1. Introduction to the New Testament
Through the Bible in a Year
Xavier Reyna, Director
Ben Compere, Editor
July 19, 2015
The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son… Hebrews 1:1,2

2. We Will Look at These Topics
Agenda
We Will Look at These Topics
Message
Canon
Arrangement
History
Geography
Survey
Influence of the Old Testament
Mission

3. Jesus Christ is the Message of the New Testament
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises
Jesus’ Spirit is with the church as it grows and is persecuted
Jesus will come again for salvation and judgment

4. The New Testament Contains About 25% of the Entire Bible
Canon
The New Testament Contains About 25% of the Entire Bible
75%
25%
The four gospels comprise about ½ of the New Testament.

5. The New Testament Has Nine Authors
Canon
The New Testament Has Nine Authors
Author
Books
Matthew
Mark
Luke
Luke, Acts
John
John, 1,2&3 John, Revelation
Paul
Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
Peter
1&2 Peter
James
Jude
Anonymous
Hebrews
New Testament - 27 Books
Gospels - 4
General Epistles - 8
Matthew
Hebrews
Mark
James
Luke
I Peter
John
II Peter
I John
History - 1
II John
Acts
III John
Jude
Paul's Epistles -13
Romans
Apocalypse - 1
I Corinthians
Revelation
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Luke is the only non-Jewish author of the New Testament.

6. Luke Wrote More Words Than Any Other NT Author
Canon
Luke Wrote More Words Than Any Other NT Author
Author
% of Words
Words
Luke
27%
37,933
Paul
23%
32,407
John
20%
28,092
Matt
13%
18,345
Mark 8%
11,304
Anon 4%
4,953
Peter 2%
2,783
James 1%
1,742
Jude 0%
461
Grand Total
100%
138,020

7. Canon
Four Criteria for Canonicity (Why certain books were eventually accepted into the New Testament and others were rejected)
Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation apostles (or their closest companions).
Universal Acceptance - acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by the end of the fourth century).
Liturgical Use - read publicly along with the OT when early Christians gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services).
Consistent Message - containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings
New Testament - 27 Books
Gospels - 4
General Epistles - 8
Matthew
Hebrews
Mark
James
Luke
I Peter
John
II Peter
I John
History - 1
II John
Acts
III John
Jude
Paul's Epistles -13
Romans
Apocalypse - 1
I Corinthians
Revelation
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon

8. Canon
Integrity of the New Testament Text (How we know that we have what they wrote.)
Wealth of evidence: over 5,000 Greek manuscripts containing at least a fragment of the New Testament exist
Short time span: between the time the documents are dated and the date of the manuscripts we possess
Translations: we possess translations in Syriac, Coptic and over 8,000 in Latin!
Church fathers: careful study of these men shows the consistency between their quotations of New Testament and early manuscripts
“The New Testament is by far the best-attested writing of classical antiquity.” Elwell and Yarbrough, “Encountering the New Testament”

9. The New Testament Is Arranged Topically Not Chronologically
Arrangement
The New Testament Is Arranged Topically Not Chronologically
Life of Jesus
Gospels
Growth of the Church
Acts
Problems in the Church
Epistles
Apocalypse
Revelation
New Testament - 27 Books
Gospels - 4
General Epistles - 8
Matthew
Hebrews
Mark
James
Luke
I Peter
John
II Peter
I John
History - 1
II John
Acts
III John
Jude
Paul's Epistles -13
Romans
Apocalypse - 1
I Corinthians
Revelation
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon

10. The Life of Jesus – the Four Gospels
Arrangement
The Life of Jesus – the Four Gospels
The four Gospels are listed in what was traditionally regarded as their chronological order (i.e., Matthew was thought to be the oldest Gospel)
Most scholars today, however, believe that Mark was the first written Gospel
Gospels - 4
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

11. The Growth of the Church – Acts
Arrangement
The Growth of the Church – Acts
The Acts of the Apostles is the second volume of Luke's two-volume work;
The first volume is the Gospel of Luke
Acts was placed after John when the four Gospels were grouped together
Acts serves as a bridge to understanding the epistles – especially those of Paul

12. Problems in the Church – Epistles
Arrangement
Problems in the Church – Epistles
Paul's Epistles -13
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Paul’s Letters are divided into two sub-groups: those written to communities and those addressed to individuals;
Within each sub-group, the letters are arranged in more or less decreasing order of length
The anonymous Letter to the Hebrews comes immediately after the Paul’s letters because most scholars formerly believed it was written by Paul
The General Epistles are listed in decreasing order of length, although letters attributed to the same apostle are grouped together.
General Epistles - 8
Hebrews
James
I Peter
II Peter
I John
II John
III John
Jude

13. Apocalypse – Revelation
Arrangement
Apocalypse – Revelation
The Book of Revelation concludes the New Testament canon, since it closes with a description of the end of time
New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem, etc.
Revelation also gives us an insightful glimpse of the person and work of Jesus Christ
The Greek word “apocalypse” means revelation or unveiling. In other words, in spite of being mysterious and sometimes unfathomable, apocalyptic literature is supposed to reveal something to us about the future.

14. Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature
Arrangement
Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature
Contain dreams or visions
Symbolic and mysterious revelation requiring interpretation of a heavenly being
Concerned with the future and especially an eschatological judgment
Marked distinction between the physical and spiritual worlds
The Gospels also contain sections that are considered to be apocalyptic literature.

15. Chronology of Books of the New Testament
History

16. Lands of the New Testament
Geography
Lands of the New Testament

17. The Gospels People Events
Survey NT
The word gospel means good news. Almost ½ of the New Testament consists of four accounts of the life of Jesus and the good news he brought to earth. Each of these four books, or gospels, has a different focus and a different audience; taken together, they give a picture of Jesus’ life and teaching. About 1/3 of their pages are devoted to the events of his last week on earth, including the crucifixion and resurrection
People
Joseph
Mary
John the Baptist
Jesus
Peter
James
John
Pilate
Herod
Events
The life of Jesus is filled with events of redemptive importance. Here are some of the more well-known: his birth, his baptism, his temptation in the wilderness, Peter’s confession , the transfiguration, Jesus’ triumphal entry, his arrest, trial, cucifixion and resurrection.
The gospels cover the 30 years of Jesus’ life: from 4 BC to 27 AD.

18. Four-Fold Role of the Gospel Writers as Authors (What they contributed, even if "God is the Author" of scripture)
Survey NT
Selected which stories they to include or omit from among the many things Jesus said and did (Jn 21:25)
Arranged the materials in a particular sequence, not necessarily chronologically but often in thematic blocks.
Shaped the individual stories from their sources to emphasize the themes they wanted to stress.
Proclaimed the "good news" about Jesus in ways appropriate to their audiences. Did not write an “objective” history.

19. Each Gospel Portrays Christ Uniquely
Survey NT
Each Gospel Portrays Christ Uniquely
Synoptic Gospels

20. Survey NT
Gospel Timelines
All four Gospels cover the time from Jesus’ birth to his resurrection (4 BC to 27 AD)
The dates of the writing of the Gospels are difficult to determine. Their estimates vary widely from 40 to 140 AD
Reliable estimates are:
Matthew: AD
Mark : AD
Luke: AD
John: 90 AD

21. The Acts
Survey NT
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Acts tells the story of how the gospel spread from Jeusalem into Judea and Samaria and then into all the Gentile world just as Jesus had foretold.
People
Jesus
Peter
Stephen
Philip
Paul
Barnabus
James
Events
Acts is packed with well-known and important events: Jesus’ ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the martyrdom of Stephen, Paul’s conversion, the advance of the gospel into the Gentile world, Paul’s three missionary trips and his imprisonment and trip to Rome.
The Acts covers about 40 years from the ascension of Jesus to the imprisonment of Paul: from 27 to 67 AD.
Purpose: to continue the "orderly account" begun in the Gospel of Luke, showing the growth of Christianity

22. Paul’s Epistles People Events
Survey NT
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God… Rom 1:1
The young church was nourished by apostles who set down their beliefs and messages in a series of letters. The first 13 such letters were written by the apostle Paul who led the advance of the gospel to the Gentiles.
People
Events
Paul
Timothy
Titus
Barnabus
Silas
Luke
While Paul does refer to various historical events in his life in his epistles, their main thrust is dealing with problems and issues that have arisen in the churches he founded or ministers to. Paul does make frequent use of events from the Old Testament in his teaching.
Paul’s epistles cover about 20 years of his ministry from about 45 to 65 AD.

23. Paul’s Timeline
Survey NT

24. Paul’s Purpose in Writing the Epistles
Survey NT
Epistle
Purpose
Romans
to stress the unity of Jews & Gentiles in Christ
1 Corinthians
to address problems from oral reports & letters
2 Corinthians
from instruction to admonition to warning
Galatians
to scold them for abandoning the faith by later accepting circumcision
Ephesians
to guide new converts in their new life as Christians, living no longer as pagans
Philippians
to thank them for their support; encourage their faith; warn them against errors
Colossians
to warn against some kind of "philosophy" and religious practices
1 Thessalonians
to encourage them to persevere in the faith despite persecutions & assure them about the future
2 Thessalonians
to correct false eschatological expectations; against claims that the Day of the Lord has already come
1 Timothy
to warn against "false teachers," to provide rules for ethical living & guidelines for church leadership
2 Timothy
to exhort believers to persevere in enduring suffering for the faith
Titus
to provide rules for ethical living and guidelines for church leadership
Philemon
to influence Philemon to free his slave Onesimus,

25. General Epistles People Events
Survey NT
The young church was nourished by apostles who set down their beliefs and messages in a series of letters. The next 8 letters were written by apostles one of whom remains unknown.
People
James
Peter
John
Jude
Events
The historical events referred to in these writings are usually events from the Old Testament and are used to teach us lessons about God.
The general epistles begin with James in about 50 AD and conclude the John’s letters around 90 AD – a span of 40 years.

26. Purpose of General Epistles
Survey NT
Epistle
Purpose
Hebrews
to understand that Christians do not need to be or become Jewish, since Christ is superior to the structures and rituals of Judaism and we have access to God directly through Christ
James
to live according to the ethics of Jesus; to correct a misunderstanding of Paul's teaching on faith
1 Peter
to argue that Christians are not a threat to Roman social order, since they live ethically; to encourage Christians to persevere in faith despite innocent sufferings and persecutions
2 Peter
to adhere to apostolic teachings, especially on ethics and eschatology
1 John
to exhort readers to "remain" with traditional Christian teachings about Jesus and to love one another; to warn them against errors associated with false interpretations of the Fourth Gospel
2 John
to warn the community against false teachers or "deceivers"
3 John
to praise Gaius for his hospitality, and to attack a rival Christian leader named Diotrephes
Jude
to warn the readers against false teachers/teachings and to exhort them to live moral lives

27. General Epistles’ Timeline
Survey NT
General Epistles’ Timeline
Epistle
Date Written
Hebrews
Before 70
James
45-50
1 Peter
Mid 60’s
2 Peter
1 John
85-90
2 John
3 John
Jude

28. The Apocalypse (Revelation)
Survey NT
The Apocalypse (Revelation)
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” Rev 1:1
A prophetic book of visions and symbols, it completes the story begun in Genesis of the cosmic battle between good and evil being waged on earth.
People
Events
John
Jesus
7 Churches
AntiChrist
After dealing briefly with John and his Patmos experience and the 7 churches of Asia Minor, the Revelation concentrates on future events in a symbolic and often diffcult to comprehend manner.
The Revelation was written about 90 AD but its material covers a time span which extends until the consummation of the ages.
Purpose: to encourage Christians to preserve faith in the midst of trials and tribulations. Written around 90 AD.

29. The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related
Old/New Testament
The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related
OLD TESTAMENT
New Testament
New Testament Authors
NEW TESTAMENT
Old Testament
Quote the OT 348 times
Allude to the OT over 2300 times
Mention prominent people 250 times
Use numerous OT events as teaching examples
Consider OT prophecies fulfilled in NT events
The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed.

30. The New Testament Is Based on the Old Testament
Old/New Testament
The New Testament Is Based on the Old Testament
New
Testament
Old Testament
Quotes
Allusions
People
Events
Prophecies

31. The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related
Old/New Testament
The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related
 It is impossible to fully understand God’s purpose of the Old Testament without reading the ‘rest of the story’ in the New. In the same way, it is impossible to understand the New Testament story without the foundation laid by the Old. All of the central themes of the New Testament have their background and context in the Old N Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion”
OLD TESTAMENT
New Testament
NEW TESTAMENT
Old Testament
The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed.

32. New Testament Authors Quote the Old Testament 348 Times
Old/New Testament

33. New Testament Authors Use About 2,300 Allusions to the Old Testament
Old/New Testament
New Testament Authors Use About 2,300 Allusions to the Old Testament
An allusion is an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part of another text.
Most allusions are based on the assumption that there is a body of knowledge that is shared by the author and the reader and that therefore the reader will understand the author's reference.
"The fourth edition of the United Bible Societies' Greek Testament (1993) lists 343 Old Testament quotations in the New Testament, as well as no fewer than 2,309 allusions and verbal parallels.

34. Allusion: an Example New Testament Text
Old/New Testament
 New Testament Text
 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne Acts 2:29,30
Old Testament Text from Which Allusion is Drawn
" 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever II Samuel 7:11-13

35. New Testament Refers to the Prominent People of the Old Testament
Old/New Testament
New Testament Refers to the Prominent People of the Old Testament
Abraham
Moses
David
Elijah
Old
Testament
Pentateuch
133
608
Historical Books 13 99
779 72
Wisdom 4 9 90
Major Prophets 6 5 29
Minor Prophets 1 2 8
Total
157
723
906 73
New Testament
Gospels 30 38 35 27
Acts 23 10
Paul's Epistles 21
General Epistles 17 12
Revelation 3 77 84 54 28

36. New Testament Authors Use Old Testament Events As Examples
Old/New Testament
New Testament Authors Use Old Testament Events As Examples
Speaking of the events that ocurred to Israel Paul says, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.” I Corinthians 10:6 
 And again speaking of the wildernesss events Paul adds, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.” I Corinthians 10:11
 Quoting Psalm 69:9 Paul tells the Romans, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

37. Jesus Considered Old Testament Prophecies to be Fulfilled in Him
Old/New Testament
 ”He [Jesus] said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.“ Luke 24:44
 Jesus to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” John 5:39,40
Jesus to the Jews who persecuted him.

38. Old/New Testament
New Testament Authors Considered Old Testament Prophecies to be Fulfilled in New Testament Events
Seven different NT authors use the word “fulfilled” 28 times to describe the application of an OT prophecy to a NT event
These fulfillments center around Jesus Christ
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:14,15

39. The Old Testament and the New Testament Are Connected by Jesus Christ
Old/New Testament
The Old Testament and the New Testament Are Connected by Jesus Christ
OLD TESTAMENT
New Testament
NEW TESTAMENT
Old Testament
Jesus Christ
 There is one central theme which, like a golden thread, runs through all the stories of the Old Testament. That theme is the coming of Christ. As long as one does not see this, the Old Testament remains a closed book B William Hendriksen,” Survey of the Bible”

40. How the Message Relates to the Books
Gospels
Acts
Paul’s
Epistles
General
Epistles
Revelation
Jesus is
here
in person
Jesus is here in spirit
Jesus is coming back

41. The New Testament Continues the Old Testament Theme of Mission
The promise of land, nation and blessing: Gen 12:1-3
The covenant confirming the promise: Gen 15: 1-21; Gen 17:1-27; Gen 22:15-18
The covenant passed on to
Isaac: Gen 17:19; Gen 21:12; Gen 26:1-6, 23,24
Jacob: Gen 28:10-15; Gen 35:11-13
“It was in Haran that the Lord called Abraham in words whose importance reverberate through the canon.” Dillard and Longman, “An Introduction to the Old Testament”

42. Jesus Renews the Teaching of The Great Commission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:18-20
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:46-49
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” g John 20:21
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” g Acts 1:8

43. In Acts, Luke Chronicles the Church’s Obedience to Jesus’ Commission
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” g Acts 1:8
The Outline of Acts Follows the Pattern of Geographical Witness Described in 1:8
Witness in Jerusalem (Peter)
Chapters 1-5
Witness in Judea and Samaria (Peter and Paul)
Chapters 6-12
Witness to the Ends of the Earth (Paul)
Chapters 13-28

44. Paul’s Actions and Writings Are Consistent with Jesus’ Commission
At his conversion he was called to go to Gentiles – Acts 9:15
He is one of the first disciples “sent out” on a mission trip – Acts 13:1-3
Over ½ the book of Acts describes Paul’s missionary journeys - Acts 13-28
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:1,2

45. Paul’s Actions and Writings Are Consistent with Jesus’ Commission
His epistles were written in the context of mission
But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while Rom 15:23,24

46. Peter’s Actions and Writings Are Consistent with Jesus’ Commission
Main evangelist in Acts 1-5
Pioneered missions to Gentiles (Acts 10,11)
Assisted with mission to Samaritans - Acts 8
His epistles were written in the context of mission

47. Jesus Christ is the Message of the New Testament
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises
Jesus’ Spirit is with the church as it grows and is persecuted
Jesus will come again for salvation and judgment

48. The central message of the New Testament concerns
Dissension between Jews and Gentiles
The reconciliation of the doctrine of salvation and circumcision
Is Paul a true apostle
Jesus Christ
The destruction of Jerusalem

49. The New Testament contains about what percentage of the Bible?10 25
37.5 40 47

50. The New Testament contains how many books?66 39 27 18 33

51. Test
The New Testament was heavily influenced by what other piece of literature?
Josephus, the Jewish historian
The annals of the Scribes of Jerusalem
Plato’s Republic
The Old Testament
The Gnostic Bible

52. Who wrote most of the New Testament?
Luke
Paul
John
Matthew
Peter

53. Test
What were the criteria for determining which books were accepted in the New Testament?
Apostolic Origin
Universal Acceptance
Liturgical Use
Consistent Message
The high quality of Greek grammar and syntax

54. The New Testament is arranged chronologically: True or False?

55. Test
The New Testament continues the theme of mission from the Old Testament: True or False?
TRUE