05. The New Testament
Key Verses / Passage:
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. Acts 1:1-2
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Today, we live in a world of instant social media where you can watch incidents happening live from almost any part of the world. This was not the case in the world of the first century. Information and instructions took time to move across the country, so letters were written and carried by hand, delivered by emissaries and read out loud in meetings.
The New Testament is a collection of these documents. New converts wanted to know the whole story of Jesus and the wisdom and teaching from people who were actually there. Trusted sources of information became the basis for reading and following the teachings of Jesus. 27 books from reliable authors are collated in the second section of the Bible. Written in Koine Greek (50-100AD) these books and letters to young churches focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, with guidance for the believers in a way that fulfils the Old Testament promises.
There are four main sections:
• The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John); the good news told by three different witnesses and a researcher (Luke), each with a different perspective, target audience and focus in the telling of the story. These are the first four books in the NT.
• The Acts of the Apostles, which is a history of the first 30+ years after Jesus’s death & resurrection. This is the 2nd part of a two-part report by Luke, the researcher.
• The Epistles (letters) sent out to young churches and individual believers from the Apostles on subjects such as church management, personal relationships, slavery and finances, compassion, generosity, love and how to relate to Jesus
• The Revelation to John; the description of a vision of things that have and will happen. A very interesting and complex book.
The New Testament writings are inspired by God to teach the believers from then until Christ’s return about Him and how he wants us to live.
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Reflection / Questions:
• The New Testament is like the news from the most reliable reporter who always checks the facts and removes the false narrative. How can you assure yourself that the NT is real and true?
• Have you ever started a novel only to find that it is not the first book in a series - and then wanted to go find the stories earlier? The New Testament is the culmination of a very long feature series. Each book of the Bible is individual and yet related to all the other books in the Bible; with 63,799 connections as displayed here:
THE BAR CHART THAT RUNS ALONG THE BOTTOM REPRESENTS ALL OF THE CHAPTERS IN THE BIBLE, STARTING WITH GENESIS 1 ON THE LEFT. BOOKS ALTERNATE IN COLOUR BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARK GREY, WITH THE FIRST BOOK OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS IN WHITE. THE LENGTH OF EACH BAR DENOTES THE NUMBER OF VERSES IN THAT CHAPTER (FOR INSTANCE, THE LONGEST BAR IS THE LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE, PSALM 119). EACH OF THE 63,779 CROSS REFERENCES FOUND IN THE BIBLE ARE DEPICTED BY A SINGLE ARC - THE COLOUR CORRESPONDS TO THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO CHAPTERS, CREATING A RAINBOW-LIKE EFFECT. CHRISHARRISON.NET
Consider the effort that God put into this to give you a consistent message. ————————————————————
Prayer:
Oh Lord, thank you for your divinely inspired word that is true and reliable. Even in your writings I see the works of your hands and mind; and I am impressed. Oh Lord, blessed am I to have your word, please help me cherish it and learn it.