The New Testament, a cornerstone of Christian Scripture, comprises 27 books that chronicle the life of Jesus Christ, the early church, and prophetic visions of the future. These writings are traditionally categorized into four sections:
- The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide four distinct narratives of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
- Acts of the Apostles: This book details the actions and journeys of Jesus’ disciples following His ascension, highlighting the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.
- The Epistles: Letters penned by apostles such as Paul, Peter, James, and John to various early Christian communities and individuals. These writings offer guidance, encouragement, and theological insights.
- Revelation: A prophetic vision given to the Apostle John, depicting the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the anticipated return of Christ.
A Chronological Overview
The New Testament unfolds the following key events:
- Jesus, the Son of God, is born through a virgin.
- John the Baptist started preparing the way for Jesus’s adult ministry.
- Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist when he was 30 years old.
- Jesus resisted temptation from Satan for 40 days in the wilderness.
- Jesus began His ministry, preaching repentance for the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
- Jesus called His first disciples.
- Jesus traveled with His disciples, teaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles.
- Jesus was transfigured in front of three of His disciples while God verbally confirmed that Jesus was His Son.
- The chief priests and elders conspired to arrest and kill Jesus.
- Jesus creates the Lord’s Supper while celebrating Passover with His disciples.
- Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.
- Judas betrayed Him and brought the chief priests and elders to arrest Him.
- The chief priests and elders brought Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest to be determined guilty of blasphemy.
- The chief priests and elders brought Jesus to Pilate and the people chose to kill Jesus.
- The soldiers of the governor beat and crucified Jesus when he was 33 years old.
- Joseph from Arimathea buried Jesus in his tomb.
- Jesus rose from the dead three days later and appeared to His disciples.
- Jesus ascended into heaven.
- The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and others during Pentecost.
- The apostles traveled while spreading the gospel, preaching, and performing miracles.
- Jesus appears to Paul who was persecuting Christians. He was converted and began spreading the gospel.
- The apostles wrote letters to churches and individuals explaining the practical implications of theology (read more about this time in Exploring Acts: A Chapter-by-Chapter Reflection)
- The apostle, John, writes a prophecy he was given about the future second coming of Jesus.
The New Testament is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Reformed believer, it is the revelation of the new covenant, where salvation is granted by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It unveils the person and work of Christ as the long-promised Messiah, establishes the foundation of the church, and affirms the sovereignty of God in all things—including election, justification, and sanctification. The writings of the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, guide believers in doctrine, worship, and daily living, continually pointing to the supremacy of Christ and the glory of God.
Dawn Zauner 