Summary of Books of Bible Flashcards
A 2nd vol. to Luke’s Gospel, it joins what Jesus “began to do and to teach” as told in the Gospels, and the establishment of the church.
Acts
In this book John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. Satan is imminent, will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death.
Will soon be vindicated when Christ returns… God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.
Revelation
Readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints.
I John
Paul’s primary theme in this book is about presenting the gospel (the “good news”), God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.
Romans
Itinerant teachers. Diotrephes,. Excommunicated members to John’s messengers.
John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
3 John
Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are:
(1) Unmistakable Jewish nature
(2) Emphasis on vital Christianity, good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle)
(3) Simple organization
(4) Familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.
James
Situation in the church has not changed substantially, Paul’s purpose
(1) to encourage persecuted believers,
(2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return, and
(3) to exhort the these people to be steadfast and to work for a living.
2 Thessalonians
Although this author was very eager to write to his readers about salvation, he felt that he must instead warn them about certain immoral men circulating among them who were perverting the grace of God.
Jude
Paul’s purpose in this letter was to thank these people for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome.
1) Report on his own circumstances;
(2) Encourage the these people to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice
(3) Exhort these people to humility and unity.
Philippians
During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left.
Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, this book was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers
2 John
During his 4th missionary journey, Paul had instructed this man to care for the church at Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to the same man to develop the charge he had given his young assistant.
This is the FIRST of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
1 Timothy
The first letter to these people that revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character.
Paul concerned with these people’s problems, revealing a true pastor’s (shepherd’s) heart.
1 Corinthians
Although this book is a short letter, it touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties.
It is not surprising that different readers have found it to have different principal themes.
1 Peter
Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind:
to express the comfort and joy Paul felt because these people had responded favorably to his painful letter;
to let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia; and
to explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry.
2 Corinthians
In this book the theme is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace.
A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Hebrews
Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, this book does not address any particular error or heresy. Paul wrote to
expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.
Ephesians
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes this man in this book to guard the gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it, and, if necessary, to suffer for it.
This is the SECOND “Pastoral Epistle.”
2 Timothy
This book stands as an eloquent and vigorous apologetic for the essential New Testament truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—by nothing less and nothing more—and that
they are sanctified not by LEGALISTIC WORKS but by the obedience that comes from faith in God’s work for them.
Galatians
Paul’s purpose is to refute these peoples heresy.
To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.
Colossians
In this book to win this person’s willing acceptance of the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions
Philemon
In this second letter this apostle teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.
2 Peter
Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both of these letters.
Every chapter of first book, though, ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ
1 Thessalonians
In this book apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and this man visited the island, after which he left this man there to organize the converts.
Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos. Personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers.
This is the LAST of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
Titus
Why was I John written? {Hint: 2 Basic Purposes}
1) To expose false teachers and
(2) To give believers assurance of salvation.
