Books of the New Testament

Matthew

This Gospel was written to show that Christ was the foretold Messiah. St Matthew, who was known as Levi, was called by Christ to become a disciple.

Mark

St Mark was a convert of St Peter. This Gospel is based on St Peter's preaching.

Luke

St Luke never met Jesus. Luke was a pagan by birth, but then became an early convert. He was also a companion of St Paul. St Luke's Gospel explains that Paul's doctrine is for everyone.

John

St John was a disciple and an Apostle of Jesus. He was the brother of James and the son of Zebedee and Salome. St John wrote this Gospel so that others may believe that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts

This book is the history of the primitive Church and was written by St Luke. It describes the Ascension and Pentecost. It also records some important events that took place in the early Church.

Romans

In this book St Paul gives a full explanation of his doctrine.

Corinthians 1

St Paul writes to the Christians of Corinth. He denounces some abuses and answers questions that they put to him.

Corinthians 2

Here St Paul appeals for help for the poor in Jerusalem. He also contests his enemies and justifies his apostolic authority.

Galatians

In this letter St Paul proves that his doctrine is of divine origin.

Ephesians

St Paul writes to the converts at Ephesus thanking them for their faith and urges them to lead a Christian life.

Philippians

Here St Paul writes to Christians at Philippi who had provided him with money. He writes to thank them for their kindness and to warn them against false teachers.

Colossians

People at Colossae were denying the supreme dignity of Christ. In this letter St Paul tells them that Christ is supreme.

Thessalonians 1

Here St Paul consoles the Christians in Thessalonica. Even though he is unable to visit them he reminds them of the second coming of Christ.

Thessalonians 2

The Thessalonians expected the second coming of Christ very soon. In St Paul's letter he reminds them that before Christ, Antichrist must appear.

Timothy 1

St Paul instructs Timothy on the duties of his office. Timothy was a convert of St Paul and Bishop of Ephesus.

Timothy 2

St Paul was imprisoned in Rome. In this letter to Timothy, Paul realised that his death was near. He wrote to Timothy to provide encouragement and direction.

Titus

Titus was the Bishop of Crete. St Paul wrote to Titus to remind him of his duties.

Philemon

Here St Paul writes to Philemon to ask him to take back his run-away slave, Onesimus. Onesimus was converted by St Paul.

Hebrews

This letter was written by St Paul to the Jewish Christians.

James

St James was the Bishop of Jerusalem. He wrote this letter to promote the practice of good works.

Peter 1

St Peter wrote this letter to comfort the Gentile Christians in Asia Minor, who were subjected to persecution.

Peter 2

St Peter's second letter is addressed the Gentile Christians. He writes about life as a Christian and tells them to prepare for the second coming.

John 1

In St John's first letter he writes to combat errors that were being taught about Christ.

John 2

In St John's second letter he writes to encourage brotherly and sisterly love. He also warns against false teachers.

John 3

This letter deals with the false teachings about Christ.

Jude

St Jude was the brother of St James the Apostle. St Jude warns of false teachers and notes that the Apostles had foretold the coming of these heretics.

Revelation

In this book, St John tells of a revelation that he received from God while he was imprisoned on Patmos.