1. THE BIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS.— (Four.)

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

These four books record the biography of Christ from his birth to his ascension. They were written by the persons whose names they bear and are called the Gospels. These authors wrote at different times and under different circumstances. The history opens with the annunciation to Zacharias, 6 B. C., and closes with the ascension of Christ 30 A. D.

2. THE HISTORICAL BOOK.— (One.)

Acts of the Apostles.

This book was written by Luke, the author of the third biographical book. It records the history of the church from the ascension, 30 A. D., to Paul's imprisonment at Rome, 62 A. D. It was during this time that nearly all the New Testament books were written.

3. THE PAULINE EPISTLES.— (Fourteen.)

Romans, First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Thessalonians, First and Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews.

These fourteen books were written by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys and his imprisonment at Rome. Some were written to church workers, some to individual churches and some to the churches in general.

4. THE GENERAL EPISTLES.— (Seven.)

James, First and Second Peter, First, Second and Third John, Jude.

These books were written by the persons whose name they bear. They are not written to any particular church, hence are called General. Most of them were written later than the Pauline Epistles.

5. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK.— (One.)

Revelation.

This book was written by the Apostle John during his exile on the Isle of Patmos about 90 A. D. It is also called the Apocalypse, which means “ to unveil. ” John, the beloved disciple, received these revelations after sixty years of close fellowship with the Lord.

REVIEW

QUESTIONS.

• How many divisions of the New Testament books? Name them?
• How many books in the first division? Name them?
• By whom were they written?
• What history do they record?
• What are the opening and closing events of this division?
• What are the dates?
• What period of time is covered?
• How many books in the second division? Name it?
• By whom was it written?
• What history does it contain?
• What are the opening and closing events?
• What are the dates?
• How many books in the third division? Name them?
• Who is the author?
• When were they written?
• To whom were they written?
• How many books in the fourth division? Name them?
• Why are they called General?
• About what time were they written?
• How many books in the fifth division?
• Who is the author?
• Under what circumstances was it written?
• What other name is given to the book?
• What does the name mean?
• How long was John in the church before he wrote this book?