Theo 1: New Testament

The New Testament Overview

• The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible.

• Written originally in Greek, it documents the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his early followers.

• Major components include:

  • Four Gospels

  • Acts of the Apostles

  • 21 Epistles by St. Paul and other apostles

  • The Book of Revelation

Structure of the New Testament

Major Sections:

1. Historical Books

   • Includes the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles

2. Didactic Books

   • Pauline Letters and Others

   • Letters addressed to specific communities or individuals

3. Prophetic Book

   • The Apocalypse or Revelation

Complete List of New Testament Books:

• Gospels:

  • Matthew (28 chapters)

  • Mark (16 chapters)

  • Luke (24 chapters)

  • John (21 chapters)

• Acts:

  • Acts of the Apostles (28 chapters)

• Epistles:

  • Romans (16 chapters)

  • 1 Corinthians (16 chapters)

  • 2 Corinthians (13 chapters)

  • Galatians (6 chapters)

  • Ephesians (6 chapters)

  • Philippians (4 chapters)

  • Colossians (4 chapters)

  • 1 Thessalonians (5 chapters)

  • 2 Thessalonians (4 chapters)

  • 1 Timothy (6 chapters)

  • 2 Timothy (4 chapters)

  • Titus (3 chapters)

  • Philemon (1 chapter)

  • Hebrews (13 chapters)

  • James (5 chapters)

  • 1 Peter (5 chapters)

  • 2 Peter (3 chapters)

  • 1 John (5 chapters)

  • 2 John (1 chapter)

• Revelation:

  • Revelation (22 chapters)

The Gospels

• Each Gospel narrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

• The term "gospel" derives from the Old English "gōd-spell" meaning "good news" or "glad tidings."

• The central message revolves around the coming Kingdom of Messiah and salvation through Jesus.

• The Greek word "euangelion" also means "good news," highlighting the significance of the Gospels.

• According to St. Matthew, Jesus is the Promised Messiah.

• According to St. Mark, Jesus is the Suffering Servant of God.

The Epistles

• The Epistles are letters believed to be divinely inspired.

• Written by apostles and disciples addressing specific communities or general Christian audiences.

• Known as "catholic epistles" when broadly written to groups rather than individuals.

The Book of Revelation

• Considered the final book of the New Testament and known as the Apocalypse of John.

• Classified as prophetic or apocalyptic literature, discussing the end times and prophetic visions.

Significance and Canon

• The New Testament consists of 27 books, a canon widely recognized across Christianity since Late Antiquity.

• Though the Old Testament canon varies among denominations, the 27-book New Testament has a unified acceptance in Christian traditions.