NEW TESTAMENT - BOOKS
- OULINE
John 8:32 "Then you
will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."
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NEW TESTAMENT
The second major division of
the Christian Bible with twenty-seven separate works (called "books")
attributed to at least eight different writers. Four accounts of Jesus’
life are at the core. The first three Gospels (called "Synoptic") are very
similar in content and order. The fourth Gospel has a completely different
perspective.
A history of selected events in the early church (Acts) is followed
by twenty letters to churches and individuals and one apocalypse. The
letters deal mainly with the interpretation of God’s act of salvation in
Jesus Christ. Matters of discipline, proper Christian behavior, and church
polity also are included. The apocalypse is a coded message of hope to the
church of the first century which has been reinterpreted by each
succeeding generation of Christians for their own situations.
1.Matthew - Outline (28):
1-- Matthew 5:17
"Do not think
that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.
I did not come to
destroy but to fulfill."
I. Birth and preparation of Jesus the King (1:1-4:11)
A. The ancestors of Jesus (1:1-17)
B. An angel appears to Joseph (1:18-25)
C. Visitors arrive from eastern lands (2:1-12)
D. The escape to Egypt (2:13-18)
E. The return to Nazareth (2:19-23)
F. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (3:1-12)
G. John baptizes Jesus (3:13-17)
H. Satan tempts Jesus in the desert (4:1-11)
II. Message and ministry of Jesus, the King (4:12-25:46)
A. Jesus begins his ministry (4:12-25)
1. Jesus preaches in Galilee (4:12-17)
2. Four fishermen follow Jesus (4:18-22)
3. Jesus preaches throughout Galilee (4:23-25)
B. Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29)
1. Jesus gives the beatitudes (5:1-12)
2. Jesus teaches about salt and light (5:13-16)
3. Jesus teaches about the law (5:17-20)
4. Jesus teaches about anger (5:21-26)
5. Jesus teaches about lust (5:27-30)
6. Jesus teaches about divorce (5:31-32)
7. Jesus teaches about vows (5:33-37)
8. Jesus teaches about retaliation (5:38-42)
9. Jesus teaches about loving enemies (5:43-48)
10. Jesus teaches about giving to the needy (6:1-4)
11. Jesus teaches about prayer (6:5-15)
12. Jesus teaches about fasting (6:16-18)
13. Jesus teaches about money (6:19-24)
14. Jesus teaches about worry (6:25-34)
15. Jesus teaches about criticizing others (7:1-6)
16. Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, knocking (7:7-12)
17. Jesus teaches about the way to heaven (7:13-14)
18. Jesus teaches about fruit in people's lives (7:15-20)
19. Jesus teaches about those who build houses on rock and sand (7:21-29)
C. Jesus performs many miracles (8:1-10:42)
1. Jesus heals a man with leprosy (8:1-4)
2. A Roman centurion demonstrates faith (8:5-13)
3. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others (8:14-17)
4. Jesus teaches about the cost of following him (8:18-22)
5. Jesus calms the storm (8:23-27)
6. Jesus sends the demons into a herd of pigs (8:28-34)
7. Jesus heals a paralyzed man (9:1-8)
8. Jesus eats with sinners at Matthew's house (9:9-13)
9. Religious leaders ask Jesus about fasting (9:14-17)
10. Jesus heals a bleeding woman and restores a girl to life (9:18-26)
11. Jesus heals the blind and mute (9:27-34)
12. Jesus urges the disciples to pray for workers (9:35-38)
13. Jesus sends out the twelve disciples (10:1-16)
14. Jesus prepares the disciples for persecution (10:17-42)
D. Jesus teaches about the kingdom (11:1-13:52)
1. Jesus eases John's doubt (11:1-19)
2. Jesus promises rest for the soul (11:20-30)
3. The disciples pick wheat on the Sabbath (12:1-8)
4. Jesus heals a man's hand on the Sabbath (12:9-14)
5. Large crowds follow Jesus (12:15-21)
6. Religious leaders accuse Jesus of being under Satan's power (12:22-37)
7. Religious leaders ask Jesus for a miracle (12:38-45)
8. Jesus describes his true family (12:46-50)
9. Jesus tells the parable of the four soils (13:1-9)
10. Jesus explains the parable of the four soils (13:10-23)
11. Jesus tells the parable of the weeds (13:24-30)
12. Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed (13:31-32)
13. Jesus tells the parable of the yeast (13:33-35)
14. Jesus explains the parable of the weeds (13:36-43)
15. Jesus tells the parable of hidden treasure (13:44)
16. Jesus tells the parable of the pearl merchant (13:45-46)
17. Jesus tells the parable of the fishing net (13:47-52)
E. Jesus encounters differing reactions to his ministry (13:53-18:35)
1. The people of Nazareth refuse to believe (13:53-58)
2. Herod kills John the Baptist (14:1-12)
3. Jesus feeds five thousand (14:13-21)
4. Jesus walks on water (14:22-33)
5. Jesus heals all who touch him (14:34-36)
6. Jesus teaches about inner purity (15:1-20)
7. Jesus sends a demon out of a girl (15:21-28)
8. The crowd marvels at Jesus' healings (15:29-31)
9. Jesus feeds four thousand (15:32-39)
10. Religious leaders ask for a sign in the sky (16:1-4)
11. Jesus warns against wrong teaching (16:5-12)
12. Peter says Jesus is the Messiah (16:13-20)
13. Jesus predicts his death the first time (16:21-28)
14. Jesus is transfigured on the mountain (17:1-13)
15. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy (17:14-21)
16. Jesus predicts his death the second time (17:22-23)
17. Peter finds the coin in the fish's mouth (17:24-27)
18. The disciples argue about who would be the greatest (18:1-6)
19. Jesus warns against temptation (18:7-9)
20. Jesus warns against looking down on others (18:10-14)
21. Jesus teaches how to treat a believer who sins (18:15-20)
22. Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving debtor (18:21-35)
F. Jesus faces conflict with the religious leaders (19:1-23:39)
1. Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce (19:1-12)
2. Jesus blesses little children (19:13-15)
3. Jesus speaks to the rich young man (19:16-30)
4. Jesus tells the parable of the workers paid equally (20:1-16)
5. Jesus predicts his death the third time (20:17-19)
6. Jesus teaches about serving others (20:20-28)
7. Jesus heals a blind beggar (20:29-34)
8. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (21:1-11)
9. Jesus clears the temple again (21:12-17)
10. Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything (21:18-22)
11. Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority (21:23-27)
12. Jesus tells the parable of the two sons (21:28-32)
13. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants (21:33-46)
14. Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast (22:1-14)
15. Religious leaders question Jesus about paying taxes (22:15-22)
16. Religious leaders question Jesus about the resurrection (22:23-33)
17. Religious leaders question Jesus about the greatest commandment (22:34-40)
18. Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus' question (22:41-46)
19. Jesus warns against the religious leaders (23:1-12)
20. Jesus condemns the religious leaders (23:13-36)
21. Jesus grieves over Jerusalem (23:37-39)
G. Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives (24:1-25:46)
1. Jesus tells about the future (24:1-25)
2. Jesus tells about his return (24:26-35)
3. Jesus tells about remaining watchful (24:36-51)
4. Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids (25:1-13)
5. Jesus tells the parable of the loaned money (25:14-30)
6. Jesus tells about the final judgment (25:31-46)
III. Death and resurrection of Jesus, the King (26:1-28:20)
A. Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus (26:1-5)
B. A woman anoints Jesus with perfume (26:6-13)
C. Judas agrees to betray Jesus (26:14-16)
D. Disciples prepare for the Passover (26:17-19)
E. Jesus and the disciples have the Last Supper (26:20-30)
F. Jesus again predicts Peter's denial (26:31-35)
G. Jesus agonizes in the garden (26:36-46)
H. Jesus is betrayed and arrested (26:47-56)
I. Caiaphas questions Jesus (26:57-68)
J. Peter denies knowing Jesus (26:69-75)
K. The council of religious leaders condemns Jesus (27:1-2)
L. Judas kills himself (27:3-10)
M. Jesus stands trial before Pilate (27:11-14)
N. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (27:15-26)
O. Roman soldiers mock Jesus (27:27-31)
P. Jesus is led away to be crucified (27:32-44)
Q. Jesus dies on the cross (27:45-56)
R. Jesus is laid in the tomb (27:57-61)
S. Guards are posted at the tomb (27:62-66)
T. Jesus rises from the dead (28:1-7)
U. Jesus appears to the women (28:8-10)
V. Religious leaders bribe the guards (28:11-15)
W. Jesus gives the great commission (28:16-20)
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1.MATTHEW
I. Jesus'
Birth Fulfilled Prophecy (1:1-2:23)
A. Jesus was
born of the line of David (1:1-17)
B. God directed the
circumstances of Jesus' birth (1:18-25)
C. Even Gentile
foreigners worshiped the newborn Jewish king (2:1-12)
D.
God provided for His Son's survival (2:13-23)
II. The Obedient Jesus Invites People to Kingdom Service
(3:1-4:25)
A. Jesus carried out God's will by being
baptized by John the Baptist (3:1-15)
B. God approved His
Son (3:16-17)
C. Jesus obeyed God's Word and defeated
Satan (4:1-11)
D. Jesus called people to God's kingdom
through repentance (4:12-22)
E. Jesus demonstrated the
power of the kingdom (4:23-25)
III. Jesus
Taught God's Way to Live (5:1-7:29)
A. Real
happiness comes from a right relationship to God (5:1-12)
B. Christians must be like salt and light (5:13-16)
C.
Love, not legalism, is the rule of the kingdom (5:17-48)
D. The desire to be seen by others is the wrong motive for good works
(6:1-4)
E. Prayer is private seeking of forgiveness, not
public search for praise (6:5-15)
F. Fasting is of value
only if the motive behind it is right (6:16-18)
G. Only
spiritual wealth really lasts (6:19-21)
H. Each person
must choose whether to give God first place (6:22-34)
I.
To judge others is wrong; to show discernment is necessary
(7:1-6)
J. The kingdom requires persistence in prayer and
faith in God's goodness (7:7-11)
K. The Golden Rule
summarizes the law and the prophets (7:12)
L. Only the
narrow path of submission to God's will leads to life in His kingdom
(7:13-23)
M. Jesus and His teachings form the only lasting
foundation for life (7:24-29)
IV. Jesus' Power and Call Reveal His Authority
(8:1-10:42)
A. Jesus' healing power is available to
all persons of faith (8:1-17)
B. Discipleship is first
priority (8:18-22)
C. Jesus has authority over nature,
demons, and sin (8:23-9:8)
D. Jesus calls sinners to share
His authority (9:9-13)
E. Jesus' gospel requires new forms
of piety (9:14-17)
F. Jesus' authority responds to faith,
conquers demons, and does not come from Satan (9:18-34)
G.
The compassionate Lord prays for compassionate helpers
(9:35-38)
H. Jesus entrusts His disciples with His
authority in word and deed (10:1-20)
I. To exercise His
authority, disciples must face the dangers Jesus faced
(10:21-25)
J. Jesus' authority removes cause for fear
(10:26-31)
K. Disciples confess Jesus in all situations
(10:32-39)
L. Those who welcome Christian messengers will
receive rewards (10:40-42)
V. Jesus' Work Led
to Controversy (11:1-12:50)
A. Jesus fulfilled
messianic prophecy (11:1-6)
B. John marked the end of the
prophetic era (11:7-15)
C. Blind religion seeks
controversy rather than truth (11:16-19)
D. Repentance is
the proper response to Jesus (11:20-24)
E. Discipleship
requires faith in God's Son, not great human wisdom or works
(11:25-30)
F. Mercy, not legalism, is the key to
interpreting God's Word (12:1-14)
G. Jesus fulfilled
Isaiah's servant prophecies (12:15-21)
H. Faith sees Jesus
as Messiah, but blindness calls Him satanic (12:22-37)
I.
Resurrection faith is the criterion for eternal judgment
(12:38-45)
J. Obedient believers form God's family
(12:46-50)
VI. Jesus Taught About the Kingdom
(13:1-52)
A. Response to the kingdom depends on the
"soil" (13:1-23)
B. God delays separating the true from
the false (13:24-30)
C. God's kingdom, small at first,
will finally transform the world (13:31-33)
D. Jesus' use
of parables fulfills Scripture (13:34-35)
E. The Son of
Man controls final judgment and will send those who reject Him to eternal
punishment (13:36-43)
F. The kingdom is worth any
sacrifice (13:44-46)
G. The kingdom involves both
traditional and new understandings of Scripture (13:47-52)
VII. Jesus Confronts Conflict and Critical Events
(13:53-17:27)
A. Jesus faced rejection and sorrow
(13:53-14:12)
B. Jesus placed compassion for others over
personal needs (14:13-21)
C. Jesus' power over nature and
disease shows He is God's Son (14:22-36)
D. Thoughts and
motives, not ritual acts, determine spiritual purity
(15:1-20)
E. Faith overcomes all obstacles that would
separate us from Jesus (15:21-28)
F. Jesus' compassionate
ministry leads people to raise God (15:29-39)
G.
Unbelieving authorities demand a sign but cannot interpret ones they have
(16:1-12)
H. Confession of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God
is the church's foundation (16:13-20)
I. Willingness to
suffer with Jesus is as important as proper confessions of faith
(16:21-28)
J. God revealed Jesus as His Son, whom people
should obey (17:1-13)
K. Faith in God overcomes obstacles
(17:14-21)
L. Jesus expected His coming death and
resurrection (17:22-23)
M. Concern for others may mean
forfeiting one's own rights (17:24-27)
VIII.
Jesus Gives Insight into Life in His Kingdom
(18:1-20:34)
A. Entrance into the kingdom requires
a childlike trust in God (18:1-5)
B. Christians must be
careful not to lead others into sin (18:6-7)
C. Radical
self-discipline prevents sin (18:8-9)
D. God takes the
initiative in finding the lost (18:10-14)
E.
Reconciliation must be the Christian's aim (18:15-17)
F.
Jesus promises power and authority to His church
(18:18-20)
G. God requires that we forgive if He is to
forgive us (18:21-35)
H. Lifelong marriage is God's plan
for most people, but some can accept single devotion to Him
(19:1-12)
I. Children have an important place in God's
kingdom (19:13-15)
J. One must give up any obstacle to
discipleship, knowing reward will come (19:16-30)
K. God's
rewards may be different from human expectations (20:1-16)
L. Jesus taught the necessity of His coming death and resurrection
(20:17-19)
M. The truly great person serves others as
Jesus did (20:20-28)
N. Those who are healed by His mercy
become His followers (20:29-34)
IX. Religious
Authorities Reject Jesus as Messiah (21:1-23:36)
A.
Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecy by entering Jerusalem and cleansing the
Temple (21:1-17)
B. God punishes fruitlessness but rewards
faith (21:18-22)
C. Answerless authorities question Jesus'
authority (21:23-27)
D. Authorities must answer the call
to repentance to be part of God's kingdom (21:28-46)
E.
God invites even sinners and outcasts to new life in His kingdom
(22:1-14)
F. Taxes belong to the state; we belong to God
(22:15-22)
G. Authorities do not understand Scripture and
so do not believe in resurrection (22:23-33)
H.
Authorities must learn love for God and love for neighbor are the greatest
commandments (22:34-40)
I. Authorities must learn the
nature of God's Messiah (22:41-46)
J. Jesus the Authority
calls for religious leaders' lives to agree with their teachings
(23:1-36)
X. Jesus Has the Authoritative Word
About the Future (23:37-25:46)
A. Jerusalem faces
destruction for rejecting Jesus (23:37-39)
B. The world
will hear the gospel before the end of the age (24:1-14)
C. Jesus' disciples must flee Jerusalem when a sign appears
(24:15-28)
D. Spectacles in nature will mark Jesus'
assured return (24:29-35)
E. People must prepare for
Jesus' return or face judgment (24:36-25:30)
F. Jesus will
judge us by our service to those in need (25:31-46)
XI. Jesus Prepared for Death, Obeying God and Fulfilling
Scripture (26:1-56)
A. Authorities plotted Jesus'
death, as He had foretold (26:1-5)
B. Jesus' anointing
symbolized His messiahship and coming death (26:6-13)
C. A
disciple cooperated in crucifying Jesus (26:14-16)
D.
Jesus transformed Passover to His memorial supper, establishing His
covenant (26:17-30)
E. Jesus prepared His disciples for
their time of falling and restoration (26:31-35)
F. Jesus
dedicated Himself to the Father's will (26:36-46)
G.
Jesus' arrest represented fulfillment of God's plan, not evidence of His
weakness or God's forsaking Jesus (26:47-56)
XII. Jesus Conquered Death
(26:57-28:20)
A. The innocent Jesus was convicted
on His testimony to His messiahship and to His role as Judge in the last
days (26:57-68)
B. Peter's denial showed Jesus' prophetic
powers (26:69-75)
C. Judas' guilt drove him to suicide and
fulfilled Scripture (27:1-10)
D. Government authority
found no guilt in Jesus, but religious authorities accepted full
responsibility for His death (27:11-26)
E. Roman mocking
pointed to the truth of Jesus' divine kingship (27:27-44)
F. Spectacular events pointed to the saving significance of Jesus' death
as God's Son (27:45-56)
G. Jesus' dead body was entombed
and could not be stolen (27:57-66)
H. Jesus was raised
from the dead (28:1-10)
I. Religious leaders bribed people
to disprove the resurrection (28:11-15)
J. The
authoritative Jesus gives His disciples a worldwide evangelistic mission
(28:16-20)
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2.Mark - Outline (16):
2-- Mark 10:45
"For even the
Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give
His life a ransom for many."
I. Birth and preparation of Jesus, the servant (1:1-13)
A. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (1:1-8)
B. John baptizes Jesus (1:9-11)
C. Satan tempts Jesus in the desert (1:12-13)
II. Message and ministry of Jesus, the servant (1:14-13:37)
A. Jesus' ministry in Galilee (1:14-7:23)
1. Jesus preaches in Galilee (1:14-15)
2. Four fishermen follow Jesus (1:16-20)
3. Jesus teaches with great authority (1:21-28)
4. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others (1:29-34)
5. Jesus preaches throughout Galilee (1:35-39)
6. Jesus heals a man with leprosy (1:40-45)
7. Jesus heals a paralyzed man (2:1-12)
8. Jesus eats with sinners at Matthew's house (2:13-17)
9. Religious leaders ask Jesus about fasting (2:18-22)
10. The disciples pick wheat on the Sabbath (2:23-28)
11. Jesus heals a man's hand on the Sabbath (3:1-6)
12. Large crowds follow Jesus (3:7-12)
13. Jesus selects the twelve disciples (3:13-19)
14. Religious leaders accuse Jesus of being under Satan's power (3:20-30)
15. Jesus describes his true family (3:31-35)
16. Jesus tells the parable of the four soils (4:1-9)
17. Jesus explains the parable of the four soils (4:10-25)
18. Jesus tells the parable of the growing seed (4:26-29)
19. Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed (4:30-34)
20. Jesus calms the storm (4:35-41)
21. Jesus sends the demons into a heard of pigs (5:1-20)
22. Jesus heals a bleeding woman and restores a girl to life (5:21-43)
23. The people of Nazareth refuse to believe (6:1-6)
24. Jesus sends out the twelve disciples (6:7-13)
25. Herod kills John the Baptist (6:14-29)
26. Jesus feeds five thousand (6:30-44)
27. Jesus walks on water (6:45-52)
28. Jesus heals all who touch him (6:53-56)
29. Jesus teaches about inner purity (7:1-23)
B. Jesus' ministry beyond Galilee (7:24-10:52)
1. Jesus sends a demon out of a girl (7:24-30)
2. The crowd marvels at Jesus' healings (7:31-37)
3. Jesus feeds four thousand (8:1-10)
4. Religious leaders ask for a sign in the sky (8:11-13)
5. Jesus warns against wrong teaching (8:14-21)
6. Jesus restores sight to a blind man (8:22-26)
7. Peter says Jesus is the Messiah (8:27-30)
8. Jesus predicts his death the first time (8:31-9:1)
9. Jesus is transfigured on the mountain (9:2-13)
10. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy (9:14-29)
11. Jesus predicts his death the second time (9:30-32)
12. The disciples argue about who would be the greatest (9:33-37)
13. The disciples forbid another to use Jesus' name (9:38-41)
14. Jesus warns against temptation (9:42-50)
15. Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce (10:1-12)
16. Jesus blesses little children (10:13-16)
17. Jesus speaks to the rich young man (10:17-31)
18. Jesus predicts his death the third time (10:32-34)
19. Jesus teaches about serving others (10:35-45)
20. Jesus heals a blind beggar (10:46-52)
C. Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37)
1. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (11:1-11)
2. Jesus clears the temple again (11:12-19)
3. Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything (11:20-26)
4. Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority (11:27-33)
5. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants (12:1-12)
6. Religious leaders question Jesus about paying taxes (12:13-17)
7. Religious leaders question Jesus about the resurrection (12:18-27)
8. Religious leaders question Jesus about the greatest commandment (12:28-34)
9. Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus' question (12:35-37)
10. Jesus warns against the religious leaders (12:38-40)
11. A poor widow gives all she has (12:41-44)
12. Jesus tells about the future (13:1-23)
13. Jesus tells about his return (13:24-31)
14. Jesus tells about remaining watchful (13:32-37)
III. Death and resurrection of Jesus, the servant (14:1-16:20)
A. Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus (14:1-2)
B. A woman anoints Jesus with perfume (14:3-9)
C. Judas agrees to betray Jesus (14:10-11)
D. Disciples prepare for the Passover (14:12-16)
E. Jesus and the disciples have the Last Supper (14:17-26)
F. Jesus again predicts Peter's denial (14:27-31)
G. Jesus agonizes in the garden (14:32-42)
H. Jesus is betrayed and arrested (14:43-52)
I. Caiaphas questions Jesus (14:53-65)
J. Peter denies knowing Jesus (14:66-72)
K. The council of religious leaders condemns Jesus (15:1)
L. Jesus stands trial before Pilate (15:2-5)
M. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (15:6-15)
N. Roman soldiers mock Jesus (15:16-20)
O. Jesus is led away to be crucified (15:21-24)
P. Jesus is placed on the cross (15:25-32)
Q. Jesus dies on the cross (15:33-41)
R. Jesus is laid in the tomb (15:42-47)
S. Jesus rises from the dead (16:1-8)
T. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (16:9-11)
U. Jesus appears to two believers traveling on the road (16:12-13)
V. Jesus appears to the disciples including Thomas (16:14)
W. Jesus gives the great commission (16:15-18)
X. Jesus ascends into heaven (16:19-20)
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2.MARK
I. God Has
Acted for His People by Sending His Son as His Agent
(1:1-13)
A. God fulfilled the
words of His prophets (1:1-3)
B. God announced His
action through the herald in the wilderness (1:4-8)
C.
God's endorsement of Jesus as His beloved Son showed He is the promised
Lord (1:9-11)
D. God sustained His Son in the experience
of testing in the wilderness (1:12-13)
II. The
Appearance of God's Son as His Agent Signaled the Presence of the New Age
(1:14-45)
A. God's Agent announced the presence of
the new age (1:14-15)
B. The call to become fishers of men
was a consequence of the presence of the new age (1:16-20)
C. The unique authority of God's Agent demonstrated the presence of the
new age (1:21-28)
D. Healing through God's Agent revealed
the saving character of the new age (1:29-34)
E. The
urgency of preaching was consistent with the presence of the new age
(1:35-39)
F. The healing of a leper was evidence of the
powers of the new age (1:40-45)
III. The Old
Order Failed to Recognize God's Agent or the Presence of the new age
(2:1-3:6)
A. The old order failed to recognize that
Jesus had authority to forgive sins (2:1-12)
B. The old
order resented God's Agent for forgiving outcasts and sinners
(2:13-17)
C. The old order failed to understand fasting
was inappropriate when God's Agent was present (2:18-22)
D. The old order failed to recognize that God's Agent was the Lord of the
sabbath (2:23-3:5)
E. The old order displayed hardness of
heart when it schemed to destroy God's Agent (3:6)
IV. The Presence of God's Agent Provoked a Reaction from
Others (3:7-6:6)
A. Crowds followed God's Agent to
receive the blessings of the new age (3:7-10)
B. Unclean
spirits recognized the threat posed by the presence of God's Agent
(3:11-12)
C. God's Agent appointed the twelve to express
His unique authority (3:13-19)
D. God's Agent was regarded
by His family as deranged (3:20-21)
E. God's Agent was
regarded by the old order as demonic (3:22-30)
F. God's
Agent identified His true family as those who do God's will in the new age
(3:31-35)
G. God's Agent used parables to clarify the
character of the new age (4:1-34)
H. When God's Agent
subdued the hostile power of the sea, the reaction was awe
(4:35-41)
I. When God's Agent extended the salvation of
the new age to the Gentiles, the reaction was both terror and gratitude
(5:1-20)
J. When God's Agent subdued the powers of disease
and death, the reaction was fear and amazement (5:21-43)
K. When God's Agent addressed those who knew Him well, the reaction was
contempt and unbelief (6:1-6)
V. God's Agent
Extended the Blessings of the new Age in Spite of Opposition
(6:7-8:30)
A. God's Agent extended the blessings of
the new age through the twelve, warning them to expect opposition
(6:7-13)
B. The murder of the herald of the new age
anticipated the death of God's Agent (6:14-29)
C. God's
Agent provided rest in the wilderness as a blessing of the new age
(6:30-44)
D. God's Agent provided relief to those who obey
Him as a blessing of the new age (6:45-52)
E. God's Agent
provided healing for those who seek Him as a blessing of the new age
(6:53-56)
F. God's Agent challenged the old order
traditions with enduring commandments (7:1-23)
G. God's
Agent extended new age blessings to believing Gentiles
(7:24-8:10)
H. God's Agent experienced the old order's
opposition in their demand for a sign (8:11-13)
I. The
twelve failed to understand the significance of the blessings of the new
age (8:14-21)
J. God's Agent opened blind eyes as a sign
of the new age (8:22-26)
K. Jesus was recognized as God's
Agent, the mediator of the blessings of the new age (8:27-30)
VI. God's Agent Exhibited the New Age Paradox: Suffering
Precedes Vindication (8:31-10:52)
A. God's Agent
must experience suffering prior to vindication by resurrection
(8:31-33)
B. New age people participate in the paradox:
the way to life is through death (8:34-38)
C. The
transfiguration provides assurance: vindication will follow suffering
(9:1-8)
D. Both the herald and the Agent of the new age
exhibited the pattern of suffering and rejection followed by vindication
(9:9-13)
E. The powers of the new age are released through
faith and prayer (9:14-29)
F. The paradox of the new age
that suffering precedes vindication is reaffirmed
(9:30-32)
G. The paradox of the new age is that greatness
is expressed through humble service (9:33-41)
H. The fact
of the new age accounts for the stringent requirements of discipleship
(9:42-50)
I. The creation intention of God for marriage is
reaffirmed in the new age (10:1-12)
J. Entrance into the
new age is through childlike faith (10:13-16)
K. Entrance
into the new age requires sacrificial commitment
(10:17-31)
L. The paradox of the new age is reaffirmed
(10:32-45)
M. True discipleship responds immediately to
the blessings of the new age (10:46-52)
VII.
The Presence of God's Agent in Jerusalem Intensified the Conflict between
the Old Order and the New Age (11:1-12:44)
A. The
significance of the entrance of God's Agent into Jerusalem was
unrecognized (11:1-11)
B. The presence of God's Agent in
Jerusalem introduced judgment on the old order (11:12-26)
C. The authority of God's Agent was challenged by representatives of the
old order (11:27-33)
D. God's Agent taught of His
transcendent dignity (12:1-12)
E. The wisdom of God's
Agent was challenged by representatives of the old order
(12:13-27)
F. God's Agent was vindicated by His teaching
on the greatest commandment (12:28-34)
G. God's Agent
exposed the inability of the old order to understand Scripture
(12:35-37)
H. God's Agent exposed the hypocrisy of the old
order (12:38-40)
I. God's Agent presented a proper
response to the presence of the new age (12:41-44)
VIII. God's Agent Foresaw Impending Distress for Jerusalem
and the Old Order (13:1-37)
A. God's Agent foresaw
the impending destruction of the Temple (13:1-4)
B. God's
Agent warned of deception through those who falsely claim to act for God
(13:5-8)
C. God's Agent warned of impending persecution
and called for steadfastness (13:9-13)
D. God's Agent
warned of the sacrilege that causes desolation (13:14-23)
E. God's Agent looked beyond the impending distress to triumph for His
people (13:24-37)
IX. The Old Order Was Unified
in Its Action Against God's Agent (14:1-15:47)
A.
Representatives of the old order determined to seize God's Agent
(14:1-2)
B. God's Agent was anointed for His burial
(14:3-9)
C. God's Agent was denied by one of the twelve
who agreed to betray Him (14:10-11)
D. God's Agent
announced His betrayal during the Passover meal (14:12-21)
E. God's Agent provided His own symbol of the new age
(14:22-26)
F. God's Agent foresaw the failure and denial
of His own followers (14:27-31)
G. God's Agent affirmed
His submission to the will of God in Gethsemane (14:32-42)
H. God's Agent experienced betrayal and arrest, fulfilling Scripture
(14:43-52)
I. God's Agent was condemned, mocked, and
brutalized by the old order (14:53-65)
J. The prophecy of
Peter's denial was fulfilled (14:66-72)
K. The old
religious order joined the political order to condemn God's Agent
(15:1-20)
L. God's Agent was crucified as King of the Jews
(15:21-37)
M. God's Agent was acknowledged to be the Son
of God by a Roman (15:38-39)
N. The death and burial of
God's Agent was witnessed by godly women (15:40-47)
X. The Resurrection of God's Agent Validated the Presence of
the New Age (16:1-8)
XI. A Later
Appendix: Proof of the Vindication of God's Agent
(16:9-20)
|
3.Luke - Outline (24):
3-- Luke 19:10
"For the Son of
Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
I. Birth and preparation of Jesus, the Savior (1:1-4:13)
A. Luke's purpose in writing (1:1-25)
1. An angel promises the birth of John to Zechariah (1:5-25)
B. An angel promises the birth of Jesus to Mary (1:26-38)
C. Mary visits Elizabeth (1:39-56)
D. John the Baptist is born (1:57-80)
E. Jesus is born in Bethlehem (2:1-7)
F. Shepherds visit Jesus (2:8-20)
G. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple (2:21-40)
H. Jesus speaks with the religious teachers (2:41-52)
I. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (3:1-18)
J. Herod puts John in prison (3:19-20)
K. John baptizes Jesus (3:21-22)
L. The ancestors of Jesus (3:23-38)
M. Satan tempts Jesus in the desert (4:1-13)
II. Message and ministry of Jesus, the Savior (4:14-21:38)
A. Jesus' ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:50)
1. Jesus preaches in Galilee (4:14-15)
2. Jesus is rejected at Nazareth (4:16-30)
3. Jesus teaches with great authority (4:31-37)
4. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others (4:38-41)
5. Jesus preaches throughout Galilee (4:42-44)
6. Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish (5:1-11)
7. Jesus heals a man with leprosy (5:12-16)
8. Jesus heals a paralyzed man (5:17-26)
9. Jesus eats with sinners at Matthew's house (5:27-32)
10. Religious leaders ask Jesus about fasting (5:33-39)
11. The disciples pick wheat on the Sabbath (6:1-5)
12. Jesus heals a man's hand on the Sabbath (6:6-11)
13. Jesus selects the twelve disciples (6:12-16)
14. Jesus gives the beatitudes (6:17-26)
15. Jesus teaches about loving enemies (6:27-36)
16. Jesus teaches about criticizing others (6:37-42)
17. Jesus teaches about fruit in people's lives (6:43-45)
18. Jesus teaches about those who build houses on rock and sand (6:46-49)
19. A Roman centurion demonstrates faith (7:1-10)
20. Jesus raises a widow's son from the dead (7:11-17)
21. Jesus eases John's doubt (7:18-35)
22. A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet (7:36-50)
23. Women accompany Jesus and the disciples (8:1-3)
24. Jesus tells the parable of the four soils (8:4-8)
25. Jesus explains the parable of the four soils (8:9-18)
26. Jesus describes his true family (8:19-21)
27. Jesus calms the storm (8:22-25)
28. Jesus sends the demons into a herd of pigs (8:26-39)
29. Jesus heals a bleeding woman and restores a girl to life (8:40-56)
30. Jesus sends out the twelve disciples (9:1-6)
31. Herod kills John the Baptist (9:7-9)
32. Jesus feeds five thousand (9:10-17)
33. Peter says Jesus is the Messiah (9:18-20)
34. Jesus predicts his death the first time (9:21-27)
35. Jesus is transfigured on the mountain (9:28-36)
36. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy (9:37-42)
37. Jesus predicts his death the second time (9:43-45)
38. The disciples argue about who would be the greatest (9:46-48)
39. The disciples forbid another to use Jesus' name (9:49-50)
B. Jesus' ministry on the way to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)
1. Jesus teaches about the cost of following him (9:51-62)
2. Jesus sends out seventy-two messengers (10:1-16)
3. The seventy-two messengers return (10:17-24)
4. Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan (10:25-37)
5. Jesus visits Mary and Martha (10:38-42)
6. Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer (11:1-13)
7. Jesus answers hostile accusations (11:14-28)
8. Jesus warns against unbelief (11:29-32)
9. Jesus teaches about the light within (11:33-36)
10. Jesus criticizes the religious leaders (11:37-54)
11. Jesus speaks against hypocrisy (12:1-12)
12. Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool (12:13-21)
13. Jesus warns about worry (12:22-34)
14. Jesus warns about preparing for his coming (12:35-48)
15. Jesus warns about coming division (12:49-53)
16. Jesus warns about the future crisis (12:54-59)
17. Jesus calls the people to repent (13:1-9)
18. Jesus heals the crippled woman (13:10-17)
19. Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God (13:18-21)
20. Jesus teaches about entering the kingdom (13:22-30)
21. Jesus grieves over Jerusalem (13:31-35)
22. Jesus heals a man with dropsy (14:1-6)
23. Jesus teaches about seeking honor (14:7-14)
24. Jesus tells the parable of the great feast (14:15-24)
25. Jesus teaches about the cost of being a disciple (14:25-35)
26. Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep (15:1-7)
27. Jesus tells the parable of the lost coin (15:8-10)
28. Jesus tells the parable of the lost son (15:11-32)
29. Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager (16:1-18)
30. Jesus tells about the rich man and the beggar (16:19-31)
31. Jesus tells about forgiveness and faith (17:1-10)
32. Jesus heals ten men with leprosy (17:11-19)
33. Jesus teaches about the coming of the kingdom of God (17:20-37)
34. Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow (18:1-8)
35. Jesus tells the parable of two men who prayed (18:9-14)
36. Jesus blesses little children (18:15-17)
37. Jesus speaks to the rich young man (18:18-30)
38. Jesus predicts his death the third time (18:31-34)
39. Jesus heals a blind beggar (18:35-43)
40. Jesus brings salvation to Zacchaeus's home (19:1-10)
41. Jesus tells the parable of the king's ten servants (19:11-27)
C. Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem (19:28-21:38)
1. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey (19:28-44)
2. Jesus clears the temple again (19:45-48)
3. Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority (20:1-8)
4. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants (20:9-19)
5. Religious leaders question Jesus about paying taxes (20:20-26)
6. Religious leaders question Jesus about the resurrection (20:27-40)
7. Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus' question (20:41-44)
8. Jesus warns against the religious leaders (20:45-47)
9. A poor widow gives all she has (21:1-4)
10. Jesus tells about the future (21:5-24)
11. Jesus tells about his return (21:25-33)
12. Jesus tells about remaining watchful (21:34-38)
III. Death and resurrection of Jesus, the Savior (22:1-24:53)
A. Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus and Judas agrees to betray Jesus (22:1-6)
B. Disciples prepare for the Passover (22:7-13)
C. Jesus and the disciples have the Last Supper (22:14-30)
D. Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (22:31-46)
1. Jesus agonizes in the garden (22:39-46)
E. Jesus is betrayed and arrested (22:47-53)
F. Peter denies knowing Jesus (22:54-65)
G. The council of religious leaders condemns Jesus (22:66-71)
H. Jesus stands trial before Pilate (23:1-5)
I. Jesus stands trial before Herod (23:6-12)
J. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (23:13-25)
K. Jesus is led away to be crucified (23:26-31)
L. Jesus is placed on the cross (23:32-43)
M. Jesus dies on the cross (23:44-49)
N. Jesus is laid in the tomb (23:50-56)
O. Jesus rises from the dead (24:1-12)
P. Jesus appears to two believers traveling on the road (24:13-35)
Q. Jesus appears to the disciples behind locked doors (24:36-43)
R. Jesus appears to the disciples in Jerusalem (24:44-49)
S. Jesus ascends into heaven (24:50-53)
**************************************************
3.LUKE
I. Luke's Purpose: Certainty in Christian Teaching
(1:1-4)
II. Jesus Fulfilled Judaism's
Expectations (1:5-2:52)
A. John the Baptist will
point Israelites to God (1:5-25)
B. Jesus fulfilled
promises to David (1:26-38)
C. Jesus' birth fulfilled
promises to patriarchs (1:39-56)
D. John's birth a sign of
God's faithfulness (1:57-80)
E. Jesus' birth fulfilled
messianic expectations (2:1-7)
F. God verified Jesus'
birth as messianic fulfillment (2:8-20)
G. Jesus fulfilled
Jewish law (2:21-24)
H. Jesus' coming fulfilled God's
promises to Israel and provided salvation for all
(2:25-40)
I. Jesus revealed divine wisdom
(2:41-52)
III. Jesus Accepted Messianic Mission
and Faced Rejection (3:1-4:44)
A. John called for
repentence and watchfulness (3:1-20)
B. Jesus was baptized
and acknowledged as God's Son (3:21-22)
C. Jesus' lineage
linked Him to the Davidic promise and the human race
(3:23-38)
D. Satan tempted Jesus
(4:1-13)
E. His own people rejected Jesus
(4:14-30)
F. Jesus revealed messianic power in teaching
and healing (4:31-37)
G. Jesus followed God's agenda to
establish God's kingdom (4:38-44)
IV. Jesus
Fulfilled His Mission in God's Way of Faith, Love, and Forgiveness
(5:1-7:50)
A. Jesus shared His mission with those
of faith (5:1-16)
B. Jesus proved power to forgive
(5:17-26)
C. Jesus called sinners into the joy of the
messianic age (5:27-39)
D. Jesus' mission emphasized
meeting human need (6:1-11)
E. Jesus called disciples to a
life of loving action (6:12-49)
F. Jesus' mission was to
all people (7:1-10)
G. Jesus' message was accepted by
needy multitudes (7:11-17)
H. Jesus fulfilled His
Spirit-given mission (7:18-23)
I. Jesus' mission
inaugurated God's kingdom (7:24-30)
J. Jesus' mission
emphasized forgiveness (7:31-50)
V. God's
Kingdom Involves Power but Demands Faithfulness to the Point of Death
(8:1-9:50)
A. Socially deprived accepted God's
kingdom (8:1-3)
B. Disciples are those who learn and
follow Jesus' teachings (8:4-21)
C. Jesus is Lord over
threatening forces (8:22-25)
D. Jesus is Lord over demonic
forces (8:26-39)
E. Jesus is Lord over incurable diseases
and death (8:40-56)
F. Jesus' disciples are empowered to
carry out His mission (9:1-6)
G. Jesus' power was obvious
to Herod (9:7-9)
H. Jesus' power satisfies human need
(9:10-17)
I. God's kingdom is revealed in self-sacrificing
suffering (9:18-27)
J. God, Moses, and Elijah affirmed
Jesus' sonship (9:28-36)
K. Sacrificial commitment to the
kingdom's mission is the source of kingdom power (9:37-45)
L. Faith and commitment are the source of true greatness
(9:46-50)
VI. The Kingdom Is Characterized by
Faithful Ministry and Witness (9:51-13:21)
A.
Unavoidable climax to Jesus' ministry awaited Him in Jerusalem
(9:51-56)
B. Kingdom service takes top priority
(9:57-62)
C. Nearing judgment calls for courageous witness
(10:1-16)
D. The kingdom's mission requires joyful
participation (10:17-20)
E. Prophets looked for Jesus'
revelation of God (10:21-24)
F. Kingdom leaders provide
loving ministry to others (10:25-37)
G. A disciple's top
priority is learning the Master's teaching (10:38-42)
H.
The Model Prayer characterizes kingdom members (11:1-13)
I. The kingdom's nearness is demonstrated in Jesus' power over demons
(11:14-28)
J. The Son of Man is the only sign of the
kingdom (11:29-32)
K. The kingdom brings true light
(11:33-36)
L. Kingdom members help the needy
(11:37-54)
M. Kingdom members boldly witness to the Son of
Man (12:1-12)
N. Kingdom members seek the kingdom of God
first (12:13-34)
O. Kingdom members are ready for the
Master's return (12:35-48)
P. Disciples cannot avoid
opposition and division (12:49-53)
Q. Now is the time for
repentence (12:54-13:9)
R. The kingdom frees from human
regulations and satanic domination (13:10-17)
S. The
kingdom grows in a steady, surprising way (13:18-21)
VII. Entrance requirements for the kingdom
(13:22-19:27)
A. Entrance not governed by human
standards (13:22-30)
B. Jesus' destiny not governed by
humans (13:31-35)
C. Kingdom conduct is governed by
concern for people (14:1-14)
D. Kingdom membership
requires only acceptance of Jesus' invitation (14:15-24)
E. Kingdom membership requires total allegiance (14:25-35)
F. Sinners are joyfully accepted into kingdom (15:1-32)
G.
Earthly treasure should serve kingdom purposes and should never be one's
master (16:1-13)
H. The kingdom fulfills the Old Testament
(16:14-31)
I. Kingdom membership requires forgiveness and
service (17:1-10)
J. Faith is the only entrance
requirement for the kingdom (17:11-19)
K. Kingdom members
prepare for the sudden return of Jesus (17:20-37)
L.
Kingdom members are persistent in prayer (18:1-8)
M.
Kingdom membership requires trusting humility (18:9-17)
N.
Obedient faith qualifies one for the kingdom (18:18-30)
O.
Discipleship requires allegiance to the Suffering Servant
(18:31-43)
P. Recognition of lostness is necessary for
kingdom membership (19:1-10)
Q. Kingdom membership
requires loyal service and patient waiting (19:11-27)
VIII. Jesus' Kingdom Power Aroused Opposition
(19:28-22:6)
A. Israel rejected its promised King
(19:28-44)
B. Jesus exercised authority in the Temple
(19:45-20:19)
C. Jesus exercised God's authority
(20:20-26)
D. Jesus' understanding was greater than that
of Sadducees (20:27-40)
E. Messiah's role was greater than
the political role of David (20:41-44)
F. False religious
leaders face judgment (20:45-47)
G. Value of kingdom
stewardship is determined by generosity (21:1-4)
H. The
Son of man controls the future (21:5-36)
I. Human
betrayal, not popular demand or legal justice, led to Jesus' arrest
(21:37-22:6)
IX. Jesus Died as the True
Passover Lamb (22:7-23:56)
A. Jesus' Passover
sacrifice opens the door for kingdom service and rule
(22:7-30)
B. Participation in Jesus' Passover brings
satanic and human opposition (22:31-38)
C. Participation
in Jesus' Passover demands prayer (22:39-46)
D. Spiritual
darkness is responsible for Jesus' death (22:47-53)
E.
Refusal to participate in Jesus' Passover brings sorrow
(22:54-62)
F. Jesus was crucified because of religious
blindness and pride (22:63-71)
G. Crowd approval, not
guilt, led to Jesus' crucifixion (23:1-25)
H. Corrupt
religious systems are judged by Jesus' crucifixion
(23:26-31)
I. Jesus responded to opponents with
forgiveness (23:32-34)
J. Jesus died to bring sinners into
the kingdom (23:35-43)
K. Jesus showed faith and control in
death (23:44-46)
L. Jesus died unjustly as a righteous Man
(23:47-49)
M. Jesus' burial proves His death
(23:50-56)
X. Jesus' Resurrection Is the
Doorway to Faith and Mission (24:1-53)
A. Jesus'
resurrection fulfilled prophecy, confirmed Jesus' teaching, and awakened
faith (24:1-45)
B. Jesus' resurrection prepared for the
church's gospel of forgiveness (24:46-48)
C. Church needed
Spirit before undertaking mission (24:49)
D. Jesus'
ascension leads church to worship (24:50-53)
|
4.John - Outline (21):
4-- John 20:30,31
30 "And
truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His
disciples,
which are not written in this book;
31 but these
are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the
Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His
name."
I. Birth and preparation of
Jesus, the Son of God (1:1-2:11)
A. God became a
human being (1:1-18)
B. John the Baptist declares his
mission (1:19-28)
C. John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as
the Messiah (1:29-34)
D. The first disciples follow Jesus
(1:35-51)
E. Jesus turns water into wine
(2:1-11)
II. Message and ministry of Jesus, the
Son of God (2:12-12:50)
A.
Jesus encounters belief and unbelief from the people
(2:12-6:71)
1. Jesus clears
the temple (2:12-25)
2. Nicodemus
visits Jesus at night (3:1-21)
3.
John the Baptist tells more about Jesus
(3:22-36)
4. Jesus talks to a
woman at the well (4:1-26)
5.
Jesus tells about the spiritual harvest
(4:27-38)
6. Many Samaritans
believe in Jesus (4:39-42)
7.
Jesus preaches in Galilee
(4:43-45)
8. Jesus heals a
government official's son
(4:46-54)
9. Jesus heals a lame
man by the pool (5:1-18)
10. Jesus
claims to be God's son (5:19-30)
11. Jesus supports his claim
(5:31-47)
12. Jesus feeds five
thousand (6:1-15)
13. Jesus walks
on water (6:16-21)
14. Jesus is
the true bread from heaven
(6:22-40)
15. The Jews disagree
that Jesus is from heaven
(6:41-59)
16. Many disciples
desert Jesus (6:60-71)
B. Jesus
encounters conflict with the religious leaders
(7:1-10:42)
1. Jesus'
brothers ridicule him (7:1-9)
2.
Jesus teaches openly at the temple
(7:10-31)
3. Religious leaders
attempt to arrest Jesus (7:32-52)
4. Jesus forgives an adulterous woman
(7:53-8:11)
5. Jesus is the light
of the world (8:12-20)
6. Jesus
warns of coming judgment (8:21-30)
7. Jesus speaks about God's true children
(8:31-47)
8. Jesus states He is
eternal (8:48-59)
9. Jesus heals
the man who was born blind
(9:1-12)
10. Religious leaders
question the blind man (9:13-34)
11. Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness
(9:35-41)
12. Jesus is the Good
Shepherd (10:1-21)
13. Religious
leaders surround Jesus at the temple (10:22-42)
C. Jesus encounters crucial events in Jerusalem
(11:1-12:50)
1. Lazarus
becomes ill and dies (11:1-16)
2.
Jesus comforts Mary and Martha
(11:17-37)
3. Jesus raises Lazarus
from the dead (11:38-44)
4.
Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus
(11:45-57)
5. A woman anoints
Jesus with perfume (12:1-11)
6.
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey
(12:12-19)
7. Jesus explains why
He must die (12:20-36)
8. Most of
the people do not believe in Jesus
(12:37-43)
9. Jesus summarizes His
message (12:44-50)
III. Death and resurrection
of Jesus, the Son of God (13:1-21:25)
A. Jesus teaches His disciples
(13:1-17:26)
1. Jesus
washes the disciples' feet
(13:1-20)
2. Jesus and the
disciples have the Last Supper
(13:21-30)
3. Jesus predicts
Peter's denial (13:31-38)
4. Jesus
is the way to the Father (14:1-14)
5. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit
(14:15-31)
6. Jesus teaches about
the vine and the branches
(15:1-17)
7. Jesus warns about the
world's hatred (15:18-16:4)
8.
Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit
(16:5-15)
9. Jesus teaches about
using His name in prayer
(16:16-33)
10. Jesus prays for
Himself (17:1-5)
11. Jesus prays
for His disciples (17:6-19)
12.
Jesus prays for future believers (17:20-26)
B. Jesus completes His mission
(18:1-21:25)
1. Jesus is
betrayed and arrested (18:1-11)
2.
Annas questions Jesus (18:12-24)
3. Peter denies knowing Jesus
(18:25-27)
4. Jesus stands trial
before Pilate (18:28-37)
5. Pilate
hands Jesus over to be crucified
(18:38-19:16)
6. Jesus is led away
to be crucified (19:17-27)
7.
Jesus dies on the cross (19:28-37)
8. Jesus is laid in the tomb
(19:38-42)
9. Jesus rises from the
dead (20:1-9)
10. Jesus appears to
Mary Magdalene (20:10-18)
11.
Jesus appears to the disciples behind locked doors
(20:19-23)
12. Jesus appears to
the disciples including Thomas
(20:24-31)
13. Jesus appears to
the disciples while fishing
(21:1-14)
14. Jesus talks with
Peter (21:15-25)
**************************************************
4.JOHN
I. The Prologue (1:1-18)
II. Jesus Before the World (1:19-12:50)
A. Calling Disciples (1:19-2:11)
B. The Temple and Nicodemus (2:12-3:21)
C. An interlude in Judea (3:22-36)
D. The Samaritan woman and the nobleman (4:1-54)
E. The man at the pool of Bethesda (5:1-47)
F. Feeding the multitude (6:1-71)
G. Confrontation in Jerusalem (7:1-8:59)
H. The blind man and the shepherd's sheep (9:1-10:42)
I. The raising of Lazarus (11:1-54)
J. Preparations for the Passover (11:55-12:50)
III. Jesus with His Own (13:1-20:31)
A. The Farewell Discourse (13:1-17:26)
1. The footwashing (13:1-30)
2. The Farewell Discourse: Part 1 (13:31-14:31)
3. The Farewell Discourse: Part 2 (15:1-16:4)
4. The Farewell Discourse: Part 3 (16:5-33)
5. The high priestly prayer (17:1-26)
B. The trial of Jesus [18:1-19:16a] (18:1-19:16)
C. The death of Jesus [19:16b-42] (19:17-42)
D. The resurrection of Jesus (20:1-29)
E. Conclusion (20:30-31)
IV. Epilogue (21:1-25)
|
5.Acts - Outline (28):
5-- Acts 1:8
"But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be
My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to
the ends of the earth."
I. Peter's ministry (1:1-12:25)
A. Establishment of the church (1:1-7:60)
1. Jesus taken up into heaven (1:1-11)
2. Matthias chosen to replace Judas (1:12-26)
3. The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (2:1-13)
4. Peter addresses the crowd (2:14-41)
5. The fellowship of the believers (2:42-47)
6. Peter heals the crippled beggar (3:1-10)
7. Peter speaks to the onlookers (3:11-26)
8. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (4:1-22)
9. The believers' prayer (4:23-31)
10. The believers share their possessions (4:32-37)
11. Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11)
12. The apostles heal many (5:12-16)
13. The apostles persecuted (5:17-42)
14. The choosing of the seven (6:1-7)
15. Stephen seized (6:8-15)
16. Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin (7:1-53)
17. The stoning of Stephen (7:54-60)
B. Expansion of the church (8:1-12:25)
1. The church persecuted and scattered (8:1-3)
2. Philip in Samaria (8:4-8)
3. Simon the sorcerer (8:9-25)
4. Philip and the Ethiopian (8:26-40)
5. Saul's conversion (9:1-19)
6. Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem (9:20-31)
7. Aeneas and Dorcas (9:32-43)
8. Cornelius calls for Peter (10:1-8)
9. Peter's vision (10:9-23)
10. Peter at Cornelius' house (10:24-48)
11. Peter explains his actions (11:1-18)
12. The church in Antioch (11:19-30)
13. Peter's miraculous escape from prison (12:1-19)
14. Herod's death (12:20-25)
II. Paul's ministry (13:1-28:31)
A. First missionary journey (13:1-14:28)
1. Barnabas and Saul sent off (13:1-3)
2. On Cyprus (13:4-12)
3. In Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52)
4. In Iconium (14:1-7)
5. In Lystra and Derbe (14:8-20)
6. The return to Antioch in Syria (14:21-28)
B. The council at Jerusalem (15:1-35)
1. The council's letter to Gentile believers (15:22-35)
C. Second missionary journey (15:36-18:22)
1. Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41)
2. Timothy joins Paul and Silas (16:1-5)
3. Paul's vision of the man of Macedonia (16:6-10)
4. Lydia's conversion in Philippi (16:11-15)
5. Paul and Silas in prison (16:16-40)
6. In Thessalonica (17:1-9)
7. In Berea (17:10-15)
8. In Athens (17:16-34)
9. In Corinth (18:1-17)
10. Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos (18:18-22)
D. Third missionary journey (18:23-21:16)
1. Paul in Ephesus (19:1-22)
2. The riot in Ephesus (19:23-41)
3. Through Macedonia and Greece (20:1-6)
4. Eutychus raised from the dead at Troas (20:7-12)
5. Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders (20:13-38)
6. On to Jerusalem (21:1-16)
E. Paul on trial (21:17-28:31)
1. Paul's arrival at Jerusalem (21:17-26)
2. Paul arrested (21:27-36)
3. Paul speaks to the crowd (21:37-22:21)
4. Paul the Roman citizen (22:22-29)
5. Before the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:11)
6. The plot to kill Paul (23:12-22)
7. Paul transferred to Caesarea (23:23-35)
8. The trial before Felix (24:1-27)
9. The trial before Festus (25:1-12)
10. Festus consults King Agrippa (25:13-22)
11. Paul before Agrippa (25:23-26:32)
12. Paul sails for Rome (27:1-12)
13. The storm (27:13-26)
14. The shipwreck (27:27-44)
15. Ashore on Malta (28:1-10)
16. Arrival at Rome (28:11-16)
17. Paul preaches at Rome under Guard (28:17-31)
**************************************************
5.ACTS
I. God Prepared
for Jesus' Mission to Continue (1:1-7:60)
A. Jesus'
resurrection and ascension prepared for the Spirit's coming with power
(1:1-11)
B. The waiting church organized for mission
(1:12-26)
C. The Spirit empowered God's people for mission
(2:1-4)
D. The gospel overcomes ridicule to unify
(2:5-47)
E. The gospel overcomes imprisonment to add to
the church (3:1-4:4)
F. The gospel overcomes tradition and
threats, increasing the church's power, unity, and generosity
(4:5-37)
G. The Spirit overcomes Satan's temptations of greed
and pride (5:1-16)
H. God overcomes human jealousy and fear
(5:17-42)
I. Spirit-filled leaders help the church overcome
disputes and continue to grow (6:1-15)
J. False accusers and
persecution cannot halt the church's mission (7:1-60)
II. God Overcomes Human Barriers to Continue Jesus' Mission
(8:1-13:52)
A. God overcomes cultural barriers
(8:1-40)
B. God overcomes organized opposition
(9:1-31)
C. God overcomes physical barriers
(9:32-43)
D. God overcomes racial barriers
(10:1-11:30)
E. God overcomes political persecution
(12:1-25)
F. God overcomes sorcery
(13:1-12)
G. God expands the mission to "pagan peoples"
(13:13-52)
III. God Expands Jesus' Mission
through Geographical Boundaries (14:1-20:12)
A.
Persecution helps spread missionary work (14:1-7)
B.
Missions honors God, not missionaries, and maintains strong ties with the
sending church (14:8-28)
C. Missions is based on salvation
by grace through faith without ritual burdens (15:1-35)
D.
Missionaries can disagree and spread the gospel (15:36-41)
E. God leads missionaries in new paths (16:1-40)
F. God
can use the jealousy of religious people and the power of intellectual
argument to spread His gospel (17:1-34)
G. Missionaries
preach fearlessly and follow God's will (18:1-23)
H.
Missionaries need accurate understanding as well as zeal and fervor
(18:24-28)
I. Missionaries lead people to baptism in
Jesus' name and to receive God's Spirit (19:1-8)
J. God
disciplines those who seek personal gain through false use of Jesus' name
(19:9-41)
K. Missionaries visit new churches to strengthen
the converts (20:1-12)
IV. Human Limits Cannot
Hinder Jesus' Mission (20:13-28:31)
A. Missionaries
testify of Christ, even in the face of danger (20:13-24)
B. Missionaries train leaders to carry on their work
(20:25-38)
C. Missionaries must be willing to die for the
faith (21:1-14)
D. Missionaries use every opportunity to
share their personal testimonies (21:15-22:21)
E.
Missionaries use political rights to gain further opportunities to witness
(22:22-23:11)
F. God protects His missionaries against
religious enemies (23:12-35)
G. Enemies cannot prove their
case against God's missionaries (24:1-25:27)
H.
Imprisonment lets missionaries preach forgiveness
(26:1-32)
I. God can protect His missionaries against
danger (27:1-28:10)
J. God uses fellow Christians to
encourage enchained missionaries (28:11-16)
K. Even
foreign prisons cannot keep God's missionaries from preaching the gospel
(28:17-31)
|
6.Romans - Outline
(16):
6-- Romans 5:1
"Therefore, since we have been justified through
faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ."
I. What to believe (1:1-11:36)
A. Sinfulness of mankind (1:1-3:20)
1. Paul's longing to visit Rome (1:8-17)
2. God's wrath against mankind (1:18-32)
3. God's righteous judgment (2:1-16)
4. The Jews and the law (2:17-29)
5. God's faithfulness (3:1-8)
6. No one is righteous (3:9-20)
B. Forgiveness of sin through Christ (3:21-5:21)
1. Righteousness through faith (3:21-31)
2. Abraham justified by faith (4:1-25)
3. Peace and Joy (5:1-11)
4. Death through Adam, life through Christ (5:12-21)
C. Freedom from sin's grasp (6:1-8:39)
1. Dead to sin, alive in Christ (6:1-14)
2. Slaves to righteousness (6:15-23)
3. An illustration from marriage (7:1-6)
4. Struggling with sin (7:7-25)
5. Life through the Spirit (8:1-17)
6. Future glory (8:18-27)
7. More than conquerors (8:28-39)
D. Israel's past, present, and future (9:1-11:36)
1. God's sovereign choice (9:1-29)
2. Israel's unbelief (9:30-10:21)
3. The remnant of Israel (11:1-10)
4. Ingrafted branches (11:11-24)
5. All Israel will be saved (11:25-32)
6. Doxology (11:33-36)
II. How to behave (12:1-16:27)
A. Personal responsibility (12:1-15:13)
1. Living sacrifices (12:1-8)
2. Love (12:9-21)
3. Submission to the authorities (13:1-7)
4. Love, for the day is near (13:8-14)
5. The weak and the strong (14:1-15:13)
B. Personal notes (15:14-16:27)
1. Paul the minister to the Gentiles (15:14-22)
2. Paul's plan to visit Rome (15:23-33)
3. Personal greetings (16:1-27)
**************************************************
6.ROMANS
I. Introduction: Qualifications
and Reason for Writing (1:1-15)
A. Apostolic
calling qualifies the author (1:1-7)
B. Grateful,
prayerful concern for the readers motivates the writing
(1:8-15)
II. Theme: The Power for Salvation and
the Righteousness of God Are Revealed (1:16-17)
III. All People Need Salvation from the Power of Sin
(1:18-3:20)
A. The power of sin rules among the
Gentiles (1:18-32)
1. The Gentiles
reject the knowledge of God
(1:18-23)
2. The Gentiles
experience the results of rebellion against God (1:24-32)
B. The power of sin rules among the Jews
(2:1-3:8)
1. The Jews demonstrate
their disobedience (2:1-16)
2. The
Jews confuse privilege and responsibility (2:17-3:8)
C.
All humanity--Jews and Gentiles--stand under the power of sin
(3:9-20)
IV. God Provides Righteousness through
Jesus Christ on the Basis of Faith (3:21-4:25)
A.
God manifests His righteousness
(3:21-26)
1. God's righteousness
is through faith (3:21-23)
2.
God's righteousness is through the blood of Christ [3:24-25a]
(3:24-25)
3. God's righteousness
is shown in His passing over former sins [3:25b-26] (3:26)
B. Justification is by faith for all persons
(3:27-4:25)
1. Justifying faith
excludes all boasting (3:27-31)
2.
The example of Abraham confirms justification by faith
(4:1-25)
V. Salvation in Christ Results in
Victorious New Life (5:1-8:39)
A.
Justification results in peace and righteousness
(5:1-21)
1. Peace with God results
in rejoicing in all circumstances
(5:1-11)
2. Christ reverses the
results of Adam's sin (5:12-21)
B. Christian life is a
victorious struggle with sin
(6:1-7:25)
1. Faith unites
believers in dying and rising with Christ
(6:1-11)
2. Believers are not
slaves of sin, but of righteousness
(6:12-23)
3. Dying with Christ
sets us free from law (7:1-6)
4.
Struggle with sin is defeat without Christ (7:7-25)
C. The
Spirit of Christ is the power of the Christian's life
(8:1-39)
1. The Spirit is the power for
freedom from sin (8:1-4)
2. Life in the
Spirit is the opposite of life in the flesh
(8:5-11)
3. The Spirit creates and
witnesses to our status as God's children
(8:12-17)
4. The Spirit confers
victorious life (8:18-39)
VI. God Is Faithful
in All His Promises (9:1-11:36)
A. Paul grieves
over Israel's rejection of Christ (9:1-5)
B. God's
sovereignty is displayed in His dealings with Israel
(9:6-29)
1. God's sovereignty is
illustrated in His elective choices
(9:6-13)
2. God's sovereignty is
seen in His mercy (9:14-18)
3. God
has chosen both Jews and Gentiles (9:19-29)
C. Israel's
freedom to choose explains her rejection of Christ
(9:30-10:21)
1. Israel chose works
rather than faith (9:30-33)
2.
Israel rejected righteousness based on faith
(10:1-15)
3. Israel refuses to
hear and obey (10:16-21)
D. God's righteousness is
displayed in His mercy (11:1-36)
1. The saved remnant of Jews shows God's mercy
(11:1-6)
2. The salvation extended
to the Gentiles shows God's mercy
(11:7-24)
3. All persons--Jews and
Gentiles--are dependent on God's mercy
(11:25-32)
4. God deserves praise
for His judgments (11:33-36)
VII. The Saving
Mercy of God in Christ Summons Christians to Obedience
(12:1-15:13)
A. Theme of the exhortations:
Christians need to be transformed (12:1-2)
B. Christians
must be responsible members of the body of Christ
(12:3-21)
1. Christians need to
view themselves and others appropriately
(12:3-5)
2. Christians must
express their different gifts in faith
(12:6-13)
3. Christian life
demands love in action (12:14-21)
C. Christians must
fulfill their appropriate obligations to the state
(13:1-7)
D. Christians must remember the supremacy of love
and the urgency of the times
(13:8-14)
1. Love fulfills the law
(13:8-10)
2. The critical nature
of the times calls for radical commitment to Christ
(13:11-14)
E. Christians must seek to edify one another in
the fellowship of the church
(14:1-15:13)
1. The strong and the
weak in the church must realize that Christ is the Lord of both groups
(14:1-12)
2. Christians should
live by their own convictions, pursue harmony, and avoid making others
stumble (14:13-23)
3. Strong
Christians are obligated to bear with and live in harmony with the weak
(15:1-6)
4. All Christians are to
receive one another as Christ has received them (15:7-13)
VIII. Conclusion (15:14-16:27)
|
7.1 Corinthians - Outline
(16):
7-- 1 Corinthians 1:10
"I
appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ,
that all of you agree ith one another so that there may
be no divisions
among you and that you may be perfectly united in
mind and thought."
I. Paul addresses
church problems (1:1-6:20)
1. Thanksgiving (1:4-9)
A. Divisions
in the church (1:10-4:21)
1. Christ the wisdom and power of God
(1:18-2:5)
2. Wisdom from the
Spirit (2:6-16)
3. On divisions in
the church (3:1-23)
4. Apostles of
Christ (4:1-21)
B. Disorder in the
church (5:1-6:20)
1. Expel
the immoral brother! (5:1-13)
2.
Lawsuits among believers (6:1-11)
3. Sexual immorality (6:12-20)
II. Paul answers
church questions (7:1-16:24)
A.
Instruction on Christian marriage (7:1-40)
B. Instruction
on Christian freedom
(8:1-11:1)
1. Food
sacrificed to idols (8:1-13)
2.
The rights of an apostle (9:1-27)
3. Warnings from Israel's history
(10:1-13)
4. Idol feasts and the
Lord's Supper (10:14-22)
5. The
believer's freedom (10:23-11:1)
C.
Instruction on public worship
(11:2-14:40)
1. Propriety
in worship (11:2-16)
2. The Lord's
Supper (11:17-34)
3. Spiritual
gifts (12:1-11)
4. One body, many
parts (12:12-31)
5. Love
(13:1-13)
6. Gifts of prophecy and
tongues (14:1-25)
7. Orderly
worship (14:26-40)
D. Instruction on
the resurrection
(15:1-16:24)
1. The
resurrection of Christ (15:1-11)
2. The resurrection of the dead
(15:12-34)
3. The resurrection
body (15:35-58)
4. The collection
for God's people (16:1-4)
5.
Personal requests (16:5-18)
6.
Final greetings (16:19-24)
**************************************************
7.1
CORINTHIANS
I. Introduction (1:1-9)
II. Divisions Revealing Carnality and Immaturity Rather than Growth under the Lordship of Christ (1:10-4:21)
A. Fragmentized by a party spirit (1:10-17)
B. Christ crucified: a stumbling block to the world in its wisdom, yet the power and wisdom of God (1:18-31)
C. Paul's preaching by the power of God, not by the wisdom of the world (2:1-5)
D. God's wisdom revealed to those having the mind of Christ (2:6-16)
E. The inability of the Corinthians to receive the full message of the gospel (3:1-9)
F. Responsibility and judgment (3:10-23)
G. The role of the apostles--"ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (4:1-13)
H. The intent of Paul's rebuke--not to shame but to admonish (4:14-21)
III. Problems of Sexual Immorality (5:1-6:20)
A. A case of incest (5:1-8)
B. The right attitude and relationship of the church to fornicators (5:9-13)
C. Litigation in pagan courts (6:1-8)
D. The right attitude and relationship of the church to fornicators (6:9-11)
E. The error of antinomianism in relation to sex (6:12-20)
IV. Marriage and Celibacy (7:1-40)
A. The sexual relation in marriage (7:1-7)
B. Advice to the unmarried in view of the sex drive (7:8-9)
C. Admonition to Christian partners to remain married (7:10-11)
D. The Christian's responsibility when the marriage partner is not a Christian (7:12-24)
E. Circumstances under which Paul advised the unmarried to remain as they were (7:25-35)
F. The responsibility of a father for his virgin daughter (7:36-38)
G. Advice to widows (7:39-40)
V. Meat Offered to Idols and Christian Liberty (8:1-11:1)
A. Liberty and responsibility in relation to meat offered to idols (8:1-13)
B. Paul's own surrender of apostolic privileges (9:1-23)
C. The necessity for self-discipline (9:24-27)
D. Admonition from Israel's wilderness history (10:1-13)
E. The impossibility of partaking both of the table of the Lord and the table of demons (10:14-22)
F. A summary of guiding principles (10:23-11:1)
VI. Problems in Public Worship (11:2-14:40)
A. The veiling of women (11:2-16)
B. Disorders connected with the Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
C. Spiritual gifts and the supremacy of love (12:1-14:40)
VII. The Resurrection (15:1-58)
A. The resurrection of Jesus (15:1-29)
B. The relevance of the hope of the resurrection for the struggles of this life (15:30-34)
C. The resurrection of the body (15:35-58)
VIII. Practical and Personal Matters (16:1-24)
|
8.2 Corinthians - Outline
(13):
8-- 2 Corinthians
5:20
"We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God
is using us to speak to you.
We urge you, as though Christ
Himself were here pleading with you,
"Be reconciled to
God!"
I. Paul explains his actions
(1:1-2:11)
A. The God of all comfort
(1:3-11)
B. Paul's change of plans
(1:12-2:4)
C. Forgiveness for the sinner
(2:5-11)
II. Paul defends his ministry
(2:12-7:16)
A. Ministers of the new covenant
(2:12-3:6)
B. The glory of the new covenant
(3:7-18)
C. Treasures in jars of clay
(4:1-18)
D. Our heavenly dwelling (5:1-10)
E. The ministry of reconciliation (5:11-6:2)
F. Paul's
hardships (6:3-13)
G. Do not be yoked with unbelievers
(6:14-7:1)
H. Paul's joy (7:2-16)
III. Paul defends the collection
(8:1-9:15)
A. Generosity encouraged
(8:1-15)
B. Titus sent to Corinth
(8:16-9:5)
C. Sowing generously (9:6-15)
IV. Paul defends his authority
(10:1-13:14)
A. Paul and the false apostles
(11:1-15)
B. Paul boasts about his sufferings
(11:16-33)
C. Paul's vision and his thorn
(12:1-10)
D. Paul's concern for the Corinthians
(12:11-21)
E. Final warnings (13:1-10)
F.
Final greetings (13:11-14)
**************************************************
8.2
CORINTHIANS
I. Salutation (1:1-3)
II. The Nature of Apostolic Ministry (1:4-7:16)
A. Defined in terms of Paul's relations with the Corinthians (1:4-2:17)
B. Defined in light of its glory and shame (3:1-7:16)
III. The Expression of Apostolic Ministry Through the Collection for Jerusalem (8:1-9:15)
A. Examples of sacrificial giving (8:1-15)
B. Care in handling the collection (8:16-24)
C. An appeal for a generous response (9:1-15)
IV. Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Ministry (10:1-12:13)
A. Defended by answering allegations (10:1-18)
B. Defended by resorting to the foolishness of boasting (11:1-12:13)
V. Paul's Future Plans (12:14-13:10)
A. Anticipation of a third visit to Corinth (12:14-21)
B. Paul's warning that he will deal forthrightly when he comes (13:1-10)
VI. Farewell (13:11-14)
|
9.Galatians - Outline
(6):
9-- Galatians
5:1
"It is for freedom that Christ has set
us free. Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened
again by a yoke of slavery."
I.
Authenticity of the gospel (1:1-2:21)
A. No other
gospel (1:6-10)
B. Paul called by God
(1:11-24)
C. Paul accepted by the apostles
(2:1-10)
D. Paul opposes Peter (2:11-21)
II. Superiority of the gospel
(3:1-4:31)
A. Faith or observance of the law
(3:1-14)
B. The law and the promise
(3:15-25)
C. Sons of God (3:26-4:7)
D.
Paul's concern for the Galatians (4:8-20)
E. Hagar and
Sarah (4:21-31)
III. Freedom of the gospel
(5:1-6:18)
A. Freedom in Christ
(5:1-15)
B. Life by the Spirit (5:16-26)
C. Doing good to all (6:1-10)
D. Not circumcision but a
new creation (6:11-18)
**************************************************
9.GALATIANS
I. The Players (1:1-5)
A. Paul's credentials came not from humans but from the risen Christ (1:1)
B. The churches of Galatia receive grace and peace (1:2)
C. Christ gave Himself for our sins (1:3-5)
II. The Problem: The Nature of the Gospel (1:6-10)
A. People who follow a different gospel desert God (1:6)
B. People who advocate another gospel confuse the church (1:7)
C. People who preach another gospel are condemned eternally (1:8-9)
D. The minister of the true gospel pleases God, not people (1:10)
III. The Answer, Part I: Believers Are Justified Simply by Faith in Christ (1:11-5:12)
A. Personal example proves faith is the only requirement to be right with God (1:11-2:21)
1. The gospel comes from Christ, not people (1:11-24)
2. The gospel of grace has apostolic endorsement (2:1-10)
3. Whoever adds to the gospel of grace is a hypocrite (2:11-14)
4. Faith in Christ saves, but legalism cannot save (2:15-21)
B. To return to legalism is to accept slavery instead of sonship (3:1-5:12)
1. Faith in the crucified Christ, not legalism, brings the indwelling Spirit (3:1-5)
2. Abraham's inheritance comes through faith to both Jews and non-Jews (3:6-9)
3. Christ has provided redemption for all who believe (3:10-14)
4. Christ is the true heir of Abraham (3:15-16)
5. The law cannot annul the justification by faith promised to Abraham (3:17-22)
6. The law was used as a tutor to bring believers to Christ (3:23-25)
7. Faith in and baptism into Christ make us one in Christ (3:26-29)
8. The law acted as guardian until believers became full sons of God through Christ's redemption (4:1-7)
9. Return to legalism from faith is a son's return to slavery (4:8-11)
10. Zeal must be directed to the source of your joy--Christ (4:12-19)
11. Interpretation of Scripture shows legalism leads to slavery, while Christ leads to the promised freedom of sons (4:20-5:1)
12. Return to legalism is to fall away from the grace of Christ, which expresses itself in love (5:2-12)
IV. The Answer, Part 2: Believers Are Justified Simply by Faith in Christ to Serve Freely in the Spirit through Love (5:13-6:10)
A. Scripture shows love fulfills the whole law (5:13-15)
B. Life in the Spirit overcomes the weakness of the law (5:16-24)
1. Life under the law stands in direct conflict with life in the Spirit (5:16-18)
2. Sinners will not inherit God's kingdom (5:19-21)
3. The fruit of the Spirit fulfills the intention of the law (5:22-23)
4. Life in Christ crucifies fleshly desires (5:24)
C. Believers should live and walk by the Spirit (5:25-6:10)
1. Life in the Spirit leaves no room for pride and envy (5:25-26)
2. Life in the Spirit leads us to help one another, even one who is wayward (6:1-2)
3. Life in the Spirit leads to a realistic self-appraisal (6:3-5)
4. Life in the Spirit leads to sharing with Christian teachers (6:6)
5. Sowing to physical pleasure reaps destruction, while sowing to please the Spirit reaps eternal life (6:7-9)
6. Life in the Spirit does good to all people, especially Christians (6:10)
V. Conclusion: Boast Only that You Are New Creations in Christ (6:11-18)
A. Summary (6:11-17)
1. Legalism is not true to its own claims (6:11-13)
a. Legalism seeks to impress others, not God (6:11)
b. Legalism wants to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ (6:12)
c. Legalists boast of controlling others rather than keeping the law themselves (6:13)
2. Christ recreates us to meet God's claims (6:14-17)
a. Christians glory in the cross of Christ through which worldly values are crucified (6:14)
b. In Christ legal requirements are unimportant, for the believer has new values and desires (6:15)
c. New creatures in Christ form the true Israel of God (6:16)
d. Personal experience shows the teaching to be trustworthy (6:17)
B. Farewell: May Christ's grace be with the Christian family (6:18)
|
10.Ephesians - Outline
(6):
10-- Ephesians
4:4-6
4 "There is one body and one
Spirit—
just as you were called to one hope when you were called
--
5 one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
6 one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all."
I. Unity in Christ (1:1-3:21)
A.
Spiritual blessings in Christ (1:3-14)
B. Thanksgiving and
prayer (1:15-23)
C. Made alive in Christ
(2:1-10)
D. One in Christ (2:11-22)
E.
Paul the preacher to the Gentiles (3:1-13)
F. A prayer for
the Ephesians (3:14-21)
II. Unity in the body
of Christ (4:1-6:24)
A. Living as children of light
(4:17-5:21)
B. Wives and husbands
(5:22-33)
C. Children and parents (6:1-4)
D. Slaves and masters (6:5-9)
E. The armor of God
(6:10-20)
F. Final greetings
(6:21-24)
**************************************************
10.EPHESIANS
I. Salutation: The apostle greets the church (1:1-2)
II. Theology: The plan of redemption leads to the propagation of redemption (1:3-3:21)
A. The plan of redemption (1:3-14)
1. The work of the Father: He has blessed and chosen us in Christ, predestining us for sonship in Him (1:3-6)
2. The work of the Son: He brings redemption and forgiveness from sin through His blood (1:7-12)
3. The work of the Spirit: He seals us as God's cherished possession (1:13-14)
B. The blessings of redemption (1:15-2:10)
1. A clear insight into the nature of redemption (1:15-19)
2. A full insight into the nature of Christ (1:20-23)
3. A transition from spiritual death to spiritual life (2:1-9)
4. A life of good works wrought out in Christ (2:10)
C. The propagation of redemption (2:11-3:21)
1. Redemption is for all without regard to race (2:11-13)
2. Redemption makes all people one in Christ (2:14-22)
3. Redemption is to be revealed to people through other people (3:1-13)
4. Redemption has a goal: revelation of the nature of God's love through Christ (3:14-21)
III. Ethics: Redemption is applied in church life, personal life, and domestic life (4:1-6:9)
A. The application of redemption in church life (4:1-16)
1. The Holy Spirit produces unity (4:1-6)
2. Christ provides a diversity of gifts (4:7-11)
3. The Spirit's unity and Christ's gifts result in maturity (4:12-16)
B. The application of redemption in personal life (4:17-5:21)
1. Desires and practices of old life are ended (4:17-32)
2. In the new way of life the redeemed learn to walk in love (5:1-5)
3. In the new way of life the redeemed learn to walk in light (5:6-14)
4. In the new way of life the redeemed learn to walk in wisdom (5:15-21)
C. The application of redemption in domestic life (5:22-6:9)
1. Mutual duties of husbands and wives to each other (5:22-33)
2. Mutual duties of parents and children to each other (6:1-4)
3. Mutual duties of masters and servants to each other (6:5-9)
IV. Conclusion: Prepare for the spiritual conflict of life (6:10-24)
A. Know God is your Ally and Satan your enemy (6:10-12)
B. Put on the armor God supplies (6:13-17)
C. Pray for boldness for Christian leaders (6:18-20)
D. Communicate with and encourage one another (6:21-22)
E. Live under God's benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace (6:23-24)
|
11.Philippians - Outline
(4):
11-- Philippians
4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say
it again: Rejoice!"
I. Joy in suffering
(1:1-30)
A. Thanksgiving and prayer
(1:3-11)
B. Paul's chains advance the gospel
(1:12-30)
II. Joy in serving
(2:1-30)
A. Imitating Christ's humility
(2:1-11)
B. Shining as stars (2:12-18)
C.
Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
III. Joy in
believing (3:1-4:1)
A. No confidence in the flesh
(3:1-11)
B. Pressing on toward the goal
(3:12-4:1)
IV. Joy in giving
(4:2-23)
A. Exhortations (4:2-9)
B.
Thanks for their gifts (4:10-20)
C. Final greetings
(4:21-23)
**************************************************
11.PHILIPPIANS
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. Introduction (1:3-26)
A. Thanksgiving prayer (1:3-11)
B. Adverse personal circumstances may advance the gospel (1:12-26)
III. Pastoral Admonitions (1:27-2:18)
A. Admonition to consistency (1:27)
B. Admonition to courage (1:28-30)
C. Admonition to unity (2:1-11)
D. Admonition to responsibility and obedience (2:12-13)
E. Admonition to a blameless life of rejoicing (2:14-18)
IV. Pastoral Concerns (2:19-30)
A. Pastoral concern for the church's welfare (2:19-24)
B. Pastoral concern for a distressed minister (2:25-30)
V. Pastoral Warning and Encouragement (3:1-4:1)
A. Warning against legalistic zealots: Glory only in Christ (3:1-3)
B. Warning against confidence in the flesh: Place confidence only in Christ and the resurrection hope (3:4-11)
C. Warning against satisfaction with the past: Press onward to the heavenly prize (3:12-16)
D. Warning against enemies of the cross: Stand firm as citizens of heaven (3:17-4:1)
VI. Final Exhortation (4:2-9)
A. To personal reconciliation (4:2-3)
B. To joy and gentleness (4:4-5)
C. To peace of mind (4:6-7)
D. To noble thoughts (4:8-9)
VII. Conclusion (4:10-23)
A. The apostle's contentment in Christ's strength (4:10-13)
B. The apostle's appreciation for the church's stewardship (4:14-20)
C. The apostle's final greetings and benediction (4:21-23)
|
12.Colossians - Outline
(4):
12-- Colossians
2:9,10
9 "For in Christ the fullness of God
lives in a human body,
10 and you are complete through your union with
Christ.
He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the
universe."
I. What Christ has done
(1:1-2:23)
A. Thanksgiving and prayer
(1:3-14)
B. The supremacy of Christ
(1:15-23)
C. Paul's labor for the church
(1:24-2:5)
D. Freedom from human regulations through life
with Christ (2:6-23)
II. What Christians should
do (3:1-4:18)
A. Rules for holy living
(3:1-17)
B. Rules for Christian households
(3:18-4:1)
C. Further instructions (4:2-6)
D. Final greetings (4:7-18)
**************************************************
12.COLOSSIANS
I. Warnings Against Heresy (1:1-2:23)
A. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-14)
B. Christ and no other is supreme in the universe (1:15-17)
C. Christ, having reconciled all creation to God and embodying the fullness of God, is supreme in the church (1:18-20)
D. Believers experience Christ's supremacy in the saving power of the gospel (1:21-23)
E. The supreme Christ fulfills God's eternal saving purpose (1:24-29)
F. Christians should have full confidence in Christ's supremacy and forget heretical teachings (2:1-5)
G. Elemental human traditions must not lead away from faith in Christ (2:6-10)
H. Legal practices cannot supplement Christ's work of salvation on the cross (2:11-23)
II. The Supreme Rule of Christ Leads to Rules for Life with Christ (3:1-4:18)
A. Believers seek the fullness of the new life in Christ (3:1-4)
B. Life in Christ cleanses believers of old practices (3:5-11)
C. The life in Christ gives power for unity, mutual love, and forgiveness (3:12-14)
D. Church life includes mutual encouragement and worship (3:15-17)
E. Life in Christ brings faithfulness and compassion in family relationships (3:18-4:1)
F. Closing greetings and blessings for those in Christ (4:2-18)
|
13.1 Thessalonians - Outline
(5):
13-- 1 Thessalonians
4:14
"We believe that Jesus died and rose
again and so we believe that
God will bring with Jesus those who
have fallen asleep in Him."
I.
Faithfulness to the Lord (1:1-3:13)
A. Thanksgiving
for the Thessalonians' faith (1:2-10)
B. Paul's ministry
in Thessalonica (2:1-16)
C. Paul's longing to see the
Thessalonians (2:17-3:5)
D. Timothy's encouraging report
(3:6-13)
II. Watchfulness for the Lord
(4:1-5:28)
A. Living to please God
(4:1-12)
B. The coming of the Lord
(4:13-5:11)
C. Final instructions
(5:12-28)
**************************************************
13.1
THESSALONIANS
I. The Church Is Founded on Past Faithfulness (1:1-10)
A. Signature, address, and greeting (1:1)
B. Past faith, love, and hope inspire thanksgiving (1:2-3)
C. Election, power, conviction, and the Spirit brought the gospel (1:4-5)
D. Model Christian living resulted from the gospel (1:6-7)
E. Zealous witness and far-reaching Christian influence spread the gospel (1:8-9)
F. Earnest hope in the resurrection marked the church's life (1:10)
II. Opposition and Persecution Cannot Halt the Gospel (2:1-20)
A. Suffering and insult do not deter Christian witness (2:1-2)
B. Sincerity of method and purpose stand behind gospel witness [2:3-6a] (2:3-6)
C. Love, not personal greed, motivates witness [2:6b-12] (2:7-12)
D. Steadfastness and endurance mark Christian converts (2:13-16)
E. The gospel creates enduring fellowship and love (2:17-18)
F. A new church becomes the reward for a Christian witness (2:19-20)
III. Concern for the Church Dominates the Minister's Heart (3:1-4:12)
A. Sacrificial love leads the minister to show concern even under personal persecution (3:1-5)
B. The church's faithfulness gives the minister encouragement and joy (3:6-10)
C. The concerned minister prays for the church's future (3:11-13)
D. The concerned minister teaches the church righteous living (4:1-8)
E. The concerned minister leads the church to grow in brotherly love (4:9-12)
IV. Problems Related to the Lord's Return (4:13-5:11)
A. Living and deceased believers have equal hope (4:13-18)
B. The time is uncertain (5:1-3)
C. The church needs to be alert (5:4-8)
D. Believers have assurance (5:9-11)
V. Concluding Exhortations (5:12-28)
A. Respect Christian leaders (5:12-13)
B. Care for fellow Christians (5:14-15)
C. Always be thankful (5:16-18)
D. Test prophetic utterances to God (5:19-22)
E. Commit yourself to God, who is faithful (5:23-24)
F. Closing requests and benediction (5:25-28)
|
14.2 Thessalonians - Outline
(3):
14-- 2 Thessalonians
3:5
"May the Lord direct your hearts into
God’s love and Christ’s perseverance."
I. The bright hope of Christ's return
(1:1-2:17)
A. Thanksgiving and prayer
(1:3-12)
B. The man of lawlessness
(2:1-12)
C. Stand firm (2:13-17)
II. Living in the light of Christ's return
(3:1-18)
A. Request for prayer
(3:1-5)
B. Warning against idleness
(3:6-15)
C. Final greetings
(3:16-18)
**************************************************
14.2
THESSALONIANS
I. Salvation (1:1-2)
II. Church Leaders Pray for the Church (1:3-12)
A. Growth in Christian faith, love, and perseverance inspire thanksgiving (1:3-4)
B. God is just and will help His people who suffer injustice [1:5-7a] (1:5-7)
C. Christ's return will provide ultimate justice [1:7b-10] (1:8-10)
D. Prayer helps God's people fulfill their purposes and glorify Christ (1:11-12)
III. Christ's Return Will Defeat Satanic Forces (2:1-12)
A. Despite deceptive reports, Christ has not returned (2:1-2)
B. The man of lawlessness must appear before Christ returns (2:3-8)
C. Deceived followers of lawlessness will perish (2:9-12)
IV. Election Leads to Thanksgiving (2:13-17)
A. God chose us to share Christ's glory (2:13-14)
B. God calls you to firm commitment to His teachings (2:15)
C. Encouragement and hope comes from God's grace (2:16-17)
V. God Is Faithful (3:1-5)
A. God's evangelists need our prayers (3:1-2)
B. God is faithful to protect His people (3:3)
C. God's people are faithful to follow His will (3:4-5)
VI. God Disciplines His People (3:6-15)
A. God's people must not become lazy busybodies (3:6-13)
B. Disobedient people must receive brotherly discipline (3:14-15)
VII. Concluding Greetings (3:16-18)
|
15.1 Timothy - Outline
(6):
15-- 1 Timothy 4:12
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are
young,
but set an example for the believers in speech, in life,
in love,
in faith and in purity."
I. Instructions on right belief
(1:1-20)
A. Warning against false teachers of the
law (1:3-11)
B. The Lord's grace to Paul
(1:12-20)
II. Instructions for the church
(2:1-3:16)
A. Instructions on worship
(2:1-15)
B. Overseers and deacons (3:1-16)
III. Instructions for leaders
(4:1-6:21)
A. Instructions to Timothy
(4:1-16)
B. Advice about widows, elders and slaves
(5:1-6:2)
C. Love of money (6:3-10)
D.
Paul's charge to Timothy (6:11-21)
**************************************************
15.1
TIMOTHY
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. Introductory Remarks (1:3-20)
III. The Worship of the Church (2:1-15)
IV. The Leadership of the Church (3:1-13)
V. The Mission of the Church (3:14-16)
VI. The Ministry of the Church (4:1-6:10)
VII. Concluding Remarks (6:11-21)
|
16.2 Timothy - Outline
(4):
16-- 2 Timothy 2:15
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved,
a workman who does not need to be ashamed
and
who correctly handles the word of truth."
I. Foundations of Christian service
(1:1-2:26)
A. Encouragement to be faithful
(1:3-2:13)
B. A workman approved by God
(2:14-26)
II. Difficult times for Christian
service (3:1-4:22)
A. Godlessness in the last days
(3:1-9)
B. Paul's charge to Timothy
(3:10-4:8)
C. Personal remarks (4:9-18)
D.
Final greetings (4:19-22)
**************************************************
16.2
TIMOTHY
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. Thanksgiving (1:3-7)
III. Encouragement in the Face of Hardships (1:8-14)
IV. Encouragement in the Face of Desertions (1:15-2:13)
V. Contrasts in the Church (2:14-26)
VI. Godlessness in the Last Days (3:1-9)
VII. Paul's Instructions to Timothy (3:10-4:5)
VIII. Paul's Testimony (4:6-8)
IX. Conclusion (4:9-22)
|
17.Titus - Outline (3):
17-- Titus 1:5
"For this
reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the
things
that are lacking, and appoint elders in every town as I
commanded you."
I. Leadership in the
church (1:1-16)
A. Titus' task on Crete
(1:5-16)
II. Right living in the church
(2:1-15)
A. What must be taught to various groups
(2:1-15)
III. Right living in society
(3:1-15)
A. Doing what is good
(3:1-11)
B. Final remarks (3:12-15)
**************************************************
17.TITUS
I. Salutation (1:1-4)
II. Instructions Concerning Elders and False Teachers (1:5-16)
III. Instructions Concerning Christian Conduct (2:1-15)
IV. Instructions Concerning Believers in the World (3:1-8)
V. Concluding Instructions (3:9-15)
|
18.Philemon - Outline
(1):
18-- Philemon
1:15,16
15 "Some are preaching out of
jealousy and rivalry.
But others preach about Christ with pure
motives.
16 They preach because they love me,
for they know
the Lord brought me here to defend the Good News."
I. Paul's appreciation of Philemon
(1:1-7)
A. Thanksgiving and prayer
(1:4-7)
II. Paul's appeal for Onesimus
(1:8-25)
**************************************************
18.PHILEMON
I. Greetings of Grace and Peace (1:1-25)
A. Commendation for Philemon's Love, Faith, and Example (1:4-7)
B. Plea for Onesimus on Basis of Friendship (1:8-22)
C. Closing Salutation (1:23-25)
|
19.Hebrews - Outline
(13):
19-- Hebrews 1:3
"The Son reflects God’s own glory, and everything about Him
represents
God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty
power of His command.
After He died to cleanse us from the stain
of sin, He sat down in the place of honor
at the right hand of
the majestic God of heaven."
I. The
superiority of Christ (1:1-10:18)
A. Christ is greater than the angels
(1:1-2:18)
1. Warning to
pay attention (2:1-4)
2. Jesus
made like His brothers (2:5-18)
B.
Christ is greater than Moses
(3:1-4:13)
1. Warning
against unbelief (3:7-19)
2. A
Sabbath-rest for the people of God (4:1-13)
C. Christ is greater than the Old Testament priesthood
(4:14-7:28)
1. Jesus the
great High Priest (4:14-5:10)
2.
Warning against falling away
(5:11-6:12)
3. The certainty of
God's promise (6:13-20)
4.
Melchizedek the priest (7:1-10)
5.
Jesus like Melchizedek (7:11-28)
D.
The new covenant is greater than the old
(8:1-10:18)
1. The high
priest of a new covenant (8:1-13)
2. Worship in the earthly tabernacle
(9:1-10)
3. The blood of Christ
(9:11-28)
4. Christ's sacrifice
once for all (10:1-18)
II. The superiority of
faith (10:19-13:25)
A. A call to persevere
(10:19-39)
B. By faith (11:1-40)
C. God
disciplines his sons (12:1-13)
D. Warning against refusing
God (12:14-29)
E. Concluding exhortations
(13:1-25)
**************************************************
19.HEBREWS
I. Jesus Is God's Ultimate Revelation (1:1-2:4)
A. Jesus, God in person, fulfills and surpasses the prophetic word (1:1-3)
B. Jesus is superior to angels (1:4-14)
C. Jesus provides salvation which we dare not ignore (2:1-4)
II. Jesus Is God's Son and Our Brother (2:5-18)
A. The world is subjected to Jesus, the crucified Lord, who dies for us (2:5-9)
B. Jesus is our brother and the Author of our salvation (2:10-13)
C. Jesus died to conquer Satan and free us from the fear of death (2:14-15)
D. Jesus, our High Priest, atoned for our sins and helps us overcome temptation (2:16-18)
III. Jesus Provides a Way of Faith that Assures and Perseveres (3:1-4:13)
A. Believers must focus on Jesus, the High Priest, who is more faithful than Moses (3:1-6)
B. Believers must be aware of the danger of disbelief (3:7-19)
C. Believers must claim God's promised rest in faith (4:1-11)
D. God, through His Word, is the only Judge (4:12-13)
IV. Jesus, the Sinless High Priest, Is the Only Source of Salvation (4:14-5:10)
A. Through the sinless High Priest we can approach God in confidence (4:14-16)
B. The obedient High Priest met all the qualifications and became the Source of eternal salvation (5:1-10)
V. Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, Calls His Followers to Christian Maturity (5:11-6:20)
A. Believers need to mature in Christ (5:11-6:3)
B. Believers must show their faith is genuine and persevere in Christ (6:4-12)
C. God's faithful promises provide secure hope (6:13-20)
VI. Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice, Is the Only Priest Believers Need (7:1-10:39)
A. Jesus is the promised, permanent Priest who offers a better covenant and complete salvation (7:1-25)
B. Jesus is the perfect Priest who meets our need (7:26-28)
C. Jesus' ministry in the heavenly worship place is superior to all other priests (8:1-13)
D. Jesus' sacrifice of His own blood provides eternal redemption from sin in a new covenant (9:1-22)
E. Jesus' sacrifice was once for all and pointed to His return to bring eternal salvation (9:23-28)
F. Jesus' sacrifice provided perfect forgiveness and made all other sacrifices unnecessary (10:1-18)
G. Jesus' sacrifice calls for His followers to live faithfully, even under persecution (10:19-39)
VII. Jesus Inspires Us to a Life of Faith (11:1-40)
A. Faith lays claim to the unseen realities of God and His purpose (11:1-7)
B. Faith presses on even when some of God's promises remain unfulfilled (11:8-22)
C. Faith risks everything for God and His purpose (11:23-31)
D. Faith endures even when earthly deliverance does not come (11:32-40)
VIII. Jesus, the Perfect Example of Faith, Inspires Believers to Persevere (12:1-29)
A. Jesus' example of suffering encourages perseverance in the face of difficulties (12:1-6)
B. Suffering should be seen as the Father's discipline (12:7-13)
C. To see Jesus, believers must live holy lives (12:14-17)
D. Believers listen to God's warnings and worship in gratitude before the divine Judge (12:18-29)
IX. Jesus, the Unchanging Savior, Expects His Followers to Live a Life of Love (13:1-21)
A. Christian love includes all people (13:1-3)
B. Christian love leads to pure marriage (13:4)
C. Christian love does not love money (13:5-6)
D. Christian love imitates worthy leaders (13:7)
E. Christian love centers on the unchanging Christ (13:8)
F. Christian love does not follow strange teachings (13:9-10)
G. Christian love endures isolation and persecution (13:11-14)
H. Christian love praises God and shares with others (13:15-16)
I. Christian love obeys and prays for Christian leaders (13:17-19)
J. Christian love does God's will (13:20-21)
X. Conclusion (13:22-25)
|
20.James - Outline (5):
20-- James 2:18
Now someone
may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds."
I
say, "I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds,
but I
will show you my faith through my good deeds."
I. Genuine religion (1:1-27)
A.
Trials and temptations (1:2-18)
B. Listening and doing
(1:19-27)
II. Genuine faith
(2:1-3:12)
A. Favoritism forbidden
(2:1-13)
B. Faith and deeds (2:14-26)
C.
Taming the tongue (3:1-12)
III. Genuine wisdom
(3:13-5:20)
A. Two kinds of wisdom
(3:13-18)
B. Submit yourselves to God
(4:1-12)
C. Boasting about tomorrow
(4:13-17)
D. Warning to rich oppressors
(5:1-6)
E. Patience in suffering (5:7-12)
F. The prayer of faith (5:13-20)
**************************************************
20.JAMES
I. Salutation (1:1)
II. True Religion Is Developed by Trials and Testing (1:2-15)
A. Joy is the correct response to times of testing (1:2)
B. The testing of faith can result in steadfastness which, when mature, enables us to be perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing (1:3-4)
C. True wisdom comes from God and is available to those who ask in faith, not doubting (1:5-8)
D. Wealth may be a test of faith, not a proof of faith (1:9-11)
E. Perseverance under trial leads to blessing (1:12)
F. Temptation comes from within, not from God, and is to be resisted (1:13-15)
III. True Religion Is Initiated by Faith (1:16-2:26)
A. Salvation by faith is a gift from God, as are all good gifts (1:16-17)
B. Salvation as an expression of God's will is related to God's Word (1:18-27)
1. We are to receive God's Word (1:18-21)
2. We are to do God's Word, not just hear it (1:22-27)
C. Saving faith does not show favoritism but shows love to all (2:1-13)
D. Saving faith issues in godly attitudes and actions (2:14-26)
IV. True Religion Is Guided by Wisdom (3:1-18)
A. The wise person controls the tongue (3:1-12)
B. Earthly wisdom is characterized by evil attitudes and actions (3:13-16)
C. The wise person's life is characterized by moral behavior (3:17-18)
V. True Religion Is Demonstrated by Works (4:1-5:12)
A. Avoid acting selfishly instead of asking God (4:1-3)
B. Avoid being friendly with the world (4:4-5)
C. Possess the proper attitude toward self--being humble, not proud or presumptuous (4:6-10)
D. Avoid speaking against or judging other Christians (4:11-12)
E. Avoid presuming on God's time (4:13-16)
F. Do not fail to do what you know is right (4:17)
G. Avoid depending on wealth (5:1-3)
H. Avoid treating persons unjustly (5:4-6)
I. Do not be impatient, for the Lord is coming (5:7-11)
J. Do not take oaths (5:12)
VI. True Religion Is Expressed in Prayer (5:13-20)
A. Prayer, including intercession, is a significant part of true religion (5:13-16)
1. Prayer is a proper response to suffering and illness (5:13-14)
2. Prayers are to be offered in faith, with right motives (5:15)
3. Prayer includes confession of sins [5:16a] /
The righteousness of the person praying is related to the effectiveness of the prayer [5:16b] (5:16)
B. All humans can pray and be heard (5:17-18)
C. Intercession for sinners is an important Christian responsibility (5:19-20)
|
21.1 Peter - Outline
(5):
21-- 1 Peter 1:7
"These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it
is strong and pure.
It is being tested as fire tests and purifies
gold—and your faith is far more
precious to God than mere gold.
So if your faith remains strong after being
tried by fiery
trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on
the
day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."
I. God's great blessings to His people
(1:1-2:10)
A. Praise to God for a living hope
(1:3-12)
B. Be holy (1:13-2:3)
C. The
living stone and a chosen people (2:4-10)
II.
The conduct of God's people in the midst of suffering
(2:11-4:19)
A. Submission to rulers and masters
(2:13-25)
B. Wives and husbands (3:1-7)
C.
Suffering for doing good (3:8-22)
D. Living for God
(4:1-11)
E. Suffering for being a Christian
(4:12-19)
III. The shepherding of God's people
in the midst of suffering (5:1-14)
A. To elders and
young men (5:1-11)
B. Final greetings
(5:12-14)
**************************************************
21.1
PETER
I. Introduction (1:1-2)
II. The coming of Grace in Salvation (1:3-2:12)
A. The theme Presented (1:3-12)
B. Worked into life by holiness (1:13-2:12)
1. Positive: what to be (1:13-25)
2. Negative: what to avoid (2:1-12)
III. The Outworking of Grace in Living (2:13-3:7)
A. Submission to Government (2:13-17)
B. Submission to Leaders (2:18-25)
C. Submission to Spouses (3:1-7)
IV. The Testing of Grace in Suffering (3:8-4:19)
V. The Summary of Standing in Grace (5:1-10)
A. Instructions to Elders (5:1-4)
B. Instructions to the Congregation (5:5-10)
VI. Conclusion (5:11-14)
|
22.2 Peter - Outline
(3):
22-- 2 Peter 1:3
"As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us
everything we need
for living a godly life. He has called us to
receive His own glory and goodness!"
I.
Guidance for growing Christians (1:1-21)
A. Making
one's calling and election sure (1:3-11)
B. Prophecy of
scripture (1:12-21)
II. Danger to growing
Christians (2:1-22)
A. False teachers and their
destruction (2:1-22)
III. Hope for growing
Christians (3:1-18)
A. The day of the Lord
(3:1-18)
**************************************************
21.2
PETER
I. Introduction (1:1-2)
II. Recognize the Greatness of the Word (1:3-21)
A. Its Power (1:3-11)
B. Its Application (1:12-14)
C. Its Truth (1:15-21)
III. Recognize the Enemies of the Word (2:1-22)
A. Their Presence (2:1)
B. Their Strategy (2:2-3)
C. Their Judgment (2:4-10)
D. Their Description (2:11-16)
E. Their Converts (2:17-22)
IV. Recognize the Prophecies of the Word (3:1-18)
A. By What They Predict (3:1-10)
1. False Teachers (3:1-7)
2. Judgment (3:8-10)
B. By What They Require: Holiness (3:11-18)
|
23.1 John - Outline
(5):
23-- 1 John 5:13
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that
you may know that you have eternal
life."
I. God is light
(1:1-2:27)
A. The word of life
(1:1-4)
B. Walking in the light (1:5-2:14)
C. Do not love the world (2:15-17)
D. Warning against
antichrists (2:18-27)
II. God is love
(2:28-4:21)
A. Children of God
(2:28-3:10)
B. Love one another (3:11-24)
C. Test the spirits (4:1-6)
D. God's love and ours
(4:7-21)
III. God is life
(5:1-21)
A. Faith in the son of God
(5:1-12)
B. Concluding remarks
(5:13-21)
**************************************************
23.1
JOHN
I. The Prologue: The Word of Life (1:1-4)
II. Light Among God's Children (1:5-2:27)
A. The incompatibility of light and sin (1:5-2:2)
B. Love as a test of knowledge (2:3-11)
C. Conflict with the world (2:12-17)
D. Conflict within the community (2:18-27)
III. Righteousness Among God's Children (2:28-4:6)
A. The hope of the righteous (2:28-3:10)
B. The love of the righteous (3:11-24)
C. The two spirits (4:1-6)
IV. Love Among God's Children (4:7-5:12)
A. The true nature of love (4:7-21)
B. The true nature of faith (5:1-12)
V. The Epilogue (5:13-21)
|
24.2 John - Outline
(1):
24-- 2 John 1:6
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His
commands.
As you have heard from the beginning,
His
command is that you walk in love."
I.
Watch out for false teachers (1:1-11)
II. John's final words
(1:12-13)
**************************************************
24.2
JOHN
I. The Salutation of Love for Those Who Know the Truth (1:1-2)
II. The Blessings of Grace, Mercy, and Peace (1:3)
III. Love Is the Identifying Mark for Christians (1:4-6)
IV. Believers Face Deceivers (1:7-11)
V. Personal Conclusion (1:12-13)
|
25.3 John - Outline
(1):
25-- 3 John 1:5
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the
brothers,
even though they are strangers to
you."
I. God's children live by the
standards of the gospel (1:1-12)
II. John's final words
(1:13-14)
**************************************************
25.3
JOHN
I. The Address (1:1)
II. The Blessing of Good Health and Welfare for a Faithful Spiritual Leader (1:2-4)
III. Believers Should show Hospitality and Support for Visiting Believers (1:5-8)
IV. Pride, Gossiping, and Lack of Hospitality Bring Condemnation (1:9-10)
V. Imitate Good Leaders but Not Wicked Ones (1:11-12)
VI. Concluding Remarks (1:13-14)
|
26.Jude - Outline (1):
26-- Jude 1:3
"Dearly loved
friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about
the
salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something
else,
urging you to defend the truth of the Good
News.
God gave this unchanging truth once for all time to His
holy people."
I. The danger of false
teachers (1:1-16)
A. The sin and doom of godless
men (1:3-16)
II. The duty to fight for God's
truth (1:17-25)
A. A call to persevere
(1:17-23)
B. Doxology (1:24-25)
**************************************************
25.JUDE
I. Introduction (1:1-2)
II. An Appeal to Struggle for the Faith (1:3-4)
A. Authentic Christians contend for the true faith (1:3)
B. Pseudo-Christians live immoral lives and deny Christ (1:4)
III. The Certainty of Divine Judgment (1:5-7)
A. Hebrew history shows the certainty of judgment (1:5)
B. Fallen angels show the certainty of judgment (1:6)
C. Immoral Sodom and Gomorrah show the certainty of judgment (1:7)
IV. A Description of Heretics (1:8-19)
A. They defile the body [1:8a] (1:8)
B. They flaunt authority [1:8b-11] (1:9-11)
C. They practice immoralities (1:12-16)
D. They follow ungodly lusts (1:17-19)
V. An Exhortation to the Faithful (1:20-23)
A. Grow in the faith [1:20a] / Pray in the Holy Spirit [1:20b] (1:20)
B. Remain in the love of God [1:21a] / Anticipate the coming of Jesus [1:21b] (1:21)
C. Minster to erring Christians (1:22-23)
VI. Conclusion: Praise for the Only God and Savior (1:24-25)
|
27.Revelation - Outline
(22):
27-- Revelation
1:3
"God blesses the one who reads this
prophecy to the church,
and He blesses all who listen to it and
obey what it says.
For the time is near when these things will
happen."
I. Letters to the churches
(1:1-3:22)
A. Prologue (1:1-3)
B.
Greetings and doxology (1:4-8)
C. One like a son of man
(1:9-20)
D. To the church in Ephesus
(2:1-7)
E. To the church in Smyrna (2:8-11)
F. To the church in
Pergamum (2:12-17)
G. To the
church in Thyatira (2:18-29)
H.
To the church in Sardis (3:1-6)
I. To the church in Philadelphia
(3:7-13)
J. To the church in Laodicea (3:14-22)
II.
Message for the church (4:1-22:21)
A. Worshiping God in heaven
(4:1-5:14)
1. The throne in
heaven (4:1-11)
2. The scroll and
the Lamb (5:1-14)
B. Opening the seven
seals (6:1-8:5)
1. The
seals (6:1-17)
2. 144,000 sealed
(7:1-8)
3. The great multitude in
white robes (7:9-17)
4. The
seventh seal and the golden censer (8:1-5)
C. Sounding the seven trumpets
(8:6-11:19)
1. The trumpets
(8:6-9:21)
2. The angel and the
little scroll (10:1-11)
3. The two
witnesses (11:1-14)
4. The seventh
trumpet (11:15-19)
D. Observing the
great conflict (12:1-14:20)
1. The woman and the dragon
(12:1-17)
2. The beast out of the
sea (13:1-10)
3. The beast out of
the earth (13:11-18) 666
(13:18)
4. The lamb and the
144,000 (14:1-5)
5. The three
angels (14:6-13)
6. The harvest of
the earth (14:14-20)
E. Pouring out
the seven plagues
(15:1-16:21)
1. Seven
angels with seven plagues (15:1-8)
2. The seven bowls of God's wrath (16:1-21)
F. Seizing the final victory
(17:1-20:15)
1. The woman
on the beast (17:1-18)
2. The fall
of Babylon (18:1-24)
3. Hallelujah
(19:1-10)
4. The rider on the
white horse (19:11-21)
5. The
thousand years (20:1-6)
6. Satan's
doom (20:7-10)
7. The dead are
judged (20:11-15)
G. Making everything
new (21:1-22:21)
1. The new
Jerusalem (21:1-27)
2. The river
of life (22:1-6)
3. Jesus is
coming (22:7-21)
**************************************************
25.REVELATION
I. Introduction (1:1-8)
II. John's Vision on the Island of Patmos (1:9-20)
III. Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
IV. The Sovereignty of the Creator God Committed to the Crucified and Now Enthroned Lamb (4:1-5:14)
V. The Enthroned Lamb's Judgments Via the Seven Seals (6:1-8:5)
VI. The Enthroned Lamb's Judgments Via the Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19)
VII. The Dragon's Persecution of the Righteous (12:1-13:18)
VIII. A Summary of Triumph, Warning, and Judgment (14:1-20)
IX. The Enthroned Lamb's Judgments Via the Seven Cups (15:1-16:21)
X. The Fall and Ruin of the Immoral City of the Beast (17:1-18:24)
XI. The Rejoicing of Heaven and the Revelation of the Lamb, Bringing Judgment and the Advent of the Bride, the Holy City (19:1-22:5)
XII. Conclusion (22:6-21)
|
REVELATION,
BOOK OF
Contents:
Author
Setting
Date
Type of Literature
Introduction (Rev. 1:1-8)
John’s Vision on the Island of Patmos (Rev.
1:9-20)
Letters to the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:1-3:22)
The Sovereignty of the Creator God Committed to the Crucified and Now
Enthroned Lamb (Rev. 4:1-5:14)
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven Seals (Rev.
6:1-8:5)
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven Trumpets (Rev.
8:6-11:19)
The Dragon’s Persecution of the Righteous (Rev.
12:1-13:18)
A Summary of Triumph, Warning, and Judgment (Rev.
14:1-20)
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven Cups (Rev.
15:1-16:21)
The Fall and Ruin of the Immoral City of the Beast (Rev.
17:1-18:24)
The Rejoicing of Heaven and the Revelation of the Lamb Bringing
Judgment and the Advent of the Bride, the Holy City (Rev.
19:1-22:25)
Conclusion (Rev. 22:6-21)
REVELATION, BOOK OF The last book of
the Bible, an apocalyptic work pointing to future hope and calling for
present faithfulness. Revelation is a work of intensity, forged in the
flames of the author’s personal tribulation. It employs the language
of biblical allusion and apocalyptic symbolism to express the
heights and depths of the author’s visionary experience.
To encourage Christian faithfulness,
the Revelation points to the glorious world to come (a world of "no
more death or mourning or crying or pain," Rev.
21:4; compare Rev. 7:16) at the
reappearing of the crucified and risen Jesus. This now enthroned Lord will
return to conclude world history (and the tribulations of the readers)
with the destruction of God’s enemies, the final salvation of His own
people, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. The intensity of
the prophet’s experience is matched only by the richness of the
apocalyptic symbolism he employed to warn his readers of the impending
disasters and temptations which would require their steadfast allegiance
to the risen Lord. To be sure, the Lord will come in power and majesty,
but not before His enemies have exercised a terrible (albeit limited by
the divine mercy) attack upon those who "hold to the testimony of
Jesus."
Author
According to early Christian traditions, the Gospel of John, the
three Epistles of John, and the Revelation were all written by the apostle
John, son of Zebedee.
Setting
The author’s situation was one of suffering. He was a "fellow
partaker in the tribulation" which is "in Jesus," who,
because of his testimony to Jesus, was exiled to the island of Patmos
(Rev. 1:9).
Date
Domitian’s reign (A.D. 81-96) or
Nero's reign (about A.D. 68)
Type of Literature
The Revelation has traditionally been called an apocalypse.
Although the genre itself was not literarily acknowledged in the first
century, what we now call "apocalyptic
literature" certainly existed. In any case, John called his
work a "prophecy" (Rev. 1:3; Rev. 22:10;
Rev. 22:19), but also gave it some features of an epistle (Rev.
1:4-7; Rev. 22:21).
Introduction (Rev. 1:1-8)
Written to "the seven churches" of the Roman province of
Asia, John’s work is a "revelation" of "the things which
must shortly take place." The theme of John’s work is clear:
the Lord God Himself has guaranteed the final vindication of the crucified
Jesus before all the earth (Rev. 1:7-8).
John’s Vision on the Island of Patmos (Rev.
1:9-20)
While in exile on Patmos, John saw the risen Lord (Rev.
1:9-20). Appearing in the dress of power and majesty (Rev.
1:9-20), the Living One revealed Himself as Lord of the churches,
to whom He instructed John to send not only the seven letters, but also an
account of the things which he both had seen and would see, that is, a
revelation of "the things which shall be hereafter" (Rev.
1:19).
Letters to the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:1-3:22)
The letters to the churches of Ephesus,
Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea have
a fairly consistent format. First, after designating the recipients, the
risen Lord as Sender describes Himself using a portion of the visionary
description of Him in Rev. 1:9-20. There
follows an "I know" section of either commendation or criticism.
Next appears typically some form of exhortation: to those who received
criticism, the usual exhortation is to repent; however, to the churches of
Smyrna and Philadelphia, for whom the Lord had only praise, the
exhortation is one of assurance (compare Rev. 2:10;
Rev. 3:10-13). Each letter concludes, though the order may vary,
with both an exhortation to "hear what the Spirit says to the
churches" and a promise of reward to the "overcomer," that
is, the one who conquers by persevering in the cause of Christ.
The church at Ephesus
(Rev. 2:1-7) is told to return to her first love; the church at Smyrna
(Rev. 2:8-11), to be faithful unto death; the churches of Pergamum
(Rev. 2:12-17) and Thyatira
(Rev. 2:18-29) must beware of false teaching and the immoral deeds
that so often accompany erroneous theology. The church at Sardis
(Rev. 3:1-6) is told to wake up and complete her works of
obedience. The church at Philadelphia
(Rev. 3:7-13) is promised, in the face of persecution by the local
synagogue, that faith in Jesus will assure access into the eternal
kingdom; and the church at Laodicea
(Rev. 3:14-22) is told to turn from her self-deception and repent
of her lukewarmness.
The Sovereignty of the Creator God Committed
to the Crucified and Now Enthroned Lamb (Rev. 4:1-5:14)
Rev. 4 and Rev. 5 represent the pivot
point of the book, tying the risen Lord’s opening exhortations to the
churches (Rev. 2-3) to the judgments and
final triumph of the Lamb (Rev. 6-22). These
chapters also provide the historical and theological basis of the risen
Lord’s authority over both the church and the world by depicting His
enthronement and empowering to carry out the judging and saving purposes
of God. Rev. 4 asserts the sovereign
authority of the Creator God. Rev. 5 depicts
the delegation of the divine authority to the risen Lord by introducing a
sequence of events reminiscent of Daniel 7.
In Daniel 7, the people of God were oppressed
by four terrible beasts, symbolic of evil empires and kings; similarly,
the Revelation is written to people who either are, or soon will be,
experiencing persecution from powers of evil. Similar to Daniel
7, in Rev. 5, we see both a book of judgment—and a glorious,
redemptive agent of God. Instead of an unidentified human figure, we learn
that the exalted agent of God is none other than the crucified Jesus, the
Lamb and Lion of God, now enthroned and therefore worthy to take the book
and break the seals.
The events portrayed here are highly symbolic, but are not
ahistorical myth. The scene readily suggests an otherwise well-known and
important historical and theological moment within biblical history,
namely, the ascension of Jesus. His redemptive death, that is, His
obedience to the will of God (see also Phil. 2:8-9;
Hebrews 2:9-10; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 10:9-10), qualified Him for
the role of Lord. He has "overcome" (Rev.
5:5), a word which for John refers to Jesus’s triumphal suffering
and subsequent enthronement (see John 3:21),
and may therefore now as the heavenly Lord assume the role of divine
agent.
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven
Seals (Rev. 6:1-8:5)
The breaking of the first four seals brings forth four differently
colored horsemen (Rev. 6:1-8). These riders,
paralleling the chaos predicted in Mark 13,
represent God’s judgments through the upheavals of war and its
devastating social consequences (violence, famine, pestilence, and death).
The fifth seal (Rev. 6:9-11) is the plea of
martyred saints for divine justice upon their oppressors. For now, they
must wait.
A careful look at the sixth seal is important for understanding the
literary structure and episodic sequence of the Revelation. When broken,
it brings forth the typical signs of the end: a great earthquake, the
blackening of the sun, the ensanguining of the moon, and the falling of
the stars of heaven (compare Matthew 24:29).
Though the Revelation is but a few chapters old, we are brought to the end
of world history. The mighty as well as the lowly of the earth realize
that the great day of God’s (and the Lamb’s) wrath has come, and
nothing can save them (Rev. 6:14-17). The
description of the judgments initiated by the first six seals would no
doubt tend to overwhelm John’s audience, so he interrupted the sequence
leading to the seventh seal to remind us that the people of God need not
despair, for, as the "bond-servants of God" (Rev.
7:3), they have the promise of heaven.
Rev. 7 is actually two visions (Rev.
7:1-8; Rev. 7:9-17), with the second both interpreting and
concluding the first. The sealing of the 144,000
(Rev. 7:1-8) employs Jewish symbols to
describe those who know God through Jesus Christ. Clearly, John is
referring to Christians as the 144,000 for Rev. 7:3
refers to the "bond-servants" of God, a term consistently used
throughout the Revelation (Rev. 1:1; Rev. 2:20; Rev.
10:7; Rev. 11:18; Rev. 19:2; Rev. 19:5; Rev. 22:3; Rev. 22:6) to
refer either to Christians in general or the Christian prophet, but never
to the non-Christian Jew (or Gentile). Language employed in the Old
Testament to refer to the Jews is characteristically used in the New
Testament to refer to those who know God through Jesus Christ (see
2 Cor. 6:16-18; Galatians 3:29; 1 Peter 2:9-10; and Rev. 1:6). The
number 144,000 is an intensification (12×12×10×10×10) of the original
number twelve (itself an obvious allusion to the twelve tribes, the Old
Testament people of God), which indicates that the 144,000 comprise the
full number of God’s people, God’s people now being all (Jew or
Gentile) who are followers of Jesus.
In the second vision (Rev. 7:9-17), the
144,000 have become "a great multitude,
which no one could count". Who are they? Using his favorite
descriptions of heaven (see Rev. 21:3-4; Rev. 21:23;
Rev. 22:1-5), John tells us that they are those who have "come
out of the great tribulation", now to experience the joys of heaven
and relief from the tribulations they have endured (compare Rev.
7:14-17 with Rev. 21:1-6; Rev. 22:1-5).
To "come out of the great tribulation" (Rev.
7:14) does not mean that they have exited the earth before
the hour of tribulation. To the contrary, they have indeed experienced
the tribulations of this evil age, but now in heaven they enjoy the
presence of God (Rev. 7:15; Rev. 21:3). As
the true Israel of God, Christians ("the bond-servants of our
God," Rev. 7:3) have the seal of God.
Refusing the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:16-17;
Rev. 14:11), they hold to the testimony of Jesus (Rev.
14:12) in spite of persecution (Rev. 12:17;
Rev. 13:7) and therefore have the promise of final deliverance in
heaven from this evil age of great tribulation (Rev.
7:14).
Rev. 8:1-5 gives us the seventh seal
and again the traditional signs of the very end of human history and the
coming of the Lord, but the prophet is not yet ready to describe the Lord’s
return. He still has too much to say about the nature of judgment, the
mission of the church, and the persecutions of the beast to bring his
prophecy to an end. Therefore, before describing fully the end, John must
start over. Now, using the symbolic vehicle of the seven trumpets, he
declared that the judgments of God also have a redemptive purpose.
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven
Trumpets (Rev. 8:6-11:19)
The first four trumpets describe partial judgments
("one-third") upon the earth’s vegetation, the oceans, fresh
waters, and the heavenly lights (Rev. 8:6-13).
The last three trumpets are grouped together and also described as three
"woes" upon the earth, emphasizing God’s judgment upon
mankind. All these judgments have no redemptive effect, for the "rest
of mankind" who are not killed by these plagues do not repent of
their immoralities (Rev. 9:20-21).
Just as the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals reminded
us that the people of God are safe from the eternally destructive effects
of God’s wrath, so also between the sixth and seventh trumpets we are
reminded of God’s protective hand on His people (Rev.
10:1-11:14). In the trumpet interlude we also learn that God’s
protection during these days of tribulation does not mean isolation, for
the people of God must bear a prophetic witness to the world.
In 10:1-8, John’s call (after the pattern of Ezekiel
2:1-3:11) is reaffirmed. The note of protection and witness is
again struck in Rev. 11:1-13 where the
measuring of the temple of God (Rev. 11:1-2)
alludes to God’s protective hand upon His people during the hour of
turmoil (Rev. 11:2). Persecutions will last
for "forty-two months," but His people cannot be destroyed, for
the "two witnesses" (Rev. 11:3-13)
must bear witness to the mercy and judgment of God. The "two
witnesses" ("two" suggests a confirmed, legal testimony)
are also called "two lampstands" (Rev.
11:4), terminology already interpreted in Rev.
1:20 to mean the church. Though engaged in great spiritual warfare,
the church, like Moses and Elijah of old, must maintain a faithfully
prophetic witness to the world, a witness even unto death. Though the
earth rejoices that the testimony of the church is in the end apparently
snuffed out, the temporary triumph of evil ("three-and-a-half
days," Rev. 11:9; Rev. 11:11) will turn
to heavenly vindication as the two witnesses (the people of God) are
raised from the dead (Rev. 11:11-12).
With the seventh trumpet (and third woe) the end of history has
come, the time "for the dead to be judged" and the saints to be
rewarded (Rev. 11:18). The coming of the
reign of God (and Christ), as well as the day of judgment, are past events
(Rev. 11:17-18). John is not yet ready to
describe the actual coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Sadly,
he has more to relate regarding "the beast that comes up out of the
abyss" to "make war" with the people of God (Rev.
11:7). It is that "42 months," the period of persecution
(and protection/witness), that John now unfolds.
The Dragon’s Persecution of the Righteous
(Rev. 12:1-13:18)
Rev. 12 is crucial for understanding
John’s view of the sequence of history. The number
"three-and-a-half" was associated by Christians and Jews with
times of evil and judgment. John variously referred to the
three-and-a-half years as either "forty-two months," or
"1,260 days," or "a time, times, and half a time." For
John, it was the period of time when the powers of evil will do their
works. During this time, God will protect His people (Rev.
12:6; Rev. 12:14) while they both bear witness to their faith (Rev.
11:3) and simultaneously suffer at the hands of these evil powers (Rev.
11:2; Rev. 11:7; Rev. 12:13-17; Rev. 13:5-7).
Commentators agree that this terrible period of tribulation will be
brought to an end with the coming of the Lord. The critical question,
however, is when the three-and-a-half year period of persecution and
witness begins. Though some scholars have relegated the
"three-and-a-half years" to some as-yet-unbegun moment in the
future, Rev. 12 unmistakably pinpoints its
beginning with the ascension and enthronement of Christ (Rev.
12:5). When the woman’s (Israel’s) offspring is "caught up
to God and to His throne" (Rev. 12:5,
author’s italics), there is war in heaven, and the dragon is cast down
to the earth.
Heaven rejoices because it has been rescued from Satan, but the
earth must now mourn, because the devil has been cast down to earth, and
his anger is great. He knows that he has been defeated by the enthronement
of Christ and that he has but a short time (Rev.
12:12). The woman, who (as Israel) brought forth the Christ (Rev.
12:1-2) and also "other
offspring," those who "hold to the testimony of Jesus," now
received the brunt of the frustrated dragon’s wrath (Rev.
12:17). As the enraged dragon now seeks to vent his wrath upon the
woman, she is nonetheless nourished and protected for "1,260
days" (Rev. 12:6), for a "time,
times, and half a time" (Rev. 12:14).
The dragon then brings forth two henchmen (Rev.
13) to help him in his pursuit of those who believe in Jesus. Satan
is thus embodied in a political ruler, the beast from the sea (Rev.
13:1), who will speak blasphemies for "forty-two months" (Rev.
13:5). He will "make war with the saints" (Rev.
13:7), while the second beast (or false prophet, Rev.
19:20), who comes up from the earth (Rev.
13:11), seeks to deceive the earth so that its inhabitants worship
the first beast.
Thus, in Rev. 12 and Rev. 13, each of
the various ways of referring to the three-and-a-half years is a
referrence to a single period of time that began with the enthronement of
Christ and will conclude with His return. The time period is not a literal
three-and-a-half years, but the entire time between the ascension and
return of Christ which will be permitted the dragon to execute his evil
work upon the earth (compare Galatians 1:4; Ephes.
2:2). Almost two thousand years have elapsed since our Lord
ascended to the right hand of God, but the "three-and-a-half
years" still continues. Satan still rages; but his time is short, and
his evil will cease at the return of Christ.
A Summary of Triumph, Warning, and Judgment
(Rev. 14:1-20)
After the depressing news of the ongoing persecutions of the unholy
trinity, John’s readers need another word of encouragement and warning.
Rev. 14 therefore employs seven "voices" to relate again the
hopes and warnings of heaven. First is another vision of the 144,000, the
full number of the people of God (Rev. 14:4).
Faithful in their worship of the one true God through Jesus Christ
and not seduced by the satanic deceptions of the first beast and his ally,
the false prophet, they will be rescued and taken to heaven’s throne (Rev.
14:1-5).
An angel announces the eternal gospel and warns the earth of coming
judgment (Rev. 14:6-7). The remaining
"voices" (or oracles) follow in rapid succession. The fall of
"Babylon the Great," an Old Testament symbol for a nation
opposed to the people of God, is announced (Rev.
14:8). The people of God are warned not to follow the beast or else
those who follow him suffer separation from God (Rev.
14:9-12). Finally, two voices call for
harvest (Rev. 14:14-20).
The Enthroned Lamb’s Judgments Via the Seven
Cups (Rev. 15:1-16:21)
Another dimension of His judgment must be revealed. The seven cups
of wrath are similar to the seven trumpets and the seven seals, but also
different. The wrath of God is no longer partial or temporary, but
complete and everlasting, final and irrevocable. The partial judgments
("one-third") of the trumpets suggest that God uses the
sufferings and evils of this life to draw mankind toward repentance and
faith; but such tribulations also foreshadow the final hour of judgment
when God’s wrath is finished.
The seven cups have no break between the sixth and seventh
outpourings of judgment. Only wrath is left with no more delay. Babylon
the Great, the symbol for all who have vaunted themselves against the most
high God, will fall. The end has come (Rev. 16:18).
The Fall and Ruin of the Immoral City of the
Beast (Rev. 17:1-18:24)
Rev. 17 retells the sixth cup, the fall
of Babylon the Great, and Rev. 18 gives a
moving lament for the great city.
The Rejoicing of Heaven and the Revelation of
the Lamb Bringing Judgment and the Advent of the Bride, the Holy City
(Rev. 19:1-22:25)
Although John has withheld a description of the coming of the Lord
on at least three earlier occasions (Rev. 8:5; Rev.
11:15-19; Rev. 16:17-21; compare also Rev.
14:14-16), John is now prepared to describe the glories of the Lord’s
appearance. All of heaven rejoices over the righteous judgment of God upon
evil (Rev. 19:1-6). The Lamb’s bride, the
people of God, has made herself ready by her faithfulness to her Lord
through the hour of suffering (see Rev. 19:7-8).
Heaven is opened, and the One whose coming has been faithfully
petitioned from ages past appears to battle the enemies of God, a conflict
whose outcome is not in doubt (Rev. 19:11-16).
The first beast and the second beast are thrown into the lake of fire from
which there is no return (Rev. 19:20). The
dragon—Satan—is cast into a hellish abyss which is shut and sealed for
a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). Since the
powers of evil reigned for "three-and-a-half years" (the period
of time between the ascension and return of our Lord), Christ will reign
for a "thousand years." The dead in Christ are raised to govern
with Him (Rev. 20:4-6), and God’s rightful
rule over the earth is vindicated.
At the end of Christ’s reign, the final disposition of Satan will
occur (Rev. 20:7-10). Though
John predicted that Satan will have one last hurrah of deception, his
final insurrection will be short-lived. In one final battle, Satan and his
followers are overcome, and the devil joins the beast and the false
prophet in the lake of fire where "they will be tormented day and
night forever and ever" (Rev. 20:10).
Then the final judment takes place, at which all not included in "the
book of life" are thrown into the lake of fire (Rev.
20:11-15).
Rev. 21 is often thought to refer to
the period following the 1,000-year reign, but it is more probably a
retelling of the return of Christ from the viewpoint of the bride. Just as
Rev. 17 was a recapitulation of the seventh
cup and the fall of the harlot, Babylon the Great (compare the language of
Rev. 17:1-3, which clearly introduces a
"retelling," with the language of Rev.
21:9-10), so Rev. 21 recapitulates the
glorification of the bride of the Lamb (Rev.
21:1-22:5). To be the bride is to be
the holy city, the New Jerusalem, to live in the presence of God and the
Lamb, and to experience protection, joy, and the everlasting, life-giving
light of God (Rev. 21:9-27). The throne of
God and of the Lamb is there, and there His bond servants shall serve Him
and reign with Him forever and ever (Rev. 21:1-5).
Conclusion (Rev. 22:6-21)
John concluded his prophecy by declaring the utter faithfulness of
his words. Those who heed his prophecy will receive the blessings of God.
Those who ignore the warnings will be left outside the gates of God’s
presence (Rev. 22:6-15). Solemnly and
hopefully praying for the Lord to come, John closed his book (Rev.
22:17; Rev. 22:20). The churches must have ears to hear what the
Spirit has said (Rev. 22:16).
The people of God must, by His grace (Rev.
22:21), persevere in the hour of tribulation, knowing that their
enthroned Lord will return in triumph.
Oct.21.04
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