Summary of the New Testament books: John, Acts, Philippians, James and Revelation
The book of John is a Gospel that also contains Narrative History, Sermons, Parables and a few Prophetic Oracles. It was written by the Apostle John around 85-89 A.D. The key personalities in this book are Jesus Christ, His Twelve Disciples, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, Jewish religious leaders and Pilate. Some key themes and events include the ministry of Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection on the cross. Chapter 1 is the preamble of the Messiah's coming ministry. John gives evidence that Jesus is more than just a man and describes Him as the infinite God. Chapters 2-12 consist of Jesus' ministry. He meets with a religious leader named Nicodemus and teaches him that no one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless they have been "Born-Again" (3:3). Several times throughout the book, Jesus says that He Himself is God (10:30) and mentions the statement, "I am" in verses 11:25, 14:6, 10:9, and 6:35. Chapters 13-17 describe the events that occur less than 24 hours before Jesus' death. During this time, Jesus taught many important lessons about the Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit. He also prays for Himself, His disciples and all of the future believers. In Chapters 18-21, John recounts the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In these final chapters, Jesus is tried and convicted illegally, beaten, humiliated and crucified. Three days after His burial, Jesus is resurrected and appears to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. In the conclusion of John's gospel, he writes, "And there are many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written" (21:25).
The book of Acts is a Narrative History that includes several Sermons. Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, wrote the book of Acts in 60-62 A.D. The key personalities are Peter, Paul, John, James, Stephen, Barnabas, Timothy, Lydia, Silas and Apollos. The theme of Acts is to record how believers who were empowered by the Holy Spirit worked to spread the Gospel of Christ and to create a foundation for the future church. Acts was also written to illustrate the transition of Christianity from a Jewish religion to an international faith. Chapters 1-6 describe the events that surround the early evangelistic work in Jerusalem including Pentecost and the sermon presented by the Apostle Peter to all of the Jews who gathered for the Feast of Weeks. Chapters 7-16 explain the evangelistic shift in ministry to other areas with Philip and Stephen. Stephen was instrumental in the conversion of a young persecutor named Saul, who would soon become known as the Apostle Paul. Saul had spent his early days torturing Christians and imprisoning them until his life changing encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus in Chapter 9. After Saul's conversion, Peter begins sharing the gospel with the Gentiles and the term "Christians" is first used in Antioch. In order to reach the Gentiles, Saul changes his name to Paul and starts his first and second missionary journeys to the Gentiles with Barnabas. In the conclusion of Acts, Paul journeys to Macedonia and converts a woman named Lydia and her entire household to Christianity. As he sets out on his third missionary journey, Paul is arrested and travels to Rome to be imprisoned and put on trial. The book of Acts ends without describing the events of Paul's trial before Caesar.
The book of Philippians is an Epistle. Paul wrote this book in about 62 A.D. as he anticipated his release from prison. The key personalities are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia and Syntyche. The theme of Philippians is to show Paul's appreciation and love to the people of Philippi in a thank-you letter for their continued help and support. He also writes to encourage them in their growth. In Chapter 1, Paul writes that through his sufferings and imprisonment, the Kingdom of God has been increased. He explains that Christians are to surrender their lives in service to Jesus Christ and to expect suffering from complete submission to the calling of God. Chapter 2 describes the benefits that come to believers who worship Christ in unity. Paul also teaches a theological lesson about the humble nature of Jesus Christ as He laid down His life for all mankind. In Chapters 3 and 4, Paul encourages the church to press forward with the message of the Gospel and reminds the Philippians to offer thanks and praise to God for everything that they are blessed with.
The book of James is a General Epistle. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this book in 48-49 A.D. The key personalities are James and Persecuted Christians. The theme of James is to encourage the Jewish believers to live bold Christian lives that reflect a genuine faith. In Chapter 1, James teaches believers to test their faith in action and to be servants of Jesus Christ. James also describes the relationship between faith and works in Chapters 2-3 and reminds the believers that everyone is a sinner and if one commandment is broken, then that person is guilty of breaking every commandment. In Chapters 4-5, James gives wise instructions and encourages the believers to "Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you" (4:7). In conclusion, James stresses the importance of prayer in every situation. He implicitly teaches that faithful disciples of Jesus, who desire to follow hard after Him in service, obedience and prayer, will be rewarded for their dedication in Heaven.
The book of Revelation is Apocalyptic and Prophetic material. The Apostle/Disciple John wrote this book while a prisoner on the Island of Patmos in 85-95 A.D. The key personalities are John, believers in Jesus Christ and nonbelievers. The theme of Revelation is to give encouragement and hope for all Christians to continue watching for the return and triumph of Christ. It is also to warn of the Final Judgment that nonbelievers will endure when Christ returns. In Chapters 1-3, John describes the details of the revelation he received from an angel on the Island of Patmos. In this vision, John was instructed to write a letter to the seven churches about what he had seen. In Chapters 4-20, John explains what he has seen in his visions about the Spiritual Realm. He describes Jesus Christ as the "Slain Lamb" who is the only one able to open the book with the seven seals. Aside from the fifth seal, each seal will bring judgment upon the earth. John also receives visions of the antichrist, Satan, Hell and the Lake of Fire. In the conclusion of Revelation (Chapters 21-22), John writes the last cannon of scripture. He illustrates the New Heaven and New Earth as the holy city of the New Jerusalem. Only those who are written in the Book of Life can enter this place to live eternally with Christ Jesus.
