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TheBestsellerA bird’s-eye viewof the Bible

A MULTIPLY‘Let’s talk’ Bookletfor those wantingto experienceliving Christianity

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The Bestseller

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A bird’s eye view of the Bible

The Bestseller

A MULTIPLY ‘Let’s Talk ’ Booklet

for those wanting to experience living Christianity

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All scripture is inspired by God and

profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and

for training in righteousness, that the men of God

may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

First published 1994 as Bible Summary

Revised and reset 2000

ISBN 1 900878 11 9

Published by Multiply Publications, Jesus Fellowship Central Offices, Nether Heyford, North-

ampton NN7 3LB © 2000 Jesus Fellowship Church. All rights reserved. Not to be repro-

duced, copied or transmitted in any form without written permission. Biblical quotations

are from the Revised Standard Version © 1952 and 1971 Division of Christian Education of

the National Council of the Churches of Christ, USA.

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Genesis .................................................................................. 3

Exodus ................................................................................... 4

Leviticus ................................................................................ 5

Numbers ............................................................................... 6

Deuteronomy .................................................................... 7

Joshua .................................................................................... 8

Judges .................................................................................... 9

Ruth ...................................................................................... 10

1 Samuel ........................................................................... 11

2 Samuel ........................................................................... 12

1 Kings ............................................................................... 13

2 Kings ............................................................................... 14

1 Chronicles .................................................................... 15

2 Chronicles .................................................................... 16

Ezra ........................................................................................ 17

Nehemiah ......................................................................... 18

Esther ................................................................................... 19

Job .......................................................................................... 20

Psalms ................................................................................. 21

Proverbs ............................................................................ 22

Ecclesiastes & Song of Solomon .................... 23

Isaiah ................................................................................... 24

Jeremiah & Lamentations .................................... 25

Ezekiel ................................................................................. 26

Daniel & Hosea ............................................................ 27

Joel & Amos .................................................................... 28

Obadiah & Jonah ........................................................ 29

Micah & Nahum .......................................................... 30

Habakkuk & Zephaniah ........................................ 31

Haggai & Zechariah .................................................. 32

Malachi ............................................................................... 33

Contents

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Matthew ............................................................................ 35

Mark ..................................................................................... 36

Luke ...................................................................................... 37

John ...................................................................................... 38

Acts ........................................................................................ 39

Romans .............................................................................. 40

1 Corinthians ................................................................. 41

2 Corinthians ................................................................. 42

Galatians ........................................................................... 43

Ephesians ......................................................................... 44

Philippians ...................................................................... 45

Colossians ........................................................................ 46

1 & 2 Thessalonians ............................................... 47

1 & 2 Timothy .............................................................. 48

Titus & Philemon ....................................................... 49

Hebrews ............................................................................ 50

James ................................................................................... 51

1 Peter ................................................................................. 52

2 Peter ................................................................................. 53

1 John ................................................................................. 54

2 John & 3 John ......................................................... 55

Jude ....................................................................................... 56

Revelation ........................................................................ 57

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Introduction

Yes, the Bible is the world’s all-time best-seller.

It has been translated into most of the world’s lan-

guages. Yet, unlike most other best-sellers, it often

gathers dust on the shelf !

Research by the Scripture Union at the end of the

twentieth century showed that fewer Christians

read the bible regularly than at any point during

that century, and a large proportion of 15’s - 25’s

hardly read it at all!

These days we can’t say it’s too hard to read, be-

cause there are excellent modern versions avail-

able.

It probably has more to do with the fact that the

Bible isn’t just one book - it’s a library! There’s

history, law, poetry, biography, romance and ad-

venture.

But where do you start? Where do you look? You

need to have a ‘balanced diet’ in what you read.

There is danger in only learning a few ‘favourite’

verses or sticking to ‘easy’ books. We need the wider

picture, or we will get things out of context.

This booklet is designed to help by giving an over-

view of the Bible with a brief summary and out-

line of each of its 66 books.

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SOUNDBITE

The BestsellerPage 3

GenesisOVERVIEW

How it all beganGenesis shows us our origins: howGod created man, how mansinned, and how God planned away of restoration.

We are introduced to various

‘patriachs’, key ‘father-figures’ inthe history of God’s people. Fromthem we learn a lot about faith,about overcoming trials, andabout walking with God.

We also find the first instancesof God’s covenants with man:His gracious pledge to be faith-ful to His people if they will trulyfollow Him.

KEY POINTS

1. The beginnings of mankind’s relationship withGod as CREATOR

• The creation of the Universe out of nothing (ch.1-2)

• Adam’s and Eve’s sin against God and their exclusionfrom the garden of Eden, this is known as the FALL ofman (ch.3)

• Cain’s murder of his brother Abel and the descendantsof Adam up to Noah (ch.4)

• God’s judgment on mankind through the flood(ch.6-7)

• The faith and obedience of Noah and his deliverancethrough the Ark (ch.6-10)

• The tower of Babel and God confusing man throughthe different languages (ch.11)

2. The relationship of God’s chosen people withHim as LORD• God calling Abraham, and his faith in God’s promises

to him (ch.12)

• The covenant of circumcision (ch.17)

• Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac - the son of theflesh and the son of the promise (ch.16, 21)

• Abraham’s obedience in preparing to sacrifice Isaac(ch.22)

• Isaac and his twin sons, Esau and Jacob - the rejectedson and the chosen son (ch.25)

• Jacob’s escape to his relatives and the twelve sons bornto him (ch.27-30)

• Jacob’s all-night wrestling session with God when hisname was changed to ISRAEL (ch.32)

• Joseph’s special gifts and his sale into slavery by hisjealous brothers (ch.37)

• Joseph’s favour with the authorities in Egypt and hisrise to becoming Prime Minister (ch.39)

• The salvation of Egypt and the surrounding landsfrom famine through the wisdom and administrationof Joseph (ch.41-45)

• Jacob and his family move to Egypt (ch.46)

• Jacob prophesies concerning each of the heads of thetribes of Israel (ch.49)

• Jacob and Joseph die in Egypt (ch.50)

“In the beginning God createdthe heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1

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SOUNDBITE


ExodusKEY POINTS

1. The Oppression

• Israel’s harsh sufferings under the Egyptian rulers(ch.1)

• The preparation of Moses to be the prophet to leadIsrael (ch.2-6)

2. The Deliverance

• The ten plagues on Egypt and the introduction of thePassover (ch.7-12)

• Leaving Egypt through the Red Sea and the Egyptians’drowning (ch.13-15)

3. The Trials

• Manna from heaven and the water from the rock(ch.16-17)

• Pastoral advice to Moses from his father-in-law, Jethro(ch.18)

4. The Law

• Receiving the 10 commandments at Mount Sinai(ch.19-20)

• The chief social and moral laws governing the peopleof God (ch.21-23)

• Israel’s acceptance and the revelation of the Tabernacleof worship (ch.24-27)

• The revelations of the priesthood and Aaron’s familychosen (ch.28-29)

• Regulations for worship and the gifted builders of theTabernacle (ch.30-31)

• The sin of the Golden Calf and the judgment on thepeople (ch.32)

• The Law and the covenant renewed as Moses is withGod on Sinai (ch.33-34)

5. The Worship

• The offerings for the Tabernacle and its construction(ch.35-39)

• The Tabernacle set up and the Glory of the Lordfilling it (ch.40)

OVERVIEW

Promised landor bust!Exodus is the story of God’sdeliverance of His chosen peoplefrom oppression.

It is rich in ‘types and figures’.These are physical events andthings which demonstrate a futurespiritual truth in Christ. So Egyptis a type of the world, and the de-liverance of Israel from Egyptshows that Christ will deliver Hischurch from the power of the world.

Exodus is also the book of re-

demption. It shows how God willredeem His people from sinthrough the sacrifice of His onlySon - the Lamb of God that takesaway the sin of the world.

“The Lord is my strength and my song,and He has become my salvation” Exodus 15:2

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SOUNDBITE


OVERVIEW

Priestly ministryThis deep book describes in detailthe responsibilities of the priests ofthe tribe of Levi.

It is in fact one of the most im-portant books in the Bible. Manypeople skip over Leviticus whenreading the Bible but the Holy Spiritgives great insight to its truths.

It shows through types and fig-

ures the way of access to God. Wemust see how the things revealedin this book work out through freegrace in our lives.

LeviticusKEY POINTS

1. Access through sacrifice

• The Burnt Offering (ch.1)

• The Grain Offering (ch.2)

• The Peace Offering (ch.3)

• The Sin Offering (ch.4)

• The Trespass Offering (ch.5)

• The rules governing offerings (ch.6-7)

2. Access through priesthood

• The priests anointed for ministry (ch.8-9)

• Judgment on unholiness in priests (ch.10)

3. Access through purity

• Clean and unclean foods (ch.11)

• Post-natal purity (ch.12)

• Dealing with leprosy (ch.13-14)

• Bodily purity (ch.15)

4. Access through Atonement

• The scapegoat - sin’s atonement and removal (ch.16)

• The blood of atonement (ch.17)

5. Access through holiness

• Sexual morality (ch.18)

• Social morality (ch.19)

• The penalty for unholiness (ch.20)

• Holy standards for priests (ch.21-22)

6. Access through worship

• Special feast days (ch.23)

• Continuous worship (ch.24)

7. Access through consecration

• The Sabbath year, the Jubilee year and justice for all(ch.25)

• The blessing on obedience and punishment ofdisobedience (ch.26)

• Vows and promises (ch.27)

“I the Lord am holy, and have separated youfrom the people, that you should be Mine” Leviticus 20:26

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SOUNDBITE


NumbersOVERVIEW

Lessons inthe desertThis book would appear to be domi-nated by the census in which thepeople of Israel were numbered.

In fact most of it deals with very

important incidents in the wilder-ness journeyings. And some ofthem are referred to in the NewTestament revelation of Jesus andthe apostles.

KEY POINTS

1. Numbering and arranging the people• The first census of Israel (ch.1)

• Arranging Israel by armies (ch.2)

• Duties of the Levites and priests (ch.3-4)

• Restitution and unfaithfulness (ch.5)

• The Nazirite (ch.6)

• Tribal leaders make offerings for the Tabernacle (ch.7)

• Dedication of the Levites (ch.8)

• The second Passover (ch.9)

• The silver trumpets (ch.10)

2. A complaining and unworthy people

• Complainings begin (ch.11)

• Aaron and Miriam oppose Moses (ch.12)

• The spies sent into Canaan (ch.13)

• The people refuse to enter Canaan and are judged(ch.14)

3. A rebellious people

• Additional laws (ch.15)

• Korah’s rebellion and Aaron’s rod that budded(ch.16-17)

• Priestly duties (ch.18-19)

• Moses sins in getting water from the rock (ch.20)

4. An aimless wandering people

• The bronze serpent of healing (ch.21)

• Balak and Balaam the prophets (ch.22-24)

• Phinehas turns back God’s wrath (ch.25)

• The second census (ch.26)

• Laws of inheritance, offerings and vows (ch.27-30)

• Victory and settling beyond the Jordan (ch.31-32)

5. Plans for a future people

• A review of the wanderings (ch.33)

• Future boundaries and special cities in Canaan(ch.34-35)

• Female inheritance (ch.36)

“The glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meetingto all the people of Israel” Numbers 14:10

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DeuteronomyOVERVIEW

Obey and Live‘Deuteronomy’ means ‘sayingthings twice.’ Much of the bookrepeats the wilderness events andthe Law given through Moses.

However, there is important in-

terpretation of these events and aheart-felt reflection upon them.But most important is the way inwhich the book looks forward toliving in the Promised Land. Andespecially the way in which God’sLaw will be put into practice oncethey have entered the Land.

It is basically written as a nar-rative - Moses exhorting the peo-ple to be true to the Lord.

KEY POINTS

1. Moses summarises the wanderings

• Israel refuses to enter the Land (ch.1)

• Wandering in the desert (ch.2)

• Enemy kings defeated (ch.2-3)

• Moses exhorts them to obedience (ch.4)

2. Moses repeats the Law

• The Ten Commandments reviewed (ch.5)

• The greatest commandment of all (ch.6)

• A special people for the Lord (ch.7-8)

• Israel’s rebellion and the new tablets of stone (ch.9-10)

• The importance of love and obedience towards God(ch.11)

• Holy worship (ch.12)

• False prophets (ch.13)

• Various laws (ch.14-17)

• The great Prophet to come (ch.18)

• Various laws (ch.17-26)

3. Moses prepares the people for Canaan

• The Laws to be written on stones (ch.27)

• The curses of Mount Ebal (ch.27)

• The blessings on obedience (ch.28)

• The curses on disobedience (ch.28)

• Renewing the Covenant (ch.29)

• Choosing life or death (ch.30)

• Joshua to lead Israel (ch.31)

• The Song of Moses (ch.32)

• Moses blesses Israel (ch.33)

• Moses dies overlooking the Land (ch.34)

“Serve the Lord your God with all your heartand with all your soul” Deuteronomy 10:12

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SOUNDBITE


JoshuaOVERVIEW

Leading in conquestJoshua had been close to Mosesthroughout the wilderness wander-ings.

He was one of the two spies out

of the twelve who recommendedthat the Land of Canaan be en-tered immediately. The book de-scribes how they conquered theland under Joshua’s leadershipand then divided it up between thetwelve tribes.

This book teaches us manyprinciples of spiritual battle. Thegreatest significance is of Jesusleading His Church into victory(Joshua is the Hebrew word forJesus). The Promised Land repre-sents the Kingdom of God. Thebook shows that in Christ we canconquer every opposition.

It also strongly shows us that wemust be a pure-hearted peoplewho are true to the covenant totake the full victory.

KEY POINTS

1. Crossing the Jordan

• Joshua commissioned by the Lord (ch.1)

• The spies and Rahab (ch.2)

• Crossing the Jordan (ch.3)

• The twelve memorial stones (ch.4)

• The great circumcision (ch.5)

2. Conquering the Land

• Jericho defeated (ch.6)

• The sin of Achan (ch.7)

• Ai defeated (ch.8)

• Tricked by the Gibeonites (ch.9)

• The sun stands still for a day (ch.10)

• Conquering South and North (ch.10-12)

3. Carving up the territory

• Land divided by lot (ch.13-19)

• The cities of refuge (ch.20)

• The cities of the Levites (ch.21)

• The tribes beyond the Jordan return home after theconquest (ch.22)

4. Covenant with the people

• Joshua exhorts the people (ch.23)

• The covenant at Shechem (ch.24)

• Joshua dies (ch.24)

“Be strong and of good courage!”Joshua 1:6

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SOUNDBITE


JudgesOVERVIEW

Rulers who savedIsraelThe history covered by the book ofJudges runs from the death ofJoshua until the time of Eli andSamuel.

It contains accounts of the deedsof thirteen judges who delivered Is-rael. They were raised up by Godduring the times when the twelvetribes were disorganised. At the endof this period, Israel was morejoined together and able to be ruledby a single king for the first time.

It is significant to see how God

anointed different men andwomen to deliver Israel from theirenemies. The mark of the judgeswas not their personal holiness orbalanced character, but the wayGod was able to take hold of themand use them.

KEY POINTS

1. Summary of the conquests

• Successes and failures (ch.1)

• Joshua’s death and Israel’s failure (ch.2)

2. The rule of the Judges

• Othniel Caleb’s son-in-law (ch.3)

• Ehud the left-handed man (ch.3)

• Shamgar and the ox goad (ch.3)

• Deborah the prophetess (ch.4)

• Barak the general (ch.4)

• The song of victory (ch.5)

• Gideon the mighty man of valour (ch.6-8)

• Gideon’s army of three hundred (ch.7)

• Gideon’s revenge (ch.8)

• Gideon’s son Abimelech (ch.9)

• Tola of Shamir (ch.10)

• Jair and his thirty sons (ch.10)

• Jephthah the bandit (ch.11-12)

• Ibzan of Bethlehem (ch.12)

• Elon the Zebulunite (ch.12)

• Abdon of Pirathon (ch.12)

• Samson the Nazirite (ch.13-16)

• Samson’s birth (ch.13)

• Samson’s wife (ch.14)

• Samson defeats the Philistines (ch.15)

• Samson and Delilah (ch.16)

3. Israel without a leader

• Micah’s carved image (ch.17)

• The children of Dan set up the carved image (ch.18)

• The Levite and his concubine (ch.19)

• Civil war with Benjamin (ch.20)

• The men of Benjamin obtain wives (ch.21)

“I have opened my mouth to the Lord,and cannot take back my vow” Judges 11:35

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RuthOVERVIEW

LoyaltyThe story of Ruth is the accountof how God developed the line ofdescent of Jesus the Messiah.

Ruth was a woman of Moab

whom God providentially drewinto the people of Israel. She dis-played an uncommon devotion toher mother-in-law, Naomi, andwas rewarded by becoming thegreat grandmother of King David.

In the story, Naomi’s husbandtook his family to Moab to avoidthe famine in Israel. His sonsmarried two Moabite women butthen the husband and both sonsdied. Naomi decided to returnto her home country and sug-gested that her daughters-in-lawstayed in Moab. It was here thatRuth demonstrated her deep loy-alty and love.

KEY POINTS

1. Ruth’s devotion

• Ruth refuses to leave Naomi (ch.1)

• Naomi returns to Israel with Ruth (ch.1)

2. Ruth’s providential opportunity

• Ruth finds that she is gleaning in a field belonging toBoaz (ch.2)

• Naomi’s relative Boaz meets Ruth (ch.2)

• Ruth’s diligence is rewarded (ch.2)

3. Ruth’s obedience

• Naomi suggests how Ruth may talk privately to Boaz(ch.3)

• Ruth uncovers his feet to wake him up (ch.3)

• Ruth requests him to consider marrying her - “coverme!” (ch.3)

• Boaz determines to be upright and give first choice toa closer relative (ch.3)

4. Ruth’s marriage

• The relative declines to redeem the inheritance andmarry Ruth (ch.4)

• Ruth lives in Bethlehem with Boaz and bears a son(ch.4)

“Your people shall be my people,and your God my God” Ruth 1:16

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SOUNDBITE


1 SamuelOVERVIEW

KingmakerSamuel was the last of the judgeswho ruled Israel. He was also thefirst of the prophets who helped thekings to rule.

Under the rule of the judges,God’s authority was exercised bymen and women inspired by the

Spirit - this we call theocracy. Whenthe people cried out for a king torule over them, God was dis-pleased but gave them their desire.

So Israel became ruled by a monar-chy and men who did not knowthe Spirit or heart of God were ableto rule and this displeased God.

KEY POINTS

1. Samuel becomes a prophet

• Samuel’s birth and dedication (ch.1)

• Samuel helps Eli the priest (ch.2)

• God speaks to Samuel (ch.3)

• The Philistines and the Ark (ch.4-6)

• Samuel the judge of Israel (ch.7-8)

2. Samuel anoints Saul as king

• Saul is chosen as king (ch.9)

• Saul’s choice as king is proven (ch.10-11)

• Samuel ceases to judge Israel (ch.12)

• Saul becomes irresponsible (ch.13-14)

• Saul is rejected as king (ch.15)

3. Samuel anoints David to be king

• David is chosen, not his brothers (ch.16)

• David defeats Goliath (ch.17)

• Saul becomes jealous of David (ch.18)

• Saul persecutes David (ch.19)

• David and Jonathan (ch.20)

• David flees from Saul (ch.21)

• David’s four hundred men (ch.22)

• David in the wilderness (ch.23)

• David refuses to kill Saul (ch.24)

4. Samuel dies and Saul is dishonoured

• David and Nabal’s wife (ch.25)

• David spares Saul again (ch.26)

• David settles with the Philistines (ch.27)

• Saul consults a medium (ch.28)

• David is saved from fighting Israel (ch.29)

• David’s troubles in Ziklag (ch.30)

• Saul and his sons die in battle (ch.31)

“There is none holy like the Lord,there is no rock like our God” 1 Samuel 2:2

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SOUNDBITE


2 SamuelOVERVIEW

David the KingThis book describes how David as-cends to the throne during a timeof social instability.

It portrays David as a very suc-

cessful king and leader but as onewho has obvious human weak-nesses. David’s reign as king isviewed as the greatest time in thehistory of Israel. He was very dili-gent in bringing to Israel the needto worship and serve the Lord. Hewas a first class military leader andwon stability for his kingdomthrough his conquests. But hisweakness as a man sowed theseeds which led to the kingdomeventually dividing into two.

KEY POINTS

1. David as king of Judah

• David’s lament (ch.1)

• David anointed as King of Judah (ch.2)

• General Joab murders his rival (ch.3)

• Saul’s son is murdered (ch.4)

2. David as king of Israel and Judah

• David anointed as King over Israel (ch.5)

• The Ark brought to Jerusalem (ch.6)

• The covenant of Messiah (ch.7)

• David’s empire and administration (ch.8)

• David and Mephibosheth (ch.9)

• The Ammonites insult Israel (ch.10)

• David’s sin against Uriah (ch.11)

• Nathan rebukes David for his sin (ch.12)

• Troubles in David’s family begin (ch.13-14)

3. David as king in exile

• Absalom’s treason against David (ch.15)

• Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom (ch.16)

• Hushai betters Ahithophel (ch.17)

• Absalom is killed in battle (ch.18)

4. David as king in Jerusalem

• David reconciles his people (ch.19)

• Sheba’s rebellion is quelled (ch.20)

• David lifts a curse (ch.21)

• David’s psalm of deliverance (ch.22)

• David’s mighty men (ch.23)

• David’s sinful census (ch.24)

“David danced before the Lordwith all his might” 2 Samuel 6:14

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1 KingsOVERVIEW

The kingdomdividesAfter the death of King David,Solomon’s reign enabled the king-dom to become great.

He built the first Temple and

dedicated it to the worship of God.After his death the kingdom wasdivided. Kings ruled over Judah inJerusalem and over Israel inSamaria.

KEY POINTS

1. The reign of Solomon

• Solomon establishes himself (ch.1-4)

• Solomon builds the Temple (ch.5-7)

• The Temple is dedicated (ch.8-9)

• The Queen of Sheba visits (ch.10)

• Solomon backslides (ch.11)

2. The kingdoms of Judah and Israel

• Rehoboam king of Judah (ch.12)

• Jereboam’s sinful rule in Israel (ch.12-14)

• Abijam and Asa of Judah(ch.15)

• Nadab, Baasha Elah, Zimri, Omri and Ahab of Israel(ch.15-16)

3. Elijah the prophet

• Elijah’s victory (ch.17-18)

• God prepares Elijah (ch.19)

• Ahab’s foolishness in victory (ch.20)

• Naboth is murdered by Jezebel (ch.21)

• Ahab dies, Ahaziah rules (ch.22)

• Jehoshaphat of Judah (ch.22)

“The glory of the Lord filledthe house of the Lord” 1 Kings 8:11

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SOUNDBITE


2 KingsOVERVIEW

The kingdomscollapseThe sorry story continues of un-godly kings, sleaze and corruptionin high places.

There is a clear message in this

book. God still controls human af-fairs. When the leaders of God’speople honour Him and keep Hiscommands, they prosper andknow His hand at work. But if theyrebel, He judges them; and if theywill not repent, disaster strikes.

KEY POINTS

1. Elisha the prophet

• God judges Ahaziah (ch.1)

• Elijah ascends to heaven (ch.2)

• Jehoram of Israel (ch.3)

• Elisha’s miracles (ch.4-7)

• Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah (ch.8)

• Jehu of Israel (ch.9-10)

• Athaliah and Joash of Judah (ch.11-12)

• Jehoahaz and Jehoash of Israel (ch.13)

2. Israel is captured by Assyria

• Amaziah of Judah; Jereboam II (ch.14)

• Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah (ch.15)

• Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah ofIsrael (ch.15)

• Jotham and Ahaz of Judah (ch.15-16)

• Assyria defeats Hoshea of Israel (ch.17)

3. Judah is captured by Babylon

• King Hezekiah and Isaiah (ch.18-20)

• Manasseh and Amon (ch.21)

• Josiah and Temple worship (ch.22-23)

• Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah and the exileto Babylon (ch.24-25)

“O Lord, I pray thee, open this man’s eyesthat he may see!” 2 Kings 6:17

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1 ChroniclesOVERVIEW

David thespiritual kingChronicles was originally onebook. In it, the writer emphasisesGod at work in the sad history ofHis chosen people.

The coming of the Messiah is

seen in Chronicles. The booksemphasise how God blessed thosekings of Judah who were faithfulto tahe covenant. The kings of Is-rael are not mentioned because theten tribes of Israel were viewed asmoving out of the will of God.

KEY POINTS

1. Genealogies of Israel

• Adam’s family to Saul’s family (ch.1-9)

• The end of King Saul (ch.10)

2. The reign of David

• King David and his army (ch.11-12)

• Uzzah dies touching the ark (ch.13)

• David defeats the Philistines (ch.14)

• The ark brought to Jerusalem (ch.15-16)

• David desires to build a Temple (ch.17)

• David’s further conquests (ch.18-20)

• David’s sinful census (ch.21)

• David prepares for the Temple (ch.22-27)

• David instructs Solomon (ch.28-29)

“Seek the Lord and His strength.Seek His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

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2 ChroniclesKEY POINTS

1. The reign of Solomon

• Solomon’s wisdom (ch.1)

• Solomon builds the Temple (ch.2-4)

• The Temple is commissioned (ch.5-7)

• Solomon’s successful reign (ch.8-9)

2. The Kingdom of Judah

• Rehoboam and the revolt(ch.10-12)

• Abijah wars with Jereboam (ch.13)

• Asa’s reforms (ch.14-16)

• Jehoshaphat finds blessings (ch.17-20)

• Jehoram is judged (ch.21)

• The evils of Ahaziah and Athaliah (ch.22)

• Joash succeeds and fails (ch.23-24)

• Amaziah defeated by Israel (ch.25)

• Uzziah’s success and pride (ch.26)

• Jotham the builder (ch.27)

• Ahaz backslides (ch.28)

• Hezekiah restores worship (ch.29-32)

• Manasseh repents, Amon sins (ch.33)

• Josiah and the Book of the Law (ch.34-35)

• Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah and the fallof Jerusalem (ch.36)

OVERVIEW

Kings of JudahWe are presented with a sequenceof very human kings, some doingtheir best for God, others turningtheir back on Him.

Through it all we see how impor-

tant to God is His chosen peopleon earth. However far they stray,He remembers they are the spir-itual heritage of David, and pre-serves them.

That is why the book does notend with the bitter shame of exile,but with the permission to returnand rebuild.

“The Lord is good;His steadfast love endures for ever” 2 Chronicles 5:13

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OVERVIEW

BuildingpropheticallyThe book of Ezra describes howGod’s prophetic word through Jer-emiah was restored.

He prophesied that the captivitywould last 70 years. As this periodof time approached its end, the em-pire of Babylon was overthrown byCyrus King of Persia. Cyrus wasinspired by the Lord to have theTemple in Jerusalem rebuilt. He al-lowed any of the exiles who wishedto return to Jerusalem.

The work of rebuilding the Tem-

ple stopped through opposition.But under the revival prophesyingof Haggai and Zechariah the workrestarted and was completed.

After a gap of 60 years, King Artax-erxes sent Ezra the priest to teach thepeople and enforce the Law.

Throughout this book there are

helpful lessons to learn for restor-ing the heart of the Church.

KEY POINTS

1. Return of the exiles

• Cyrus invites the exiles to rebuild the Temple atJerusalem (ch.1)

• Census of those who returned (ch.2)

2. The Temple rebuilding begins

• Worship in Jerusalem is restored (ch.3)

• The Temple rebuilding stops through opposition(ch.4)

3. The Temple rebuilding is completed

• The prophets encourage the building work to restart(ch.5)

• The completed Temple is dedicated (ch.6)

4. The mission of Ezra

• Ezra arrives in Jerusalem (ch.7)

• The journey which they made (ch.8)

• Ezra deals with mixed marriages (ch.9-10)

Ezra

“All the people shouted with a great shout becausethe foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” Ezra 3:11

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OVERVIEW

BuildingadministrativelyAbout 12 years after Ezra had re-turned to Jerusalem to teach theLaw, Nehemiah arrived there.

He had asked the King of Persiato let him organise the rebuildingof the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a wise adminis-

trator and motivator. He enabledthe walls to be rebuilt despite hos-tile opposition. He also motivateda spirit of unity amongst the ex-iles. At a great revival meeting hehad Ezra read out the Law to thepeople. There was a real repent-ance and a remaking of the cov-enant.

Where Ezra majors on restor-

ing the temple, Nehemiah concen-trates on the city walls, which speakto us of the need to renew thewhole of Zion, and to keep heridentity strong

KEY POINTS

1. Nehemiah as governor of Jerusalem

• Nehemiah grieves over his people (ch.1)

• The King sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem to organisethe building work (ch.2)

2. Rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem

• Rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (ch.3)

• Building and defending the wall (ch.4)

• Nehemiah deals with oppression (ch.5)

• The wall is completed (ch.6)

3. The people make covenant

• Census of the captives who returned to Jerusalem(ch.7)

• Ezra reads the Law (ch.8)

• The people repent (ch.9)

• The covenant is sealed (ch.10)

4. Nehemiah’s reforms

• Where the people lived (ch.11)

• The wall is dedicated (ch.12)

• Nehemiah purifies the people (ch.12)

Nehemiah

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;do not mourn or weep” Nehemiah 8:9

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OVERVIEW

Overcomingthrough riskThe story of this book takes placein the time when the Jews were scat-tered throughout Persia.

The Prime Minister planned to

destroy all the Jews throughout theempire on a single day. But un-known to him Queen Esther wasa Jewess. She took a great personalrisk and showed the king what anevil man his Prime Minister was.Esther’s cousin Mordecai becamePrime Minister in his place andenabled the Jews to prevent theplanned massacre.

Although God is not mentionedonce in the book it is clear that Hisprovidential power is evident in allthat happens.

EstherKEY POINTS

1. Esther becomes Queen

• Queen Vashti loses her throne (ch.1)

• Esther wins the beauty contest (ch.2)

2. Haman plots to kill the Jews

• Haman plans genocide (ch.3)

• Mordecai asks Esther to help (ch.4)

3. Esther upstages Haman

• Esther risks death to trap Haman (ch.5)

• Haman is humbled by the king (ch.6)

• Haman is executed (ch.7)

4. Mordecai becomes Prime Minister

• Esther risks death again to ask the king for his help(ch.8)

• The Jews destroy their enemies (ch.9)

• Mordecai’s achievements (ch.10)

“The Jews had light and gladnessand joy and honour” Esther 8:16

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JobOVERVIEW

Finding faithin sufferingThe main theme of this book is thepower of faith in God.

Much of what is in the book is

about the difficulties of suffering.But this is because human suffer-ing is probably the greatest chal-lenge to faith. The book concludeswith Job realising that faith giveshim inward answers to his prob-lems even though he cannot givereasons for his sufferings.

The pattern of the book is basedon conversations between Job andhis friends. At first, three friendstry to make out that he is beingpunished by his sufferings. Job re-jects this. Then a younger friendsays that God is disciplining himin love to prevent him from sin-ning any more. Job also rejects this.

Finally, God demonstrates His

divine wisdom and power to Job.In this Job sees that his faith inGod is greater than all his prob-lems and that God must have an-swers even though Job is not ableto understand them.

KEY POINTS

1. Everything goes wrong for Job

• Job’s property and family are lost (ch.1)

• Satan attacks Job’s health (ch.2)

• Job regrets the day of his birth (ch.3)

2. Job’s three friends speak to him

• Eliphaz: Job is punished for sin (ch.5-6)

• Job: I suffer for no reason (ch.6-7)

• Bildad: Job ought to repent (ch.8)

• Job: Why are there no answers? (ch.9-10)

• Zophar: Job must repent (ch.11)

• Job: I am despondent (ch.12-14)

• Eliphaz: Job is foolish (ch.15)

• Job: You are heartless friends (ch.16-17)

• Bildad: The wicked are punished (ch.18)

• Job: My Redeemer lives (ch.19)

• Zophar: The nature of the wicked (ch.20)

• Job: The real state of the wicked (ch.21)

• Eliphaz: Job is wicked (ch.22)

• Job: God judges righteously (ch.23-24)

• Bildad: No man is righteous (ch.25)

• Job: His final defence of himself (ch.26-31)

3. Elihu contradicts them all

• Elihu: They are all wrong (ch.32-33)

• Elihu: God is just and good (ch.34-37)

4. God reveals His omnipotence

• The Lord speaks to Job (ch.38-40)

• Job responds and is challenged (ch.40-41)

• Job repents and is blessed (ch.42)

“The Spirit of God has made me,and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” Job 33:4

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PsalmsOVERVIEW

Expressing thesoul to GodThe Psalms are the songs andhymns of the Old Testament. Theyare poetry without rhyme.

Some no doubt were composed

spontaneously. David wrote 73,Asaph 12, the Sons of Korah 11,Solomon 2, and Moses and Ethan1 each. The authors of the other50 are not mentioned making 150in total. Although Psalms is di-vided into five books, the reason isobscure.

KEY POINTS

Many of the Psalms have themes in common andthese categories are inspiring:

• Psalms of the righteous (1, 15, 101, 112 and 133)

• The royal psalms (2, 21, 45, 72, 110 and 132)

• Psalms of repentance (32, 38, 51, 130 and 143)

• Psalms of vindication (35, 55, 58, 69, 101 and 137)

• Historical psalms (78, 81, 105 and 106)

• Psalms of revelation (19 and 119)

The Messianic psalms

Many psalms are Messianic applying directly to Christeven when the psalmist writes about himself. This iswhere David’s ministry as a prophet and psalmistmingled together. The Messianic psalms are Psalms 2,8, 16, 22, 40, 41, 45, 68, 69, 89, 102, 109, 110 and 118

• Some predict (Psalms 2, 45 and 110)

• Show His sufferings (Psalm 22)

• Speak of His sacrifice (Psalm 40)

• Declare His resurrection (Psalm 16)

• Show how He fulfils the covenant which God madewith David (Psalm 89)

“O Lord, our Lord, how majesticis Thy name in all the earth” Psalm 8:1

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ProverbsOVERVIEW

God’s wisdom in lifeThe style of this book was a com-mon one in ancient times - wisesayings about important things inlife.

But Proverbs is God-centered

and encourages holiness. Otherwisdom encouraged morality andthe way to get the best out of life.But Proverbs is based on the prin-ciple: the fear of the Lord is the begin-ning of wisdom!

There are a number of contribu-tors to the book, the most impor-tant of whom was Solomon theKing. He received a gift of wisdomfrom God and its power is seen inthis book. Jesus was fond of quot-ing from Proverbs and in someways His parables are similar instyle to the teaching of Proverbs.

There are eight sections to thebook:

KEY POINTS

1. The fear of the Lord• Introduction to Proverbs (ch.1)

2. Twenty lessons on wisdom• Avoid evil company (ch.1:8-19)

• Wisdom is refused (ch.1:20-33)

• The reward of wisdom (ch.2:1-22)

• Wisdom for youth (ch.3:1-12)

• Wisdom is better than riches (ch.3:13-18)

• Grace through wisdom (ch.3:19-26)

• Love your neighbour (ch.3:27-35)

• Wisdom - a friend for life (ch.4:1-13)

• The two paths (ch.4:14-19)

• Wisdom in the will (ch.4:20-27)

• The ruin of adultery (ch.5:1-14)

• Be faithful in marriage (ch.5:15-23)

• The danger of securities (ch.6:1-5)

• The folly of laziness (ch.6:6-11)

• The fruits of wickedness (ch.6:12-19)

• Immorality destroys (ch.6:20-7:5)

• The crafty seductress (ch.7:6-27)

• Wisdom is from God (ch.8:1-36)

• The wise become wiser (ch.9:1-12)

• The fool is ensnared (ch.9:13-18)

3. The wise sayings of Solomon• Various maxims (ch.10:1-22:16)

4. Sayings of the wise men• Various maxims (ch.22:17-24:34)

5. More of Solomon’s wisdom• Various maxims (ch.25-29)

6. The wisdom of Agur• Various maxims (ch.30)

7. Wisdom to King Lemuel• Wisdom to kings (ch.31:1-9)

8. In praise of a good wife• An anonymous acrostic poem (ch.31:10-31)

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;the righteous man runs into it and is safe” Proverbs 18:10

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Ecclesiastes & Song of SolomonOVERVIEW

ECCLESIASTES

The truemeaning of lifeThe theme of this book is that world-liness is empty - all is vanity.

Life carries no meaning when livedfor self. Only faith gives meaning toour lives and makes us different fromother humans and indeed animals!We must live our lives for God - fearGod and keep His commandments - for oneday we shall stand before Him in theJudgment.

KEY POINTSECECECECECCCCCCLELELELELESSSSS IASTEIASTEIASTEIASTEIASTESSSSS• The vanity of life (ch.1)

• The vanity of pleasure (ch.2)

• A time for everything (ch.3)

• The vanity of selfish work (ch.4)

• The vanity of honour (ch.5-6)

• The value of wisdom (ch.7)

• Affliction and death come to both the good and thebad (ch.8-9)

• The fool will fail (ch.9-11)

• Seek God in your youth (ch.12)

“Remember your creatorin the days of your youth” Ecclesiastes 12:1

OVERVIEWSONG OF SOLOMON

Loving ChristThis is basically a poem about hu-man love, at times vey physical.

But revealed in it is the beauty ofloving Jesus, the King of kings aboveeverything else. And especially it isan expression of celibate love - He isaltogether lovely!

The form of the book is one ofpoetic conversations between theKing (the Beloved) and theShulamite who was a countrymaiden. Others also speak but theycan only easily be identified by look-ing at the Hebrew grammar. Theseothers are - the daughters of Jerusa-lem, the Shulamite’s brothers, theBeloved and His friends, and a rela-tive of the Shulamite.

KEY POINTSSOSOSOSOSONNNNNG OG OG OG OG OF SF SF SF SF SOOOOOLLLLLOOOOOMMMMMOOOOONNNNN• The banquet of love (ch.1-2)

• The Beloved’s request (ch.2)

• The Shulamite’s dream (ch.3)

• The Beloved’s procession (ch.3)

• The Beloved’s praise (ch.4)

• A second dream (ch.5)

• The Shulamite’s beauty (ch.6-7)

• Unquenchable love (ch.8)

“Tell me, you whom my soul loves,where you pasture your flock” Song of Solomon 1:7

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IsaiahOVERVIEW

Zion shallbe gloriousIsaiah prophesied for about 40years. He spoke of the future cap-tivity of the people of Judah atBabylon.

But he also prophesied of the fu-ture glory of Zion. He had a wideranging ministry to the kings of hisday, to the nations of his day andto the future revelation of Jesus asMessiah in New Testament times.The heart of the man is often re-vealed as he agonises over whatGod shows him.

KEY POINTS

1. Rebuke and promise

• The rebellion of Judah (ch.1) • The future house ofGod (ch.2-4) • The vineyard with wild grapes (ch.5)• Isaiah called as a prophet (ch.6)

2. The coming of Emmanuel

• Isaiah speaks to king Ahaz (ch.7) • Assyria willinvade (ch.8) • The government of the Son (ch.9-10)• The reign of Jesse’s root (ch.11-12)

3. Judgment on the nations

• Babylon and Philistia (ch.13-14) • Moab (ch.15-16) • Syria and Israel (ch.17) • Ethiopia (ch.18)• Egypt (ch.19-20) • Babylon, Edom and Arabia(ch.21) • Jerusalem (ch.22) • Tyre (ch.23)

4. General judgment and salvation

• Judgment on the earth (ch.24) • Praise for salvation(ch.25-26) • Israel restored (ch.27) • Judgment onscoffers (ch.28-29) • Do not trust in man (ch.30-31)• The reign of righteousness (ch.32-33) • Vengeanceand glory (ch.34-35)

5. Prophecies to Hezekiah

• Deliverance for Judah (ch.36-39)

6. The God of comfort

• Peace to Zion (ch.40-41) • The suffering servant(ch.42-44) • Cyrus used by God (ch.45-48)

7. Messiah’s triumph

• Light to the Gentiles (ch.49-52) • Man of sorrows(ch.53) • Blessings to God’s people (ch.54-56)• Backsliding healed (ch.57)

8. The future Kingdom

• Finding a true heart (ch.58-59) • Zion prospers(ch.60-62) • God’s mercy on penitence (ch.63-64)• Spiritual Israel restored (ch.65-66)

“Arise, shine, for your light has come!” Isaiah 60:1

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Jeremiah & LamentationsOVERVIEW

JEREMIAH

Anguish ofthe watchmanJeremiah prophesied for 40 yearsin the time leading up to the cap-tivity of Judah in Babylon.

He spoke of Judah’s unfaithful-

ness to God. He had influence inthe royal courts and tried to pre-vent the people being destroyed.He was called to suffer for his min-istry. He also prophesied God’sword to the nations.

KEY POINTSJJJJJ EEEEERRRRREEEEEMMMMMIAIAIAIAIAHHHHH1. Judah’s sin

• Jeremiah called to be a prophet (ch.1) • Judah’sadultery (ch.2-4) • Imminent Northern invasion(ch.5-6) • Perpetual backsliding (ch.7-10) • Judah’sbroken covenant (ch.11-13)

2. Judah will be judged

• Unrelenting judgment (ch.14-16) • Jeremiah iscelibate (ch.16-17) • The potter and the flask (ch.18-19) • Words to the rulers (ch.20-22) • Seventy yearscaptivity (ch.23-25)

3. A restored people of God

• Jeremiah risks his life (ch.26) • Dealing with thefalse prophets (ch.27-28) • Letter to the captives(ch.29) • A restored nation (ch.30-31) • Assuranceof restoration (ch.32-33)

4. God’s watchman

• Releasing Hebrew slaves (ch.34) • The Rechabitesobey (ch.35) • The scroll and imprisonment (ch.36-38) • Jerusalem falls (ch.39) • Gedaliah the governor(ch.40-41) • No escape in Egypt (ch.42-45)

5. Prophet to the nations

• Judgment on the nations of Egypt, Philistia andMoab (ch.46-48) • Judgment on Ammon, Edom,Damascus, Kedar and Hazor (ch.49) • Judgment onBabylon (ch.50-51) • Exiled to Babylon (ch.52)

OVERVIEWLAMENTATIONS

Grief over judgmentJeremiah opens his heart tomourn over God’s judgment onHis people.

This little book is a moving dem-onstration of the heart of a prophet- not lecturing but longing; desir-ing God’s glory in Zion:

KEY POINTSLLLLLAAAAAMMMMMEEEEENTNTNTNTNTAAAAATITITITITIOOOOONNNNNSSSSS• The afflictions of Jerusalem (ch.1) • God’s anger onJerusalem (ch.2) • Anguish and hope (ch.3) • Zion isdevoured (ch.4) • A prayer for restoration (ch.5)

“The holy stones lie scattered at the head of every street”Lamentations 4:1

“Return, faithless Israel, says the Lord, for I am merciful”Jeremiah 3:11

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EzekielOVERVIEW

Rebellion andrestorationEzekiel was one of the exiles in Baby-lon when he began to prophesy.

He spoke to his fellow-captives

and to those still remaining inJudah. He prophesied the destruc-tion of the city of Jerusalem andspoke of the restoration of God’speople to come. His propheciesare characterised by his unusualprophetic demonstrations andmysterious visions.

KEY POINTS

1. Rebellious Israel

• The four living creatures (ch.1)

• Ezekiel is a watchman (ch.2-3)

• The siege of Jerusalem (ch.4)

• Judgment for rebellion (ch.5)

• Judgment on idolatry (ch.6)

• Imminent disaster (ch.7)

• Temple abominations (ch.8)

• Slaughter in the city (ch.9)

• The glory departs (ch.10)

• False rulers (ch.11)

• Demonstrating the captivity (ch.12)

• False prophets (ch.13)

• Idols in the heart (ch.14)

• Parables of doom (ch.15-19)

• The abominations of Israel (ch.20)

• Symbols of doom (ch.21-23)

• Ezekiel’s wife dies (ch.24)

2. Judgment on the nations

• Against Ammon, Moab, Edom and Philistia (ch.25)

• Against Tyre (ch.26-28)

• Against Egypt (ch.29-32)

3. God’s Kingdom will flourish

• The watchman speaks (ch.33)

• Selfish shepherds of Israel (ch.34)

• Judgment on Mount Seir (ch.35)

• Israel will be renewed (ch.36)

• Dry bones become an army (ch.37)

• Israel’s enemies destroyed (ch.38-39)

• Vision of the Temple (ch.40-42)

• God’s glory enters the Temple (ch.43)

• Worship in the Temple (ch.44-46)

• The river of Life (ch.47)

• Dividing the restored land (ch.48)

“O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” Ezekiel 37:4

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Daniel & HoseaOVERVIEW

DANIEL

God’s power in historyDaniel was one of the captives inBabylon. His book tells of the ex-ploits of faith of himself and othercaptives who are true to their faithin God.

It tells of God’s authority over

kings and rulers. Finally, there arevisions of the five future kingdomsin world history - the BabylonianEmpire, the Persian Empire, theGreek Empire of Alexander theGreat, the Roman Empire, andgreatest of all the Kingdom of Godunder the rulership of Christ theKing of kings.

KEY POINTSDDDDDAAAAANNNNNIIIII EEEEELLLLL1. Captives in Babylon

• Young men obey God (ch.1)• Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (ch.2)• The fiery furnace (ch.3)• Nebuchadnezzar is humbled (ch.4)• Writing on the wall (ch.5)• Daniel saved from the lions (ch.6)

2. Visions of future kingdoms

• The four beasts (ch.7)• The ram and the goat (ch.8)• Prophecy of seventy weeks (ch.9)• The glorious Man (ch.10)• The warring kings (ch.11)• Prophecy of the end (ch.12)

“Daniel resolved that hewould not defile himself” Daniel 1:8

OVERVIEWHOSEA

Unfaithfulnessand God’s loveHosea writes as a prophet with anenormous heart.

The Lord tells him to marry a

prostitute who proves unfaithful tohim. He forgives her and takes herback. The message of his personalgenerosity shows the grace whichGod extends to those who repent.He exhorts Israel to return to aloving God and be healed.

KEY POINTSHHHHHOOOOOSSSSSEAEAEAEAEA1. Hosea’s marriage

• Hosea’s family (ch.1)• Israel is unfaithful to God (ch.2)• Hosea forgives his wayward wife (ch.3)

2. The challenge to Israel

• Idolatrous Israel (ch.4)• Judgment on Israel and Judah (ch.5)• The need to repent (ch.6-7)• Israel’s backsliding (ch.8)• Judgment on sin (ch.9)• Captivity will follow sin (ch.10)• God’s loves Israel (ch.11)• Judah’s sin (ch.12)• Judgment without mercy (ch.13)• Israel finally restored (ch.14)

“Come, let us return to the Lord” Hosea 6:1

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Joel & AmosOVERVIEW

JOEL

The Day of the LordFollowing a locust invasion ofJudah, Joel prophesied of the mean-ing of this for God’s people.

There will be a Day of the Lord

when His judgment will prevailover sin. The people seemed to re-pent and the promise of the HolySpirit is given. But the Day ofJudgment is also for the wholeearth and of this Joel speaks too:

KEY POINTSJJJJJOOOOOEEEEELLLLL• The ravages of the locusts (ch.1:1-12)

• The land in mourning (ch.1:13-20)

• The Day of the Lord (ch.2:1-11)

• Repentance and refreshment (ch.2:12-27)

• The Spirit is poured out (ch.2:28-32)

• God judges the nations (ch.3:1-17)

• God blesses Zion (ch.3:18-21)

“Your sons and daughters shall prophesy”Joel 2:28

OVERVIEWAMOS

A cry for justiceAmos was a farmer whom the Lordcalled as a prophet to Israel.

He never forgot his humble ori-

gins but still spoke with great au-thority. He challenged respectablereligion and showed how unjustIsrael was. Without repentancethere would be judgment. Onlywith real repentance could“David’s Kingdom” be estab-lished.

KEY POINTSAAAAAMMMMMOOOOOSSSSS1. Judgment on the nations

• God judges from Zion (ch.1)

• Judgment on Judah and Israel (ch.2)

2. Judgment on Israel

• The prophet’s authority (ch.3-4)

• Israel would not be corrected (ch.4:6-13)

• Call to repentance (ch.5:1-15)


• Zion is warned (ch.6)

• Visions of judgment (ch.7:1-9)

• Amos is opposed (ch.7:10-17)

• The vision of summer fruit (ch.8)

• The destruction of Israel (ch.9:1-10)

3. The tabernacle of David

• Israel will be restored (ch.9:11-15)

“They shall rebuild the ruined citiesand inhabit them” Amos 9:14

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Obadiah & JonahOVERVIEW

OBADIAH

Judgment onthe oppressorThis prophecy uses the conflict be-tween Edom and Israel to show thepurposes of God.

Edom was the kingdom which

came from Esau the brother ofJacob (Israel). Edom helped in thedestruction of Israel and theythemselves would be judged by theGod of retribution. Finally, Israelwill triumph.

KEY POINTSOOOOOBBBBBAAAAADDDDDIAIAIAIAIAHHHHH• Judgment is coming to Edom (vv.1-9)

• Edom was violent to Israel (vv.10-16)

• Deliverance to Mount Zion (vv.17-21)

OVERVIEWJONAH

Repentanceand graceIn this well known story, theprophet Jonah is given a commis-sion which he does not want.

After running away from God’s

call he is delivered to his destina-tion in the belly of the fish. Hismessage of the destruction ofNineveh is heeded by the popula-tion. When they repent the judg-ment is stopped and Jonah sulks.Although God’s prophet is unfor-giving, God is full of grace.

KEY POINTSJJJJJOOOOONANANANANAHHHHH• Jonah disobeys his call (ch.1)

• Jonah prays and is delivered (ch.2)

• The people of Nineveh repent (ch.3)

• Jonah’s anger and God’s kindness (ch.4)

“The kingdom shall be the Lord’s” Obadiah :21

“When my soul fainted within me,I remembered the Lord” Jonah 2:7

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Micah & NahumOVERVIEW

MICAH

True worshipMicah begins by prophesying of thejudgment on Israel and Judah.

But he moves on to describe aremnant returning to Zion. Hepleads for true religion free fromwickedness and oppression. Heintercedes for the Lord to shep-herd His people as of old.

KEY POINTSMMMMMIIIIICCCCCAAAAAHHHHH1. Judgment on the people

• Impending judgment (ch.1)

• Evil-doers and lying prophets (ch.2)

• Wicked rulers (ch.3)

2. Future redemption

• The Lord triumphs in Zion (ch.4)

• Messiah is coming (ch.5:1-5)

• Enemies are judged (ch.5:6-15)

3. Who is like unto the Lord?

• God pleads with Israel (ch.6:1-8)

• Injustice is punished (ch.6:9-16)

• Sorrow over sin (ch.7:1-7)

• Confession of sin (ch.7:8-13)

• God forgives (ch.7:14-20)

“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;when I fall, I shall rise” Micah 7:8

OVERVIEWNAHUM

A jealous andavenging GodNahum prophesied during the timethat Judah was being oppressed byAssyria.

God’s people were compromisingtheir faith and trusting in allianceswith other nations. This book hastwo themes - Nineveh (capital ofAssyria) will fall; and God will pre-serve His people. It is a call back tofaith in God to trust Him who pre-serves His own people and whojudges their adversaries.

KEY POINTSNANANANANAHHHHHUUUUUMMMMM• God’s justice and wrath (ch.1)

• Nineveh will be destroyed (ch.2)

• A nation destroyed (ch.3)

“The mountains quakebefore Him, the hills melt!” Nahum 1:5

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Habakkuk & ZephaniahOVERVIEW

HABAKKUK

Judgment and faithHabakkuk prophesied in the timeof Jeremiah.

He was distressed by the back-sliding of Judah and wonderedwhy God seemed to do nothingabout it. God promises to judgeJudah through the Chaldeans(Babylonians). But Habakkukwonders why God uses a wickednation to punish one who is morerighteous.

As the prophet ponders he hearsGod’s answer - “the righteous shalllive by his faith”. Thus Habakkuklooks through a door of revelationon which the whole of the NewTestament stands - salvation bygrace through faith.

KEY POINTSHAHAHAHAHABBBBBAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKUUUUUKKKKK1. God’s judgment on Judah

• Judah’s depravity (ch.1:1-4)

• Judgment from Chaldea (ch.1:5-11)

• Why use the wicked to judge (ch.1:12-17)

2. The sovereign Lord rules

• The righteous preserved (ch.2:1-4)

• The Chaldeans are doomed (ch.2:5-20)

3. The prophet’s prayer

• “Work again as of old!” (ch.3:1-16)

• “I will rejoice in the Lord!” (ch.3:17-19)

“The Lord is in His holy temple:let all the earth keep silence” Habakkuk 2:20

OVERVIEWZEPHANIAH

Judgment anda remnantZephaniah was yet anotherprophet who warned of God’s im-pending judgment on a complacentJudah - ‘the men who are thicken-ing upon their lees’.

But the prophet also spoke of thereturn of a worshipping remnant -‘The Lord your God is in yourmidst… He will rejoice over youwith singing’.

KEY POINTSZZZZZEEEEEPPPPPHAHAHAHAHANNNNNIAIAIAIAIAHHHHH1. God’s judgment to come


• A Day of woe (ch1:10-18)

• A call to repent (ch.2:1-3)

2. God judges the nations

• Destruction of Philistia (ch.2:4-7)

• Moab and Ammon destroyed (ch.2:8-11)

• Ethiopia and Assyria too (ch2:12-15)

• Jerusalem is corrupt (ch.3:1-7)

3. The rejoicing remnant

• A faithful remnant (ch.3:8-20)

“The Lord your God is in your midst,a warrior who gives victory” Zephaniah 3:17

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Haggai & ZechariahOVERVIEW

HAGGAI

Building and blessingWhen Darius the Persian defeatedthe Babylonian Empire, he en-couraged the Jews to return to theirhomeland.

So the work of rebuilding the Tem-ple in Jerusalem began, but groundto a halt for 16 years. Haggai thenprophesied to the people that theirmotives were wrong. They were feel-ing economic hardship and said theywould wait until things improvedbefore they began to build again. ButHaggai showed that their hardshipwas God’s judgment on theirunwillingness to press on with thework through trial. When they beganto build again they would know hiseconomic blessing.

KEY POINTSHAGHAGHAGHAGHAGGAGAGAGAGAIIIII1. Economic judgment• Call to the rulers and people (ch.1:1-6)• Reason for judgment (ch.1:7-11)

2. The people respond• A people’s movement (ch.1:12-15)

3. Message of encouragement• The glory of God’s house (ch.2:1-9)• Defilement and blessing (ch.2:10-19)• Zerubbabel - Messiah pledged (ch.2:20-23)

“Consider how you have fared”Haggai 1:7

OVERVIEWZECHARIAH

The KingdomestablishedZechariah wrote at the same timeas Haggai.

He too exhorted the people to re-build the Temple. But his prophecyalso details the conquests of thefuture Kingdom of God. It is a pow-erful mixture of visions and pre-dictions.

KEY POINTSZZZZZEEEEECCCCCHAHAHAHAHARRRRRIAIAIAIAIAHHHHH1. Visions of God’s purposes•Vision of the horses (ch.1:1-17) •Vision of the horns(ch.1:18-21) •Vision of the measuring line (ch.2)•Vision of the High Priest (ch.3) •Vision of theLampstand (ch.4) •Vision of the flying scroll (ch.5:1-4)•Vision of the basket & woman (ch.5:5-11) •Vision ofthe four chariots (ch.6)

2. Prophetic message to the people•Obedience better than fasting (ch.7)•Jerusalem - Zion restored (ch.8)

3. The future Kingdom•The coming King (ch.9) •The people restored (ch.10)•Prophecy of the shepherds (ch.11) •Mourning for thepierced One (ch.12) •The Shepherd Saviour (ch.13)•The Day of the Lord (ch.14)

“Not by might, nor by power,but by My Spirit, says the Lord” Zechariah 4:6

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MalachiOVERVIEW

Messenger ofthe covenantMalachi was the last of the OldTestament prophets.

He wrote after the people had re-turned from exile to the land of Is-rael and may have been a contempo-rary of Nehemiah.

He shows graphically the corrup-tion of backslidden religion. Heuncovers the hypocrisy of the self-ish heart. He rebukes the half-

hearted obedience to God’s com-mands. But in all this God stillmoves sovereignly to fulfil His pur-poses. The Day of the Lord is athand.

KEY POINTS

1. Fickle Israel

• God loves Israel (ch.1:1-5)

• Unacceptable sacrifices (ch.1:6-14)

• Corrupt priests (ch.2:1-9)

• Idolatry and divorce (ch.2:10-17)

2. The coming messenger

• Judgment and purifying (ch.3:1-7)

• Robbing God (ch.3:8-15)

• A book of remembrance (ch.3:16-18)

• The great Day of the Lord (ch.4)

“The Lord whom you seek will suddenlycome to His temple” Malachi 3:1

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MatthewOVERVIEW

The sufferingMessiahTraditionally, the apostle Matthewis thought to have written thisGospel.

He is very careful to link all hewrites with Old Testament scrip-ture. This is because those whowere expecting Messiah to comewere looking for someone to throwoff the Roman rule. A sufferingServant who would be crucifiedwas hard to swallow. Much ofMatthew is devoted to the teach-ings of Jesus about the Kingdomof Heaven - Messiah’s Kingdomis a spiritual one now. When Hecomes again He will be ruler ofthe whole earth spiritually andphysically.

KEY POINTS

1. Birth and baptism

• Genealogy and birth of Jesus (ch.1)

• Escape and home in Nazareth (ch.2)

• Baptism and temptation (ch.3-4)

2. The Kingdom of righteousness

• Sermon on the Mount (ch.5-7)

• Healings and miracles (ch.8)

• Forgiveness of sins (ch.9)

3. Proclaiming the Kingdom

• The twelve sent out (ch.10)

• John the Baptist enquires (ch.11)

• The Sabbath and the Spirit (ch.12)

4. The mystery of the Kingdom

• Kingdom parables (ch.13)

• John the Baptist beheaded (ch.14)

• Jesus and the multitudes (ch.15)

5. Kingdom opposition

• Jesus predicts His death (ch.16)

• The transfiguration (ch.17)

• Brotherhood teachings (ch.18)

• Marriage and celibacy (ch.19)

• The servant of all (ch.20)

6. The future Kingdom

• Jesus cleanses the Temple (ch.21)

• Jesus silences the teachers (ch.22)

• Religious hypocrisy (ch.23)

• The end of the age (ch.24)

• The great Judge (ch.25)

7. The suffering Messiah

• Passover and arrest (ch.26)

• The King on a cross (ch.27)

• Resurrection authority (ch.28)

“Love your enemies, and prayfor those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44

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MarkOVERVIEW

Jesus Christthe Son of GodThis Gospel is attributed to Markthe cousin of Barnabas and closefriend of Peter.

It is action packed with frequentuse of the word “immediately”! Itemphasises the powerful works of Je-sus rather than His teachings. Con-sequently, it does not have so muchquoted from the Old Testament. Itis vivid in detail and description ofevents and probably had a non-Jew-ish audience in mind.

Jesus is portrayed without doubt

as the powerful Son of God.Through His death and resurrec-tion He prepared His followers tospread the good news effectively.

KEY POINTS

1. His ministry begins

• His baptism and first disciples (ch.1:1-20)

• His fame in Galilee (ch.1:21-45)

• Forgiveness and fasting (ch.2)

2. Controversy begins

• Healing on the Sabbath (ch.3:1-12)

• The twelve apostles (ch.3:13-35)

• Parables and their purpose (ch.4)

3. Visiting the districts

• Demoniac healed (ch.5)

• Unbelief at Nazareth (ch.6)

• Defiled from within (ch.7)

4. Jesus is the Christ

• Peter confesses Jesus (ch.8)

• Jesus predicts His death again (ch.9)

• Humility (ch.10)

5. Passover week

• Jesus enters Jerusalem (ch.11)

• The common people hear Him (ch.12)

• Coming of the Son of Man (ch.13)

• Bethany and Gethsemane (ch.14)

• Crucifixion (ch.15)

• Resurrection and commission (ch.14)

“Go into all the world and preachthe gospel to the whole creation” Mark 16:15

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LukeOVERVIEW

The divine SaviourAlmost certainly written by Lukethe doctor who travelled with Paul.

This well researched writing con-tains both teachings and miracu-lous signs of Jesus and is the long-est Gospel. It is a balanced accountof the life of Jesus written for animportant person called

Theophilus.

Of all the Gospels, the human sideof Jesus comes through mostclearly in Luke.

KEY POINTS

1. Preparation for his ministry

• Christ’s birth announced (ch.1)

• Jesus’ birth and childhood (ch.2)

• John the Baptist (ch.3)

• Ministry in the Spirit’s power (ch.4)

2. Ministry in Galilee

• The disciples called (ch.5)

• Lord of the Sabbath (ch.6:1-19)

• The blessings and woes (ch.6:20-49)

• Powerful signs (ch.7)

• Teaching in parables (ch.8:1-21)

• Lord of life and death (ch.8:22-56)

• Sending out the twelve (ch.9:1-17)

• Take up the cross (ch.9:18-62)

3. Journey to Jerusalem

• Seventy sent out before Him (ch.10:1-24)• Service and worship (ch.10:25-42)• Spiritual power (ch.11:1-28)• Hypocrisy denounced (ch.11:29-54)• Treasures of the Kingdom (ch.12)• The narrow way (ch.13)• Leaving all to follow Christ (ch.14)• Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son (ch.15)• God and mammon (ch.16)• Faith and duty (ch.17:1-19)• The coming of the Kingdom (ch.17:20-37)• Humility and reward (ch.18)

4. His ministry fulfilled

• Saving the lost (ch.19:1-27)• Weeping over Jerusalem (ch.19:28-48)• The authority of Jesus (ch.20)• Watch and pray (ch.21)• The Lord’s Supper (ch.22:1-46)• Betrayal and arrest (ch.22:47-71)• Pilate, Herod and Calvary (ch.23)• Risen and ascended (ch.24)

“Whoever of you does not renounce allthat he has, cannot be My disciple” Luke 14:33

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JohnOVERVIEW

The Wordmade fleshThis was almost certainly writtenby John the beloved disciple.

It is full of eyewitness accounts

and intimate details. It containsevents from only 20 days of thethree year ministry of Jesus. Eightsigns or miracles are includedwhich verify the claim of Jesus tobe the Messiah - the great I AM.Like none of the other Gospels, itreveals Jesus in a particularly ma-jestic way. But in it all His reso-lute humanity is revealed as Hepursues His calling to do theworks His Father is doing.

KEY POINTS

1. The revealed Word

• The Word becomes flesh (ch.1:1-18)• John’s disciples follow Jesus (ch.1:19-51)

2. The first signs

• Water to wine at Canaan (ch.2:1-12)• Cleansing the Temple (ch.2:13-25)• The new birth (ch.3)• Jesus in Samaria (ch.4:1-42)• Healing at a distance (ch.4:43-54)

3. The feast of the Passover

• Lame man healed (ch.5:1-15)• Son of God and Son of Man (ch.5:16-47)• Feeding the five thousand (ch.6:1-14)• Walking on water (ch.6:15-21)• The Bread of Life (ch.6:22-71)

4. The feast of Tabernacles

• Promise of the Holy Spirit (ch.7)• An adulteress is saved (ch.8:1-11)• The Light of the world (ch.8:12-59)• Blind man healed (ch.9)

5. The feast of Dedication

• The good Shepherd (ch.10)• Lazarus raised from the dead (ch.11)• Entry to Jerusalem (ch.12)

6. The Last Supper

• The new commandment (ch.13)• The Holy Spirit will be sent (ch.14)• The vine and the branches (ch.15)• Sorrow turned to joy (ch.16)• Jesus prays to the Father (ch.17)• Arrested and tried (ch.18)• Crucified and buried (ch.19)

7. The Resurrection ministry

• The empty tomb (ch.20:1-18)• The apostles commissioned (ch.20:19-31)• Peter restored (ch.21:1-19)• Jesus did many other things (ch.21:20-25)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life;no-one comes to the Father but by Me” John 14:6

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ActsOVERVIEW

Spreadingthe KingdomThis is another book written forTheophilus and is the sequel toLuke’s Gospel.

It demonstrates how effectively

the baptism of the Holy Spirit em-powered the church to build theKingdom. It explains how theChristian faith spread out from Je-rusalem to Rome. This is a thrill-ing, inspiring and encouragingstory which shows what can beachieved through men and womenof faith.

KEY POINTS

1. The coming of the Spirit

• The Lord ascends to Heaven (ch.1)• The Holy Spirit comes in power (ch.2:1-13)• Peter’s Pentecostal preaching (ch.2:14-39)

2. Peter leads the church in Jerusalem

• A Community church (ch.2:40-47) • Healing andsalvation (ch.3) • Arrest and persecution (ch.4:1-31)• Community and corruption (ch.4:32-5:11) • Powerand persecution (ch.5:12-42) • Stephen the powerfulservant (ch.6) • Stephen the preaching martyr (ch.7)

3. Persecution and spread

• Philip spreads the gospel (ch.8) • The persecutingSaul is saved (ch.9:1-30) • The church is multiplied(ch.9:31-43) • The Spirit comes to Gentiles (ch.10)• Peter defends God’s work (ch.11:1-18) • Christiansin Antioch (ch.11:19-30) • Herod’s persecution anddeath (ch.12)

4. Paul’s first apostolic mission

• Barnabas and Paul sent out (ch.13:1-12) • Galatianblessing and conflict (ch.13:13-52) • Stoning andstrengthening (ch.14) • The Jerusalem council(ch.15:1-35)

5. Paul’s second apostolic mission

• Overland to Galatia again (ch.15:36-16:10) • Call toMacedonia (ch.16:11-40) • Loved and opposed inGreece (ch.17) • An open door in Corinth (ch.18:1-22)

6. Paul’s third apostolic mission

• Galatia for the third time (ch.18:23-28)• Revolution in Ephesus (ch.19) • Journeys in Greeceand Asia (ch.20) • Warnings as Paul returns (ch.21:1-16)

7. Paul’s imprisonment: Jerusalem to Rome

• Arrest in the Temple (ch.21:17-22:29) • Plot to killPaul (ch.22:30-23:35) • Paul’s defence to Felix(ch.24) • Paul appeals to Caesar (ch.25) • Paul’stestimony (ch.26) • The voyage to Rome (ch.27)• Paul’s ministry in Rome (ch.28)

“You shall receive power whenthe Holy Spirit has come upon you” Acts 1:8

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RomansOVERVIEW

Justification by faithOne of the most important booksin the Bible.

It draws together the Old Testa-ment revelation to show God’s pur-poses in the Gospel. It proves thataccess to God is through faith

alone: neither the inheritance ofbeing a Jew, nor abundance ofworks is sufficient.

This letter reveals Paul as a manof spiritual and scriptural logic. Italso reveals his heart of longing forhis own Jewish people. And finallyit shows his heart of love for thechurch in the numerous personalgreetings he sends.

KEY POINTS

1. The need for the Gospel

• Paul’s love for the Romans (ch.1:1-17)

• God’s wrath on sinful men (ch.1:18-32)

• God judges righteously (ch.2:1-16)

• Circumcision of the heart (ch.2:17-29)

• All have sinned (ch.3:1-20)

2. Justification and Abraham

• Righteousness through faith (ch.3:21-31)

• Abraham justified (ch.4:1-12)

• Imputed righteousness (ch.4:13-25)

3. Living in spiritual power

• Peace with God (ch.5:1-11)

• Death in Adam, life in Christ (ch.5:12-21)

• Baptism into life (ch.6:1-14)

• Slaves of righteousness (ch.6:15-23)

• Sin and the Law (ch.7:1-12)

• Defeat under the Law (ch.7:13-25)

• Victory in the Spirit (ch.8:1-17)

• God’s ever present love (ch.8:18-39)

4. God’s promises and election

• Israel’s rejection (ch.9:1-13)

• God’s justice and faith (ch.9:14-33)

• Israel needs the Gospel (ch.10:1-13)

• Israel rejects the Gospel (ch.10:14-21)

• Israel’s remnant (ch.11:1-10)

• Israel’s salvation (ch.11:11-36)

5. Living as a Christian

• Living sacrifices (ch.12:1-8)

• Christian behaviour (ch.12:9-21)

• Submit to government (ch.13:1-7)

• Love and light (ch.13:8-14)

• Loving one another (ch.14)

• Glorifying God together (ch.15:1-13)

• Paul’s travelling plans (ch.15:14-33)

• Concluding greetings (ch.16)

“Since we are justified by faith, we have peacewith God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1

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1 CorinthiansOVERVIEW

Love fora new churchIn this long letter the apostle Pauldeals with many issues facing agrowing church.

Some were problems of sin and

immaturity which had been re-ported to him. Others were his re-sponse to a letter which the churchhad written to him. In both, theapostle displays his enormous loveand patience for this church whichhe had birthed during his secondapostolic journey. And as a conse-quence we are the richer for thepanorama of teaching it contains.

KEY POINTS

1. Dealing with immaturity

• The Corinthians’ richness (ch.1:1-9)

• Avoid factions (ch.1:10-17)

• The word of the cross (ch.1:18-2:5)

• Spiritual wisdom (ch.2:6-16)

• God gives the increase (ch.3)

• Fools for Christ’s sake (ch.4:1-13)

• A father in Christ (ch.4:14-21)

2. Dealing with immorality

• Church discipline (ch.5:1-8)

• Immorality is serious (ch.5:9-13)

• Do not sue the brethren (ch.6:1-11)

• The body is a temple (ch.6:12-20)

3. Answering their letter

• Principles of marriage (ch.7:1-16)

• Principles of celibacy (ch.7:17-40)

• Stumbling your brother (ch.8)

• The working apostle (ch.9:1-18)

• The winning apostle (ch.9:19-27)

• Temptation (ch.10:1-13)

• Avoid idolatry (ch.10:14-11:1)

• Headship in the church (ch.11:2-16)

• The Lord’s Supper (ch.11:17-34)

4. Spiritual gifts and love

• Nine spiritual gifts (ch.12:1-11)

• The members of the Body (ch.12:12-31)

• Love is the greatest (ch.13)

• Spiritual gifts in meetings (ch.14:1-25)

• Order in meetings (ch.14:26-40)

5. The importance of the resurrection

• The Risen Christ (ch.15:1-19)

• Death will be destroyed (ch.15:20-34)

• The resurrection body (ch.15:35-58)

• Paul’s plans (ch.16:1-12)

• Solemn exhortations (ch.16:13-24)

“Love is patient and kind;it is not jealous or boastful” 1 Corinthians 13:4

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2 CorinthiansOVERVIEW

SpiritualfatherhoodThe more one reads this letter, theless difficult it becomes.

And, in the end there is the re-

ward of understanding what it islike to be a spiritual father. Theapostle Paul bares his heart in thisletter like he does in no other. Itspells out his love relationship withthe Corinthians in both affectionand rebuke. We also learn many ofthe details of Paul’s own life - itsstruggles and its joys. It is an en-during lesson to us all of the pricewe must pay to be builders ofChrist’s church.

KEY POINTS

1. Paul’s love for the Corinthians

• Paul’s suffering (ch.1:1-14)

• Paul - a man of his word (ch.1:15-2:2)

• Forgiveness for the repentant (ch.2:3-11)

• Triumph and fragrance (ch.2:12-3:3)

• The Spirit and the veil (ch.3:4-18)

2. The reality of apostolic ministry

• Servants for Jesus’ sake (ch.4:1-6)

• Cast down but encouraged (ch.4:7-18)

• Walking by faith (ch.5:1-11)

• Ambassadors for Christ (ch.5:12-21)

• Blameless ministry (ch.6:1-10)

3. The responsibilities of a church

• Separation (ch.6:11-7:1)

• The Corinthians’ repentance (ch.7:2-16)

• Generous giving (ch.8:1-15)

• Giving to the Judean church (ch.8:16-9:5)

• A cheerful giver (ch.9:6-15)

4. The seal of Paul’s apostleship

• Spiritual warfare (ch.10:1-6)

• Paul’s authority (ch.10:7-18)

• False apostles (ch.11:1-15)

• Paul’s sufferings (ch.11:16-33)

• Boasting and buffeting (ch.12:1-13)

• Paul’s love for them (ch.12:14-21)

• Weakness and power (ch.13)

“If anyone is in Christ,he is a new creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17

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GalatiansOVERVIEW

Backslidingunder lawGalatia was a large area in presentday Turkey which Paul visited dur-ing his first apostolic mission.

Unfortunately, the churches had

been visited after Paul had left byJewish false teachers. They werevery persuasive men who did acharacter assassination on Paul.They made out that he did notpreach a true Gospel. If his Gos-pel was true, they taught, he wouldhave taught them to practise cir-cumcision and keep the law.

In this letter Paul laces into theGalatians for their lack of loyaltyto him as their spiritual father. Healso laces into the false teachers -“I wish those who unsettle youwould mutilate themselves!” as aderisive comment on theircircumcision doctrine.

Although this is not a problemtoday, we learn from this letter thefoundation for salvation of faith inChrist. But the principle that le-galism does not promote spirituallife is relevant to today - Christ hasset us free, not to indulge the fleshor love the world, but to bear spir-itual fruit!

KEY POINTS

1. Paul’s genuine Gospel

• Paul’s greeting (ch.1:1-5)

• Divine revelation of the Gospel (ch.1:6-17)

• Paul’s credentials (ch.1:18-2:10)

• Salvation by faith alone (ch.2:11-21)

2. Faith and law

• Justification by faith (ch.3:1-9)

• The curse of being under law (ch.3:10-14)

• The law was our tutor (ch.3:15-25)

• Sons and heirs of God (ch.3:26-4:7)

• The Galatians’ backslidings (ch.4:8-20)

• Children of free Jerusalem (ch.4:21-31)

3. Freedom in Christ

• Faith working through love (ch.5:1-6)

• Love fulfils the law (ch.5:7-15)

• Flesh and Spirit (ch.5:16-26)

• Brotherly love (ch.6:1-10)

• Glory in the Cross (ch.6:11-18)

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucifiedthe flesh with its passions and desires” Galations 5:24

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EphesiansOVERVIEW

Glory in the ChurchMost of Paul’s letters are writtento correct problems in thechurches.

This one is more a general exhor-tation. It contains much revelationabout God’s redemptive plan. Al-though Paul is locked in prison hewrites with the inspiration of a manliving in Heaven.

He is elated as he writes of the

riches of grace and of God’s glorygiven to the saints. He is thrilledas he reflects on the one new manthat Christ creates from dividedpeoples. And he is overwhelmedby the grace which chose him topreach the Gospel of God’sunsearchable riches in Christ.

This letter also deals with theministry life of the church. It givesthe principles of holy living. It hasan unusual section on the signifi-cance of marriage. And finally, itdeals with the principles of spir-itual warfare. A unique letter andone treasured by bible lovers as avoyage of discovery into the deepthings of God.

KEY POINTS

1. The plan of redemption

• Redemption through His blood (ch.1:1-14)

• Prayer for spiritual wisdom (ch.1:15-23)

2. Creating a glorious church

• Saved by grace through faith (ch.2:1-10)

• One new man (ch.2:11-18)

• Built together in the Spirit (ch.2:19-22)

• The Gentiles included (ch.3:1-7)

• Revealing the mystery (ch.3:8-13)

• Strengthened with might (ch.3:14-21)

3. Living as Christians

• Unity in the Spirit (ch.4:1-6)

• The Body’s working (ch.4:7-16)

• Putting on new life (ch.4:17-24)

• Walking in holiness (ch.4:25-32)

• Walking in love (ch.5:1-7)

• Walking in light (ch.5:8-14)

• Walking in wisdom (ch.5:15-21)

• Marriage in Christ (ch.5:22-33)

• Family in Christ (ch.6:1-4)

• Slaves and masters (ch.6:5-9)

4. Standing in victory

• The whole armour of God (ch.6:10-20)

• A loving farewell (ch.6:21-24)

“God has made Him (Jesus) head over all thingsfor the church, which is His body” Ephesians 1:22,23

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PhilippiansOVERVIEW

Living for ChristThis is one of Paul’s most personalletters.

It is written from prison to a

church he considers to be his realfriends. It contain various exhor-tations to rejoice in all situations.The apostle is clearly doing thatin his own imprisonment. Paul isshowing the way to live fully forChrist - in sufferings and joys, inserving and persecution, in sick-ness and health, in abundance andwant.

In this letter, Paul does not gointo much doctrinal truth. The twoexceptions are remarkable in theirrevelations. Firstly, there is thepassage on the way Christ hum-bled Himself totally. Secondly,there is the way Paul had to countall his old life as rubbish in orderto gain Christ. Two amazing rev-elations that we too must followto live for Christ.

KEY POINTS

1. Christ is proclaimed

• Paul’s greeting (ch.1:1-2)

• His prayer for the church (ch.1:3-11)

• His chains further the gospel (ch.1:12-18)

• To live is Christ (ch.1:19-26)

• Fearless testimony (ch.1:27-30)

2. Humility and Kingdom commitment

• Esteeming others (ch.2:1-4)

• Christ humbled Himself (ch.2:5-11)

• Shining as lights (ch.2:12-18)

• Timothy’s proven character (ch.2:19-24)

• Epaphroditus’ commitment (ch.2:25-30)

3. The marks of maturity

• No confidence in the flesh (ch.3:1-11)

• The upward call of God (ch.3:12-16)

• Enemies of the cross (ch.3:17-4:1)

4. Paul’s appreciation

• Rejoice in the Lord (ch.4:2-7)

• Christian meditation (ch.4:8-9)

• The Philippians’ gift (ch.4:10-20)

• Greetings (ch.4:21-23)

“I yearn for you all with theaffection of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:8

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ColossiansOVERVIEW

Holding fastto ChristThis was a corrective letter and alsoa general letter to be passed on toother churches.

The Christians here were fallinginto rites, ceremonies and the wor-ship of angels. Paul writes, not as afather, but as an overseer, an apos-tle of truth. His argument is thatChrist, “the image of the invisibleGod” is greater than the things theyconsider important. They mustworship Christ and not rituals andrigours which are of no value.

The letter is characterised by thedeep revelation of Christ’s divin-ity. It also makes very clear thefact that true Christianity hasnothing to do with religious ob-

servances. It is life for Christ, withChrist in His body, the Church,

and in Christ - our position of spir-itual power.

The general exhortations in the

letter parallel those found inEphesians. They deal with the ba-sics of Christian living. In conclu-sion there are numerous greetings.And also Paul has to delegate theresponsibility for helping thechurch to others because he him-self is incarcerated in prison.

KEY POINTS

1. The pre-eminence of Christ

• Greetings (ch.1:1-2)

• His prayers and their faith (ch.1:3-8)

• The greatness of Christ (ch.1:9-18)

• Reconciled in Christ (ch.1:19-23)

• The hope of glory (ch.1:24-29)

2. False teaching

• Philosophy and empty deceit (ch.2:1-10)

• Legalism (ch.2:11-23)

3. Christian living

• Hidden with Christ (ch.3:1-11)

• The new man (ch.3:12-17)

• Hearty doing (ch.3:18-4:6)

4. Exhortations

• Various instructions (ch.4:7-15)

• Farewell and signature (ch.4:16-18)

“You were buried with Him in baptism,in which you were also raised with Him” Colossians 2:12

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1 & 2 ThessaloniansOVERVIEW

1 THESSALONIANS

Brotherly loveThis is one of Paul’s earliest letters.

It was written to the churchsometime after he had been forcedto leave the city through persecu-tion. It has two notable thrusts: theapostle’s love for this youngchurch, and the tenderness withwhich he won them to Christ; andthe way in which the church hadthemselves learned the importanceof brotherly love.

It also has significant passages

on sanctification and holiness, andthe second coming of the Lord.

KEY POINTS1 TH1 TH1 TH1 TH1 THEEEEESSSSSSASASASASALLLLLOOOOONNNNNIAIAIAIAIANNNNNSSSSS1. Paul’s love for this church

• Greetings (ch.1:1)

• The Thessalonians’ example (ch.1:2-10)

• Apostolic ministry (ch.2:1-12)

• Their response (ch.2:13-16)

• Paul’s longing for them (ch.2:17-3:5)

• Encouragement and prayer (ch.3:6-13)

2. Living an orderly life

• Holy living (ch.4:1-8)

• Brotherly living (ch.4:9-12)

• The Second Coming (ch.4:13-18)

• Prepared sons of light (ch.5:1-11)

3. Exhortations

• Be at peace (ch.5:12-22)

• A blessing (ch.5:23-28)

“May the God of peace Himselfsanctify you wholly” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

OVERVIEW2 THESSALONIANS

Correcting disorderThis letter was written shortly afterthe first one to bring correction.

False teaching, perhaps by letter,had sowed disarray in the minds ofthis church. Paul emphasised againthat the Second Coming had notyet occurred. They should press onwith life and the work of the Lord,and not be distracted.

KEY POINTS2 TH2 TH2 TH2 TH2 THEEEEESSSSSSASASASASALLLLLOOOOONNNNNIAIAIAIAIANNNNNSSSSS1. Reiterating the truth

• Greeting (ch.1:2)

• God’s vengeance (ch.1:3-12)

• The man of lawlessness (ch.2:1-12)

2. Sanctified living

• Hold the traditions (ch.2:13-17)

• The Lord is faithful (ch.3:1-5)

• Do not be idle (ch.3:6-15)

• Farewell (ch.3:16-18)

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of Godand to the steadfastness of Christ” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

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1 & 2 TimothyOVERVIEW

1 TIMOTHY

Principles ofleadershipThis is a very full letter from Paulto his spiritual son, Timothy.

It deals with many issues of the

church then, and now. Paul isquite unapologetic about the wayhe lays the responsibilities ofchurch leadership on Timothy.Paul is in a most business-likefashion tackling the problems ofbuilding the church.

KEY POINTS1 TI1 TI1 TI1 TI1 TIMMMMMOOOOOTHYTHYTHYTHYTHY1. The charge of leadership

• Greeting (ch.1:1-2) • Pure doctrine (ch.1:3-11)• The foremost of sinners (ch.1:12-17) • The good fight(ch.1:18-20) • Prayer for all kinds of men (ch.2:1-7)• Men and women in church (ch.2:8-15)

2. Qualifications of leadership

• Qualifications of elders (ch.3:1-7) • Qualifications ofdeacons (ch.3:8-13) • The mystery of godliness (ch.3:14-16) • Doctrines of demons (ch.4:1-5) • Training ingodliness (ch.4:6-10) • Be an example (ch.4:11-16)

3. Matters of church life

• How to treat the brethren (ch.5:1-2) • Dealing withwidows (ch.5:3-16) • Dealing with elders (ch.5:17-25)• Servants and Masters (ch.6:1-2) • The love of money(ch.6:3-10) • Commandments to keep (ch.6:11-21)

“Fight the good fight of the faith” 1 Timothy 6:12

OVERVIEW2 TIMOTHY

Paternal exhortationsThis is Paul’s final letter. It waswritten from prison when he wasawaiting execution.

It has three themes. Paul’s love

for his spiritual son Timothycomes over continually. His ur-gency for the work of the churchcontinues to burden him. And, ina moving way, he conveys a senseof being alone in his imprison-ment, but yet his expectation ofimminent glory - the crown ofrighteousness.

KEY POINTS2 TI2 TI2 TI2 TI2 TIMMMMMOOOOOTHYTHYTHYTHYTHY1. Timothy’s faith

• Paul’s love for Timothy (ch.1:1-7)

• Paul’s sufferings (ch.1:8-12)

• A good soldier of Christ (ch.1:13-2:13)

2. The man of God

• A pure heart (ch.2:14-26)

• Self-loving men (ch.3:1-9)

• The holy Scriptures (ch.3:10-17)

• Fulfil your ministry (ch.4:1-5)

3. The heavenly kingdom

• His departure is at hand (ch.4:6-16)

• Strengthened by the Lord (ch.4:17-22)

“All who desire to live a godly lifein Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12

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Titus & PhilemonOVERVIEW

TITUS

ChristianresponsibilityThis is a short, sharp letter to Titusfrom Paul.

Paul considers him a son in the

faith and so addresses him withfrank bluntness. He had been leftin Crete to bring stability to a weakand erring church. Paul seems tofeel he is not fulfilling his minis-try as he should. This letter hastwo significant passages, one onthe grace of God, and the otherdealing with regeneration.

KEY POINTSTITUTITUTITUTITUTITUSSSSS1. Qualities of leadership

• Greeting (ch.1:1-4)

• The qualifications of elders (ch.1:5-9)

• The need for rebuke (ch.1:10-16)

2. Christian living

• Sound relationships (ch.2:1-10)

• Saving grace (ch.2:11-15)

• Saved into good works (ch.3:1-8)

• Dealing with divisive persons (ch.3:9-11)

• Directions and farewell (ch.3:12-15)

“They profess to know God, but theydeny Him by their deeds” Titus 1:16

OVERVIEWPHILEMON

Paul’s heartUndoubtedly one of Paul’s mostmoving letters.

It was written to a personal friendcalled Philemon. As was the practicein those days, Philemon had slaves,and one called Onesimus had runaway. While on the run he had beenconverted under Paul’s ministry.Paul now sends him back to hismaster with this letter. It shows Paulat his most loving and compelling.From it we see how deeply he hadexperienced the love of God and hownaturally that love flowed from him.

KEY POINTSPPPPPHHHHHIIIII LELELELELEMMMMMOOOOONNNNN• Greeting (vv. 1-3)

• Philemon’s faith (vv. 4-7)

• A runaway returning (vv. 8-16)

• Philemon’s debt to Paul (vv. 17-22)

• Farewell (vv. 23-25)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christbe with your spirit” Philemon :25

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HebrewsOVERVIEW

The New CovenantThis is probably the most unusualNew Testament letter.

It is also deliberately anonymous.It has been attributed to Paul be-cause of the reference to Timothyin it. But its style of writing is to-tally unlike Paul. The best sugges-tion of authorship has been Apolloswho was powerful in the Scriptures(Acts 18:24).

The point of the letter is to estab-lish beyond any doubt that Christis the Son of God who brings in theNew Covenant. The Old Covenanthas passed away and is now obso-lete. The New Covenant fulfils allthe requirements of the Old in abetter and more perfect way. Butfaith was necessary for both Cov-enants as the impressive chapter onthe heroes of faith demonstrates.

KEY POINTS

1. The greatness of Christ

• Heir of all things (ch.1:1-4)

• Greater than angels (ch.1:5-14)

• Made lower than angels (ch.2:1-9)

• Bringing sons to glory (ch.2:10-18)

• The faithful Son (ch.3:1-6)

• The need for faithfulness (ch.3:7-15)

• Entering His rest (ch.3:16-4:10)

• The word of God (ch.4:11-13)

2. The priesthood of Christ

• Christ our High Priest (ch.4:14-5:4)

• A priest for ever (ch.5:5-11)

• Going on to perfection (ch.5:12-6:8)

• God’s blessing (ch.6:9-20)

• Melchizedek (ch.7:1-10)

• A new priesthood (ch.7:11-28)

3. The New Covenant in Christ

• A new priestly service (ch.8:1-6)

• A New Covenant (ch.8:7-13)

• Limitations on earth (ch.9:1-10)

• The blood of Jesus (ch.9:11-28)

• The Law was a shadow (ch.10:1-10)

• One sufficient sacrifice (ch.10:11-18)

4. Faith in action

• A true heart (ch.10:19-39)

• The examples of faith (ch.11:1-40)

• God’s discipline (ch.12:1-11)

• Avoid backsliding (ch.12:12-29)

• Christian principles (ch.13:1-17)

• Prayer and blessing (ch.13:18-25)

“Let us run with perseverence the racethat is set before us, looking to Jesus” Hebrews 12:1,2

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JamesOVERVIEW

Practical faithThe writer of this letter is acknowl-edged to be James, the half-brotherof Jesus, and leader of the Jerusa-lem church after Pentecost.

He wrote this as a general letter

to Christians. It is a letter of clearinstructions with 54 commands init. It has a no-nonsense style ofconfident authority. It is also re-petitive in the way it returns to atheme from another angle.

The major teachings it coversare: enduring under trial, faithand receiving from God, rich andpoor in the church, righteous liv-ing, doing and not hearing only,and self-control. The illustrationsused are unforgettable. And theletter never fails to bring convic-tion to the reader with an openheart and mind.

KEY POINTS

• Greetings (ch.1:1)

• The double-minded (ch.1:2-8)

• The blessing of lowliness (ch.1:9-11)

• Temptation and sin (ch.1:12-20)

• Doers of the word (ch.1:21-27)

• The sin of partiality (ch.2:1-13)

• Dead faith (ch.2:14-26)

• Controlling the tongue (ch.3:1-12)

• Wisdom from above (ch.3:13-18)

• God resists the proud (ch.4:1-10)

• Judging and boasting (ch.4:11-17)

• Judgment of the rich (ch.5:1-6)

• Suffering and patience (ch.5:7-12)

• The prayer of faith (ch.5:13-20)

“Be doers of the word, not hearers only,deceiving yourselves” James 1:22

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1 PeterOVERVIEW

Live true to JesusThis general letter to Christianswas written by the apostle Peter.

An outbreak of persecution un-

der the Emperor Nero was immi-nent and he was preparing themto face such a trial. Peter dealsbeautifully with the basic hope ofthe Christian - being chosen,cleansed, sanctified, and living inexpectancy of eternal life.

There is a strong emphasis onholiness, both for the individualand for us being a holy people setapart for God. Peter also empha-sises humility of heart and mind.This is especially true in the waywe should honour authorities evenif they persecute us. Peter encour-ages the Christians to build upbrotherhood relationships ofgenuine love - “hold unfailing yourlove for one another”.

KEY POINTS

1. Our responsibilities to God

• A powerful greeting (ch.1:1-2)

• The inheritance in heaven (ch.1:3-12)

• Be holy (ch.1:13-21)

• Born again (ch.1:22-2:3)

• A chosen generation (ch.2:4-10)

2. Our responsibilities to men

• Honourable conduct (ch.2:11-12)

• Submit to authorities (ch.2:13-17)

• Suffering patiently (ch.2:18-25)

• Wives submit to husbands (ch.3:1-6)

• Husbands be considerate (ch.3:7)

• Return evil with blessing (ch.3:8-12)

• A defence for our hope (ch.3:13-17)

• Suffering like Christ did (ch.3:18-4:6)

3. Our responsibilities to one another

• Minister to one another (ch.4:7-11)

• Reproach for Christ (ch.4:12-19)

• Elders as examples (ch.5:1-4)

• Resist the devil (ch.5:5-11)

• The kiss of love (ch.5:12-14)

“Like living stones, be yourselves built intoa spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood” 1 Peter 2:5

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2 PeterOVERVIEW

Triumph overfalsehoodThis second letter was written tobring home the seriousness ofbelieving lies.

As Paul had to counter falseteaching and also the apostle John,so did Peter. He was burdenedthat men would dupe the churchinto believing their own humanwords and ignore the revealedword of God.

The letter emphasises the impor-tance of judging teachers by theirfruitfulness in life. Their wordsmay sound good or attractive, butthey lead to fruitlessness and de-struction. In view of the judgmentof the world which is to come, weshould be people of seriousnessand commitment who hasten theLord’s return.

KEY POINTS

1. Uncovering the false

• Divine power (ch.1:1-4)

• Adding and diligence (ch.1:5-11)

• Peter’s imminent decease (ch.1:12-15)

• The sure prophetic word (ch.1:16-21)

• False teachers (ch.2:1-3)

• Punishment for false teachers (ch.2:4-11)

• Depraved false teachers (ch.2:12-17)

• Entangled in the world again (ch.2:18-22)

2. Avoiding the false

• The Lord is not slack (ch.3:1-9)

• New heavens and new earth (ch.3:10-13)

• Paul’s scriptures (ch.3:14-16)

• Grow in grace (ch.3:17-18)

“His divine power has granted to us all thingsthat pertain to life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3

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1 JohnOVERVIEW

Proofs of sonshipLike the Gospel which he wrote,John’s first letter has an origi-nal style.

John was well on in years when he

wrote the letter. It has a solid styleof authority and a bold aggressivestatement of truth.

John was seeking to deal withthe false teachings which were cre-ating problems in the church. Onesuch teaching ran along these lines- because faith is in the heart, itdoesn’t matter what you do withyour body; you can abuse it withreligious rigours or indulge it insin. John sets out to destroy theroot of these ideas which provedso attractive to the weak.

Most notable are his referencesto walking in the light, righteous-ness, the new birth, false spirits,and the supreme importance ofloving the brethren.

KEY POINTS

1. The openness of fellowship

• The Word of life (ch.1:1-4)

• Walking in the light (ch.1:5-2:2)

• Walking as He walked (ch.2:3-11)

• Men of God (ch.2:12-14)

• Do not love the world (ch.2:15-17)

• Antichrist (ch.2:18-23)

• The anointing (ch.2:24-27)

2. The test of righteousness

• Purifying hope (ch.2:28-3:3)

• Sin is of the devil (ch.3:4-9)

• Passed from death to life (ch.3:10-15)

• Practical love (ch.3:16-23)

3. The proof of sonship

• Test the spirits (ch.3:24-4:6)

• God is love (ch.4:7-11)

• Perfect love (ch.4:12-19)

• Keeping His commandments (ch.4:20-5:5)

• The three witnesses (ch.5:6-13)

• Confidence in prayer (ch.5:14-17)

• We are of God (ch.5:18-21)

“If anyone does sin, we have an advocatewith the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous” 1 John 2:1

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2 John & 3 JohnOVERVIEW

2 JOHN

DiscernmentThis short letter appears to be writ-ten to a Christian lady to warn herabout giving hospitality to falseteachers.

Many people think it may have

been written to a church underpersecution and using the title“lady” as a cover.

KEY POINTS2 J2 J2 J2 J2 JOOOOOHHHHHNNNNN• Greeting from John (vv. 1-3)

• Love one another (vv. 4-6)

• Antichrist deceivers (vv. 7-11)


OVERVIEW3 JOHN

HospitalityThis final short letter of John wasto a Christian brother called Gaius.

He encourages him in his minis-try of hospitality. He also mentionsa troublesome leader that he in-tends to deal with.

KEY POINTS3 J3 J3 J3 J3 JOOOOOHHHHHNNNNN• A healthy greeting (vv. 1-4)

• Generous Gaius (vv. 5-8)

• Dominant Diotrephes (vv. 9-12)


“Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what youhave worked for, but may win a full reward” 2 John :8

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JudeOVERVIEW

Contending forthe faithJude was brother of James and sohalf-brother of Jesus.

He finds it necessary to join all

the others in defending the truefaith against the inroads of falseteaching.

He seeks to uncover the real,evil-natured hearts of the men whotravel around teaching false things.He shows how they cheapen thegrace of God and are men who areanti-authority in manner andspirit. He finishes with a prayer ofpowerful blessing and praise.

KEY POINTS

• Greeting (vv. 1-2)

• Perverting the grace of God (vv. 3-4)

• Greed and rebellion (vv. 5-11)

• The nether gloom of darkness (vv. 12-15)

• Divisive persons (vv. 16-19)

• Build yourselves up (vv. 20-23)

• Doxology (vv. 24-25)

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up inyour most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit” Jude :20

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RevelationOVERVIEW

The triumph of GodThis amazing book was written byJohn the apostle who was exiled onthe island of Patmos.

It is a book of symbols or wis-

dom pictures which convey to usencouragement and faith.

Following seven letters tochurches in Asia, John entersheaven in the Spirit and sees theunravelling of God’s will. Revela-tion must be understood as speak-ing of the present age - the age ofthe Kingdom. It begins as Jesusascends into heaven and opens theseals of the scroll. It concludeswith the vision of the New Earthand the future glory.

The main visions are dividedinto four sections. Each one be-gins with trouble and ends withtriumph corresponding to theLord’s Second Coming. It isrecurring, comprehensive, glori-ous victory.

KEY POINTS

1. Christ and the churches

• Vision of the Son of Man (ch.1)

• The loveless church (ch.2:1-7)• The persecuted church (ch.2:8-11)

• The compromising church (ch.2:12-17)• The corrupt church (ch.2:18-29)

• The dead church (ch.3:1-6)

• The faithful church (ch.3:7-13)

• The lukewarm church (ch.3:14-22)

2. The vision of the seals

• Heaven’s throne (ch.4)

• The Lamb opens the seals (ch.5)

• Vision of the horses (ch.6)

• Multitude from the tribulation (ch.7)

3. The vision of the trumpets

• Judgment of the trumpets (ch.8)

• Judgment of plagues (ch.9)

• The scroll and the little book (ch.10)

• The two witnesses overcome (ch.11)

4. Vision of the dragon and beasts

• Satan thrown out of Heaven (ch.12)

• The two beasts (ch.13)

• The Lamb and the 144,000 (ch.14)

• The Song of Moses (ch.15)

5. Vision of the bowls and Babylon

• The earth judged and shaken (ch.16)

• The woman and the beast (ch.17)

• The fall of Babylon the world (ch.18)

• King of kings, Lord of lords (ch.19)

• The throne of judgment (ch.20)

6. The glory of eternity

• The New Jerusalem (ch.21)

• The Spirit and the Bride (ch.22)

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,who was, and is, and is to come!” Revelation 4:8

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