Summary of the 27 Books of the New Testament: The 27 books in the New Testament can be daunting to any new or casual reader. Hopefully, this article will give you a general introduction to the major themes and topics covered by each book, which will hopefully make it easier for you to read them. How are the 27 books of the New Testament organized? Check out the New Testament summary by chapter.
The New Testament is the second major section of the Christian Bible, containing 27 books. Authors who had first-hand knowledge of Jesus Christ and his teachings as well as other significant figures in early Christianity wrote it between 50 and 100 AD. The New Testament also contains some of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry.
The New Testament begins with four Gospels about the life of Jesus, followed by a narrative about the early Christian church, followed by epistles or letters from the apostle Paul, from James the Lord’s brother, from the apostle Peter, the apostle John, Jude, and finishes with the visionary Revelation about the future
What are the 27 books of the New Testament?
The New Testament consists of 27 books, which are all part of the Christian Bible. These books were written by various authors and are divided into different categories such as the Gospels, the Letters, and the Apocalypse. The 27 books of the New Testament are:
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- Acts
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
- Revelation
These books are considered sacred by Christians and hold great theological significance. Each book has its own theme and purpose, contributing to the overall message of the New Testament.
Summary of the 27 Books of the New Testament (by chapter)
The 27 books of the New Testament can be summarized in a chapter-by-chapter format to better understand their content and message. Let’s delve into each book:
Matthew
Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and it focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It begins with the genealogy and birth of Jesus, followed by his ministry, parables, miracles, death, and resurrection. The book concludes with Jesus’ commission to his disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations.
Key verses: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Mark
Mark focuses on the ministry and miracles of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus as a servant, showing his compassion and willingness to heal and save. The book highlights the fulfillment of prophecies and Jesus’ eventual arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Key verses: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Luke
Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus’ life and teachings. It includes the birth of John the Baptist, the visitation of Mary, the parables of Jesus, his journey to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. Luke also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry.
Key verses: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)
John
The Gospel of John focuses on the divinity of Jesus Christ. It highlights his miracles, teachings about eternal life, and his relationship with God the Father. The book also includes Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Key verses: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Acts
The book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles, chronicles the early history of the Christian church. It follows the disciples and the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ ascension. The book highlights the conversion of Paul, his missionary journeys, and the establishment of Christian communities.
Key verses: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Romans
Romans is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. The book addresses foundational Christian beliefs, the righteousness of God, salvation, and the transformation of believers. It emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law.
Key verses: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. It addresses various issues within the church such as divisions, immorality, marriage, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of believers. The book emphasizes the importance of love in the Christian community.
Key verses: “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians is the second letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. It focuses on Paul’s defense of his apostleship and the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. The book highlights the surpassing glory of the new covenant and encourages believers to live in harmony.
Key verses: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Galatians
Galatians is a letter from Paul to the churches in Galatia. It addresses the issue of salvation by faith versus salvation by observing the Jewish law. The book emphasizes that believers are justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law.
Key verses: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)
Ephesians
Ephesians is a letter from Paul to the church in Ephesus. It focuses on the unity of believers in Christ and encourages them to walk in love, unity, and godliness. The book also provides practical instructions for Christian living and highlights the spiritual battle faced by believers.
Key verses: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Philippians
Philippians is a letter from Paul to the church in Philippi. It emphasizes joy, contentment, and unity in Christ. The book encourages believers to have the mind of Christ, serve one another, and rejoice in all circumstances.
Key verses: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Colossians
Colossians is a letter from Paul to the church in Colossae. It warns against false teachings and emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. The book encourages believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self in Christ.
Key verses: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians is a letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica. It addresses issues of faith, love, and hope, and provides comfort regarding Christ’s second coming. The book encourages believers to live in holiness and be ready for the day of the Lord.
Key verses: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians is the second letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica. It addresses concerns about the second coming of Christ and warns against idleness and false teachings. The book encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to work diligently.
Key verses: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
1 Timothy
1 Timothy is a letter from Paul to Timothy, a young pastor. It provides instructions for church leadership, qualifications for overseers and deacons, and sound doctrine. The book emphasizes the importance of prayer, proper conduct, and godliness.
Key verses: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
2 Timothy
2 Timothy is the second letter from Paul to Timothy. It encourages Timothy to be faithful in his ministry, to endure suffering, and to guard the deposit of faith. The book emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of persecution.
Key verses: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Titus
Titus is a letter from Paul to Titus, a church leader in Crete. It provides instructions for appointing elders, the conduct of believers, and refuting false teachings. The book emphasizes the importance of good works and godly living.
Key verses: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15)
Philemon
Philemon is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, addressing the issue of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The book emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation.
Key verses: ”So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.” (Philemon 1:17)
Hebrews
Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to turn away from their faith. It emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The book encourages believers to hold fast to their confession and warns against falling away.
Key verses: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
James
James is an epistle written by James, the brother of Jesus. It provides practical instructions for Christian living, addressing issues such as faith, wisdom, favoritism, wealth, and the power of the tongue. The book emphasizes the importance of authentic faith and good works.
Key verses: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
1 Peter
1 Peter is a letter from the apostle Peter to persecuted Christians. It provides encouragement and exhortation to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. The book emphasizes the hope believers have in the midst of trials and the call to live holy lives.
Key verses: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
2 Peter
2 Peter is the second letter from Peter, addressing false teachings and emphasizing the certainty of Christ’s return and judgment. The book encourages believers to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ and to be on guard against deception.
Key verses: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
1 John
1 John is a letter from the apostle John, addressing issues of love, obedience, and the assurance of eternal life. The book emphasizes the importance of love for God and one another, the victory over sin, and the deity of Jesus Christ.
Key verses: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
2 John
2 John is the second letter from John, addressing the importance of walking in truth and love. The book warns against deceivers and encourages believers to be discerning in their relationships and teachings.
Key verses: ”And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)
3 John
3 John is the third letter from John, addressing hospitality, the commendation of faithful workers, and the warning against Diotrephes, a power-hungry leader. The book emphasizes the importance of supporting those who work for the truth.
Key verses: “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)
Jude
Jude is a letter written by Jude, the brother of James. It warns against false teachers and encourages believers to contend for the faith. The book emphasizes the sovereignty of God and his ability to keep believers from falling away.
Key verses: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Revelation
Revelation is a prophetic book written by the apostle John. It reveals the end times, the return of Christ, and the final victory over evil. The book emphasizes the reign of Christ, the judgment of the wicked, and the hope of believers in the new heaven and new earth.
Key verses: ”Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:12-13)
What are the 5 divisions of the New Testament?
The New Testament can be divided into five main categories:
- The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
- The Acts of the Apostles: Acts
- The Letters of Paul: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy
Summary of The 27 Books of The New Testament
The New Testament was written after the Lord Jesus Christ appeared on Earth. In contrast, the Old Testament was written before He arrived and it predicts the mission, work, place and time of arrival of Jesus on Earth. The majority of the Old Testament’s writings were in Hebrew, a language used by Jews. Jesus lived during the time of the Roman occupation of the land of Israel. Although Latin was the language of Roman officials, the most well-known language throughout the Roman Empire was Greek.
This was because Alexander the Great had previously conquered so many lands that Greek had become an international language, rather similar to English being the global language at present. The Old Testament had been translated into Greek and this Greek Bible was used by the large number of Jews outside the land of Israel. The New Testament was written by Jewish Christians in the Greek language, who used and quoted from the Greek as well as the Hebrew Old Testament to show that Jesus Christ was the Messiah promised by God in the Old Testament.
There are 39 Books in the Hebrew Old Testament and 27 Books in the Greek New Testament. As a mnemonic: 39+(3×9) = 66 Books in the Bible. These books are written by a variety of authors but the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ applies to them all. A summary of the Old Testament is here.
The New Testament begins with four Gospels about the life of Jesus, followed by a narrative about the early Christian church, followed by epistles or letters from the apostle Paul, from James the Lord’s brother, from the apostle Peter, the apostle John, Jude, and finishes with the visionary Revelation about the future of the Christian church until the end of Time.
What Are The 27 Books of The New Testament
A Summary of the Christian New Testament
- The four Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give us the biography of the Lord Jesus Christ, showing us His Person as the Son of God, His Office as God’s Saviour, His conversation and attractive character, His Mission, work and benefits to those who believe in Him.
- the Acts of the Apostles gives us the account of the progress of the early Christian church by following the lives of the apostle Peter and the apostle Paul in particular. It tells us about Saul of Tarsus’ remarkable conversion from rabid persecutor to foremost preacher of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, becoming known as the apostle Paul.
- the epistle to the Romans gives us the theology of the Christian Gospel from the foremost Christian scholar of his day, the apostle Paul. It is Professor Paul’s Systematic Theology, written in stages.
- Paul’s two epistles to the Corinthians give us a picture of congregational life in the Christian church in Corinth, with various topics discussed and resolved. He re-organised public worship and after-church congregational fellowship.
- the epistle to the Galatians introduces us to the subject of perverting the Christian Gospel and mixing its message of salvation by free grace with the error of salvation by good works or human merit.
- the epistle to the Ephesians describes the Christian church as the body of Jesus Christ working together on Earth, battling against the devil-inspired world, while its Head is in heaven with the aim of uniting them all together not only on Earth but ultimately in heaven.
- the epistle to the Philippians promotes brotherly love using Christ as our example and it explains the Christian attitude to persecution and competitive Christianity.
- the epistle to the Colossians sets forth the glory of Christ as the Son of God and how the believer is to behave as one who is complete in Christ.
- the two epistles to the Thessalonians are set against the background of the Second Coming of Christ. They correct mistakes about it, measured against the emergence of the man of sin in the Christian church and his eventual exposure by Christ.
- the two epistles to Timothy are ‘pastoral epistles’ giving guidance from the aged apostle Paul to younger Timothy about godly behaviour and passing on the Gospel from generation to generation through faithful office-bearers in the Christian church.
- the epistle to Titus is another pastoral epistle explaining the need for office-bearers in the church of God and for Christian forbearance and mutual help.
- the epistle to Philemon is a short epistle demonstrating love and forbearance towards one’s employees and their mistakes.
- the epistle to the Hebrews explains how Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrifices described in the Old Testament and abrogated the ceremonial law thereby. It warns about the danger of apostasy and of going back to ceremonial religion. It is the apostle Paul’s sermon notes, based on various Old Testament texts, honed up over the years and then given to the wider world in written form.
- the epistle of James sets forth practical Christianity as the fruit of Christian faith – how Christian brethren should behave towards each other, showing impartiality and charity arising from heavenly wisdom, contrasted with worldly behaviour.
- the two epistles of Peter prepared the Christian church for Peter’s death and how to promote the Gospel after he had gone to heaven. He directs his readers to the inspired and incorruptible Bible rather than to any college of imaginary cardinals or popes in Rome. He warns the Christian church against lording it over God’s heritage. He encouraged believers to grow in Christian grace and in the experimental knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to prepare for glory in heaven. He warns them against false prophets and against those who mock the teaching about Christ’s Second Coming.
- the three epistles of John extol the fellowship of the love of God because Jesus Christ is the Advocate for sinners. He reminds his readers about apostasy from the church of God and about the rise of the Antichrist, teaching them spiritual discernment to identify true Christians by marks of grace and their love for each other. He exposes and resists control freakery in the Christian church.
- the epistle of Jude exhorts Christians to contend earnestly for the original Christian faith, contrary to the unchristian teaching introduced by those promoting ungodly practices, and encourages believers that the Saviour will keep them from falling and present them faultless before His presence in heaven.
- the book of Revelation concludes the Christian Bible with a visionary account about the future of the Christian church until the end of Time. Jesus reveals His continuing oversight of His Church through the Great Tribulation and its long years of spiritual warfare with false religion. Finally, the Lord Jesus Christ triumphs and the kingdoms of the world become His kingdoms, which ushers in the biblical Millennium of Gospel blessedness on the Earth, fulfilling the praise of the heavenly host when He was born into the world:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”
LUKE 2:14
On course
The Christian church is on course and not far from the fulfilment of the Lord Jesus Christ’s global agenda. Will you be among His supporters or among His opponents?
The ungodly will find themselves belonging to a minority of losers, on the wrong side of history, and on the wrong side of eternity, to their everlasting shame and dismay, while the godly will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world Mat 25:34.
List of New Testament Books
This is a list of the 27 books of the New Testament, ordered canonically according to most Christian traditions.
- Gospel According to Matthew
- Gospel According to Mark
- Gospel According to Luke
- Gospel According to John
- Acts of the Apostles
- Letter of Paul to the Romans
- Letters of Paul to the Corinthians
- I Corinthians
- II Corinthians
- Letter of Paul to the Galatians
- Letter of Paul to the Ephesians
- Letter of Paul to the Philippians
- Letter of Paul to the Colossians
- Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians
- I Thessalonians
- II Thessalonians
- Letters of Paul to Timothy
- I Timothy
- II Timothy
- Letter of Paul to Titus
- Letter of Paul to Philemon
- Letter to the Hebrews
- Letter of James
- Letters of Peter
- I Peter
- II Peter
- Letters of John
- I John
- II John
- III John
- Letter of Jude
- Revelation to John
5 classification of the new testament
Terms in this set (5)
- Gospels. The first four books of the New Testament are the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
- Acts. The fifth book of the New Testament is Acts of the Apostles, or simply “Acts.” Acts recounts the early history of Christianity.
- Paul’s Epistles and Hebrews.
- General Epistles.
- Revelation.
What are the classification of books in the Bible?
Genre
- The Pentateuch, or the Books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
- [Old Testament] Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
What are the four classification of books in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament contains four main sections: the Pentateuch, the Former Prophets (or Historical Books), the Writings, and the Latter Prophets.
What are the categories of New Testament?
The New Testament: Some Basic Information The writings are of four types: Gospels, acts of the apostles, epistles, and apocalypse. The New Testament contains four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books tell the stories about Jesus’ life, ministry, and death.
What is Bible survey?
Description. The Beginner’s Bible Survey is an introductory course (intended for the first “semester”) on the Bible that, in an easy-to-follow format, presents all the important themes of the entire Bible and ties both Old and New Testaments into one story.
Why is the Bible split into two parts?
The Christian Bible is typically divided into an Old and a New Testament. The Old Testament is mainly about humanity, especially God’s people Israel, under the Old Covenant while the New Testament is about humanity under the New Covenant by Christ’s blood.
What are the three categories of the Old Testament books?
The Old Testament contains thirty-six books, three of which are separated into two volumes, rendering a total of thirty-nine individual books. The Hebrew Bible divides the books into three main categories: the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Writings.
What are the three categories of the New Testament books?
The books of the New Testament are traditionally divided into three categories: the Gospels, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.
Which is the best survey of the New Testament?
New Testament Survey. The book of Acts records the deeds of Jesus’ apostles, the men Jesus sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. Acts tells us of the beginning of the church and its rapid growth in the first century A.D. The Pauline Epistles, written by the Apostle Paul, are letters to specific churches – giving official…
What are the 5 sections of the New Testament?
New Testament Survey The New Testament is divided into five sections: the Gospels (Matthew through John), history (the book of Acts), the Pauline Epistles (Romans through Philemon), the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude), and prophecy (the book of Revelation). The New Testament was written from approximately A.D. 45 to approximately A.D. 95.
How many books are there in the New Testament?
The doctrinal contains the twenty one epistles, which were letters written by the apostles to churches and certain Christians. the prophetic is one book, the Book of Revelation. List of the 27 books of the New Testament in order, with classifications and author names.
What was the language of the New Testament?
The New Testament was written in Koine Greek (common Greek, the everyday form of the Greek language in the first century A.D.) The Gospels give us four different, yet not conflicting, accounts of the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
New Testament Summary By Chapter
The 27 books of the New Testament are divided into four categories: Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Apocalypse. The Gospels include Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They tell the story of Jesus’ life and teachings. The Acts of the Apostles follow the story of the early church after Jesus’ death on Easter Sunday. It includes letters written by Paul to specific churches while he was on missionary journeys. The Epistles include letters written by Paul and other apostles to individuals or groups of people in the early church. The Apocalypse is a vision that John had about end times and how God will defeat evil forces at last.