The New Testament Essay Example for Free

The New Testament Essay The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to Saint Matthew. The purpose of the book was to show that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, or deliverer, but that his ministry was spiritual and not political. Most Biblical scholars believe that Matthew was derived from the Gospel of Mark and a now- lost book of the sayings of Jesus. The Introduction (1:1-4:16) gives the genealogy of Jesus and tells of his birth, infancy, and preparation. The second division (4: 17-16:28) includes the Sermon on the Mount and deals mainly with the public ministry of Jesus. The third division (17: 1-20:34) deals mainly with Jesus’ private ministry with his disciples and stresses the requirements of true discipleship. The fourth division (21: 1-25:46) tells of the entry into Jerusalem and the events of the last week of Jesus. The final division (26:1-28:20) tells of the last evening with the disciples, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and His Resurrection. Mark The Gospel of Mark is the second book of the New Testament. The book, shortest of the four Gospels, was probably written by Saint Mark himself. Most scholars believe it was the first Gospel to be written and was the basis for both Matthew and Luke. According to Papias, a second- century bishop, the author of Mark drew largely from the reminiscence of Peter, but it is now assumed that he used other sources as well, both written and oral. He probably wrote in Rome, about 67 A. D. Many scholars believe that Peter’s death, presumedly in 64 A. D. , motivated Mark to record what had been told by Peter. The Gospel of Mark was written in colloquial Greek, in a vigorous, dramatic style. It presents Jesus Christ as a man of action and power who performed miracle and other mighty deeds, a human being and yet the Son of God. Mark says nothing about the birth and boyhood of Jesus. The Gospel has three divisions. The first (1:1-8:26) begins with the preaching of John the Baptist and his Baptism of Jesus, reports many parables and miracles, and tells of conflicts with the religious leaders. The second section (8:27- 10:45) stresses the coming crucifixion. The third section (10: 46- 16:8) tells of the final week in Jerusalem and relates the story of the Crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection. Many scholars believe that the end of the Gospel (16: 9-20) was not a part of the original writing, since these verses are not found in some early manuscripts. Luke The Gospel of Luke is the third book of the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke is generally attributed to Saint Luke. This book, which has been called the most beautiful ever written, tells of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke records the famous birth story, which ends with the adoration of the shepherds. The Gospel according to Saint Luke presents the teachings of Jesus as a message of universal salvation for all men everywhere. Luke has a strong humanitarian emphasis and shows a deep sympathy for the poor and weak. The Gospel stresses the importance of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Many scholars believe that the Gospel of Luke is derived from the Gospel of Mark and a lost source of the sayings of Jesus. John The Gospel of John is the fourth book of the New Testament. Traditionally this book I attributed to John the Apostle. As a gospel the books tells the â€Å"good news† of the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John is more a spiritual book and less a biography than the other gospels. Its purpose is to promote belief and faith in Jesus. It emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and deals with many theological issues. According to tradition, the books was written about 90- 100 A. D. in Ephesus by John the Apostle. Acts The book of Act was written by Saint Luke. The date of the writing is uncertain, but most scholars favor the period 8-90 A. D. At the beginning of the book the author states his purpose and that is to explain to Theophilus, and to the world, how Christianity arose and began its sweep across the earth. By this time Christianity appeared to be on the way to becoming a world religion, and some account of its beginning was needed so that it might appeal to cultured and learned people. It talks about the Day of Pentecost, empowered by the Holy Spirit; the apostles take the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the Mediterranean world. The title is misleading, for Acts is not a record of all the original disciples of Jesus. The book gives the early history of Christianity from Christ’s ascension outside Jerusalem to Paul’s visit in Rome. Chapters 1-12 stress the work of Peter in Judea and nearby lands, mainly among Jews. Chapters 13- 28 tell of the far- ranging missionary preaching of Paul, mainly to gentiles. Romans Epistle to the Romans is a letter of Saint Paul and a book of the New Testament. Romans, is the longest of Paul’s letters, has been called â€Å"the first great work of Christian theology. † Summarizing his doctrine in 1: 16-17, Paul wrote that the Gospel of Christ is the â€Å"power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth,† and â€Å"the just shall live by faith. † Men, he said, are justified by their belief in Jesus Christ. By believing in Him men find salvation, gain freedom from sin, and have a new life in the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote the letter to the Christian community in Rome about 58 A. D. He hoped to visit Rome, and apparently wrote the letter to prepare the way for his visit. Writing to a group composed of both Jews and Gentiles, Paul presented Christianity as a faith for all.