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This is a lot to take in,
1. Genesis Genesis answers two big questions: “How did God’s relationship with the world begin?” and “Where did the nation of Israel come from?”
so if you want to start
with baby steps,
check out this list of the shortest books of the Bible.
Old Testament books of the Bible
(These are the books written long before Jesus was born.)
(These are the books written long before Jesus was born.)
1. Genesis Genesis answers two big questions: “How did God’s relationship with the world begin?” and “Where did the nation of Israel come from?”
Author: Traditionally Moses, but the stories are much older
Fun fact: Most of the famous Bible stories you’ve heard about are probably found in the book of Genesis. This is where the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark, the Tower of Babel, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob’s ladder, and Joseph’s coat of many colors are recorded.
2. Exodus God saves Israel from slavery in Egypt, and then enters into a special relationship with them.
Author: Traditionally Moses
3. Leviticus God gives Israel instructions for how to worship Him.
Author: traditionally Moses
4. Numbers Israel fails to trust and obey God, and wanders in the wilderness for 40 years
.Author: Traditionally Moses
5. Deuteronomy Moses gives Israel instructions (in some ways, a recap of the laws in Exodus–Numbers) for how to love and obey God in the Promised Land.
Author: Traditionally Moses
6. Joshua Joshua (Israel’s new leader) leads Israel to conquer the Promised land, then parcels out territories to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Author: Nobody knows
Fun fact: You’ve probably heard of a few fantastic stories from this book (the Battle of Jericho and the day the sun stood still), but most of the action happens in the first half of this book. The last half is pretty much all about divvying up the real estate.
7. Judges Israel enters a cycle of turning from God, falling captive to oppressive nations, calling out to God, and being rescued by leaders God sends their way (called “judges”).
Author: Nobody knows
8. Ruth Two widows lose everything, and find hope in Israel—which leads to the birth of the future King David.
Author: Nobody knows
9. 1 Samuel Israel demands a king, who turns out to be quite a disappointment.
Author: Nobody knows
10. 2 Samuel David, a man after God’s own heart, becomes king of Israel.
Author: Nobody knows
11. 1 Kings The kingdom of Israel has a time of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but afterward splits, and the two lines of kings turn away from God.
Author: Nobody knows
12. 2 Kings Both kingdoms ignore God and his prophets, until they both fall captive to other world empires.
Author: Nobody knows
13. 1 Chronicles This is a brief history of Israel from Adam to David, culminating with David commissioning the temple of God in Jerusalem.
Author: Traditionally Ezra
14. 2 Chronicles David’s son Solomon builds the temple, but after centuries of rejecting God, the Babylonians take the southern Israelites captive and destroy the temple.
Author: Traditionally Ezra
15. Ezra The Israelites rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, and a scribe named Ezra teaches the people to once again obey God’s laws.
Author: Ezra
16. Nehemiah The city of Jerusalem is in bad shape, so Nehemiah rebuilds the wall around the city.
Author: Nehemiah
17. Esther Someone hatches a genocidal plot to bring about Israel’s extinction, and Esther must face the emperor to ask for help.
Author: Nobody knows
18. Job Satan attacks a righteous man named Job, and Job and his friends argue about why terrible things are happening to him.
Author: Nobody knows
19. Psalms A collection of 150 songs that Israel sang to God (and to each other)—kind of like a hymnal for the ancient Israelites
.Author: So many authors—meet them all here!
20. Proverbs A collection of sayings written to help people make wise decisions that bring about justice.
Author: Solomon and other wise men
21. Ecclesiastes A philosophical exploration of the meaning of life—with a surprisingly nihilistic tone for the Bible
Author: Traditionally Solomon
22. Song of Solomon
(Song of Songs) A love song (or collection of love songs) celebrating love, desire, and marriage.
Author: Traditionally Solomon (but it could have been written about Solomon, or in the style of Solomon)
23. Isaiah God sends the prophet Isaiah to warn Israel of future judgment—but also to tell them about a coming king and servant who will “bear the sins of many.”
Author: Isaiah (and maybe some of his followers)
24. Jeremiah God sends a prophet to warn Israel about the coming Babylonian captivity, but the people don’t take the news very well.
Author: Jeremiah
25. Lamentations A collection of dirges lamenting the fall of Jerusalem after the Babylonian attacks
Author: Traditionally Jeremiah
26. Ezekiel God chooses a man to speak for Him to Israel, to tell them the error of their ways and teach them justice: Ezekiel.
Author: Ezekiel
27. Daniel
Daniel becomes a high-ranking wise man in the Babylonian and Persian empires, and has prophetic visions concerning Israel’s future.
Author: Daniel (with other contributors)
28. Hosea
Hosea is told to marry a prostitute who leaves him, and he must bring her back: a picture of God’s relationship with Israel.
Author: Hosea
29. Joel God sends a plague of locusts to Judge Israel, but his judgment on the surrounding nations is coming, too.
Author: Joel
30. Amos A shepherd named Amos preaches against the injustice of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Author: Amos
31. Obadiah
Obadiah warns the neighboring nation of Edom that they will be judged for plundering Jerusalem.
Author: Obadiah
32. Jonah A disobedient prophet runs from God, is swallowed by a great fish, and then preaches God’s message to the city of Nineveh.
Author: Traditionally Jonah
33. Micah
Micah confronts the leaders of Israel and Judah regarding their injustice, and prophecies that one day the Lord himself will rule in perfect justice.
Author: Micah
34. Nahum
Nahum foretells of God’s judgment on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria
Author: Nahum
35. Habakkuk
Habakkuk pleads with God to stop the injustice and violence in Judah, but is surprised to find that God will use the even more violent Babylonians to do so.
Author: Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah God warns that he will judge Israel and the surrounding nations, but also that he will restore them in peace and justice.
Author: Zephaniah
37. Haggai The people have abandoned the work of restoring God’s temple in Jerusalem, and so Haggai takes them to task.
Author: Haggai
38. Zechariah The prophet Zechariah calls Israel to return to God, and records prophetic visions that show what’s happening behind the scenes.
39. Malachi God has been faithful to Israel, but they continue to live disconnected from him—so God sends Malachi to call them out.
New Testament books of the Bible
(These books were written about Jesus,
and what it means to follow him.)
and what it means to follow him.)
40. The Gospel of Matthew
This is an account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, focusing on Jesus’ role as the true king of the Jews.
Author: Matthew
41. The Gospel of Mark
This brief account of Jesus’ earthly ministry highlights Jesus’ authority and servanthood.
Author: John Mark
42. The Gospel of Luke
Luke writes the most thorough account of Jesus’ life, pulling together eyewitness testimonies to tell the full story of Jesus.
Author: Luke
43. The Gospel of John
John lists stories of signs and miracles with the hope that readers will believe in Jesus.
Author: John
44. Acts Jesus returns to the Father, the Holy Spirit comes to the church, and the gospel of Jesus spreads throughout the world.
Author: Luke
45. Romans Paul summarizes how the gospel of Jesus works in a letter to the churches at Rome, where he plans to visit.
Author: Paul
46. 1 Corinthians Paul writes a disciplinary letter to a fractured church in Corinth, and answers some questions that they’ve had about how Christians should behave.
Author: Paul
47. 2 Corinthians Paul writes a letter of reconciliation to the church at Corinth, and clears up some concerns that they have.
Author: Paul
48. Galatians Paul hears that the Galatian churches have been lead to think that salvation comes from the law of Moses, and writes a (rather heated) letter telling them where the false teachers have it wrong.
Author: Paul
49. Ephesians Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about how to walk in grace, peace, and love
Author: Paul
50. Philippians An encouraging letter to the church of Philippi from Paul, telling them how to have joy in Christ.
Author: Paul
51. Colossians Paul writes the church at Colossae a letter about who they are in Christ, and how to walk in Christ.
Author: Paul
52. 1 Thessalonians Paul has heard a good report on the church at Thessalonica, and encourages them to “excel still more” in faith, hope, and love.
Author: Paul
53. 2 Thessalonians Paul instructs the Thessalonians on how to stand firm until the coming of Jesus.
Author: Paul
54. 1 Timothy Paul gives his protegé Timothy instruction on how to lead a church with sound teaching and a godly example.
Author: Paul
55. 2 Timothy Paul is nearing the end of his life, and encourages Timothy to continue preaching the word.
Author: Paul
56. Titus Paul advises Titus on how to lead orderly, counter-cultural churches on the island of Crete.
Author: Paul
57. Philemon Paul strongly recommends that Philemon accept his runaway slave as a brother, not a slave.
Author: Philemon
58. Hebrews A letter encouraging Christians to cling to Christ despite persecution, because he is greater.
Author: Nobody knows
59. James letter telling Christians to live in ways that demonstrate their faith in action.
Author: James (likely the brother of Jesus)
60. 1 Peter Peter writes to Christians who are being persecuted, encouraging them to testify to the truth and live accordingly.
Author: Peter
61. 2 Peter Peter writes a letter reminding Christians about the truth of Jesus, and warning them that false teachers will come.
Author: Peter
62. 1 John John writes a letter to Christians about keeping Jesus’ commands, loving one another, and important things they should know.
Author: John
63. 2 John A very brief letter about walking in truth, love, and obedience.
Author: John
64. 3 John An even shorter letter about Christian fellowship.
Author: John
65. Jude A letter encouraging Christians to content for the faith, even though ungodly persons have crept in unnoticed.
Author: Jude
66. Revelation John sees visions of things that have been, things that are, and things that are yet to come.
Author: John
BIBLE: GOD OF JESUS
•Old Testament:
Anticipation•Gospels:
Manifestation•Acts:
Proclamation•Epistles:
Explanation•Revelation: Consummation
LAW
•Genesis: God of Promise
•Exodus: God of Power
•Leviticus: God of Purity
•Numbers: God of Perseverance
•Deuteronomy: God of Preparation
HISTORY
•Joshua: God of the Land
•Judges: God of the Rebels
•Ruth: God of Redemption
•1 Samuel: God of the Heart
•2 Samuel: God of the Throne
•1 and 2 Kings: God of Israel
•1 and 2 Chronicles: God of Judah
•Ezra: God of the Temple
•Esther: God of the Gallows
•Nehemiah: God of the Wall
WISDOM
•Job: God of Pain
•Psalms: God of Praise
•Proverbs: God of Prudence
•Ecclesiastes: God of Purpose
•Song of Solomon: God of Passion
MAJOR PROPHETS
•Isaiah: God of Glory
•Jeremiah: God of Weeping
•Lamentations: God of Faithfulness
•Ezekiel: God of Visions
•Daniel: God of History
MINOR PROPHETS
•Hosea: God of the Unfaithful
•Joel: God of the Locusts
•Amos: God of the Oppressed
•Obadiah: God of the Mountain
•Jonah: God of Compassion
•Micah: God of Justice
•Nahum: God of Wrath
•Habakkuk: God of Sovereignty
•Zephaniah: God of Judgment
•Haggai: God of Renewal
•Zechariah: God of Restoration
•Malachi: God of Worship
HISTORY
•Matthew: God of the Jews
•Mark: God of the Romans
•Luke: God of the Outcast
•John: God of the World
•Acts: God of Power
PAULINE EPISTLES
•Romans: God of Righteousness
•1 Corinthians: God of Holiness
•2 Corinthians: God of Weakness
•Galatians: God of Justification
•Ephesians: God of Unity
•Philippians: God of Joy
•Colossians: God of Preeminence
•1 Thessalonians: God of Encouragement
•2 Thessalonians: God of Admonishment
•1 Timothy: God of Godliness
•2 Timothy: God of Endurance
•Titus: God of Works
•Philemon: God of Reconciliation
GENERAL EPISTLES
• Hebrews: God of Fulfillment
•James: God of Trials
•1 Peter: God of the Persecuted
•2 Peter: God of Patience
•1 John: God of Love
•2 John: God of Truth
•3 John: God of Discernment
•Jude: God of Protection
PROPHECY
•Revelation: God of Eternity I found the process of reflecting on God’s message in each book deeply edifying, and I would enjoy hearing any ways you can improve this list.
Genesis
Genesis speaks of beginnings and is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. It is supremely a book that speaks about relationships, highlighting those between God and his creation, between God and humankind, and between human beings.
Exodus
Exodus describes the history of the Israelites leaving Egypt after slavery. The book lays a foundational theology in which God reveals his name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and how he is to be worshiped.
Leviticus
Leviticus receives its name from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament) and means "concerning the Levites" (the priests of Israel). It serves as a manual of regulations enabling the holy King to set up his earthly throne among the people of his kingdom. It explains how they are to be his holy people and to worship him in a holy manner.
Numbers
Numbers relates the story of Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab on the border of Canaan. The book tells of the murmuring and rebellion of God's people and of their subsequent judgment.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy ("repetition of the Law") serves as a reminder to God's people about His covenant. The book is a "pause" before Joshua's conquest begins and a reminder of what God required.
Joshua
Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised to their fathers.
Judges
The book of Judges depicts the life of Israel in the Promised Land—from the death of Joshua to the rise of the monarchy. It tells of urgent appeals to God in times of crisis and apostasy, moving the Lord to raise up leaders (judges) through whom He throws off foreign oppressors and restores the land to peace.
Ruth
The book of Ruth has been called one of the best examples of short narrative ever written. It presents an account of the remnant of true faith and piety in the period of the judges through the fall and restoration of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth (an ancestor of King David and Jesus).
1 Samuel
Samuel relates God's establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Through Samuel's life, we see the rise of the monarchy and the tragedy of its first king, Saul.
2 Samuel
After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts David as a true (though imperfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king. Under David's rule the Lord caused the nation to prosper, to defeat its enemies, and to realize the fulfillment of His promises.
1 Kings
1 Kings continues the account of the monarchy in Israel and God's involvement through the prophets. After David, his son Solomon ascends the throne of a united kingdom, but this unity only lasts during his reign. The book explores how each subsequent king in Israel and Judah answers God's call—or, as often happens, fails to listen.
2 Kings
2 Kings carries the historical account of Judah and Israel forward. The kings of each nation are judged in light of their obedience to the covenant with God. Ultimately, the people of both nations are exiled for disobedience.
1 Chronicles
Just as the author of Kings had organized and interpreted Israel's history to address the needs of the exiled community, so the writer of 1 Chronicles wrote for the restored community another history.
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles continues the account of Israel's history with an eye for restoration of those who had returned from exile.
Ezra
The book of Ezra relates how God's covenant people were restored from Babylonian exile to the covenant land as a theocratic (kingdom of God) community even while continuing under foreign rule.
Nehemiah
Closely related to the book of Ezra, Nehemiah chronicles the return of this "cupbearer to the king" and the challenges he and the other Israelites face in their restored homeland.
Esther
Esther records the institution of the annual festival of Purim through the historical account of Esther, a Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from destruction.
Job
Through a series of monologues, the book of Job relates the account of a righteous man who suffers under terrible circumstances. The book's profound insights, its literary structures, and the quality of its rhetoric display the author's genius.
Psalms
The Psalms are collected songs and poems that represent centuries worth of praises and prayers to God on a number of themes and circumstances. The Psalms are impassioned, vivid and concrete; they are rich in images, in simile and metaphor.
Proverbs
Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young," and to make the wise even wiser. The frequent references to "my son(s)" emphasize instructing the young and guiding them in a way of life that yields rewarding results.
Ecclesiastes
The author of Ecclesiastes puts his powers of wisdom to work to examine the human experience and assess the human situation. His perspective is limited to what happens "under the sun" (as is that of all human teachers).
Song of Songs
In ancient Israel everything human came to expression in words: reverence, gratitude, anger, sorrow, suffering, trust, friendship, commitment. In the Song of Solomon, it is love that finds words–inspired words that disclose its exquisite charm and beauty as one of God's choicest gifts.
Isaiah
Isaiah son of Amoz is often thought of as the greatest of the writing prophets. His name means "The Lord saves." Isaiah is a book that unveils the full dimensions of God's judgment and salvation.
Jeremiah
This book preserves an account of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, whose personal life and struggles are shown to us in greater depth and detail than those of any other Old Testament prophet.
Lamentations
Lamentations consists of a series of poetic and powerful laments over the destruction of Jerusalem (the royal city of the Lord's kingdom) in 586 B.C.
Ezekiel
The Old Testament in general and the prophets in particular presuppose and teach God's sovereignty over all creation and the course of history. And nowhere in the Bible are God's initiative and control expressed more clearly and pervasively than in the book of the prophet Ezekiel.
Daniel
Daniel captures the major events in the life of the prophet Daniel during Israel's exile. His life and visions point to God's plans of redemption and sovereign control of history.
Hosea
The prophet Hosea son of Beeri lived in the tragic final days of the northern kingdom. His life served as a parable of God's faithfulness to an unfaithful Israel.
Joel
The prophet Joel warned the people of Judah about God's coming judgment—and the coming restoration and blessing that will come through repentance.
Amos
Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah over Judah (792-740 B.C.) and Jeroboam II over Israel (793-753).
Obadiah
The prophet Obadiah warned the proud people of Edom about the impending judgment coming upon them.
Jonah
Jonah is unusual as a prophetic book in that it is a narrative account of Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh, his resistance, his imprisonment in a great fish, his visit to the city, and the subsequent outcome.
Micah
Micah prophesied sometime between 750 and 686 B.C. during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Israel was in an apostate condition. Micah predicted the fall of her capital, Samaria, and also foretold the inevitable desolation of Judah.
Nahum
The book contains the "vision of Nahum," whose name means "comfort." The focal point of the entire book is the Lord's judgment on Nineveh for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness.
Habakkuk
Little is known about Habakkuk except that he was a contemporary of Jeremiah and a man of vigorous faith. The book bearing his name contains a dialogue between the prophet and God concerning injustice and suffering.
Zephaniah
The prophet Zephaniah was evidently a person of considerable social standing in Judah and was probably related to the royal line. The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God's approaching judgment.
Haggai
Haggai was a prophet who, along with Zechariah, encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the temple. His prophecies clearly show the consequences of disobedience. When the people give priority to God and his house, they are blessed.
Zechariah
Like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Zechariah was not only a prophet, but also a member of a priestly family. The chief purpose of Zechariah (and Haggai) was to rebuke the people of Judah and to encourage and motivate them to complete the rebuilding of the temple.
Malachi
Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," spoke to the Israelites after their return from exile. The theological message of the book can be summed up in one sentence: The Great King will come not only to judge his people, but also to bless and restore them.
The New Testament is a collection of 27 books, usually placed after the Old Testament in most Christian Bibles. The name refers to the new covenant (or promise) between God and humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament chronicles the life and ministry of Jesus, the growth and impact of the early church, and instructive letters to early churches.
Matthew
Matthew's main purpose in writing his Gospel (the "good news") is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.
Mark
Since Mark's Gospel (the "good news") is traditionally associated with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the Roman church in the period c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers for such suffering by placing before them the life of our Lord.
Luke
Luke's Gospel (the "good news") was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God's kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus.
John
John's Gospel (the "good news") is rather different from the other three, highlighting events not detailed in the others. The author himself states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Acts
The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the New Testament. As a second volume to Luke's Gospel, it joins what Jesus "began to do and to teach" as told in the Gospels with what he continued to do and teach through the apostles' preaching and the establishment of the church.
Romans
Paul's primary theme in Romans is presenting the gospel (the "good news"), God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.
1 Corinthians
The first letter to the Corinthians 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. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians' problems, revealing a true pastor's (shepherd's) heart.
2 Corinthians
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 the Corinthians 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.
Galatians
Galatians 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.
Ephesians
Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, Ephesians 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.
Philippians
Paul's primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires: (1) to report on his own circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to exhort them to humility and unity.
Colossians
Paul's purpose is to refute the Colossian 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.
1 Thessalonians
Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.
2 Thessalonians
Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul's purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord's return, and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living.
1 Timothy
During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy 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 Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant. This is the first of the "Pastoral Epistles."
2 Timothy
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy 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."
Titus
Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete, to give Titus 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."
Philemon
To win Philemon'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.
Hebrews
The theme of Hebrews 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.
James
Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its familiarity with Jesus' teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.
1 Peter
Although 1 Peter 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. For example, it has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.
2 Peter
In his first letter Peter feeds Christ's sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution from outside the church; in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.
1 John
John's readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to expose false teachers and (2) to give believers assurance of salvation.
2 John
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. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers.
3 John
Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected in one of the churches in the province of Asia by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John's messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
Jude
Although Jude 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. Apparently these false teachers were trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin since their sins would no longer be held against them.
Revelation
John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.