Survey of the Bible

Genesis

I. Authorship: Moses

II. Date and place of writing: 1446-1406 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Genesis was written to record God’s choice of nation. Israel through whom He would bless all nations and bring forth a redeemer, “Christ.”

V. Book Summary in Three Words:

Generation to Joseph

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The beginning of the humans race ( 1-11)

Creation, Corruption, Condemnation, Confusion

2. The beginning of the Hebrew race. (12-50)

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose was to show that God is faithful to His promises (cf. Heb. 10:23) and to reveal that God’s plan is based on His election to Christ, who would be the Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15), the line of Seth (Gen. 4:25), the son of Shem (Gen. 9:27), the offspring of Abraham (Gen. 12:3), Isaac (Gen. 21:12), and Jacob (Gen. 25:23), and from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10).

Exodus

I. Authorship: Moses

II. Date and place of writing: 1445-1405 BC /

40 years wilderness

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Exodus is the record of Israel birth as a nation and it also lays a foundation in which God revealed His name and His attributes, redemption, His law, and how He is to worshipped.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Exit from Egypt

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The redemption of Israel (1-18)

2. The revelation of God (19-40)

VII. Characteristics of Books

The doctrinal purpose: Several important lessons are taught through the Book of Exodus. First, there is the obvious overall theme of redemption and deliverance pictured by the Passover Lamb and the Red Sea experience. Then there is the ever-present truth that obedience to God is necessary for a holy people. Finally, there is clear evidence of God’s faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant in which He promised to bless Israel and to bring them into land of promise. (cf. Gen. 13:14f; Exod. 3:7f.).

The Christological purpose: Christ is depicted in Exodus in many ways. Like Moses, he is the great deliverer of His people (cf. Deut. 18:15). Christ is also picture in the Passover Lamb. The lamb was without flaw or blemish and was sacrificed for the sins of God’s people (Exod. 12; cf. ICor. 5:7). In the tabernacle (a portable temple) Christ is again prefigured. According to the apostle John, this portrays Christ as He “dwelt (literally, ‘pitched His tent’ ) among us” (Jn 1:14). Finally Christ is presented as our high priest who makes intercession for us (cf. Heb. 7:25).

Leviticus

I. Authorship: Moses

II. Date and Place of writing: 1405 BC / Mt. Sinai

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Leviticus was written to be a guide book to the Priest for God newly redeemed people showing them how to worship, service and obey a Holy God.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Levi & Sacrifices

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Laws of an acceptable way to God 1-17

2. The Laws of an acceptable walk with God 18-27

VII. Characteristics of Books

The Doctrinal purpose: There are two central teachings in Leviticus. The first is that God is Holy. Second, since God is Holy, He must be approached in a prescribed way through offerings made by a priest. According to Leviticus both priestly mediation and sacrificial offerings are necessary parts of a proper worship and approach to God.

The Christological purpose: Leviticus teaches us much about Christ by way of types. In the New Testament, Christ is shown as the fulfillment of both the sacrificial system and the priestly meditation (cf. Heb. 8:10).

Numbers

I. Authorship: Moses

II. Date and Place of writing: 1444-1405 BC/Mt. Sinai to Moab

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Numbers was written to trace the history of Israel’s wandering from Sinai to Moab. It also teaches that there are no short cuts to God’s blessing and that God uses trails and tests for specific purposes in our lives.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Numbering the Hebrews

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The preparation of the old generation to inherit

the promise land. 1-10

2. The failure of the old generation to inherit the

promise land. 11-25

3. The preparation of the new generation to inherit

the promise land. 26-36

VII. Characteristics of Book

The Doctrinal purpose: There are several important truths taught in Numbers. First, the providential direction of God is clearly manifest is God who leads His people. Second, God’s perseverance for His people is shown. There are no shortcuts to God’s blessings. Trails and testing are used to temper the faith of God’s children. The hymn writer aptly says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way….”

The Christological purpose: There are several types or pictures of Christ in Numbers. The New Testament indicates that the Rock from which the thirsting multitude drank was Christ (ICor. 10:4). Jesus said the serpent on the stake portrayed His crucifixion (John 3:14). The daily manna pictured the Bread of Life who came down from heaven (John 6:32). Balaam foresaw that “a star shall come forth out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). The overall presence of Christ is symbolized in Numbers by the pillar of cloud. Through this symbol He is shown as the Director of Leader of His people

Deuteronomy

I. Authorship: Moses

II. Date and Place of writing: 1405 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Deuteronomy consist of a series or list of farewell message by Moses to the new generation destine to posses the promise land. Moses remind the new generation the important of obedience if they are the learn from the sad example of their parents.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Duplicate of Law

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Moses First sermon - What God has done for Israel 1-4

2. Moses Second sermon - What God expect from Israel 5-26

3. Moses Third sermon - What God will do for Israel 27-34

VII Characteristics of Book

The Doctrinal purpose: Deuteronomy provides a restatement and reinterpretation of Israel’s national laws and ordinances. It is god’s instructions on how to live a victorious life in the land of blessing. The manifest lesson is that obedience to God’s laws is necessary for the blessing and well-being of His people.

The Christological purpose: The main messianic predictions of Deuteronomy concern the scattering and restoration of Israel (30) and the prophet like Moses (Christ) whom God will raise up (18:15; cf. Acts 7:37).

Three Word Summary : Genesis

Outline:

Three Word Summary: Exodus

Outline:

Three Word Summary: Leviticus

Outline:

Three Word Summary: Numbers

Outline:

Three Word Summary: Deuteronomy

Outline:

Write on the back what you learned from each book.

Joshua

I. Authorship: Joshua

II. Date and place of writing: 1405-1390 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Joshua was written to teach the children of Israel that victory come through faith in God and obedience to His word, rather that military might or numerical superiority.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Judgment on Canaan

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The conquest of Canaan 1-12

2. The settlement in Canaan 13-24

VII. Characteristics of Book

The Doctrinal purpose: There are a number of significant teachings in Joshua. The book manifests God’s faithfulness to His promises. It shows that the victorious life must be lived by faith in God. It indicates that although God’s gifts are free, we must struggles by faith to take hold of our possessions.

The Christological purpose: The name Joshua means “Jesus” or “Savior” This is how the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint or LXX) translates the title of this book. The role of Joshua as captain of his people and the one who leads them into their possessions certainly foreshadows Christ. Christ is also portrayed in the book of Joshua in the person of the commander of the army of the Lord (Joshua 5:14). The context of this passage shows that it is indeed the “angel of the Lord,” or the preincarnate Christ Himself, whose holy presence demands worship on Joshua’s part (cf. Exod. 3:2a). Finally, Christ is the inheritance of the saints (cf. Eph 1:14).

Judges

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and place or writing: 1043-1004 BC/ Canaan

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Judges record Israel’s history from Joshua to Samuel and show how Israel set aside God’s law and in it place everyone did what was right in his own eyes, resulting in corruption from within and oppression from without.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Jewish Sins Cycles

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The deterioration of Israel and failure to the complete

conquest of Canaan. 1-2

2. The deliverance of Israel during the seven sin cycles 3-16

3. The depravity of Israel in living like the Canaanites. 17-21

Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: There are a number of teachings that emerge from the Book of Judges. First, there is the obvious truth that disobedience or even incomplete obedience to God brings oppression and bondage. Second, there is evidence in the events of Judges to indicate that a theocratic nation needs a righteous king. Since this is the case, Judges provides an apologetic for the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and David. Third, Judges reveals the truth that God responds in deliverance to the repentance and prayers of His oppressed people. This teaches the long-suffering and love of God for His people.

The Christological purpose: Each judge was a statesman-savior. They served as spiritual and political deliverers. As such they represent the role Christ has as the Savior-King of His people. The need for a Righteous King is everywhere apparent in Judges, and Christ is indeed the “Righteous One.”

Ruth

I. Authorship: Uncertain

II. Date and place of writing: 10th Century BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

The book of Ruth records the life of a Mobite women who forsakes her pagans heritage in order to cling to the people of Israel and the God of Israel. Because of her faithfulness in a time of national faithlessness, God rewards her by giving her a new husband (Boaz) a son (Obed, and a privileged position in the lineage of David and Christ).

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Romance of Redemption

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Ruth love demonstrated 1-2

2. Ruth love rewarded 3-4

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: One very significant doctrinal emphasis of the Book of Ruth is its demonstration of the functions of the law concerning the Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 4 cf., Deut 25:5f). Ruth also present the doctrine of the divine origin of the kingdom of David and contains one of the finest examples of filial love and piety in literature.

The Christological purpose: The Book of Ruth beautifully portrays several messianic purposes. It show how Christ, our kinsman Redeemer, purchases us for Himself. It also illustrates the grace of God as Ruth the Gentile is brought into the line of the messianic blessing (see Matt 1:5).

I Samuel

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and Place of writing: 930 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject / Purpose Statement

I Samuel provides the crucial link from the judges to the monarch. It also faces the transition of leadership in Israel to the last judge (Samuel) to the first king (Saul).

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Samuel and Saul

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. Samuel the last Judge 1-7

2. Saul the First King 8-31

VII. Characteristics of Books:

The doctrinal purpose : There are several spiritual lessons in Samuel. First, Saul is a tragic lesson of the truth that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (I Sam 15:22). Second, Saul is a notorious example of the words of Hosea: “I have given you kings in my anger, and I have taken them away in my wrath.” (Hos 13:11). Third, David is a classic example of the truth that “the Lord sees not as man sees” (I Sam 16:7). Finally, the choice of David as king reveals the divine origin of the messianic house of David, that is of the family through whom the Messiah would one day come (II Sam 7:12f).

The Christological purpose: Samuel is the first Biblical book to use the word anointed (I Sam 2:10), which is the origin of the word messiah, that is, one anointed to be king. The primary messianic theme in Samuel is the coming Messiah, the Son of David, (II Sam 7:12f, cf. Matt. 21:9 ;22:45).

II Samuel

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and place or writing: 930 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

II Samuel was originally written as one book with first Samuel to provide a divine perspective on the establishment of the United Kingdom under Saul and its expansion under David. The writer also give a good candid portrait of the strengths and weaknesses of David’s 40’s year reign.

V. Book Summary in three words: Summary of David

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. The triumphs of David 1-10

2. The transgression of David 11

3. The trouble of David 12-34

VII. Characteristics of Books

I Kings

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and place of writing: 550 BC

III. Recipients: Remaining Kingdom of Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

I Kings records the death of David and the glory failure, and division of Solomon’s empire. It also records the events of the first eight kings of Israel and the first four king of Judah.

V. Book Summary in three words: Kingdom is Divided

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. The United Kingdom 1-11

2. The Divided Kingdom 12-22

Characteristics of Book

The Doctrinal Purpose: While the record of these books is primarily historical, another purpose is obviously moral teaching. The central doctrinal teaching is that conformity to the law of God brings prosperity while apostasy leads to captivity.

The Christological purpose: The messianic implication of Kings is clear: despite human sin and failure God is faithful to the Davidic covenant (II Sam 7). The Messiah will come through the tribe of Judah and will be a son of David; the throne of Israel will be preserved. Further, there is in Kings a beautiful illustration of the splendor of the coming of Christ it of Christ in the person of Solomon. Indeed, with the coming of Christ it was truly said, someone “greater than Solomon is here” (Matt 12:42).

II Kings

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and place of writing: 550 BC

III. Recipients: Remaining Kingdom of Judah

IV. Subject / Purpose Statement

II Kings continue to record the Kings of Israel and Judah (27 total) down to the captivity of Israel by Assyria in 722 BC and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by Babylon in 586 BC.

V. Book Summary in three words: Kingdoms taken Captive

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The divided Kingdom 1-17

2. The surviving Kingdom 18-25

VII. Characteristics of Book

I Chronicles

I. Authorship: Ezra

II. Date and place of writing: 450-425

III. Recipients: Returned Remnant

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

First Chronicles was written from a priestly prospective on historical event beginning with a royal line of David and then tracing the spiritual significance of David righteous reign.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Commentary on II Samuel

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The royal line of David 1-9

2. The reign of David 10-29

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: Three teachings stand out in the record of Chronicles. (1) The faithfulness of God in keeping His promises to His people, (2) the powerfulness of the Word of God, and (3) the essential and central role of worship in the life of God’s people.

The Christological purpose: There are two dominant Christological themes in Chronicles, one more explicit than the other: first, there is the obvious recording of the Davidic kings and their descendants through whom the Messiah was to come )cf. Matt.1 and Luke 3) Second, there is the less explicit but highly important testimony concerning the typlolgical significance of the Temple as it points to Jesus Christ, who said, “T tell you, something greater than the temple is here” (Matt 12:6). John added of the New Jerusalem, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Rev 21:22).

II Chronicles

I. Authorship: Ezra

II. Date and place of writing: 450-425 BC

III. Recipients: Returned Remnant

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Second Chronicles continues the record of historical event written from a priestly prospective beginning with King Solomon and tracing his successors in Judah; thus exceeding those in Israel.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Commentary on Kings

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The reign of Solomon 1-9

2. The reign of the Kings of Judah 10-36

VII. Characteristics of Books

Ezra

I. Authorship: Ezra

II. Date and place of writing: 464-423 BC

III. Recipients: Returning remnant of Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

The book of Ezra records the story of the two returns from Babylonian. The first led by Zerubbable to rebuild the temple and the second under the leadership of Ezra to rebuild the spiritual condition of the people.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Erections of Temple

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The restoration of the temple of God 1-6

2. The reformation of the people of God 7-10

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: One of the main teachings of these books is the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises to Judah. God had promised them a land and religious center in Jerusalem as well as a return after seventy years of captivity (Jer 25), and He kept His promises. Further, as in Chronicles, Ezra the priest reflects here the centrality of the Temple worship to the whole life of the Jewish nation. Another obvious lesson in these books is the power of prayer (Ezra 9; Neh 9) and of the Word of God (Neh 8).

The Christological purpose: God had promised David to keep his line of descendants alive, for one of them, the Messiah, the Son of David, would one day reign on his throne in Jerusalem. Ezra-Nehemiah shows how God kept this hope alive by repatriating His people.

Nehemiah

I. Authorship: Nehemiah & Ezra

II. Date and place of writing: 464-424 BC

III. Recipients: the returning remnant of Judah

IV. Subject / Purpose Statement

The book of Nehemiah records the third and last returns to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It also show how Nehemiah challenged his countrymen to arise and rebuild the shattered walls of Jerusalem under his leadership.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: New City Walls

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The reconstruction of the wall 1-7

2. The reconstruction of the people 8-13

VII. Characteristics of Book

Esther

I. Authorship: Anonymous

II. Date and place of writing: 465-455 BC

III. Recipients: Jews

IV. Subject /Purpose Statement

The writer of the book of Esther provides the only biblical portrait of the vast majority of Jews who chose to remain in Persia rather than return to Palestine after the exile.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Escape of Jews

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The threat of the Jews 1-4

2. The triumph of the Jews 5-10

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The primary doctrinal lesson concerns the providential care of God for His own. A subsidiary but important theme is the truth stated later in Luke 14:11; “Every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humble himself will be exalted.”

The Christological purpose: Esther show that God has not forgotten the Jews who did not return. Predictions of a second return (e.g., Isa 11:11), which has in fact been in the process of fulfillment since before 1947 (when the modern state of Israel was re-established), indicated that indeed the nation was to be reborn some day in the future. According to Revelation 7 & 14 there will be in Palestine in the end time thousands from every tribe. Esther, whose name means “star” is a beautiful picture of Christ. both put themselves in the place of death for their people but received the scepter of the King’s approval (5:1f.).

Job

I. Authorship: Unknown

II. Date and place of writing: Before 1500 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject Purpose Statement

The writer record Job’s experience of suffering and how he learned to properly responses to God in a submissive trust regardless of the circumstance of life because God is in sovereign control.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Jehovah and Suffering

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The dilemma of Job 1-2

2. The debates of Job 3-37

3. The deliverance of Job 38-42

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The central teaching of Job appears to be that the presence of pain is allowed by the providence of God for the purifying and perfecting of His people.

The Christological purpose: Christ is presented or anticipated in several ways in Job. Job cries out for a Mediator (9:33; 33:23); he acknowledges a Redeemer (19:25); and he knows he needs someone who can explain the mystery of “suffering by suffering, the just for the unjust.”(I Peter 3:18) and thus bring victory over the plague of evil and plan (Rev 21:4).

Psalms

I. Authorship: Over a half dozen

II. Date and place of writing: 1410-430 BC

III. Recipients : Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

The Psalms are 150 songs designed for vocal expression and instrumental accompaniment and served as the temple hymn book and devotional guide for the Hebrew people. The common theme is Worship, God is worthy of all praise because of who He is, what He done, and what He will do.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Praises and Petition

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Book I 1-41

2. Book II 42-72

3. Book III 73-89

4. Book IV 90-106

5. Book V 107-150

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: All the great doctrines of the Old Testament are taught in the Psalms, especially the doctrine of God. Perhaps the a easiest way to summarize the great teachings of the Psalms is to refer to the topics of the five sections into which they are divided.

The Christological purpose: Psalms is perhaps the most messianic book in the Old Testament. Practically the whole of Christ’s life and ministry can be found there.

Proverbs

I Authorship: Solomon and Others

II Date and place of writing: 950 - 700 BC

III Recipients: The students of Solomon and others

IV Subject/Purpose Statement:

The book of Proverbs was designed to equip the reader in practical wisdom, discernment, discipline, and discretion. These wise sayings emphasize the development of skill in all the details of life so that beauty and righteousness will replace foolishness and evil as we walk in dependence upon God.

V Book Summary in Three Words: Prudence in Life

VI Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Commendation of Wisdom 1

2. The Counsel of Wisdom 2 - 29

3. The Comparisons of Wisdom 30 - 31

VII Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The primary teaching of the wisdom literature is that true wisdom is based is the fear (reverential trust) of God. That is, prudence is based in piety (1:7). Teaching on other matters, including sex, friends, and money, are both invaluable and numerous.

The Christological purpose: Christ is presented in Proverbs as the Wisdom for which the wise man aspires (cf. Proverbs 8) The New Testament declares that Christ was “made our wisdom” (I Cor 1:30) and that is Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3)

Ecclesiastes

I. Authorship: Solomon

II. Date and place of writing: 935 BC

III. Recipients: The wise men of the assemble

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Solomon carefully chose wise words describing that life and work are a gift from God. Looking at life under the sun, Solomon says life’s pursuit without God lead only to frustration. But once seen from God’s perspective life become meaningful and fulfilling.

V. Book Summary in Three Words Emptiness in Life

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The declaration that all is vanity 1

2. The demonstration that all is vanity 2-6

3. The deliverance from vanity 7-12

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: (1) The fundamental teaching of the book is twofold: negatively, no true happiness is found in what this world has to offer and, positively, true satisfaction is found only in God. (2) In its basic teaching, namely, that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (cf. 12:13), Ecclesiates is in accord with the rest of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. (3) Included within its basic teachings are many other doctrines such as God’s sovereignty (4), human depravity &7:29), divine sagacity (wisdom), and death’s finality (3:17,20).

The Christological purpose: The person of Christ stands out in two significant ways in Ecclesiates (1) He is the greatest good, the ultimate satisfaction for which the believer aspires (cf. John 4:13,14). (2) Christ is the “one Shepherd” or teacher from whom the wisdom of this book comes (12”11; cf. John 10:1 and Col 2:3). In brief, Christ is both the Water of life that quenches our thirst for happiness and the Wisdom of God that satisfies our desire for knowledge.

Song of Solomon

I. Authorship: Solomon

II. Date and place of writing: 965 BC

III. Recipients: Shulamite Women

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Song of Solomon is a love song written by Solomon which records Solomon actual romance with a shulamite woman. The book exalts the joys of love, courtship and marriage and teaches that physical beauty and sexuality in marriage should not be despised.

V. Book Summary in Three Words Sex in Marriage

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Falling in Love 1-2

2. United in Love 3-4

3. Struggles in Love 5-6

4. Growing in Love 7-8

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The central teaching of the book concerns the nature of the union of lover and beloved. Hence, both compassion and union, love and oneness, are at the core of the doctrinal statement of the Song. Following from this, of course, are both a rebuke to polygamy and a reaffirmation of monogamous love as God’s ideal for mankind.

The Christological purpose: Solomon’s love for his bride is a most beautiful illustration of Christ’s love for His church (Eph 5:25f) Further the bride’s growth in love depicts the believer’s maturation in the love of Christ, a growing realization of His acceptance of us in love. Truly, no book of the Bible is more holy and more sacred, yet few are more often scorned and rejected. Nevertheless, the aspiration for union with Christ in love is nowhere more fully and descriptively illustrated in all of Scripture.

Isaiah

I. Authorship: Isaiah

II. Date and place of writing: 740-680 BC

III. Recipients: Israel / Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Isaiah record that judgment would come to Judah because of a failure to keep the covenant but promised that God would deliver the nation through the coming Messiah.

V. Book Summary in Three Word: Israel Suffering/Glory

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The prophecy of condemnation 1-35

2. The parenthesis concerning Hezekiah 36-39

3. The prophecy of comfort 40-66

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: This book comprehends all the great truths of the Old Testament regarding salvation from man’s sin (1) through Christ’s redemptive work (53) as well as the final glorious restoration of this earth (65).

The Christological purpose: Isaiah presents perhaps the most complete and comprehensive descriptions of Christ found in the Old Testament. For example, Christ is referred to as the “Lord”….high and lifted up” (6); the son of a virgin (7:14); the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6): a Branch from Jessie and Anointed of the Lord (11:1,2); the “Comfort” of His people (40); the “Redeemer” and “Holy one of Israel” and their Creator and King (43); the Deliverer of the captives (61) and more.

Jeremiah

I. Authorship: Jeremiah

II. Date and place of writing: 627-580 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Jeremiah recorded that judgment would come on the nation because of failure to keep the covenant but prophesied that restoration would occur because of God would deliver the nation through the coming messiah.

V. Book Summary in Three Word: Judgment on Judah

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The prophecies to Judah 1-45

2. The prophecies to the Gentiles 46-51

3. The punishment to Jerusalem 52

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The book lays great stress on morality and on the supremacy of the one God (as opposed to idolatry). It teaches that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34).

The Christological purpose: There are many presentations of Christ: He is the fountain of living water (2:13); cf. Jn 4:14), the balm of Gilead (8:22), the Good Shepherd (23:4), a righteous branch (23:5), and the Lord our righteousness (23:6). Overall He is the weeping Prophet to His people (cf. Matt 23:37,38).

Lamentations

I. Authorship: Jeremiah

II. Date and place of writing: 586 BC in Jerusalem

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Jeremiah recorded five poems of judgment and destruction which had come on the nation because of neglect of the covenant.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Lament over Jerusalem

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The plight of Jerusalem 1

2. The punishment of God 2

3. The plea of Jeremiah 3

4. The portrait of the battle 4

5. The prayer for restoration 5

VII Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: Lamentations is an unusual but compatible mixture of the wrath and mercy of God. It stresses His faithfulness to His promise to punish evil and yet His steadfast love and compassion for His people (3:22,23).

The Christological purpose: There are many prophetic pictures of Christ. Christ is the afflicted of the Lord (1:12), despised of His enemies (2:15,16), the laughingstock of all people (3:14), and the smitten and insulted one (3:19). But behind the movement of the whole book, Christ is the man of sorrow who is acquainted with grief (cf. Isa 53:3).

Ezekiel

I. Authorship: Ezekiel

II. Date and Place of writing: Babylon 592-570 BC

III. Recipients: Jews in exile in Babylon

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Ezekiel the prophet of vision record messages of judgment because the people had not kept the covenant and also messages of a coming glorious kingdom.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Expectation of Glory

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Judgment on Judah 1-24

2. Judgment on the Gentles 25-32

3. The joy of the Israel 33-48

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The central doctrinal teaching of Ezekiel concerns the glory of God (cf. 1:28; 10:4). Connected with God’s glory is the need for judgment of sin in the vindication of His righteousness (c.f. 11:12). And finally the book stresses God’s faithfulness to His promises (cf. “for my name’s sake,” (20:44).

The Christological purpose: Ezekiel anticipates Christ as the glory of God (10:18,19), the Renewed of the covenant (16:60), the shepherd of the flock (34:23), the Cleanser of the Temple (36:24f) the Regenerator of Israel (36:26); and throughout the book He is presented as the Restorer of Israel.

Daniel

I. Authorship: Daniel

II. Date and Place of writing: Babylon 606-536 BC

III. Recipients: Jews in exile

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Daniel wrote to encourage the exited Jews and to record the history of the world as it related to Israel during and after the period of Gentile domination.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Daniel and Prophecy

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The personal history of Daniel 1-7

2. The prophetic ministry of Daniel 8-12

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: There is a twofold stress in the teaching of this book: it condemns the existing (beastly) powers of this world and at the same time communicates the plan of God to set up His Kingdom in this world. In so doing Daniel emphatically teaches that history has a goal, that it is His-story, and that God is sovereign over the affairs of this world (cf. Chpt 4)..

The Christological purpose: The chief portrait of Christ in Daniel is the coming Messiah (the anointed one, 9:26). But Christ is also portrayed as the great stone who will crush the kingdoms of this world (2:34,45), the son of man (7:12). The first section centers largely around the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar while the second part revolves around the visions of Daniel himself.

Hosea

I. Authorship: Hosea

II. Date and place of writing: 755-710 BC

III. Recipients: Northern Kingdom of Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Hosea, using the figure of an unfaithful wife, noted that the northern kingdom had been unfaithful to the covenant and therefore would be judged in order to stimulate the nation to turn back to God which would result in blessings under the covenant.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Hesed Loyal Love

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The adulteress wife and faithful husband 1-3

2. The adulteress nation and faithful Lord 4-14

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The futility of formalism, the depravity of man, and the unending charity of God are three strong emphases of the Book of Hosea.

The Christological purpose: The Messiah is presented as the Son of God (11:1), the only Savior of His people (L3:4), the one who will ransom us from the dead (13:14; cf. ICor 15:55), but primarily as our compassionate lover (11:4) and the healer of the backslider (6:1).

Joel

I. Authorship: Joel

II. Date and place of writing: 835 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Joel, using the figure of a locust invasion, prophesied that there will be a future invasion of the land by many nation in order to charge the people to repent which would result in blessings under the covenant.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Jehovah Judgment Day

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The day of the Lord in retrospect 1

2. The day of the Lord in prospect 2-3

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: Two teachings are central: the day of the Lord (judgment) and the coming of the Spirit of the Lord (blessing).

The Christological purpose: Christ is presented as the one who gives the Holy Spirit (2L28), who judges the nations (3:2,12), and who is the Refuge and Stronghold for His people (3:16).

Amos

I. Authorship: Amos

II. Date and place of writing: 760-753 BC

III. Recipients: Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Amos related messages of judgment against the northern kingdom showing that the unrighteous behavior of the people and their formalism revealed that they were not living according to the covenant in order to encourage the righteous remnant (of both the north and south) to live under the covenant because the Lord will restore them.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Attitude toward Law

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The eight prophecy of judgment 1-2

2. The three sermon of judgment 3-6

3. The five vision of judgment 7-8

4. The five promise of restoration 9

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: The book teaches god’s hatred of evil, His jealousy for His own good, and the sanctity of His law. On the last point there are numerous references in Amos to the law of Mosses(cf.2:7 with Deut. 23:17, 2:8 with Exod. 22:26; 2:2,12 with Num. 6:1-21).

The Christological purpose: The book presents Christ as the Rebuilder of David’s Tabernacle (9:11, ASV) and the Husbandman of His people ((:13).

Obadiah

I. Authorship: Obadiah

II. Date and place of writing: 840 BC

III. Recipients: Israel and Edom

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Obadiah declared that Edom (as a nation and symbolizing the anti-God in activity on the world) will be destroyed in order to encourage Israel to realize that they will be the center of the future kingdom of God.

V. Book Summary in three Words: Obliteration of Edom

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The prediction of the judgment of Edom. vv1-18

2. The prediction of the restoration of Israel. vv 19-21

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: This tiny book declares the justice of God, His faithfulness in restoring the land given to Abraham, and the perils of anti-Semitism. It teaches that pride comes before a fall (cf. 10:12).

The Christological purpose: The book pictures the Messiah as both Savior and possessor of the kingdom (21).

Jonah

I. Authorship: Jonah

II. Date and place of writing: 760 BC

III. Recipients: Assyrian and Israel

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Jonah, the reluctant prophet does not want to proclaim God’s message for fear that the Assyrians will respond and be spared by the compassionate God of Israel. Jonah reveals the power of God in nature and the mercy of God in human affairs.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Judgment Spared Nineveh

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Jonah the prodigal prophet 1

2. Jonah the praying prophet 2

3. Jonah the preaching prophet 3

4. Jonah the pouting prophet 4

VII. Characteristics of Books

The doctrinal purpose: Jonah teaches the universality of God’s salvation; the need for obedience to God, the secret of true revival by repentance from sin, and the truth that “salvation is of the Lord” (2:9, KJV).

The Christological purpose: the New Testament mentions Jonah as the type of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 12:40). Through Jonah, Christ is pictured as a prophet to the nations, while in Jonah’s life He is shown as the Savior and Lord (2:9).

Micah

I. Authorship: Micah

II. Date and place of writing: 735-710 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Micah declared that even though Judah will go in to captivity in Babylon for not living under the covenant they will be brought back under a king into a kingdom in order to encourage the righteous remnant to continue to live righteously.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Messenger of Hope

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The prediction of retribution 1-3

2. The prediction of restoration 4-5

3. The plea for repentance 6-7

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: Several important teaching are stressed including God’s hatred of empty formal religion (6:7), His concern for social justice (6:8), His pardoning grace (7:18), and His faithfulness to His covenants (7:20).

The Christological purpose: The book presents Christ as the God of Jacob (4:2), the Judge of the nations (4:3), and the Ruler in Israel who will be born in the city of Bethlehem (5:2; cf. Matt 2:1-6).

Nahum

I. Authorship: Nahum

II. Date and place of writing: 660-607 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Nahum prophesied destruction on the Assyrian empire in order to encourage Israel that God is in control and will fight for His people.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Nineveh Soon Judgment

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The destruction of Nineveh is decreed 1

2. The destruction of Nineveh is describe 2

3. The destruction of Nineveh is deserved 3

VII Characteristics Book

The doctrinal purpose: This book manifest both the justice of God in dealing with evil and the goodness of God in the eyes of the righteous. It dramatizes the truths, “The wicked shall depart to sheol (Hell), all the nations that forget God” (Ps (:17), and “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom 12:19).

The Christological purpose: Nahum sees Christ as the jealous God (1:2) and the Avenger of His advertises.

Habakkuk

I. Authorship: Habakkukk

II. Date and place of writing: 607 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Habakkuk records series of question and answers as a result of a conversation between himself and God. He uses this conversation to comfort the fateful in Judah with assurance that the wicked and lawless men of Judah will not go unpunished, and that God, being just will punish the evil Babylonians.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Humanity and Sovereignty

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The problem of Habakkuk 1-2

2. The praise of Habakkuk 3

VII. Characteristics Book

The doctrinal purpose: To teach the holiness and justice of God and the necessity of faith for the righteous, to show that God is just and that the just live by faith in Him: these were the doctrinal purpose.

The Christological purpose: Christ is pictured as the Holy One (1:12), the one who justifies the righteous by faith (2:4), and the one who will someday fill the earth “with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the water cover the sea” (2:14).

Zephaniah

I. Authorship: Zephaniah

II. Date and place of writing: 630 BC

III. Recipients: Judah

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Zephaniah described a time of intense judgment on Judah and the nation in order to lead Judah to repent and to encourage the remnant to rejoice that the judgment leads to salvation and entrance into the Kingdom.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Zion’s Remnant Saved

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The judgment in the day of the Lord. 1-2

2. The salvation in the day of the Lord 3

VII. Characteristics Book

The doctrinal purpose: Zephaniah teaches that God desires to demonstrates His holiness and hence will be just in executing judgment on the world. In this regard, the prophet Zephaniah stresses “the day of the Lord” (ch 1). Nonetheless, God will be faithful to all in every nation who call upon Him (cf. Rom 10:13). Further, God will keep His promise and restore the fortunes of Israel, regathering them as an nation (3:20).

The Christological purpose: The Savior is presented as the righteous Lord within Israel (3:5), the witness against the nations (3:8), and “the King of Israel, the Lord” (3:15).

Haggai

I. Authorship: Haggai

II. Date and place of writing: 520 BC

III. Recipients: Jews who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Haggai preached four messages to the remnant to encourage them to rebuild the temple in hope that they could once again enjoy the blessings of the glory and presence of God. A further purpose explains the reason for their poverty and why their sacrifices have been previously unacceptable to God.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: House of God

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The message concerning construction 1

2. The message concerning courage 2

3. The message concerning cleanness 2

4. The message concerning consummation 2

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: There are many lessons in Haggai: (1) God blesses His people when they put Him first (cf., Matt 6:33); (2) When we are in God’s service we should never “weary in well doing” (cf. Gal 6:9); (3) God’s promise for tomorrow is our hope for today.

The Christological purpose: Our Lord is represented as the Restorer of the temple’s glory (2:7-9), the overthrower of the kingdoms of this world (2:22), and a signet ring for Israel (2:23).

Zechariah

I. Authorship: Zechariah

II. Date and place of writing: 520-480 BC

III. Recipients: Jews who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Zechariah recorded eight visions, four messages and two burdens which were written to encouraged the returned remnant to live according to the covenant and to rebuild the temple because kingdom through the destruction of the Gentile empires and the salvation of His people Israel.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Zion’s Coming Messiah

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The eight vision of Zechariah 1-6

2. The four messages of Zechariah 7-8

3. The two burden of Zechariah 9-14

VII. Characteristics Book

The doctrinal purpose: Several teachings stand out in Zechariah: the centrality of the Temple in God’s spiritual restoration of Israel; (2) the providence of God in bringing back His people to their land; (3) the preeminence of the Messiah in the future spiritual restoration of Israel.

The Christological purpose: Zechariah presents s Christ as the angle of the Lord (3:1), the Righteous Branch (3:8), the Crucified Savior (12:10) and the coming king (9:9).\

Malachi

I. Authorship: Malachi

II. Date and place of writing: 432-425 BC

III. Recipients: Jews who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Malachi records YaHWeH’s burden for Israel through a series of rhetorical question and answers, which were designed to prompt the remnant to repentance from their spiritual indifference and to promise the judgment and blessings to come through the Messiah.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Messaged before Messiah

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The privilege of the nation 1

2. The pollution of the nation 2-3

3. The promise of the nation 4

VII. Characteristics of Book

The doctrinal purpose: Malachi teaches that unless there is purity in God’s people there will be purging by God’s hand. It stresses that sincerity and purity and prerequistes for serving God.

The Christological purpose: Christ is the messenger of the covenant (3:1), the refiner’s fire (3:2), and the usn of righteousness (4:2).

Matthew

I. Authorship: Matthew (gift of God)

II. Date and place of writing: Palestine - 55-70 AD

III. Recipients: Jews

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Matthew recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in order to confirm to a Jewish audience that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and to explain the Kingdom program of God for the present in light of Israel’s rejection of her King.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Messiah Is King

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The presentation of the King 1-4

2. The Proclamation of the King 5-11

3. The Progressive rejection of the King 12-25

4. The Passion and Proof of the King 26-28

(The last week of his life- the things that led up to His death. The proof that He is King - The resurrection)

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. The book of Matthew beings with a genealogy.

2. Matthew dwells on Massianic prophecies that emphasizes the King. (Jesus as King)

3. Matthew does not explain Jewish costumes.

4. The Hebrew formula “Kingdom of Heaven” is used 28 times in the book of Matthew.

5. Matthew writhes this book in a orderly format. Like the Pentateuch, it is broken down into five sections.

a. Sermon on the Mount 5-7

b. Communion of the twelve 10

c. Parables of the Kingdom 13

d. The meaning of greatness and forgiveness 18

e. Olivet Discourse (future events) 24-25

Mark

I. Authorship: Mark (Surname) John

II. Date and Place of writing: 50-68 AD

III. Recipients: Romans

IV. Subject/ Purpose Statement

Mark recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ to present the Gospel to a Roman audience by proving that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to provide a pattern of discipleship through the model of the suffering servant who remains faithful even unto death.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Messiah is Servant

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Jesus Christ is servant to the multitudes 1-7

2. Jesus Christ is servant to the disciplines 8-10

3. Jesus Christ is sacrificed for the world 11-16

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. Mark is intended for the unevangelized Roman audience.

2. Mark explains Jewish customs and translates Aramaic words.

3. The shortest gospel and some people think that it is the first written.

4. No introduction, no genealogy, no long discourses.

5. Repeatedly notes the presence of the multitudes around Jesus.

Luke

I. Authorship: Luke

II. Date and place of writing: 60 AD

III. Recipients: The Greeks, especially Theophilus

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Luke provided an orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ for gentile readership in order to certify that Jesus was the promised Messiah for Israel and was indeed the Son of God, who became the Son of Man in order to provide the way for the Gentiles to enter the Kingdom as well as Israel.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Likeness of Man

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. The Son of man seeking the lost 1-19

2. The Son of man saving the lost 20-24

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. Luke is the longest, most orderly and most detailed Gospel.

2. Luke is the longest book in the New Testament.

3. Luke carefully notes dates, customers and geographical date, “locations and institutions.”

4. Luke records the prayer life of Jesus. (nine prayers of Jesus are recorded in the Gospel of Luke).

5. Luke recorded many miracles and parables.

A. 20 Miracles are recorded (6 of which are only found in Luke).

B. 23 Parables are recorded (19 of which are only found in Luke).

6. Only Luke recorded the Emmaus Road narrative.

7. Luke stresses the birth of Christ through the line of Mary.

8. Luke places emphasis on Jesus as Son of Man (Luke 2:51 & 52)

John

I. Authorship: John (the Apostle) “The Beloved”

II. Date and place of writing: 85-90 AD Asia Minor

III. recipients: All the World

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John recorded a selected number of signs and saying of Jesus in order to persuade His audience that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, who could give them eternal life if they would only believe in Him.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Jesus is God

VI. book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The public ministry of the Son of God 1-12

2. The private ministry of the Son of God 13-17

3. The passion ministry of the Son of God 18-20

4. The post-lude ministry of the Son of God 21

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. Half of the book is taken up with the last week of the life of Christ.

2. Theme words that are in the book are: Light, Life, Love, Believe. The word believe is recorded in the book of John over 98 times.

3. The book of John records no parables.

4. The book of John records seven major miracles, seven major witnesses and seven major statements of who Jesus said He was.

Quiz!

Name___________

Matthew

I. Authorship: ____________(gift of God)

II. Date and place of writing: Palestine - 55-70 AD

III. Recipients: _______

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Matthew recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in order to confirm to a _______ audience that Jesus was indeed the __________ and to explain the Kingdom program of God for the present in light of Israel’s rejection of her King.

V. Book Summary in Three Words:

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The P___________ of the King 1-4

2. The P____________ of the King 5-11

3. The P__________ rejection of the King 12-25

4. The P______ and P____ of the King 26-28

Mark

I. Authorship: ____ (Surname) John

II. Date and Place of writing: 50-68 AD

III. Recipients: _________

IV. Subject/ Purpose Statement

Mark recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ to present the Gospel to a ______

Mark cont…

audience by proving that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to provide a pattern of discipleship through the

model of the s_______ s_______ who remains faithful even unto death.

V. Book Summary in Three Words:

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Jesus Christ is s______ to the m_________ 1-7

2. Jesus Christ is s______ to the d__________ 8-10

3. Jesus Christ is s_________ for the w____ 11-16

Luke

I. Authorship:

II. Date and place of writing: 60 AD

III. Recipients: The Greeks, especially T________

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Luke provided an _______ account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ for gentile readership in order to certify that Jesus was the promised Messiah for Israel and was indeed the Son of God, who became the Son of Man in order to provide the way for the Gentiles to enter the Kingdom as well as _______.

V. Book Summary in Three Words:

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. The Son of man ________the lost. 1-19

2. The Son of man ________the lost. 20-24

John

I. Authorship: _____(the Apostle) “The Beloved”

II. Date and place of writing: 85-90 AD Asia Minor

III. Recipients:

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John recorded a selected number of signs and saying of Jesus in order to persuade His audience that Jesus was the M______, the ___of ___, who could give them eternal life if they would only ________in Him.

V. Book Summary in Three Words:

VI. book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The p_____ ministry of the Son of God 1-12

2. The p______ ministry of the Son of God 13-17

3. The p ______ ministry of the Son of God 18-20

4. The p___-___ ministry of the Son of God 21

Acts

I. Authorship: Luke

II. Date and place of writing: 60 AD / Ceseria and Rome

III. Recipients: Theophilus

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Luke provided an accurate account of the spread of the gospel and the establishment of the Church to persuade his audience that selected promises of the resurrected Christ were fulfilled and to provide sound defense for the church, its messages and its messengers.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Apostles of Church

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The witness to Jerusalem 1-7

2. The witness to Judea and Samaria 8-12

3. The witness to the ends of the earth 13-28

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. The book of Acts places emphasis upon the work of the Holy Spirit.

2. Luke also places emphasis on the power and the progress of the church.

3. There are a prominence of persons in the book of Acts (110 are named).

4. There are two spokesperson in the Book of Acts.

a. Peter (1-12)

b. Paul (13-28

5. Acts also emphasizes the importance of places. At least 80 geographical locations are

mentioned.

6. In each of the sermons given in the book of Acts, there is emphasis placed on the

resurrection of Christ.

7. The book of Acts also places emphasis upon the promises of Christ being fulfilled.

A . Holy Spirit B. The Church age.

Romans

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 57 AD Paul’s 3rd Journey

III. Recipients: Church at Rome

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Paul wrote Romans to reveal God’s sovereign plan of salvation, to show how Jews and Gentiles fit into that plan, and to exhort them to live righteous and harmonious lives.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Righteousness of God

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Sin 1-2

2. Salvation 4-5

3. Sanctification 6-8

4. Security 8

5. Selection 9-11

6. Separation 12

7. Service 13-16

VII. Characteristics of Book

A. Romans is the most systematic of Paul’s writings.

B. In Romans, Paul places emphasis on Christian doctrine, e.g. teaching.

C. Paul shares his deep concern for Israel. (9-11).

D. The book of Romans also shows the Romans Road.

Quiz!

Name___________

Matthew

I. Authorship: ____________(gift of God)

II. Date and place of writing: Palestine - 55-70 AD

III. Recipients: _______

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Matthew recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in order to confirm to a _______ audience that Jesus was indeed the __________ and to explain the Kingdom program of God for the present in light of Israel’s rejection of her King.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: _______________

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The P___________ of the King 1-4

2. The P____________ of the King 5-11

3. The P__________ rejection of the King 12-25

4. The P______ and P____ of the King 26-28

Mark

I. Authorship: ____ (Surname) John

II. Date and Place of writing: 50-68 AD

III. Recipients: _________

IV. Subject/ Purpose Statement

Mark recorded selected events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ to present the Gospel to a ______

Mark cont.…

audience by proving that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to provide a pattern of discipleship through the

model of the s_______ s ______ who remains faithful even unto death.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: ________________

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Jesus Christ is s______ to the m_________ 1-7

2. Jesus Christ is s______ to the d__________ 8-10

3. Jesus Christ is s_________ for the w____ 11-16

Luke

I. Authorship:

II. Date and place of writing: 60 AD

III. Recipients: The Greeks, especially T________

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Luke provided an _______ account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ for gentile readership in order to certify that Jesus was the promised Messiah for Israel and was indeed the Son of God, who became the Son of Man in order to provide the way for the G_______ to enter the Kingdom as well as _______.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: ________________

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture):

1. The Son of man ________the lost. 1-19

2. The Son of man ________the lost. 20-24

John

I. Authorship: _____(the Apostle) “The Beloved”

II. Date and place of writing: 85-90 AD Asia Minor

III. Recipients: _______________

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John recorded a selected number of signs and saying of Jesus in order to persuade His audience that Jesus was the M______, the ___of ___, who could give them eternal life if they would only ________in Him.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: ______________

VI. book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The p_____ ministry of the Son of God 1-12

2. The p______ ministry of the Son of God 13-17

3. The p ______ ministry of the Son of God 18-20

4. The p___-___ ministry of the Son of God 21

Acts

I. Authorship: ____

II. Date and place of writing: 60 AD / Ceseria and Rome

III. Recipients: Theophilus

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Luke provided an a_______ a______ of the spread of the ________ and the establishment of the _________ to persuade his audience that selected promises of the resurrected _______ were fulfilled and to provide sound defense for the church, its messages and its messengers.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: _______________

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The witness to J________ 1-7

2. The witness to J_____ and S______ 8-12

3. The witness to the ­­­_____ of the ______13-28

Romans

I. Authorship: _____

II. Date and place of writing: 57 AD Paul’s 3rd Journey

III. Recipients: Church at ______

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

Paul wrote R_____ to reveal God’s s________ plan of s________, to show how J___ and G_______ fit into that plan, and to exhort them to live r________ and harmonious lives.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: _______________

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. S__1-2

2. S________ 4-5

3. S_____________ 6-8

4. S_______ 8

5. S________ 9-11

6. S__________12

7. S_______ 13-16

14 Major Events

1. ________________________________________

2. ________________________________________

3. ________________________________________

4. ________________________________________

5. ________________________________________

6. ________________________________________

7. ________________________________________

8. ________________________________________

9. ________________________________________

10._______________________________________

11._______________________________________

12._______________________________________

13._______________________________________

14._______________________________________

Extra Credit: How much reading did you complete?

100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or ___________________.

I Corinthians

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 56 AD Ephesus (Spring)

III. Recipients: Church at Corinth

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul wrote to correct the serious problems in the church and to give them practical guidance and advice.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Church Problems Addressed

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

The discussion concerning divisions among the believers in the church. 1-4 The discussion concerning discipling of believers in the church 5-6 The discussion concerning difficulties of believers in the church 7-10 The discussion concerning disorder of the worship in the church 11-16

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. I Corinthians serves as a reference book for Pastoral Theology.

2. I Corinthians contains some of the most familiar and beloved chapters in the Bible.

12 Love; 12-14 Spiritual Gifts; 15 Resurrection; 11 Communion

II Corinthians

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 56 AD Macedonia (Winter)

III. Recipients: The church in Corinth

VII. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes to explain the conduct, character, and calling and the fully establish his apostolic authority in the Corinthian Church.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Clearing Paul’s Reputation

VI Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Character of Paul 1-7

2. The Collection for the Saints 8-9

3. The Credentials of Paul 10-13

VII Characteristics of Book:

1. I Corinthians is the least systematic of Paul’s writings.

2. This is the most personal and biographical of Paul’s writings.

3. II Corinthians contains the longest discussion of the principles and practice of giving in the New Testament (8,9, in the reference to stewardship).

Galatians

I Authorship: Paul

II Date and place of writing: 48-58 AD

III Recipients: Church of Galatia

IV Subject/Purpose Statement

Paul writes to defend his apostolic authority and the purity of the gospel as it relates to Law and Grace thus establishing the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

V Book Summary in Three Words: Gospel of Grace

VI Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Gospel of Grace defined 1-2

2. The Gospel of Grace explained 3-4

3. The Gospel of Grace applied 5-6

VII Characteristics of Book

1. Galatians is an Apologetic (Defense for the Christian faith) essential for the New Testament truth that man justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

2. Galatians is perhaps Paul’s first written letter.

Ephesians

I Authorship: Paul (Written in prison)

II Date and place of writing: 60-62 AD Rome

III Recipients: The Saints at Ephesus

IV Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes the believers at Ephesus to encourage them to be aware of their position in Christ because this is the basis for their practice on every level of life.

V Book Summary in Three Words: Extending Christ’s Body

VI Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Position of the Christian 1-3

2. The Practice of the Christian 4-5

3. The Protection of the Christian 6

VII Characteristics of Book:

1. Ephesians in formal and impersonal in its style and non-controversial in its subject matter.

2. One of the important phrase in this book is “ in Christ,” which appear 35 times.

Philippians

I Authorship: Paul

II Date and place of writing: 62 AD Rome, written in prison

III Recipients: The Church at Philippi

IV Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes to the believers at Philippi to convey his love and gratitude for them and to exhort them to a lifestyle of unity, holiness, and joy.

V Book in Three Words: Priority of Joy

VI Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Paul’s account of his present circumstances 1

2. Paul’s appeal to have the mind of Christ 2

3. Paul’s appeal to have the knowledge of Christ 3

4. Paul’s appeal to have the peace of Christ 4

VII Characteristics of Book:

1. Philippians contains no Old Testament quotations.

2. Philippians is the outstanding New Testament letter of Joy. Joy is found 16x

3. Philippians contains one of the most profound Christological passages in the New Testament.

Colossians

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 60-61 AD , Rome

III. Recipients: the Saints at Colosse

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes the believers at Colosse to refute the “Colossian Heresy” and to encouraged the Colossians to continue in the faith so that their Christian belief might be reflected in their Christian behavior.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Christ the Head

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Supremacy of Christ 1-2

2. The Submission to Christ 3-4

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. The book of Colossians is the most profound Christological Books.

2. The similarity of Ephesians and Colossians is interesting.

a. 78 out of 155 verses are almost identical.

b. Ephesians emphasizes the Church, the body of Christ.

c. Colossian emphasizes Christ, the Head of the Church.

I Thessalonians

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 51 AD, Corinth

III. Recipients: The Church at Thessalonica

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes I Thessalonians to encourage new converts and give instructions concerning Godly living in light of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Trumpet Before Rapture

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Paul’s reflections on the Thessalonians 1-3

2. Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians 4-5

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. The subject of eschatology seems to be pre-dominant in I Thessalonians.

2. We learn from I Thessalonians that the second coming of Christ has two new phases”

a. The Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

b. The Revelation ( I Thessalonians 3:13).

3. Every chapter ends with a practical exhortation related to the coming of the Lord.

a. It is the hope of the believers (1:9, 10).

b. It is the Motivation for service (2:10, 20).

c. It is a stimulus for personal sanctification (34:12, 13).

d. It is a comfort regarding the dead (4:13-18).

e. It is the assurance of our complete sanctification (5:23, 24).

II Thessalonians

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 51 AD, Corinth

III. Recipients: The Church at Thessalonica

IV Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes II Thessalonians to commend believers for their progress in faith and love, to comfort them in their persecutions and to correct them in their doctrine.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Tribulation before Revelation

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Paul’s encouragement in persecution 1

2. Paul’s explanations of the Day of the Lord 2

3. Paul’s exhortation to the Church 3

VII. Characteristic of Book:

1. II Thessalonians is the shortest of Paul’s letters to the Church.

2. II Thessalonians contains four prayers:

a. Chapter 1:11 –12

b. Chapter 2:16-17

c. Chapter 3:5

d. Chapter 3:16

3. Like I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians has as a theme eschatology.

4. One of the key phrases in this book is, “the day of the Lord.”

5. The following truths are revealed about the “the day of the Lord”

a. II Thessalonians 2:2 ff. it has not yet come, Isaiah 13:6,8; Zephaniah 1:14-16.

b. II Thessalonians 2:3 ff. when it comes there will be a great falling away. Tim 3:4.

c. II Thessalonians 2:3-4 ff. at the beginning of the day of the Lord the man of sin will appear.

I Timothy

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 62—63 AD, Macedonia

III. Recipients: Timothy

IV. Subject /Purpose Statement:

Paul wrote Timothy to encourage and instruct him in ecclesiastical matters and to furnish him with written credentials and authority to work amongst the church.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Teach Church Conduct

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Paul’s charge concerning sound doctrine 1

2. Paul’s charge concerning public worship 2

3. Paul’s charge concerning church leaders 3

4. Paul’s charge concerning false teachers 4

5. Paul’s charge concerning church disciplines 5

6. Paul’s charge concerning pastoral motives 6

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. I Timothy’s chief concern is the application of doctrine, not the elaborate presentation of it.

II Timothy

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 67 AD, Roman Prison

III. Recipients: Timothy Ministering in Ephesus

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes Timothy to instruct him on how to handle present persecution from without and dissension from within, and to encourage him to endure future testing (s). Also this letter summons Timothy and Mark to visit Rome and to bring Paul’s books and cloak.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Teach God’s Word

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Paul’s charge to persevere in present testings. 1-2

2. Paul’s charge to endure in future testings. 3-4

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. This is Paul’s last epistle (letter) written shortly before his martyrdom (cf. 4:6-8).

Titus

I. Authorship: Paul

II. Date and place of writing: 53 AD

III. Recipients: Titus

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul writes Titus to provide him with the needed written authorization for his work at Crete and also to encourage Titus and to provide Him with the specific instructions for his work in the Churches.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Teach Sound Doctrine

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The appointment of elders for the protection of sound

Doctrine. 1

2. The appeal to set things in order for the practice of

sound doctrine. 2-3

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. Titus emphasizes Holy living in keeping with sound doctrine.

Philemon

I. Authorship:

II. Date and Place of writing: 60-61 Rome

III. Recipients: Philemon

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Paul wrote to Philemon to receive Oneimus, his former slave, even as he would receive Paul Himself: Portraying the forgiveness that the believer finds in Christ.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Pardon of Onesimus

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The prayer of thanksgiving for Philemon vv. 1-7

2. The petition of Paul for Onesimus vv. 8-16

3. The promise of Paul to Philemon vv. 17-25

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters.

2. The book of Philemon illustrates the doctrine of imputation.

Hebrews

I. Authorship: Uncertain

II. Date and Place of writing: 65-70 AD Place unknown

III. Recipients: Jewish Converts

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

The writer of the book of Hebrew writes to instruct Jewish Christians concerning the person and work of Christ exhorting them to go on with Christ in faith and warning them against the dangers of falling away because of persecution.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Headed for Maturity

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Superiority of Christ Person 1-4

2. The Superiority of Christ Priesthood 5-10

3. The Superiority of the Christian Pilgrimage 11-13

VII. Characteristic of the Book

1. The book of Hebrew is unique in form. It has not introductory greeting like the

other letter.

2. The book of Hebrew is the only New Testament letter whose authorship is a mystery

to us.

3. The book of Hebrews helps us to understand the present ministry of Christ. What

He is doing as He sits at the right hand throne of God.

4. There are constant references to the old testament in the book of Hebrews. There

are 29 direct quotations from the Old Testament plus 53 illusions to the Old

Testament.

5. The book of Hebrews helps to explain the meaning of the New Covenant. Chpt. 8

6. Some of the key words in the book of Hebrew are: better 13x, let us 13x

James

I. Authorship: James (Half Brother of Jesus Christ)

II. Date and Place of Writing: 45 AD

III. Recipients: Jewish Christians

IV. Subject/ Purpose Statement

James writes to urges Jewish Christians to live according to their Christian profession and to admonish them that a genuine faith will produce real changes in a person’s conduct and character.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Jews Develop Faith

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Test of Faith 1

2. The Traits of Faith 2-4

3. The Triumph of Faith 5

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. James is the first New Testament letter to be written.

2. James links personal references common in other letter.

3. There is a absence of the teaching on redemption through Christ as the object of faith. (Christ is mentioned only once).

I Peter

I. Authorship: Peter

II. Date and Place of Writing: 63-62 AD Rome or Babylon

III. Recipients: Jewish and Gentle Christians

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement

To give them hope and encouragement in the midst of suffering and to exhort them to holy living.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Patience in Suffering

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Salvation of the Believer 1

2. The Sanctification of the Believer 2

3. The Submission of the Believer 3-4

4. The Suffering of the Believer 5

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. 16 references to suffering are made in I Peter.

2. The emphasis in I Peter is on Suffering, Hope, and the Grace of God.

II Peter

I. Authorship: Apostle Peter

II. Date and Place of Writing: 64-66 AD Rome

III. Recipients: Possibly the Jews and the Gentle Christians

IV. Subject / Purpose Statement:

To warn against false teachers and to exhort them to grow spiritually and not fall away from the faith.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Purge False Teachers

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Cultivation of Christian Character 1 2. The Condemnation of False Teachers 2

3. The Confidence of Christ Return 3

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. I Peter deals with suffering arising from external pressure and II Peter deals with dangers arising from internal heresy.

2. A key word in II Peter is Know or Knowledge (used 16 times).

I John

I. Authorship: Apostle John

II. Date and Place of Writing: 90 AD Ephesus?

III. Recipients: Churches of Asia Minor

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John writes believers to warn them against the dangers of false teachers and exhorts them to live in obedience to God and love their brother and sisters which results in right fellowship.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Joy of Fellowship

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The basis of fellowship 1-2

2. The behavior of fellowship 2-5

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. John expresses profound thought in simple like words.

2. John uses contrast continually throughout the book: good and evil, light and darkness, Christ and Anti-Christ, believers and the world, righteousness and sin, and life and death.

3. John uses three word to describe God

A. God is Light 1;5

B. God is Love 4:7, 16

C. God is Life 5:13,20

II John

I. Authorship: Apostle John

II. Date and Place of Writing: 90 AD

III. Recipients: To the elect lady and her children

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John writes to warn the elect recipients against extending hospitality of false teachers and to commend her for her loyalty to the truth, and to urge her to be faithful.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Judge False Teachers

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. Abide in God’s Commandments vv. 1-6

2. Abide not with false teachers vv. 7-13

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. The key word used in the book of II John are: Truth (5x), Love (4x).

III John

I. Authorship: Apostle John

II. Date and Place of Writing: 90 AD Ephesus

III. Recipients: The well loved Gaius

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John writes Gaius to commend him for his faithfulness to God and hospitality to God’s servant and to assure him that he will deal with Diotrephes.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Joy of Hospitality

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The Commendation of Gaius vv. 1-8

2. The Condemnation of Diothrephes vv. 9-14

VII. Characteristics of Book:

1. The key word found in 3rd John is truth (6x).

Jude

I. Authorship: Jude

II. Date and place of writing: 66-80 AD

III. Recipients: Unknown

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

Jude writes to warn Believers against evil heretical apostles (false teachers) and to encourage the believers to contend earnestly for the faith.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Judgement of Apostates

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The description of false teachers vv. 1-16

2. The defense against false teachers vv. 17-23

3. The doxology of Jude vv. 24-25

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. The language is tense, vivid, and poetic.

2. Jude presents one of the most fearful pictures of judgement on apostates in all the scriptures.

3. Jude uses examples in the Old Testament to illustrate the judgement of God against apostates.

Revelation

I. Authorship: John

II. Date and place of writing: 95 AD Patmos

III. Recipients: Seven Churches in Asia

IV. Subject/Purpose Statement:

John writes to encourage and strengthen Christians in the face of persecution and testing and to reveal how God will bring to consummation all his purposes and plans.

V. Book Summary in Three Words: Record of Future

VI. Book Outline (Big Picture)

1. The things which you have seen 1

2. The things which are 2-3

3. The things which will take place after this 4-22

VII. Characteristics of Book

1. Revelation is filled with imagery, most of which is related to figures which appear in the Old Testament. There are not less that 400 allusions to the O. T. but no direct quotation.

2. A distinctive feature is the frequent use of the number seven (52times). Symbolically the number seven stands for completeness.

3. Revelation gives the most vivid description of event to take place at the end of time found in the Bible.

4. Revelation belongs to the category of literature called apocalyptic literature (also called prophetical literature).