New Testament Overview
The Gospel of Matthew
Written by Matthew, one of Jesus' followers, this book emphasises that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited King of the Jews.
The Gospel of Mark
Written by Mark, one of Jesus' followers, this book emphasises that Jesus came to serve people, not to be served by them.
The Gospel of Luke
Written by Luke, a travelling companion of Paul, this book emphasises the humanity of Jesus, as well as his compassion for "outsiders".
The Gospel of John
Written by John, one of Jesus' followers, this book was designed to give people evidence to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so they might have eternal life.
The Acts of the Apostles
Written by Luke, this book is part two of his gospel. It shows how the early Church spread rapidly throughout the known world.
Romans
Written by Paul to the church at Rome, this is a legal document explaining how the death and resurrection of Jesus makes available new life to all.
1 Corinthians
Written by Paul to the church at Corinth, this letter outlines some guidelines for church worship.
2 Corinthians
Written by Paul to the church at Corinth, this letter is an encouragement to that church to help other churches by giving and praying.
Galatians
Written by Paul to the church at Galatia, this letter is a sharp rebuke to those who were saying that people had to keep the law in order to hold on to their salvation.
Ephesians
Written by Paul to the church at Ephesus, this letter describes what God has done for people, and how people should act toward God.
Philippians
Written by Paul to the church at Philippi, this letter is a thankyou letter to that church for their gracious financial gift to the poor in Jerusalem.
Colossians
Written by Paul to the church at Colosse, this letter is a rebuke to those who were saying that was not God.
1 Thessalonians
Written by Paul to the church at Thessalonika, this letter is an encouragement to Christians that death is not the end.
2 Thessalonians
Written by Paul to the church at Thessalonika, this letter is an instruction to the church to continue doing what is right, and not be lazy.
1 Timothy
Written by Paul to Timothy, this letter outlines instructions for running a local church.
2 Timothy
Written by Paul to Timothy, this letter is Paul's last letter before he dies. He encourages Timothy to carry on where he left off.
Titus
Written by Paul to Titus, this letter is similar to 1 Timothy, and is an encouragement for Christians not to give up doing good.
Philemon
Written by Paul to Philemon, this letter is a request to Philemon to welcome back a runaway slave, and to forgive him.
Hebrews
Written by an unknown author, this letter is an appeal to Jewish Christians, to leave behind the old ways of Judaism, and press on with Christianity.
James
Written by James the half-brother of Jesus, primarily to Jewish Christians throughout the Roman Empire, this letter is a call to practical Christianity.
1 Peter
Written by Peter, one of Jesus' followers, this letter is a call to Christians to follow Jesus no matter the cost to their own lives.
2 Peter
Written by Peter, this letter is a warning of false teachers in the Church, and a call to be ready for Jesus' return at any time.
1 John
Written by John, the author of the gospel, this letter is written to Christians, so they can be sure they have eternal life.
2 John
Written by John to "the chosen lady and her children", this letter is an appeal not to welcome false teachers into her home.
3 John
Written by John to Gaius, this letter is an appeal to show hospitality to those who work hard in spreading the good news of Jesus.
Jude
Written by Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, this letter is an appeal to Christians everywhere to contend for the true faith, and not to let false teachings creep in.
Revelation
Written by John to the churches in the province of Asia (present day Turkey), this letter is largely a vision of what is to take place in the future. It outlines, often in symbolic form, how Jesus will ultimately return to earth, and how in the end, death will be gone and justice will be complete.