Summary of the New Testament Books

Summary of the New Testament Books

1. Matthew

Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and one of the four gospel books in the New Testament. It starts with delving on the genealogy of Jesus by linking him to King David. Though the book retells the story of the birth of Jesus, it does not follow a chronological account in highlighting the life of Christ. Again, it is the only gospel book that talks about the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah, the Magi, and Angel’s appearance to announce the birth of Christ. In quoting the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah, the book acknowledges that being that Jesus was born of a Virgin Mary, such occurrence marked the fulfilling of the prophecy.

Further, the book highlights the events that followed the birth of Christ. For instance, King Herod ordered the death of all the male children in Israel and Jesus’ subsequent escape to Egypt. It showed that the event was the fulfillment of Prophet Jeremiah’s prophecy about the Messiah. The book also highlights the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, his authority in preaching, teaching in parables, getting questioned by the authority, and his subsequent death. Thus, the distinguishing factor that makes the book of Mathew different from other gospel books is the fact that it highlights Jesus’ escape to Egypt. The book also talks about the appearance of the Maggi from the East and King Herod’s brutality towards the male children in Israel in a bid to eliminate Christ and subvert the prophecies. The book talks about the activities of Jesus, his crucifixion, death, and eventual ascension to heaven.

2. Mark

The book of Mark is the second book in the New Testament as well as in the gospel genre. It starts with the quotes from prophets Malachi and Isaiah in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 4:3, respectively. Subsequently, the book continues to describe the baptism of Jesus by John, his forty days fasting in the deserts, and the temptation by Satan. Again, the book also highlights Jesus’ proclamation of the gospel and him being the fulfillment of the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah. The book also shows the sequence and how Jesus called His disciples, with Simon and Andrew being the first to get called. The following groups are James and John.

The book also highlights the teachings of Christ through parable, the constant frustrations that he received from the authority, and his prediction about Peter’s denial and his subsequent death in the hands of the Romans. In Mark, the tribulations of Christ under the watch of the Pharisees and the Sadducees are evident, especially when they force him to talk about the right person who the people should pay tax to, God or Caesar? However, among the gospel books, it is the book of Mark that has shown that after Jesus ascended to heaven, he got placed in the right-hand side of Christ. The book also highlights Jesus’ prayer at the Gethsemane, arrest, and subsequent presentation before the Sanhedrin. Mark demonstrates that indeed, as Jesus prophesied, Peter denied him thrice before the cock-crows. Just like Matthew, Mark presents the events that unfolded during the periods preceding the crucifixion, death, and subsequent resurrection of Christ.

3. Luke

The book of Luke is the only gospel book in the New Testament that presents the events of the life of Jesus in a chronological account, starting from Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist to the ascension of Jesus to heaven. The book of Luke begins with the arrival of Angel Gabriel to Zechariah to tell him about the birth of John the Baptist and the role that John the Baptist will play in preparing the way for the Messiah. The same Angel, Gabriel, appears to Mary of Nazareth to announce the birth of Jesus to the birth of the Virgin Mary and appears to Joseph in a dream assuring her of Mary’s purity and choice before God. The book of Luke also highlights the birth of Jesus, his presentation to the temple on the 8^th day, baptism at 30 years by John the Baptist, and his subsequent gospel mission. The book of Luke also lists the genealogy of Christ, the teachings, and the miracles he performs. In this gospel book, Jesus warns his disciples not to tell people about him being the Messiah. However, it highlights the instances that took place at the Mount Olives after the last supper, arrest, and Peter’s denial. After his death, Jesus died, resurrected at the third day, and participated in the breaking of the bread with the disciples. The book also shows that Jesus preached to different people and proved to Thomas that indeed he is the Christ who was crucified and died, but as per the prophecy have risen. The book ends with Jesus ascending to heaven as the disciples worship him.

4. John

Though the book of John is hugely attributed to John the Baptist, it remains the last gospel book that only highlights the work of Jesus Christ. The book of John starts by describing the Word and highlights that the Word was God, and it existed before any creature on earth. In the Book, John the Baptist uses the platform to deny any assertion that he is Jesus but instead shows the miracles and the deeds that Christ did during his preaching about Christ. For instance, in the second chapter, the book talks about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Canaan, Galilee. The book of John also talks about the feeding of the five thousand people by Jesus, Jesus walking on water, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The book of John, just like other gospel books, highlighted the death of Lazarus and how Martha embraced Jesus and demonstrating absolute faith that if Jesus were around, the brother could not have died. The book further highlights the events that unfolded at Bethany and Jesus’ assurance to the disciples not to be troubled by his impending death. Before his death, the book highlights the transfiguration of Jesus as he was praying at Bethany. The book paints a picture of a restless night as Jesus was praying, but the disciples were sleeping. Just like other gospel books, the book of John also highlights the arrest of Jesus, his betrayal by Peter, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and his subsequent ascension to heaven.

5. Acts

The book Acts is the only narrative book concerning the mission of various disciples of Jesus after the ascension of Jesus to heaven. The book starts with the recount of Jesus’ life before his ascension to heaven. The book further highlights the replacement of Judas after he committed suicide for betraying Jesus. The day of the Pentecost also marks the genesis of the book at the initial stages. During the day of the Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus speaks in tongues. Peter declares that all the people are witnessing and hearing is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Prophet Joel. Peter heals the disabled beggar during the day of the Pentecost proclaims the gospel and, together with John, gets arrested, flogged, tried, and freed with a condition warning them against preaching about Jesus again. The book also highlights the journey to salvation for Apostle Paul from his persecution of the Christians to his preaching of the gospel. The work of Apostle Paul and his teaching about Christ and the gospel accompanied by other several disciples of Jesus is significantly highlighted in the book. The book also talks about the persecution that the new converts experienced. Stephen gets stoned and killed for preaching about Jesus. The book also talks about the event when the angels opened the gates of the prison, prompting the prison guard to almost killing himself. Generally, the book of Acts talks about the mission of the disciples of Jesus after his death and the challenges they faced during such periods.

6. Romans

The book of Romans is the first letter of Apostle Paul that he wrote to several people that he met during his mission to spread the gospel, as highlighted in the book of Acts. In the book of Romans, the letter is directly directed to the people of Rome. At the beginning of the book, the letter shows Apostle Paul’s lack of remorse for visiting and preaching the gospel to the people of Rome. Paul uses the letter as a platform to tell the Romans about the righteousness of God, especially on those who believe in him. In this regard, he reminds the Romans that Abraham got blessed through his absolute in God and explains the aspect of death, ties it to the sinning of Adam and Eve to show what happens when someone becomes unfaithful to God. In Romans 9:1, Apostle Paul explains to the Romans that for one to be regarded as righteous, it is not about the works that they undertake but the faith that they have in God and his son Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul further encourages Romans that people should not continue and groan about what is about to guide them. He notes that the Holy Spirit will play an essential role in offering guidance to them as long as they pray and make intercessions for each other.  Finally, through the letter, Paul assures the Romans that they have endurance and encouragement through Jesus Christ. The book also highlights Apostle Paul’s preaching to the gentiles and signs off with elaborate personal greetings to very many believers in Rome.

7. 1^st Corinthians

The book is the first letter that Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinth. The letter was purposefully written to the church in Corinth in various matters. These matters include ways of solving the differences in the church and other vital aspects that threatened the gospel among the members of the church in Corinth. At the beginning of the letter, Apostle Paul greets the church as usual and offers his gratitude to God for their existence and resilience. The letter is a direct appeal to the church to stop quarreling and discussions the causes and probable solutions to the contentious issues that plague the church. In that regard, he highlights the various problems that revolve around conflict resolution and lawsuits and encourages the members of the church to effectively solve their problems in the church as opposed to taking them to courts. The letter also talks about immorality and sexual immorality among the believers and warns about how such instances derailed the past of Israel. Again, he addresses the issue of whether Christians can eat food offered to idols and informs them that it is right unless one has weak faith. Finally, he reminds the Corinthians about the death of Christ and what it signifies to the believers. The book ends with Paul making a promise to visit Corinth after his visit from Macedonia and shows that Timothy would be able to visit Corinth too before he revisits them. As usual, he ends the letter with greeting to the believers in Corinth and encourages them to continue believing in Christ and remaining united.

8. 2^nd Corinthians

The book also belongs to the category of epistles that Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Corinth. The letter got drafted to the people of Corinth a few months after writing the first letter to these groups. In the letter, Apostle Paul writes about his change in the plan. Further, Apostle Paul uses this platform to reaffirm the role that God plays when people are troubled in which he highlights that God comforts every person who is adversely affected by the day to day troubles. The book also acts as a platform where Apostle Paul discusses the needs for forgiveness and the renewal of the covenant between people and God. In the letter, Paul also emphasizes the need for forgiveness, the aspect of heavenly dwelling after death, and how the coming of Jesus Christ meant in reconciling the sins of man. Again, Paul delves on the hardships that he faced in Macedonia and the joy that he exudes from the fact that the people of Corinth accepted the gospel and repented. Further, in the letter, Paul encourages the people of Corinth to stand in solidarity with the believers in Macedonia and sincerely give all the help they can to these people. Finally, Paul uses the book to announce the impending visit of Titus to the church of Corinth. He also uses the letter to defend his ministry and issues warnings to the people who do not believe in him before closing the message with final greetings.

9. Galatians

The book of Galatians is another letter that Apostle sent to the churches in Galatia. In the letter, Apostle Paul uses the platform to reprimand the churches in Galatia for deserting Christ and sliding back to sinning. He refers to them as foolish, who acts as if they have been bewitched. In a bid to dispel the doubts that the church in Galatia had concerning him, Paul uses the letter to point out that he got called by God to preach the gospel and also highlights that the Apostles involved in the preaching accepted him. Further, he shows his opposition to the teachings of Peter when he forced the Christians who were mostly the Gentiles to observe the Jewish traditions. In this regard, in Galatians 3:26, Apostle Paul reminds the Galatians that they are all the sons of God. Therefore, he urges them that in Christ, they have the freedom and no need to feel bound by the Jewish traditions and customs. Again, he emphasizes the role that the Holy Spirit inside them plays and the need for them to treat everyone with good intentions. Further, it contentious issues that revolve around whether the Christians should get circumcised, Apostle Paul notes that the act does not matter. People should circumcise their hearts by accepting Jesus Christ.

10. Ephesians

The book falls under the category of Epistles, one of the letters the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians. At the start of the letter, Apostle Paul greets the Ephesians with a blessing from Jesus Christ. Subsequently, Apostle Paul lets the Ephesians know how he continually keeps them in their prayers as well as reminding them that their sins are dead and that they continue to live through Jesus Christ. Again, through the letter, Apostle Paul reminds them that both the Jews and the Gentiles belong to one household of God. Further, he advises them that through Christ, they have acquired new attitudes, minds, and bodies; hence, they need to resist any attempts of anger, malice, and bitterness. In that regard, they must live like God, with love and care for each other. To emphasize the case, he sets parameters of relationships between wife and husband, slaves and masters, and children and their parents. Finally, the letter ends in emphasizing the need for the people to be strong in God and concludes with his usual greetings to the Ephesians.

11. Philippians

The book of Philippians is another Epistle that Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Philippi. At the beginning of the letter, Apostle Paul demonstrates his reservations and gratitude about the firm belief that the Philippians have shown in Christ. Paul reminds the Philippians that they always in his prayers. Paul also points out that his incarceration at Philippi fast-tracked the spread of the gospel around the region. Again, Paul advises the believers in Philippi to exude all the attributes of Christ and have all the attitudes that Christ had. These attributes include; humility, compassion, and love. In the book, Paul also talks about the prospect of Timothy visiting Philippi. Paul talks about Epaphroditus, the messenger, who almost died, but God healed him and is now bound to return to Philippi to continue with his mission. Again, in the letter, Paul warns the Philippian men against sinning and doing evil and urges them to keep pressing forward with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the final remarks in the letter, Paul thanks the Philippians for the gift he received and sends his greetings to all the believers in Philippi.

12. Colossians

The book of Colossians is another letter that Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Colossi to share with them vital aspects concerning how to live, relationships with each other, and general faith on various issues that plague the church in Colossi. At the beginning of the book, Apostle Paul starts with prayer and thanking God for the believers in Colossi. Subsequently, Paul uses the letter to emphasize the need to preach the gospel of Christ and reminds them that with Christ, they remain fulfilled with gratitude and strength and should not fear anything. In the book, again, Paul takes issues with false humility, worship of angels, and human traditions that plagued the Colossians during that period. Further, Apostle Paul warns the Colossians about fixing their minds on earthly things such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and greed. To ensure cohesion among the believers, Apostle Paul gives instructions to the wives, husbands, wives, masters, slaves, children, and fathers on how they should relate to each other. In the final chapter of the book, Paul urges the Colossians to be thankful, pray, and remain watchful in various aspects as he ends the letter through his usual indiscriminate greetings o all the believers in Colossi.

13. 1^st Thessalonians

The book of 1^st Thessalonians emanates from the first letter that Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica. At the beginning of the book, Paul thanks the Thessalonians for accepting the gospel and showing unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ amidst the continuing persecution, hatred, and threats. Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are always in his prayers even though he had to leave them abruptly. He recounts the ugly events and attempt on his life while in Thessalonica and assures them that although he left them abruptly, he would come back and visit them. Further, Paul expresses joy concerning the progress that the Thessalonians make regarding their faith based on the report that Timothy gave him. Though Paul is happy with their faith and trust in God, he continues urging them to continue praying unceasingly. He continues urging them to remain bound and united in the love and faith in Jesus. Regarding the Kingdom of God, Paul tells the Thessalonians that during the eschatology, God will come down from heaven and take with him those who believe in Christ and live with them forever. In the final chapter of the book, Paul instructs the Thessalonians to live in harmony with each other, remain joyful even in persecution, pray unceasingly, and avoid evil.

14. 2^nd Thessalonians

The book arises from the second letter that Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. At the beginning of the book, Apostle Paul starts with the usual thanksgiving and prayer. In the second letter, Paul uses the book to warn the believers in Thessalonica about getting deceived by people regarding the time when the Kingdom of God will come. In chapter two, verse three of the book, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the Kingdom of God will not come until the man of lawlessness gets revealed, and until that man proclaims that he is God. However, Paul further warns the people about the perception of the aspect of lawlessness. He highlights that lawlessness is the work of Satan, who will rely on false signs and miracles. Therefore, the Thessalonians must stand firm and always have the teachings of the gospel written in their acts. In the final chapter of the letter, Paul implores the Thessalonians to pray for the spread of the gospel as well as for the deliverance of the wicked in the society, their tormentors, and the evil. Interestingly, Paul warns the Thessalonians against idleness and notes that it is a recipe for backsliding and evil thoughts.

15. 1^st Timothy

The book of 1^st Timothy was a letter written to Timothy by Paul. It marks the onset of the letters that Paul wrote to individuals who were spreading the gospel. At the beginning of the book, Paul warns Timothy against false teachers and teachers with false doctrines and reminds him that God’s work is by faith, not what an individual’s mouth profess. Even in his condition, Apostle Paul remains grateful for the strength he receives from Jesus. He further instructs Timothy that essential deeds such as intercession, requests, prayers, and thanksgiving be made compulsory for every believer and insists that God wants everyone to get saved. Further, Paul highlights various dictates that would guide the behavior of individual believers. For instance, he tells Timothy that women should dress modestly and remain submissive to their husbands. On the other hand, husbands must also remain loving and take care of their wives, just like Christ does to the church. Again, Paul advises Timothy on the qualities that the deacons must possess. They must live as per the life of Christ and further reminds him that all that God has created is good. Paul also talks about the foods to eat and the attributes of the church leaders. Further, Paul advises Timothy on what ministering the gospel entails. Finally, through the letter to Timothy, Paul advises the widows, elders, and slaves and also warns against the love for money that leads to temptation and idolatry. Thus, Timothy was to direct people to be rich in good deeds, reject opposing ideas, and fight for the faith and the belief in the gospel.

16. 2^nd Timothy

The book of 2^nd Timothy marks the second letter that Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in his continued effort to spread the gospel to various people and converting souls to Christ. The letter begins with Paul thanking Timothy for being courageous in the face of challenges that they encounter. Paul further advises Timothy that his teachings should focus on exalting Christ and avoid instances of godless chatter as possible. In the second letter to Timothy, Paul writes about the last day and paints a grim picture of the disaster that will characterize it. According to Apostle Paul, during the last days, people will be filled with evil desires, disobedient, arrogant, and literally out of control. Paul tells Timothy that those individuals that shall have rejected Jesus shall not go far. However, he reminds him that the believers in Christ will as well receive persecution, but they must remain steadfast and resilient in their faith. Again, he urges Timothy to preach the word with patience and tells Timothy that his time has come to depart this life. The last chapter is about the reflection of Paul and his life and notes that though everyone abandoned him, the Lord has continued standing by his side. Consequently, he asks Timothy to visit him before the end of winter and blesses Timothy as the book concludes.

17. Titus

The book of Titus emanates from the letter that Paul wrote to Titus, another believer in Christ who was spreading the gospel to the people of Crete. The book starts with a summary of Apostle Paul’s gospel mission in Crete, the hurdles he faced, and the reception he met during his time in the area. Again in the book, Paul advises Titus on the need to appoint the elders and highlights the attribute of the elders that Titus should nominate. On teaching, Paul instructs people about obedience and being peaceful to the authorities. However, all the lessons to be done to people in different groups. Through the letter, Paul reminds Titus that those who have faith in Jesus also have his grace as well as hope in eternal life. In the final parts of the book, Paul warns Titus about engaging in foolish arguments and controversies about the law as it does not glorify God. The book concludes with Paul requesting Titus to visit him soon.

18. Philemon

The book of Philemon is one of the shortest books in the New Testament. Paul wrote the letter to Philemon when he was in prison. At the onset of the book, Apostle thanks God and prays for Philemon for remaining steadfast in religion and having a resolute commitment in the gospel. In the subsequent parts of the letter, Paul tries to reconcile between Titus and Onesimus by urging Philemon to accept back Onesimus as a brother in Christ through Onesimus was not useful to Philemon initially. Paul motes that in chains, Onesimus have proven very useful for the mission of spreading the gospel, and thus, there is a need for him to be accepted into the fold again. On the final parts of the letter, Apostle Paul shows his optimism in seeing Philemon in due course. The message ends with Apostle Paul extending the greetings from fellow believers who also got imprisoned alongside him.

19. Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is another epistle that Paul wrote to the people of Hebrew descent. The book starts with the reminder to the Hebrews that the coming of Jesus was to purify the sins of the people. Apostle Paul thus, warns the Hebrews against drifting away from the gospel, and as he insists that the suffering of Jesus epitomized the salvation that he brought to people. In the letter, he acknowledges the greatness of Jesus and exalts him above Moses and declares that Jesus was the high priest. The author warns against the perception of Jesus and uses him as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

Further, Apostle Paul recounts the story of Melchizedek and compares Jesus to him. However, he makes it clear that though both were the high priests of God, Jesus was the High Priest of the new covenant. In the subsequent parts, Paul emphasizes that Christ was killed and sacrificed to take away our sins, the Jews and the Gentiles alike. In the letter, Apostle Paul highlights what God has done to the people of Israel due to their absolute faith in him. Thus, he warns people against refusing God. In the last chapters, the book offers instructions to the Hebrews on the need for them to remain in love for each other, keep their lives devoid of love for money, and their obligation to honor marriages. Apostle Paul also emphasizes the need to be obedient to the authority and continue praising Jesus.

20. James

The Book of James is also an epistle but was not written by Apostle Paul. Instead, it was written by James, one of the disciples of Jesus. At the beginning of the Book, James highlights his tribulations and explains that encountering trials leads to one developing perseverance. Again, James notes that God does not tempt anyone, and those who face temptations have a special relationship with God. Further, in the letters, James counsels people that they should be quick to listen but very slow to speak or respond to every utterance. In the Book, James addresses the believers through a special tag where he calls them brethren in Christ. He further urges them to shun favoritism since it is forbidden from various aspects of the gospel. In the book of James, people are warned that faith and good deeds go hand in hand. Thus, none can proclaim the gospel, but their deeds contradict the teaching of Jesus. In the final parts of the Epistle, James encourages people to submit to God so that God will come nearer to them. James warns the people against boasting and the rich people too. In respect to the new converts, James urges the brothers to be patient with each other and pray for them too.

21. 1^st Peter

The book of the 1^st Peter was an epistle written to all the believers by Peter, the disciple of Jesus Christ. The letter starts by Peter giving praise to God and a proclamation that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, people have new hope of living. People advise people to exercise self-control at all times and set their hopes on the grace that Jesus has given them. Peter notes that when people come to Jesus, they remain the chosen people and will receive the mercy of God. Subsequently, Peter advises people to remain submissive to the authorities and those in power. Wives are also advised to submit to their husbands. Peter further advises people to live in harmony, love each other, and offer hospitality to those in need. Further, he informs people that if they suffer for what is, then abundant blessings await them. In a bid to prepare the new converts, Peter warns that there will be painful ordeals that the Christians will go through but urges them not to be ashamed of praising God. The book ends with Peter addressing the young men regarding how they should live in society.

22. 2^nd Peter

The second letter of Peter to the believers is mostly a reminder of his previous letter and teachings of the gospel. At the beginning of the book, Peter instructs the people to make deliberate efforts to strengthen their faith, enhance their level of perseverance, and exercise a high level of self-control. Again, he uses the second letter to remind people about the prophecies as written in the scriptures and also warns them against the false prophets. Strikingly, Peter dwells on the day of the Lord and that God will keep his promise regarding the new heaven and new earth when the day of the Lord reaches. Therefore, according to Peter, people should always be on guard through growing their knowledge and grace of God and Jesus Christ, the savior.

23. 1^st John

The first John is an epistle which the disciple of Jesus, John, wrote to the believers who he refers to always as the brethren. In the first letter, John talks about the Word of life and notes that the Word is the message from God, guiding people on how to walk in the light. Further, John reminds the believers that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice that was offered to cleanse the sins of the world. Thus, John encourages believers to shun earthly things and, rather, focus on doing things that please God. He also warns against the antichrist, who would use the gospel in disguise but opposes Jesus. He further declares that those who believe in Christ are indeed the children of God; thus, they are expected to love one another. Concerning false spirits, John advises that the spirits need to be tested to weigh if they are from God. Finally, he reminds the believers that whoever believes in Jesus is born in God, and that empowers them to overpower the world. Thus, anyone born of God will remain untarnished by sin.

24. 2^nd John

The book of 2^nd John remains an epistle and one of the shortest books in the New Testament. At the beginning of the book, John takes the opportunity to register his satisfaction with how people have developed and continues to grow in Christ and notes that all he told them are not new commandments but how they should walk in Christ. Again, in the same chapter of the book, John takes that opportunity to warn people about the deceivers who move around spreading falsehood concerning Christ. John notes that these deceivers have come out disguising themselves that they profess Jesus Christ, but their deeds do not reflect the teachings of Christ. According to John, these deceivers will come in the flesh and lies about God and Christ. Thus he urges the people to be keen so that they do not stray and do things that God forbids.

25. 3^rd John

In the book, John writes a letter to Gaius, a church elder, and gives thanks to him fervently for his truth, leading the church in Christ and showing people the illuminated path of serving Christ and professing his great deeds. He registers his joy in learning that people have grown in Christ and encourages him to remain faithful in whatever he does and the activities he undertakes concerning Christ. On the same note, John uses the third letter to criticize Diotrephes for refusing to accept them and spreading unnecessary malice against the church. On a reminder to Gaius, John says that anyone who commits evil deeds has not seen God. Thus, for one to see God, they must shun evil and urges Gaius never to imitate evil but rather focus on doing the good in the eyes of God. The final part of the letter highlights the fact that Demetrius has a testimony of the deed of God and other witnesses.

26. Jude

The book of Jude is also an epistle. It warns believers about the punishment that comes due to immorality. Jude also warns how immoral men continue with their evil secretly among the converts and those who have absolute faith in Christ. Jude, the brother of James and the disciple of Jesus Christ, reminds the believers how God has sanctified Jesus to offer people salvation in the world. The book of Jude provides a flashback of the great deeds of God spanning from the time the Israelites got enslaved in Egypt to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah regarding sexual immorality. Thus, Jude uses these examples to urge the listeners to reject the demands of the flesh or face the wrath of God. Therefore, the book of Jude warns the people from treasuring the earthly pleasures at the expense of exalting God. Jude urges the believers always to show mercy to the doubters.

27. Revelation

The book revelation is akin to a prophetic book that outlines the happenings during the apocalyptic period when the day of the Lord shall be felt. At the beginning of the book, John introduces himself and explains the vision he has that reflects the ordeals during the day of the Lord. In the book, John addresses the seven churches and goes ahead to describe the throne of in heaven with a door open and the trumpet blaring. In the vision, John describes the sight of the sealed scroll that could only be broken by the Lamb of God. The book of Revelation continues with the Lamb opening the manuscripts by breaking the seals. Upon breaking the sixth seal, John notes that four angels arose and described the 144,000 that existed in the seal as the servants of God. When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, the seven trumpets started in unison. However, according to John, each horn represents the catastrophe that was about to occur all the sinners. The seventh trumpet has the 144,000 children of God with the name of God inscribed on their faces. On the vision, John also saw three angels judging people and reaping a harvest for the remnants. The seven angels had seven bowls that were all filled by each plague that was to devour the world, and these seven bowls contained God’s wrath. In the vision, Babylon got destroyed. According to the book, the destruction of Babylon is followed by the celebration in heaven because God has demonstrated that salvation and glory belong to Him. The vision also shows that after 1000 years, the devil will make war but will get defeated swiftly. The dead will get judged, and the new earth, new heaven, and New Jerusalem will be established. In the final chapter, John warns that whoever will take away or add from the prophecy will face the wrath of God.