Free «New Testament» Essay Sample

The Gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ birth, works, messages, mission, and death. The book introduces Jesus as the Word of God who was made of flesh to live among the people. The narrative also gives an account of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. The story includes Christ’s baptism, the selection of the twelve disciples, the miracles Jesus performed: the transformation of water into wine, the healing of the sick man at Bethzatha, and the blind man, the bringing the dead boy and Lazarus to life, the feeding of 5000 people, and the walking across the water. It also records Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, the cleansing of the temple, the baptism in Judea, the conversation with the Samaritan woman, and His washing of the disciples’ feet. It tells the story of Christ’s arrest, His trial committed by the Jewish high priests and Pontius Pilate, His death, and resurrection. The account ends with His charge to His disciples to bring the message to the world.

The Acts

The book of Acts recounts the stories of the disciples. It begins with Christ’s charge to them to spread the Gospel, Matthias election as the twelfth disciple, and the dissension of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The narrative relates the story of Peter and John’s healing of the lame man, their imprisonment, and miraculous release, and the response to baptism of 3000 people. Peter’s works include the healing of the paralytic at Lydda and the woman at Joppa. He was also responsible for the conversion and baptism of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his family. The book also tells the story of Stephen’s accusation, his trial, and tragic death. Acts centered likewise on the life of Paul, his dramatic conversion, his preaching, performance of miracles including the healing of the crippled man, his imprisonment with Silas, and their release, his public appearance to prove that he was not a persecutor, his trial at Caesarea before Herod Agrippa, and his further teachings in Rome.

The Corinthians

Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians started with a greeting of thanks for the strength of the Corinthian Christians. He then enumerated and addressed the problems of the Corinthian church. He saw that the Corinthians are grouping themselves according to the different preachers. He, therefore, told them that they should be united in Christ since all these preachers were servants of Christ. He also mentioned their immoral tendencies and told them to condemn immorality and avoid idolatry just as what the ancient Israelites had done. Furthermore, he also discussed the importance of spiritual gifts in strengthening the church. He expounded the description of genuine love and gave an account of his sacrifices as a servant of God. He addressed doctrinal problems including the resurrection of the dead, the resurrection of Jesus, the promise of eternal life, the immortality of the soul, and the victory of the Christians through their Redeemer Jesus Christ. He ended his letter with an instruction to collect money for the poor of Jerusalem.

The Romans

Paul began his epistle to the Roman Christians with an introduction where he mentioned his mission. He followed it with his greetings to the Roman Church. He gave them the Gospel which is salvation. He discussed the state of man after the fall and then the possibility of salvation through Christ. He cleared to the Romans that salvation is given both to the Jews and the Gentiles, and this can only be claimed through faith in Jesus Christ. He discussed the doctrine of salvation as given to the Jews, their claim of salvation through the Jewish law, and their salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He also gave instructions on how to live a Christian life, and discussed various themes including love, forbearance, humility, and harmony. He also shared his ministry and informed them of his work. He concluded with lengthy greetings to the Roman Church and a warning to be watchful of people who causes “dissensions and offenses” (16:17).

The Revelation

The book of the Revelation gives an account of the coming events as revealed to John. The book opens with John’s greeting and messages to the seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. His message addresses the strengths and weaknesses of each church. He related the revelation of the unleashing of the seven seals, the blowing of the seven trumpets, the opening of the sanctuary in heavens, the woman clothed with the sun and her giving birth to a child, the war of Michael and the dragon, the dragon’s war with the saints, the rise of beasts, the 144,000 followers of God, the Day of Judgement, and the fall of the Great Babylon, the seven bowls of plagues, the announcement of the wedding, the final battle, the hurling of the beast into the fiery lake, the 1000 years, the resurrection, and the new heaven and new earth. In the end, John concluded with Christ’s promise of rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.