Bible Synthesis Three
Bible Synthesis Three
Bible Synthesis Three
Introduction:
MATTHEW
Has 28 chapters
The distinctive characteristic of Matthew's gospel is its appeal to the Jewish mind. It was probably
originally written in Hebrew and contains many more Old Testament quotations than the other Gospels.
It was then made to convince the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth was their promised Messiah. It represents
the King and His Kingdom. The Kingdom was taken from the Jewish people after they had rejected the
Messiah, and the church was to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to the whole world.
MARK
Has 16 chapters.
The distinctive characteristic of Mark's Gospel is the appeal to the Roman mind. It was probably written
in Rome and contains more Latinism than the other Gospels. Jewish customs, places, coins, and Aramaic
expressions are explained, which would be necessary in order for the Roman mind to comprehend them.
Mark's gospel opens with the presentation of the Servant and closes with the Servant being made Lord.
LUKE
Has 24 chapters.
The distinctive characteristic of Luke's Gospel is its appeal to the Greek mind. While the Romans had
exalted strength of action, the Greeks had exalted wisdom of thought. Luke records more of the parables
of Jesus than the other Gospel writers. Jesus in Luke is "The Perfect Man". Christ's relationship with the
Holy Spirit: 1. Born in the Spirit, 2. Continues in the Spirit, 3. Closes with the promise of the
outpouring Spirit.
JOHN
Has 21 chapters.
The distinctive characteristic of John's Gospel is its appeal to the whole world. He emphasizes the
universal nature of Christ's mediatorship, that Jesus is the only way of salvation for the whole world.
Matthew, Mark and Luke primarily present the outer factual aspects of the Lord's life and humanity,
emphasizing His public discourses and Galilean Ministry. John primarily presents the minor doctrinal
aspects of the Lord's life and person, emphasizing His private discourses and Judean ministry.
Purpose: a) That Jesus was sent by God the Father into the world that the world
through Him might be saved.
b) To show that in Jesus, God was manifested.
Outline: 1. The Son of God. 1:1-1:18
2. His Public Ministry to the Jews. 1:19-12:50
3. His Private Ministry to the Disciples. 13-17
4. His Passion to the World. 18-21
Christ is seen as The Word of God.
ACTS
3
Has 28 chapters
In the Gospels, Christ is represented in His earthly ministry. But in Acts, He is presented in His heavenly
ministry, building the church as He promised, Mat. 16:18, through the power of the H/S. In Acts we see
the order of witnessing in the Great Commission being fulfilled, first in Jerusalem then Judea, Samaria
and the uttermost parts of the earth. The book centres around Peter the Apostle to the Jews and Paul the
Apostle to the Gentiles. (Gal. 2:8)
Purpose: To record Christ's continued ministry from heaven of all that He began to do and teach on
earth, 1:1.
Outline: 1. The ministry of Peter - Circumcision. 1-12
2. The ministry of Paul - Uncircumcision. 13-28
Christ is seen as "The Head of the Church"
ROMANS
Has 16 chapters
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul outlines the gospel of Christ which sets forth the righteousness of God
for the Jew and the Gentile, Ch. 1-3. He concludes that the whole world is under sin. Gentiles without
law and Jews under the law. Ch.3-8. The gospel message covers Justification, 3-5, Sanctification, 6-8,
Glorification, 9-11, Election, 9, Unbelief, 10, Restoration, 11, The Jews, 12-16, Practical duties of the
justified.
Purpose: 1. To answer the old age question "How can a man be just before God. (Job
9:2)
2. To show that both Jew and Gentile are only acceptable to God through the New
Covenant in Christ.
Outline: 1. Doctrinal - Imputed Righteousness. 1-8
2. National - Jew and Gentile. 9-11
3. Practical - Righteousness Outworked. 12-16
Christ is seen as "The Righteousness of God"
I CORINTHIANS
Has 16 chapters
The church at Corinth was founded by Paul, as recorded in Acts 18. It had enjoyed the ministries of
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Paul, Peter and Apollos and frictions had risen around these personalities. Other carnalities such as
immorality, idolatry and heresy had risen. Hence Paul wrote this first Epistle to reprove the Corinthians
of these things and to correct disorders concerning the Lord's Table and about Spiritual gifts. He also
answered questions concerning the resurrection. All of these things are evidence of a lack of spirituality,
the essence of which is love.
I Corinthians: The Book of the N.T. church order.
Author: Paul
Time: Between 53-57 A.D.
Key Words: a) Body 44
b) Spirit 41
c) Wisdom 31
Purpose: 1. To answer questions that the Corinthians had addressed to him concerning problems in
the church. (7:1, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1)
2. To reprove and correct abuses in the mental, moral, social, and Spiritual life of the
Corinthian church.
II CORITHIANS
Has 13 chapters.
The church of Corinth had responded to Paul's first epistle dealing with certain disorders, particularly in
the matter of immorality. This epistle was written to cancel the discipline they exercised and encouraged
them to restore the penitent back to fellowship. The first was written to correct and the second was
written to comfort. In practical realm Paul reminds the church to prepare the collection for the poor
saints in Jerusalem. Then Paul indicates his Apostleship by pointing to the fruit of his ministry.
GALATIANS
Has 6 chapters.
The Judaizers mentioned in Acts 15:1 had followed Paul's ministry among the churches of the Gentiles,
having particular success in Galatia. Their teaching was a mixture of law and grace, faith and works,
Moses and Jesus. They said that a sinner was saved by faith and works, and that the saved were to be
perfected through the works as they kept the Mosaic Law. The result of this teaching was that the
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Galatians became entangled again with the yoke of bondage of the law. Thus Paul writes this epistle
refuting the perverted gospel of the Judaizers and establishing the truth of his gospel. He illustrates the
two covenants using Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.
EPHESIANS
Has 6 chapters.
During Paul's missionary journey he spend at least 3 years at Ephesus establishing the church. He wrote
this epistle while in prison at Rome. In chapter one he sets of the purpose of God in Christ and show the
heavenly calling of the church. In chapter two the grace of God is shown by bringing together both Jew
and Gentile into one body through the cross. In chapter 3 unfold the mystery of Christ and the church.
Chapter 4 deals with the unity of the body. Chapter 5 deals with the unity of the body under the figure of
marriage. Chapter 6 outlines spiritual warfare.
PHILIPPIANS
Has 4 chapters
Founded by Paul and Silas on Paul's second missionary journey. Acts 16. Some of the first converts
were gained as a result of Paul's rejoicing while in prison and it is fitting that Paul while in prison in
Rome would write an epistle of joy to this church. It is interesting to note that faith, love, unity and
humility are seen as being at the root of joy.
Philippians:
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Author: Paul
Time: Between 60-64 A.D.
Key Words: a) Joy/Rejoice 18
b) Mind 10
COLOSSIANS
Has 4 chapters.
There is no record in Acts of Paul visiting Colosse, but he evidently did not found the church there, 2:1.
Possibly Epaphras founded the church, 1:7 and 4:12-13, which probably met in Philemon's house, 4:9.
According to Acts 19:10, the church was probably founded while Paul was in Ephesus only 100 miles
away. Paul was well acquainted with the progress of the church and the heresies that had risen. Thus he
wrote to refute them. The church is seen to be complete in Christ apart from asceticism, ritualism and
formalism.
Purpose: 1. To warn them about the heresies concerning the person and nature of Christ.
2. To present Christ as the Head of the Church in His Deity and humanity.
I THESSALONIANS
Has 5 chapters.
Paul laid the foundation of the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Acts 17. He
experienced considerable opposition from the Judaizers and did not stay there long; but soon after
departing he wrote his epistle to them. The general spiritual state of the church was good but there were
several things that needed correction. I want to point out that in chapters 4 and 5 he exhorts them to the
practical out-working of their sanctification in Spirit, Soul and Body. The main theme in the letter is The
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Second coming of Christ. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13; 5:1. Also seen in the epistle is the abiding trinity of
Faith, Hope and Love.
Purpose: 1. To correct mistaken views and to establish the doctrine of the second
coming of Christ.
2. To exhort the believers, to display the three Godly virtues: Faith, Hope and Love.
II THESSALONIANS
Has 3 chapters.
This epistle was written soon after the first one. Paul comforts them by pointing out that it is far better
for them to suffer tribulation previous to Christ coming than to suffer vengeance at His coming. Paul
also describes two of the main events that are to precede the second coming; The great falling away and
the revelation of the Anti-Christ. Lastly, he commands them to wait patiently, to walk orderly and to
work faithfully in the light of Christ's return.
I TIMOTHY
Has 6 chapters.
This is one of Paul's 4 personal epistles written to individuals rather than to churches. Timothy was
probably converted under Paul's ministry at Systra. Acts 14 with I Tim. 1:2. Seven years later he had
matured spiritually so that he was well spoken of and became Paul's travelling companion, Acts 16.
II TIMOTHY
Has 4 chapters.
This was the last of Paul's personal epistles and was written prior to his death. Paul exhorts Timothy not
to be ashamed of Christ. He foretells about the coming apostasy. Finally Paul charges Timothy to
preach the word as a true minister of Christ and he closes with personal instructions and greetings. It is
also worthy to note that Paul acknowledges that the end of his life and ministry is at hand. 4:6-8.
TITUS
Has 3 chapters.
This book is one of Paul's 4 epistles. Titus, like Timothy, was Paul's son in the faith and he became one
of his travelling companions. He is not named in Acts, but is referred to several times in the Pauline
epistles. Titus had been left in Crete to establish and set in order the church there. 1:5. Thus Paul writes
giving Titus instructions on how to carry the mission.
Titus: The Book of the Minister's Godliness.
Author: Paul
Time: Between 62-66 A.D.
Key Words: a) Good 11
b) Works 8
Purpose: 1. To show the life of godliness that is to be lived by God's grace.
2. To exhort Titus to teach sound doctrine.
PHILEMON
Has 1 chapter.
Philemon a wealthy Christian of Colosse, who had apparently been robbed by a run-away slave
Onesimus, vs 10, 11, 16, 18. Onesimus fled to Rome and was led to the Lord by Paul. Paul then
intended to send him back to Philemon, (Verses 12, 15, 16), and wrote this epistle to intercede for him.
Onesimus returned with Tychicus, who carried the letter to the Ephesians and the Colossians. This
epistle presents a beautiful picture of the gospel of the grace of God. God our Master (Philemon)
receives His runaway slave (Onesimus) because of the intercession of the mediator (Paul).
Purpose: 1. To persuade Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in the Lord rather than a
runaway slave.
2. To inform Philemon that Paul would soon be released from prison and would visit him.
HEBREWS
Has 13 chapters.
This epistle was written to Hebrew believers who were under pressure to return to Judaism. Thus it is a
book of comparison and contrast, showing the Son to be better than the prophets, the Angels, Adam,
Moses, Joshua and Abraham. The New Covenant with its heavenly sanctuary, Melchizedek priesthood
and once for all sacrifice is better than the old covenant with its earthly sanctuary, Aaronic priesthood,
and continual animal sacrifice. This epistle gives the fullest exposition and interpretation of the
sanctuary service set forth in Exodus and Leviticus. Hebrews and Romans stand together as the two
great doctrinal epistles of the New Testament.
Purpose: 1. To wean Hebrew Christians from Judaism to Christianity and to warn them
against apostasy.
2. To set forth the promises, sacrifice, priesthood and sanctuary of the New Covenant
in Christ.
Christ is seen as "The Word. The Angel of Jehovah. The High Priest. Author and finisher of our Faith."
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JAMES
Has 5 chapters.
The Apostle James became known as the bishop of the Jerusalem church. He wrote this epistle from
Jerusalem "to the twelve tribes scattered abroad". Instead of writing a doctrinal treatise he wrote an
epistle or practical Christian living, showing that in every area, the heart of the matter is seen by its fruit.
He relates the principal of faith trial, temptations, works, words, worldliness, patience and prayers.
There is no conflict between Paul and James concerning faith and works. Paul in Rome deals with
justification by faith, apart from works, before salvation. Rom. 3:27. James deals with justification by
works after salvation. James 2:20.
Purpose: 1. To comfort and encourage Hebrew believers who were going through severe
trials and temptations. 1:2
2. To refute the tendency to divorce, faith and works.
I PETER
Has 5 chapters.
Peter while a disciple of Jesus had been given the initial revelation of the suffering of Christ and the
glory that should follow the church. It is upon this experience that the themes of his epistles are built.
The theme of this epistle is "Glory Through Suffering". It should be noted that in every context that
suffering appears, Glory is also to be found.
II PETER
Has 3 chapters.
Introduction:
While I Peter is built on Matthew 16, this second epistle arises out of Peter's experience on the Mount of
Transfiguration in Matthew 17. The Theme of this second epistle is the contrast between true and false
knowledge. The first shows the suffering and glory of the believers, the second one suffering and
judgement of the unbelievers, the first emphasizes persecutions from without the second heresies within.
I JOHN
Has 5 chapters.
This epistle was born out of John's intimate relationship with his personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus as
seen in his gospel. Converts from Judaism and paganism sought to mingle the theories of their former
belief with the truth of the gospel. This eventually led to the rise and development of the deadly heresy
of Gnosticism.
While admitting the deity of Jesus they denied His humanity and boasted that they alone as Gnostics
(Knowing ones) had true knowledge. John writes to assure the believers that they are the Knowing ones,
having the true knowledge of Christ.
I John: The Book of Love.
Author: John the beloved, the author of the gospel, 3 epistles and the revelation.
Time: Between 85-90 A.D.
II JOHN
Has 1 chapter
The truth that John speaks of is from above, the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. We are to live in the truth
not just admiring it. Then we will love one another, vs. 5. This love is genuine and not subject to
change. John speaks of the teaching of Christ. If you wonder from the teaching of Christ you will leave
God behind, vs.9. This is the test of the gospel. Not what I think or what somebody else has thought or
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said or done, but what has Christ said. What is He to you? Is He the Son of God?
III JOHN
Has 1 chapter.
A personal epistle written to Gaius. The epistle centres around three men, showing their relation to truth
and love;
Gaius; well loved, kind, generous.
Diotrephes; arrogant, autocratic, domineering.
Demetrius; well reported, commendable.
While II John warns against receiving false teachers who deny the doctrine of Christ. III John warns
against refusing to receive those who are true ministers of Christ.
JUDE
Has 1 chapter.
Jude opens his epistle by commenting that he had to write the common salvation. He was constrained by
the Spirit to write a different matter. False teachers had crept in, denying the faith and giving birth to
apostasy in the church. Jude then exhorts the believers to content for the faith.
Note: This is the only book that refers to the contention over the body of Moses and the prophecy of
Enoch.
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REVELATION
Has 22 chapters.
John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos. There while caught up in the Spirit, he was given a series of
visions showing the progressive unfolding of events from the first through to the New Heavens and the
New Earth. The first 3 chapters show Christ's relationship to His church, local and universal.
The remainder of the book deals with the following subjects; 7 sealed book, Rev. 4:7. 7 trumpets, 8-11.
Tribulation, 12-14. 7 vials, 15-16. Mystery Babylon, 17-18.
Second Coming, New Heavens and New Earth, 19-22. All that began in Genesis pertaining to the Old
creation finds its consummation in Revelation, which then introduces the New Creation.
Purpose: 1. To give the universal church a panorama of the events from the first to the
second coming of Christ.
2. To bring into focus the ultimate conclusion of the plan of redemption which was
begun in Genesis, the book of creation.
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