New Testament Themes

Question 1

Matthew’s theme

Answer 1

Jesus the Messiah, from the line of David, fulfills old covenant promises even to the nations.
- Jesus fulfills Messiah prophesies
- Jesus has true understanding of Torah (Mt 5-8)
- Indicators to Gentiles from genealogical inclusions to the Great Commission

Question 2

Mark’s theme

Answer 2

Proclamation of the good news of how the True King brings His kingdom.
- Mark is slimmed down. No nativity, ends abruptly

Question 3

Luke’s theme

Answer 3

Giving confidence to follow Jesus since He is surely the long-awaited Savior.
- Report to Theophilus… to confirm what was taught
- Ties to prophesy, especially suffering servant
- discipleship theme, journey to Jerusalem flow

Question 4

John’s theme

Answer 4

The Christ is Jesus, the Divine word, who gives life
- “I am” statements
- Jesus gives creation life (1:3-4) and second life (20:22)
- Purpose statement in 20:30-31

Question 5

Acts’ theme

Answer 5

To give an historical account of the triune God’s special providence over the church as it brings the blessing of the gospel to the world.
- continuing Luke’s historical/confirming aspect
- the geographical and Jew/Gentile ordering
- emphases on what Christ continued to do, the work of the Spirit, and purpose of the Father

Question 6

Romans’ theme

Answer 6

We are given the gift of righteousness by faith in Christ leading to righteous living.
- Both the intro/conclusion talk about the “obedience of faith” (1:5; 16:26)
- the book structure is the mercies of God lead to transformed lives (12:1)

Question 7

1 Corinthians’ theme

Answer 7

Handling church problems with the word of the cross rather than the wisdom of the world.
- first half problems Paul has heard about, second are questions from their letter

Question 8

2 Corinthians’ theme

Answer 8

Ministry worth boasting in does not boast in the flesh but works by the power of the Spirit.

Question 9

Galatians’ theme

Answer 9

There is no other gospel but that we are justified by faith alone, in Christ alone, to live resurrected lives to God alone.

Question 10

Ephesians’ Theme

Answer 10

The Church is a testimony of the Triune God’s cosmic victory and purpose in uniting all things in Christ.

Question 11

Philippians’ Theme

Answer 11

Be committed to serving God and one another as we have joy in the gospel whatever the circumstances.

Question 12

Colossians’ Theme

Answer 12

Christ is supreme over all things; by Him Christians are accepted, in Him Christians are filled and seek maturity.

Question 13

1 Thessalonians’ Theme

Answer 13

Continue to be faithful, looking forward in hope to the day of the Lord.

Question 14

2 Thessalonians’ Theme

Answer 14

Our hope in the coming day of the Lord should stir us to do good works in the present.

Question 15

1 Timothy’s Theme

Answer 15

The gospel and God’s Word must shape how the church is ordered and behaves.

Question 16

2 Timothy’s Theme

Answer 16

Hold on to the gospel and keep working for Christ to the end.

Question 17

Titus’ theme

Answer 17

The Truth of Christ, lived by His Church, calls people to a new life and transforms culture.