, ordered account of Jesus’ life, with a special emphasis on His concern for the lowly. Written to Theophilus, it has highly polished accounts of the births of John the Baptist and of Jesus, both representing God’s direct involvement. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ ministry to Samaritans, Gentiles, women, the poor, and sinners (e.g., the Good Samaritan and prodigal son parables), revealing God’s universal love. He also emphasizes prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and joy in salvation. Luke concludes his account with the Ascension of Christ, a prelude to the development of the church. Themes are universal salvation and God’s attention to outcasts.
John
John’s Gospel is a theological meditation on the identity of Jesus Christ, on his divinity and the significance of faith. A deep prologue (“In the beginning was the Word”) introduces Jesus as the eternal Son. John has unique content not found in the other Gospels, such as Jesus’ “I am” statements (e.g., “I am the bread of life”) and long conversations (e.g., with Nicodemus at night, with the Samaritan woman). Miracles (called signs), such as turning water into wine and raising Lazarus, depict Jesus’ identity. They discuss light and dark; life through faith in Christ; and God’s love. John’s emphasis is on eternal life and that the one who believes in Jesus, will be united with God and others.
Acts
Acts is a record of historical events and of the worship and work of the early Christian church after Jesus ascended to heaven. It starts with the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the bold preaching of the disciples in Jerusalem. The book covers the swift dissemination of the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and out to the ends of the world (Rome). Acts features Peter as he exercises leadership to establish the church among believing Jews, and Paul’s missionary journeys to Gentile regions, demonstrating the growth of this new church. It includes important events, such as the Council of Jerusalem ruling that Gentile converts should not have to become Jewish, and Paul’s trials. Theological themes include the Holy Spirit’s work leading and expanding the church, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the perseverance of believers despite persecution.
Romans
The book of Romans is Paul’s fullest explanation and application of the gospel, to the Christians in Rome. He describes humanity’s universal sin and God’s righteousness imputed by faith in Christ. Taking as his illustration Abraham, Paul illustrates that justification is by faith rather than by the works of the Law. He unpacks implications of salvation—life in the Spirit, the place of Israel in God’s plan, and practical applications for how we live out our faith (e.g., love of neighbor). Major topics are God’s righteousness, grace versus law, unity of Jewish and Gentile believers, and living a life of good works after hearing the gospel.
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul addressing various issues in the church at Corinth. He is addressing factions among the members, sexual sin, the suing of believers in court, and disagreements involving marriage. Paul also responds to questions on eating meat sacrificed to idols and the appropriate use of spiritual gifts. In chapters 13–14 he includes the well-known “love chapter’ which distinguishes true love, and an explanation of the resurrection of the dead. This letter highlights unity, holiness, and love as indicators of a well functioning church. Paul challenges the Corinthians to live in a manner worthy of Christ and to cooperate in the furtherance of the gospel.
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians is an intimate letter in which Paul defended his apostolic authority and demonstrated his love for the Corinthian church. He’s responding to critics who have challenged his credentials; he’s describing his travails and the authenticity of his ministry (often by claiming his own feebleness and his own suffering as evidence that God is at work). Paul motivates generous giving by referencing a fund for the needy in Jerusalem. He also describes the new covenant, comparing the fading glory of the old covenant with the eternal glory of Christ’s ministry. The letter restored harmony and signified God’s grace among the Corinthians.
Galatians
Galatians is a vigorous defense of the doctrine of justification by faith and of Christian liberty. And Paul stares down those who demanded that Gentile believers submit to biblical Jewish rituals such as circumcision. He passionately insists that believing they are justified only through faith in Christ, not by works of the Law. Paul cites Abraham as an example of faith being reckoned as righteousness, and argues that Christ has redeemed people from the curse of the law. He stresses that Christians are children of God by faith and therefore should live by the Spirit, not by the works of the law seeking to secure favour with God. Topics covered include liberty in Christ, faith versus legalism, and the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a faith-led life.
Ephesians
Ephesians is a letter that strongly emphasizes the unity and identity of the church in Christ. Paul argues that Gentile believers and Jewish believers are fellow citizens in Christ. He tells of spiritual blessings in Christ: chosen, adopted into God’s family, redeemed, and included in one body. Having outlined this theological base, Paul then exhorts his hearers to live “as a people worthy” of the benefits of their calling – things such as unity, love and humility (“Done body- one Spirit- one hope”). The second half covers practical living such as marriage, family, and spiritual warfare (the Armor of God). Key themes include grace, the church as the body of Christ, unity in diversity, and the new life of righteousness.
Philippians
Philippians is a happy letter, written by Paul in prison to the church in Philippi. It focuses on rejoicing in every circumstance (Paul keeps saying “Rejoice!” despite hardship). He emphasizes Christ’s humility and resurrection (Philippians 2:5–11) as the paradigm to follow. Paul thanks the Philippians for their participation in the gospel and encourages them to live in harmony and humility by focusing on what is noble. He also opens up with personal reflections on contentment: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” The letter teaches that true joy is found in fellowship with Christ, and that humility and love are constructive work of the church.
Colossians
Colossians is written to a church influenced by false teaching. Paul affirms the superiority of Christ over all creation and the church, arguing that those who believe in Christ have been raised with him, and should therefore set their minds on things from above. The letter was a warning against legalism, mysticism, and self-made religion, stating that “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”. It tells its followers that it is time to live in a new way, expressing their new life in actions filled with compassion, kindness, humility, and love (putting on the “new self”). Themes addressed include Christ’s sufficiency (thus denying any other mediator), the transformation of believers, and (contrary to Gnosticism) Christian household behavior rooted in trust in Christ.
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians is Paul’s affectionate letter to a young church suffering persecution, in which he praises their faith, love, and hope. He clears up their confusion concerning the believers who have died, telling them that when Jesus returns (the Second Coming), the meaning of that term held by Christians is that the dead in Christ shall rise first before the living will be caught up to Him. Paul tells them to be holy, to obey God’s teaching regarding sexual purity and love for one another. He tells them to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and remain steadfast and hopeful as they look for the Lord. Topics addressed: the hope of resurrection, living as if Christ will return at any moment, and uprightness in the way we conduct ourselves.
2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians clarifies misconceptions about the Second Coming and admonishes them to perseverance. Paul goes on to explain that the Day of the Lord has not yet come and warns of impostors that say that the Day of the Lord has already happened. He says that some things (the appearing of the “man of lawlessness” for example) have to happen before the Lord’s return. Paul commends the members of the church for their perseverance under persecution but chastises them for laziness and encourages them to work in spite of persecution. Key themes are faithful perseverance, the imminent return of Christ, and proper church conduct as they wait for God’s final intervention.
1 Timothy
1 Timothy is a Pastoral epistle which provides advice to two early church leaders. Paul describes to his protégé Timothy how to nominate elders and deacons, and the characteristics these men should exemplify. He cautions against false teachers and ungodly myths, instead promoting sound teaching based upon the gospel. The letter also deals with practical matters: guidelines for public worship and prayer; proper conduct for men and women in the church; and the responsibility of the church to care for widows. Its overall message is to protect the church’s teaching and to live a life that is worthy of the gospel, which would exhibit sound doctrine in both teaching and practice.
2 Timothy
2 Timothy, presumably Paul’s final letter, is a passionate plea to maintain faithfulness under persecution. Paul exhorts Timothy to continue preaching the Word of God and sound teaching, and not get caught up in silly wrangling. He encourages Timothy to suffer as a soldier of Jesus Christ, to labor as a winner of souls, and to keep the gospel as a treasure committed to him. Paul warns of “self teachings” in the future where people will have their ears tickled and will find teachers that will cater to their own desires, so Timothy must rely on scripture as the authority. Among the themes are standing firm, the value of scripture (“all Scripture is God-breathed”), and finishing well in ministry despite trials.
Titus
Titus, similar to 1 Timothy, has to do with church order, the organization of the church, and instruction for Christian living on the island of Crete. Paul orders Titus to appoint attentive elders (overseers) and to instruct of sound doctrine, and to be wary of self-seekers. The letter addresses various parties in the church (older men and women, young men, young women, and slaves) instructing each to strive to show righteousness, integrity, and self-control. A key point: Salvation in Christ leads to a readiness to do good works and thus Christians should be working at their faith. Their themes are the right keeping of the church, the union between faith and good works, and the manifestation of the faith by works.
Philemon
Philemon: Here, Paul writes his brief personal letter about Onesimus, a runaway slave who is now a Christian. In Philemon, Paul implores Philemon (Onesimus’s master) to tear up the legal document that would have restored ownership of Onesimus to Philemon as a slave, and to accept him as a brother for whom, as a Christian, Onesimus would have been little short of his equal. He tactfully tells Philemon that if there is any debt or damage that Onesimus has done, he will reimburse him, and, that he so highly regards Philemon’s love and faith. Paul is confident that Philemon will do the right thing out of love. The letter advances the Christian virtues of forgiveness and the power of the gospel to subvert social distinctions. It is a model of the way in which those in Christ should behave towards each other.
Hebrews
Hebrews gives us a profound explanation of Christ’s superiority to the old covenant. The author then proves the position that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priests as the Son of God. Jesus is shown to be the most superior high priest who has offered His perfect sacrifice on behalf of all for once (and replaced the sacrifices in the temple). By drawing parallels with Old Testament characters and ceremonies, the letter demonstrates how Christ transcends the old covenant. Believers are exhorted to persevere in their faith, and to enter into God’s presence with boldness, in that Christ has made the way. Themes include the finality and validity of Jesus’ sacrifice, and the necessity of maintaining that faith.
James
James, associated with the church in Jerusalem, emphasizes putting the faith into practice. He argues that authentic faith is demonstrated by works (“faith without works is dead”) and stresses concern for the poor and endurance in trials. James offers advice on taming the tongue, not showing partiality (rich v. poor), and seeking humility. He exhorts those who believe that during trials they are to request from God wisdom. The letter insists that right belief should issue in godly living and social justice. Themes are the moral life, the relation of faith to works, and the gospel lived in everyday behavior.
1 Peter
1 Peter is an epistle of encouragement for Gentile believers who have been persecuted. Peter wants to remind them that they have been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He calls them to live out who they are as God’s chosen people—“a chosen race, a royal priesthood”—urging them to live holy lives as they experience suffering. Believers are identified as “living stones” and these are built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the head of the corner. Peter encourages to submit to authorities, love one another and endure unjust suffering, as Christ did. The letter says future glory will be unveiled and encourages believers to cast their cares upon God. The topics are suffering for righteousness, Christian identity, and hope in eternity.
2 Peter
The 2nd letter of Peter is a warning to beware of false teachers, and encourages faith in a Christ who is returning. Peter exhorts Believers to “grow in grace and knowledge,” adding layer upon layer of qualities like faith, goodness, and love as defenses against error. He reminds us of how God has judged sin in the past (the flood) to encourage us that He will judge it when he is ready. Peter emphasizes that even if mockers ridicule the fulfilment of the Lord’s return, in God’s eyes: “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years” (v. 8). It encourages people to always be on guard and not to waver in their resolve. Themes are maturity, watchfulness, and assurance of God’s promises.
1 John
1 John is a pastoral epistle written somewhere between AD85-95 concerning security of salvation and real Christian experience. John continues to unite and refute divisions in the church by stressing the legitimacy of the fact that Jesus Christ came in the flesh against early docetic teaching. He teaches that God is light and love, and those that abide in Him must walk in love. The letter is well known for the passages “God is love” and that “Those who love are born of God and know God.” It offers tests of authentic faith: confessing Jesus as Messiah, living righteously, and loving other believers. The letter reassures us that the children of God are the ones who conquer the world by their faith in Christ.
2 John
2 John is a short letter to a community (called “the chosen lady and her children,” probably a church and its people) about some false teachers. He encourages them to keep walking in the truth and love that Jesus commanded. He tells them they should not receive visiting teachers that teach a doctrine of a different Christ (speaking specifically of teaching that Christ was not incarnated). The letter says the community must love one another but also protect the community from deception. Themes include remaining in the truth, love demonstrated in obedience, and the obligation to refuse to back deceitful powers.
3 John
3 John: A brief, personal letter thanking Gaius for his hospitality to traveling Christian workers. John compares Gaius’ faithfulness with Diotrephes, who does not welcome these brothers, and gossips. He commends believers who are living consistent with the truth and who provide aid to traveling gospel workers and appeals for his readers to follow Gaius in their own ministry to itinerant evangelists. The letter is a reminder to one another of love in deed (supporting the ministers of the Word) as well as a defense against division in the church. Themes are hospitality, help in ministry and travel, and the importance of walking in truth.
Jude
Jude cautions followers regarding ungodly interlopers that are perverting the Christian message. The letter encourages Christians to “contend for the faith” that was once for all entrusted to them. Jude condemns false teachers as unclean and unrighteous, using historical judgments (such as fallen angels and Sodom) as examples of evidence that God will indeed judge them. He reminds us that even though God’s mercy is immense, but will not overlook those who pervert the gospel. Jude exhorts the faithful to build themselves up in God’s love, keep themselves in God’s grace, and have mercy on doubters. The themes mentioned are defense of the apostolic faith, certainty of judgment upon the wicked, and moral steadfastness in truth and love.
Revelation
Revelation is an apocalyptic vision from John that details the cosmic conflict of good and evil, ending in divine triumph. It opens with letters to seven churches in Asia Minor, urging them to faithfulness. Then it proceeds through a sequence of symbolic visions: seals, trumpets and bowls that bring judgments on the world; the appearance of the beast and false prophet; and a climactic cosmic battle. The consummation is the return of Christ as the triumphant Lamb, the defeat of Satan, and the judgment. John speaks next of a new heaven and a new earth, where God is with people. Symbol-heavy (beasts, dragons, the number 144,000), the book is a word of encouragement to persecuted believers: God reigns over history. Its primary theme is God’s sovereignty and the assurance that justice and worship will one day be restored in God’s eternal kingdom.
