Finding Your Way Around the Bible, Part 5

Last week we finished the Old Testament books. This week we begin with the New Testament.
The Gospels: ('gospel' means 'good news'):

Matthew, Mark, Luke

These three are sometimes called the “synoptic gospels.” While each stresses different things in the life of Christ, there is much overlap in these accounts. They detail the life of Jesus from before His birth to His ascension into Heaven. They are written by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, respectively.

John

John's gospel is a bit different from the others. While the synoptic gospels are more along the lines of a historical account, John's gospel is more specifically aimed at causing belief. Whereas the other three gospels give the account of Christ's life, John uses Christ's life to show that Jesus is God and encourage the faith of the reader.

The Book of History (NT):

Acts

The book of Acts was written by Luke as a sequel to his gospel account. In this rather lengthy book (Luke wrote more of the New Testament than any other, even though Paul wrote more books), Luke details the first years of the church. He begins with Christ's final discussion with His disciples and His ascension. We then see the founding of the church and the early spread of Christianity. Often called “The Acts of the Apostles,” it spends the first part focusing on Peter, and the second part focusing on Paul.
Paul's General Epistles: (Letters written to congregations)

Romans

Paul's letter to the church in Rome deals largely with the matter of gentiles who now follow Christ. Paul spends much time in explaining that gentiles in Christ are just as much God's people as Jews who converted to Christ. He also spends a good deal of time giving practical advice for living a Christian life.

1 Corinthians

Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth largely for two reasons. The first reason is that he had heard of the sin they were allowing, and wanted to let them know what they needed to do about it. The second main reason is that the church in Corinth had evidently asked him questions regarding marriage, which Paul goes on to answer. He also uses the letter to prove his apostleship, give practical advice on Christian living, directions for the Lord's Supper, and instructions for the uses of spiritual gifts.

2 Corinthians

Paul writes this second letter to Corinthian for any number of reasons. In it he validates his apostleship (which some apparently doubted), commends the church for acting against sin, gives instructions for collections, and warns against false teachers and allowing themselves to be led astray.

Galatians

As with his other letters, Paul writes to the church in Galatia for several reasons. Largely, Paul writes in an effort to correct false doctrine being taught regarding continued keeping of the old law. Among other memorable verses, Paul writes of the fruit of the spirit and the acts of the flesh.

Ephesians

This letter is slightly less centered around a specific congregation's problems and is a bit more general in tone. Once more, it is filled with practical guidance on living for Christ. More prominent passages include the last few chapters, in which Paul lays out the role of everyone (wives, husbands, servants, etc.) and describes the armor of God.

Philippians

Much of this letter is spent on the subject of a Christian's relationship with Christ and the role of Christ in one's life. We also learn of Paul's concern for the churches, and the efforts of Paul's associates in helping spread the gospel and edify the saints.

(It must be noted that all of these descriptions are brief and incomplete. Much is not said in these paragraphs that is contained in the books themselves.)