...BIBLE BOOK SUMMARIES INSTRUCTIONS For these assignments, you will write a 150–170 word summary for 5 books from the Old Testament and 5 books from the New Testament. You may select which five books to summarize, but must include at least one book per genre in the following fashion: 1. Old Testament: Must include at least one narrative, law, prophecy, and wisdom book. 2. New Testament: Must include at least one gospel, narrative, epistle, and apocalyptic book. Since a sample of Genesis has been provided in the Summary Template do not include this book in the OT Project. Summaries that are not 150–170 words in length will be penalized. Also, short summaries may have additional points reduced for lack of complete information. In each of the summaries, identify the following four characteristics: 1. The Basic Genre (Please identify the genre in the first sentence of your summary.) 2. Key Themes/Purposes identified 3. Major Events and personalities for narrative, law, gospel, and narrative 4. Major issues/concerns addressed in prophecy, wisdom books, epistles, and apocalyptic Use your textbooks as you identify each of the four characteristics in the summaries. Remember, the Fee textbook explains how to identify and interpret genre. Additionally, a study Bible will be a great tool to help you craft your summaries. However, you will want to paraphrase the data into your own words to avoid plagiarism and course failure. You will submit your summaries...
Words: 344 - Pages: 2
...Summary of the books of the New Testament Mark Mark is the first written gospel of the New Testament. Mark is not an apostle, nor is he one of the disciples. It is traditionally thought that Mark is a disciple of Peter. It is unclear as to where Mark was when he wrote this gospel. The gospel of Mark appears to set the stage or pattern for the other written gospels as it may have been used as a source in the composition of Matthew and Luke. Mark uses narrative form to tell the story of Jesus’ life, beginning with His early career continuing until His death. Mark uses stories about Jesus’ teachings, travels, and miraculous works to aid the understanding of His intentions. Mark focuses on the death of Jesus and all the events that led up to the crucifixion. Thus, it is the death of Jesus that is the guiding principle of this gospel, not the life. Many important facts are presented Mark. First, Jesus Christ is the Messiah as stated throughout the Old Testament. Second, Jesus lived a sinless and perfect life, proving He was the Son of God as he claimed. Third, the Gospel tells of His numerous miracle-performing capabilities. Most importantly, Jesus overcame death through His resurrection. In this miraculous event, He proves that there is no power that can conquer Him. The gospel of Mark gives perfect instructions on how God’s people should live; having faith (Mark 2:5), believing in the power of God (Mark 5:36), replacing fear with trust (Mark 4:40), following...
Words: 1104 - Pages: 5
...Bible Book Summaries of the New Testament The Book of Philippians The book of Philippians is one of the four shorter epistles written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison. Throughout Paul’s life the Philippians held a special place in his heart. He wrote to them with affection, and the epistle breathes a note of joy throughout. When Paul first came to Philippi, he was thrown in jail. The location of his imprisonment has been long debated. In the deep of the night, bound and beaten, he sang a hymn to God. A decade later Paul was again in prison, and he still was celebrating the Christian’s joy in the midst of suffering, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Paul begins the epistle by giving thanks for the love of the Philippians and by praying for its increase. Even though Paul is in prison, the gospel is not confined; on the contrary, it is increasing. Whether Paul lives or dies, “Christ is preached” and this results in salvation. Following these reflections, Paul introduces a series of exhortations: to remain faithful in suffering; to remain considerate of others, as Jesus Christ was and to avoid evil and live blamelessly. The final chapter of Philippians summarizes several miscellaneous matters. Paul exhorts quarrelsome church members to rise above their differences. He also leaves two important lessons, on substituting thankful prayer for anxiety and on the characteristics of a noble and godly life....
Words: 696 - Pages: 3
...BIBL_104 July 8, 2011 Summary of the books of the New Testament Matthew The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels. The reason Matthew wrote the book was to show the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah that was promised to come. He does this by showing the Jews how Jesus fulfilled prophecies that were foretold in the Old Testament. He also details for them the lineage of Jesus to David. Matthew then tells us a little bit about Jesus’ early childhood and then he moves into the ministry of Jesus. He tells us about the Sermon on the Mount, what the disciples’ purpose and mission were to be, and about the hypocrisy and the future. He finishes up the book with Jesus’ arrest, His torture, and His death on the cross. The final chapter tells us that Jesus has risen and then describes the Great Commission that He gives to his disciples to carry out. You can see Matthew’s love and concern for the people by the way he told the gospel story. Acts The Book of Acts is narrative in genre. It gives us the history of the Christian church and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It also shows us the mounting opposition to it. Although there was many faithful people were used to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus, Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, was the most influential. Paul’s life before he became a follower of Jesus was one of persecuting and killing Christians. His dramatic conversion on the Damascus road is a highlight in the Book of Acts. After he became...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...key themes in this book are Christ as Man and to give us a very reliable record of the life of Jesus. Some of the key events of this book are the announcement of the birth of Jesus as well as the birth of John the Baptist by the angel Gabriel, Jesus’ miraculous conception, the ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist. Some of the major personalities are Jesus, the disciples, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Zechariah, Herod the Great, and Pilate. Luke starts by the angel Gabriel announcing the births of John and Jesus. We are told of John the Baptist’s ministry and how he comes to baptize Jesus. We are lead through the life of Jesus and His ministry. Jesus tells His stories of the prodigal son, the Good Samaritan and the rich man and Lazarus, and through these stories we are shown His compassion and forgiveness. While Jesus is teaching, the religious leaders are plotting against Him. Jesus is betrayed, tried and crucified. He is placed in the tomb and rises three days later. He came back to the disciples “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”(Luke 24:45) and then parts from them and is carried up into heaven. Acts The book of Acts is basically narrative in genre. Some of the prominent personalities of the book of Acts are Peter and Paul and that of the other apostles, although they play little or no role. The basic theme is the work of the Holy Spirit in the early history of Christianity. The book of Acts gives us the...
Words: 889 - Pages: 4
...New Testament: Matthew The genre of this book is a Gospel. Some key themes and events include Matthew Tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, the conception of Jesus, John baptizing Jesus, Jesus in the wilderness for forty days, the Sermon on the Mount, Peter’s name change (Simon), the many miracles performed, the Eucharist, the crucifix and resurrection of Jesus. Matthew‘s purpose was to present Jesus as the Messiah by showing the OT prophecies he fulfilled. King Herod displayed his fear of the new “King of the Jews” by ordering the death of all the youth in Bethlehem. Matthew gives recognition to the first followers and the directives given to them by the many parables he used, his early ministry messages on humility, obedience, love, prayer methods and trust in God. He reveals some oppositions Jesus faced and how he dealt with them. Matthew denotes in the final chapter the Resurrection and the Great Commissions of Jesus. Mark The genre of this book is a Gospel. Some key themes and events include “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). John the Baptist predicts the coming of Jesus – a man more powerful than him, he baptized Jesus. God Acknowledges Jesus as his Son. Jesus goes into the wilderness for forty days where Satan tempts him. Jesus emerges and travels to Galilee, where he takes on two Jewish brothers as disciples- he teaches them to fish for lost souls. Jesus shows his anointing by performing miracles which caused...
Words: 1658 - Pages: 7
...104 Survey of Biblical Literature Course Description This survey course is designed to lay a foundational understanding of Scripture via a historical survey of the Old and New Testaments. The student will engage a range of learning activities related to the issues interacting with biblical literature, basic hermeneutical principles, key themes and persons of the canon, and the redemptive theme of Scripture. Rationale The course’s motivation is a combination of both edifying and equipping students. In other words, this course is designed to teach students to “fish,” as it were, so that in their future walk with God they might be able to discern the key theme(s) of Scripture for themselves, therefore, making their own Bible study more effective and increasing their utility in being able to convey the story and universal truths of Scripture to others. I. Prerequisites None II. Required Resource Purchases Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0-310-24604-6. Harbin, Michael A. The Promise and the Blessing: A Historical Survey of the Old and New Testaments. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2005. ISBN: 0-310-24037-2. Hindson, Ed. Courageous Faith: Life Lessons from the Old Testament Heroes. AMG Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 0-899-57132-4. Disclaimer: The above resource(s) provide information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty...
Words: 962 - Pages: 4
...A REVIEW OF KNOWING JESUS THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT By Christopher J. H. Wright Rick Mangrum OBST591-D17 Old Testament Orientation I Dr. Doug Wilson November 28, 2010 INTRODUCTION Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament is one of many books written by the Rev. Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright. He is also the author of The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland the son of missionary parents, he was raised as an Irish Presbyterian. He studied at Cambridge earning his doctorate in Old Testament Economic Ethics. Ordained as a pastor in the Anglican Church of England, he has worked as writer, pastor, teacher and missionary. He currently lives and works in London.1 Wright’s purpose in this work is to give the reader a deeper understanding of Old Testament teachings and how they molded and impacted the life of Christ. “For these are the words he (Jesus) read”.2 A book completely without footnotes, it represents the thoughts of only the writer. This book has been in demand and in print since its original publication in 1992.3 The easy, though sometimes wordy style clearly teaches the book’s main idea that the Old Testament begins to tells the story that Jesus completes! Through a deeper understanding of the Old Testament story and promise, and how it molded Jesus’s identity and mission as well as his values, we are lead to a deeper understanding of who Jesus truly was, why he lived the way _____________________________ 1Langham...
Words: 1976 - Pages: 8
...useful tools to learn more about the books, people, and places we encounter in Scripture. Your task will be to write: 1. Three concise 200–250-word essays about a book, person, and setting/place from the Old Testament (Due at the end of Module/Week 5). 2. Three concise 200–250-word essays about a book, person, and setting/place from the New Testament (Due at the end of Module/Week 8). Content Guidelines: Choose 1 book, person, and place from the list of the provided topics for each of the 2 projects. Your essay must include the following per item: Book: Your biblical book essay must include: The basic literary genre, authorship, date written, key themes, purposes, major events, and main personalities. Person: This essay must include: The dates of the character’s life, place of birth, summary of their role or positions held, defining events in their life and work, contemporaries (other biblical characters they are associated with, etc.), and their legacy. If they are a biblical author, list the related works. Setting/Place (i.e., municipality, kingdom, empire): This essay must include: The keys dates (i.e., founding, demise, etc.), clarification of the location (regional description, the relevance of the place from a biblical/Ancient Near East (ANE) perspective, associated biblical books where it is a backdrop or central location), key attributes (religion, commerce, key figures, etc.), and associated biblical books. Formatting Guidelines: * Use...
Words: 392 - Pages: 2
...useful tools to learn more about the books, people, and places we encounter in Scripture. Your task will be to write: 1. Three concise 200–250-word essays about a book, person, and setting/place from the Old Testament (Due at the end of Module/Week 5). 2. Three concise 200–250-word essays about a book, person, and setting/place from the New Testament (Due at the end of Module/Week 8). Content Guidelines: Choose 1 book, person, and place from the list of the provided topics for each of the 2 projects. Your essay must include the following per item: Book: Your biblical book essay must include: The basic literary genre, authorship, date written, key themes, purposes, major events, and main personalities. Person: This essay must include: The dates of the character’s life, place of birth, summary of their role or positions held, defining events in their life and work, contemporaries (other biblical characters they are associated with, etc.), and their legacy. If they are a biblical author, list the related works. Setting/Place (i.e., municipality, kingdom, empire): This essay must include: The keys dates (i.e., founding, demise, etc.), clarification of the location (regional description, the relevance of the place from a biblical/Ancient Near East (ANE) perspective, associated biblical books where it is a backdrop or central location), key attributes (religion, commerce, key figures, etc.), and associated biblical books. Formatting Guidelines: * Use...
Words: 392 - Pages: 2
...ABSTRACT John Oswalt, in his book The Bible Among the Myths, presents his position to the reader that the bible is different and separate from other writings of the Ancient Near East. He asserts the Bible is both historically accurate and theologically sound. He makes the defense the Bible was divinely inspired and revealed to humanity and unique from other Ancient Near East literature. There was a time when the Bible, and the Israelite religion was different from its neighboring societies. But as times have changed, many people now lump the bible with other Ancient Near East myths. The book is broken up into two sections. The first half of the book, “The Bible and Myth,” Oswalt takes the time to define what a myth is and what differentiates the Bible from a myth. He then describes the different between the worldview of the Ancient Near East and continuity is different from the Bible’s transcendence. The second half of the book, “The Bible and History,” examines several philosophical thoughts proposed by others that attempt to explain the Bible’s relevance separate from historical validity. Oswalt provides excellent arguments against the new age philosophies. Oswalt provides an articulate argument for the veracity of the Bible’s history and theology by providing several convincing points to affirm the Bibles varicity. Introduction John N. Oswalt, in his book The Bible Among the Myths, provides the reader with a brief, yet comprehensive view of the differences and similarities...
Words: 498 - Pages: 2
...05/8/2015 New Testament Bible Dictionary Project: Romans/Paul/Ephesus Romans: This Epistle to the Romans, although usually shortened to just Romans, was written by the Apostle Paul around the times of 55 to 57 A.D. This is the 6th book of New Testament and out of all the letters or epistles that Paul wrote in his time, his letter to the Romans is the longest, most detailed and most ambitious. The two major personalities in this book are: the writer, the Apostle Paul, and Phoebe who delivered the letter to the Roman Christian Church. Paul addressed such things in this letter as; the meaning of the gospel, the importance of the gospel, the nature of Gods salvation, how salvation can be achieved by all whom seek it, the people who are in need of it, the effects of salvation on an individual’s life, and the impact of salvation on the community as a whole. “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12). The most important and probably the central theme seen throughout this book is the faith in God’s righteousness and Christ’s sacrifice, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith" (Romans 1:16-17). Paul: Paul was personally responsible for writing quite a bit of the New Testament, of which...
Words: 1002 - Pages: 5
...University Book Review: Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament Submitted to Dr. Gary Schnittjer in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for OBST 515 Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary by CURTIS TERRY Lynchburg, Virginia Tuesday February 18, 2014 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Summary 3 Critical Interaction5 Conclusion8 Bibliography9 Introduction Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright love for Hebrew scripture played a major role in his decision to write Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament. Dr. Wright wrote that he was saddened that so many Christians love Jesus but know so little about who he thought he was and what he had come to do. Dr. Wright background is one of Anglican descent born in Belfast, North Ireland during World War II. He is the son of missionaries and a graduate of Cambridge. Dr. Wright was ordained by the Anglican Church of England in 1977 and has served in the capacities of high school teacher, associate pastor, Old Testament scholar. Dr. Wright has served at Union Biblical Seminary in India as seminary professor and served as Principal of All Nations Christian College from 1993-2001. Dr. Wright has authored numerous books and currently serves as the International Director for Langham Partnership International. This paper will provide a review of Dr. Wright’s Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament by providing a summarization of the work and provide an analysis of various theological topic discussed by Dr. Wright. Summary Dr....
Words: 1895 - Pages: 8
...BIBL104 27 NOV 11 Summary of the books of the Old Testament Books Matthew The book of Matthew genre is gospel. The gospel of Matthew bridges the old and new testaments to the prophecy, that Jesus is the messiah. Matthew used more quotes of the Old Testament than all other gospels combined, thus indicating that it was written to a Jewish audience to convince them that Jesus is the savior. Matthew started his gospel by tracing Jesus back forty-two generations from Joseph and Mary to Abraham. Matthew becomes one of the twelve disciples and along with the other eleven they learn about Jesus’s death was coming near. They were also taught what to expect and how to live before Jesus returns. This gospel highlights the Sermon on the Mount, summarizing the ethical standards Jesus established to those that belong to the kingdom of God. The final chapters cover the detail of the last supper, Peter’s denial of knowing Jesus, Jesus’s last words on the cross, and the resurrection of Jesus. LUKE The book of Luke is a genre of gospel. Luke was a missionary associated with the apostle Paul. Luke was also the only known Gentile Christian in the New Testament. Even though Luke was not a witness to Jesus, Luke provides the best complete picture to life of Jesus. Luke in tells the knowledge of Jesus, how at a young age of twelve he was able to understand his unique mission as the son of God. How Jesus came to know John the Baptist and was baptized before gathering his twelve disciples. Jesus...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...Summary of the books of the Old Testament Books Exodus The book of Exodus is considered both a narrative and a law book of the Old Testament of the Bible. Exodus was written by Moses between 1450-1410 B.C. The main characters in the book are Moses, Pharaoh, Pharaoh’s daughter, Aaron, Joshua, and Miriam. Exodus contains the most miracles of the Old Testament books. As instructed by God through the burning bush, Moses tells the Pharaoh to let God’s people be free, to which he refuses. Exodus is literally the “exit” from Egypt. After ten plagues hit Egypt, the Israelites are finally set free. The Israelites travel to the mountain of God, where God presents the Ten Commandments to Moses. God then instructs Moses on construction of the tabernacle. The book ends with Moses gathering the Hebrew and explaining the Ten Commandments to them, as well as instructions for worship. The key theme of the book is Israel leaving the slavery of Egypt. Numbers The book of Numbers fits into the narrative genre of the Old Testament books. It was written by Moses from 1450 - 1410 B.C. The main characters in the book are Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar, Korah, and Balaam. The book of Numbers starts at Mount Sinai after Moses provides the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. Moses takes a count of the men available to serve in the military and they begin to march towards the promise land. God punishes those are disobedient along the way. Once they reach the promise land, Moses...
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
