Organization of the New Testament
The letters in the New Testament are not arranged in chronological order. Instead, they are generally organized according to their length and the recipients of the letters. The New Testament is divided into several sections, each serving a distinct purpose. Here's an overview of how the New Testament is organized:
1. The Gospels - Biography of Christ: The New Testament begins with the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books narrate the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they share many similarities in their content and structure, while John's Gospel presents a unique theological perspective.
2. Acts of the Apostles - History of Early Church: After the Gospels, the New Testament contains the book of Acts, which is a historical account written by Luke. It details the early growth and spread of the Christian church, particularly focusing on the ministry of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul.
3. Letters:
Pauline Epistles: Following the book of Acts are the letters written by the Apostle Paul to various Christian communities and individuals. These letters are organized based on their length rather than their chronological order. They are generally divided into two groups:
a. The Major Pauline Epistles: These are the longer letters attributed to Paul, and they include:
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
Galatians
Philippians
Philemon
Colossians
Ephesians
b. The Pastoral Epistles: These are shorter letters attributed to Paul, although they were likely compiled or written by someone else following his death. Some speculate that Luke may have written them. They are addressed to individual leaders, Timothy and Titus. They include:
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
General Epistles: After the Pauline letters, the New Testament includes a collection of letters written by other apostles and early Christian leaders. They are called "General" because they are not addressed to specific individuals or churches. These letters include:
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
4. Prophecy - The Book of Revelation: The New Testament concludes with the book of Revelation, an apocalyptic work attributed to the Apostle John. It contains prophetic visions and messages of hope and encouragement for the early Christian community during times of persecution.
How can an understanding of the organization of the New Testament help one to better understand the Epistles?
When studying the individual letters of the New Testament, it is vital to consider the broader context. As we move from the historical narratives of the Gospels and Acts to the Epistles, we encounter personalized addresses aimed at specific circumstances and occasions. Each of these writings was penned with a particular audience and purpose in mind, necessitating a thorough understanding of the historical background and context to interpret their intended meaning accurately. These letters frequently tackle specific issues relevant to distinct regions, making it crucial to grasp the context, culture, and reasons for each letter's composition. Failing to consider these components may lead to misinterpretation and unintended manipulation of the text. Thus, it becomes essential to familiarize oneself with the chronological placement of these letters within the early church's historical development, allowing for a more comprehensive grasp of their significance. (The Occasional Nature, Composition, and Structure of Paul’s Letters)
The chart provided below presents an estimation of the chronological order and dates of the books of the New Testament. It is important to acknowledge variations in different sources and traditions regarding the specific order and timing. Therefore, the following list is an estimated compilation of dates and orders based on biblical accounts and additional books and resources. (James D. Quiggle Old and New Testament Chronology, Bible Hub Timeline, Zondervan Charts New Testament by House) Note that column 3 indicates the chronological timing of when the events of the books took place. In 2nd column, the writer of the text is listed, along with an estimated time that scholars believe the records were compiled and recorded.
Chronological Order of Epistles within Context of Early Church
Chronological Order | Writer (approx date of written record) | Approx Time of events | Events |
Gospels | Matthew (80-90 AD) John Mark (70 AD) Luke (100 AD) John (90 AD) | 6 BC- 30 AD | Life of Christ |
Acts 1-8 | Luke (100 AD) | ~30-34 AD | Ascension, Pentecost, Apostles Preach & Heal, Magnificent 7, Stephen’s Martyrdom, Paul Persecutes the Church, Philip in Samaria, Simon the Sorcerer, the Ethiopian |
Acts 9 | Luke (100 AD) | ~34 AD | Saul’s Conversion |
Acts 10-12 | Luke (100 AD) | ~37-44 AD | Peter Preaches to Gentiles, Barnabas sent to Antioch & brings Paul from Tarsus, James killed, Peter Arrested and escapes, Herod Agrippa dies |
Paul’s First Missionary Journey | Luke (100 AD) | ~46-48 | Antioch, Cyprus, Pisidion, Iconium. Lystrum & Derby |
James (45-49 AD) | James, the brother of Jesus (before 62 AD) | ~45-49 AD | |
Galatians (48-49 AD) | Paul (50 AD) | ~48-49 AD | |
Acts 15 Jerusalem Council | Luke (100 AD) | ~48-50 | Debates over Circumcision, Kosher Laws, and Festival observance. Circumcision laws were lifted for converts as well as kosher laws |
Acts 16-17: Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey w/ Silas | Luke (100 AD) | ~49-52 | Revisits several previous Galatian cities, Macedonia, Philippi, Timothy & Luke join mission |
Acts 17 | Luke (100 AD) | | Paul and companions visit Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, |
1 Thessalonians | Paul (~50 AD) | 51 AD | |
2 Thessalonians | Attributed to Paul (100 AD) | 51 AD | |
Acts 18:1-19 | Luke (100 AD) | | Paul & Companions visit Corinth |
1 Corinthians | Paul (mid 50s) | 53-57 AD | Written from Ephesus |
Acts 18:20 | Luke (100 AD) | | Paul & Companions visit Cechreae & Ephesus, leave Aquila & Pricilla there to help church community |
Phillipians | Paul (~52-62 AD) | ~51-55 AD | Written from Macedonia |
2 Corinthians | Paul (~55-56 AD) | ~55-56 AD | Written from Macedonia |
Romans | Paul ~55-58 | ~55-58 AD | Written from Corinth |
Philemon | Attributed to Paul & Timothy (~57-62) | ~57-62 AD | |
Acts 19 Ministry in Ephesus | Luke (100 AD) | ~early to mid 50s | |
Acts 20:1-3 Ministry in Troas | Luke (100 AD) | ~mid 50s | |
Acts 20-21 | Luke (100 AD) | ~mid to late 50s | Paul’s farewell’s & journey back to Jerusalem |
Nero becomes Emperor | | 54 AD | |
Acts 21-23 | Luke (100 AD) | ~59 AD | Paul’s Arrival & Arrest in Jerusalem. Journey to Rome. |
Paul’s transfer to Caesarea | Luke (100 AD) | ~58-60 AD | |
Acts 24-26 | Luke (100 AD) | ~60 AD | |
Paul before Felix, Festus & Agrippa | Luke (100 AD) | ~60 AD | |
Acts 27-28 | Luke (100 AD) | ~August 60 AD | Paul Sails for Rome, Shipwrecked in Malta |
James, brother of Jesus killed | | ~62 AD | |
Ephesians | Attributed to Paul (90 AD) | ~62 AD | |
Phillipians | Paul (61-62 AD) | Mid-60s AD | |
Arrival in Rome | Luke (100 AD) | ~Early 60’s | |
Acts 28:30-31 | Luke (100 AD) | ~62 AD | Paul under house arrest for 2 years |
Colossians | Attributed to Paul, possibly written by Timothy or another scribe on Paul’s behalf (~early 60s AD) | ~62 AD | |
1 Timothy | Attributed to Paul (90-140 AD) | ~62 AD | |
2 Timothy | Attributed to Paul (90-140 AD) | ~64 AD | |
The Great Fire in Rome | | 64 AD | Nero blamed Christians, resulting in increased persecution. What was the terrible legacy of Nero? , Ancient History: Rome If You Want To, Nero Persecutes Christians (EP2) |
Jewish War | | 66 AD | General Vespasian & son, Titus dispatched to Jerusalem to stop the riots. The Jewish War Begins (66-67 CE) |
1 Peter | Peter (~64-66 AD) | ~64-66 AD | |
Paul Martyred | | ~64 AD | |
2 Peter | Peter (~66-68 AD) | ~66-68 AD | |
Peter Martyred | | ~68 AD | |
Hebrews | Sometimes attributed to Paul, possibly Luke, Barnabas, or someone else, but no one is sure. (~90 AD) | ~64-70 AD | |
Jude | Jude, brother of James (the brother of Jesus) (~50-110 AD) | ~50-70 AD | |
Revelation 1-3 | John of Patmos (the Beloved) (~95 AD) | ~95 AD | |
1 John | John the Evangelist (the Beloved) ~95-110 AD | ~95-110 AD | |
2 John | John the Evangelist (the Beloved) ~95-110 AD | ~95-110 AD (possibly later) | |
3 John | John the Evangelist (the Beloved) ~95-110 AD | ~95-110 AD (possibly later) | |
Revelation 4-22 | John the Evangelist (the Beloved) ~95-110 AD | ~95-110 AD | |
Organization of Paul's individual letters:
In previous lessons, we discussed the general outline for Paul's letters, and Paul uses this outline in his letter to the Romans.
The Salutation: the name of the sender and the name of the recipient, whether that was a targeted person or group of people.
An Apostolic Greeting: Typically, this greeting included words of thanksgiving and prayer, as Paul often expressed gratitude for the recipients' faith, offered prayers on their behalf, and sometimes provided commendations or words of encouragement.
Body of the Letter: This section constituted the bulk of the letter and contained the central teachings, theological discussions, and pastoral exhortations. Paul addressed various issues facing the audience that he was addressing, answering their specific questions, and addressing the challenges faced by the recipients, offering theological insights and practical guidance. Therefore it is crucial to understand the historical context of each letter in order to understand their doctrinal relevance.
Personal Exhortations and Instructions: These were practical and specific instructions to individuals or groups within the community, addressing moral behavior, relationships, and the application of Christian principles in daily life.
Final Greetings and Closing: The letter concludes with final greetings, expressions of love, and sometimes additional prayers or blessings.
In Context:
In Paul's letter to the Romans, let's observe how each element is used within the letter as a whole:
1. The Salutation:
In Romans 1:1-7, Paul begins with the salutation, introducing himself as the sender and the Roman community of believers as the letter's recipients. He addresses the letter to "all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people." Although Paul had not personally founded the church in Rome, he expressed his desire to visit them and impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them (Romans 1:11).
2. An Apostolic Greeting:
Paul follows the salutation with expressions of thanksgiving and prayer in Romans 1:8-15. He commends the faith of the Roman Christians, stating that their faith is being reported all over the world. Paul expresses his longing to visit them and shares his eagerness to preach the Gospel to them. He offers prayers for God's will to be fulfilled, and he desires mutual encouragement and growth in their faith.
3. Body of the Letter:
The majority of the Book of Romans constitutes the body of the letter (Romans 1:16-15:33). Here, Paul addresses various theological and practical issues faced by the Roman Christians. He expounds on the central teachings of Christianity, including the universal sinfulness of humanity, justification by faith, the role of the Law, and the righteousness of God revealed in Christ. Paul answers questions about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church and provides guidance on Christian living, love, and ethical behavior. In many ways, the body reflects a cliff notes version of Paul's missionary discussions, and multiple conference addresses could easily be derived from each chapter.
4. Personal Exhortations and Instructions:
Throughout the letter, Paul provides practical instructions for the Christian community in Rome. For example, in Romans 12:9-21, he offers personal exhortations regarding love, humility, and living in harmony with one another. In Romans 13:1-7, he addresses their relationship with governing authorities and the importance of submission to them. Paul also discusses matters of conscience and the need for sensitivity towards others in Romans 14.
5. Final Greetings and Closing:
In Romans 16, Paul concludes the letter with final greetings and expressions of love for specific individuals in the Roman church. He mentions various co-workers and friends, extending his love and greetings to them. Paul also emphasizes that his message is in line with the Gospel and the teachings of Christ and offers a benediction, concluding the letter with praise to God.
The structure of Paul's letter to the Romans follows the typical pattern of ancient letters, both sacred and secular, making it a well-organized and purposeful communication to the Christian community in Rome. Understanding this outline helps readers grasp the flow and context of the letter, making it easier to comprehend its doctrinal significance and practical applications.
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