The genre of this book is an epistle and an epitaph. The key is theme is living a triumphant life for Christ by emulating his example on earth. The key theme and characters are as follows. Apostle Paul knew of his imminent death on his second arrest. He summoned Timothy his mentee to Rome on his arrest. He commissioned Timothy to carry on his work. Paul empowered the church to continue on without him and the mission of the good news would continue. He encourages Timothy to continue to spread the good news despite the persecution of many false teachers. Paul assures Timothy the Lord will take care of trouble maker just as he has done in the past. He instructs Timothy to carry on his ministry with urgency and hope. Paul tells Timothy that he is not to be afraid to suffer for the Lord. He encourages Timothy to step into his role in the ministry because he had completed his mission on this earth. He prays for Timothy and requests his presence in Rome before winter. Paul had emulated good leadership throughout his mission on this earth because had mirrored Christ as his own example.
Titus
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of the book is the church should enact God’s saving grace which has been shown to the world in the person and work of Jesus Christ. That the church community should promote, Godly lives that were made possible through the grace of Jesus Christ, to lead other to the good news. The main events and characters are as follows. Paul had established a church in Crete without appointing leaders. He now wanted to establish leadership and has delegated the responsibility to his long time co-worker Titus. Again false teachers were troubling the church. Paul wanted Titus to establish leadership of elders in the community and then return to him. Paul sends Titus and the newly established elders a formal letter stating what is the right conduct for the people in the house of God and the right conduct for the believer in society. Paul calls for decisive leadership because the church at Crete is being threatened by false prophet’s teachings. He implores the leadership of Crete to live Godly lives so that others will see Gods grace and be led to the good news.
Philemon
The genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of the book is this book is a picture of how attitudes and relationships are transformed in Christ. That the children of God should see others with eyes of love, and express that love just as Christ had done for them. That as Christians we must always be able to forgive one another. That all Christians are on an equal plane regardless of class or social economic status. The church is to make no traditional social distinction an example given in the text is the relationship between the slave and master. The church was to transcend this relationship. The key events and characters are as follows. Paul writes Philemon to treat his slave Onesimus, no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ. He prays for Philemon and thanks God that he shown God love to so many people and excepted Jesus as his savior. Paul then makes his ploy for the runaway slave Onesimus that has changed his life by accepting Christ. Paul asks Philemon to be gracious and forgiving when welcoming the slave back. Paul real desire is for Onesimus to stay with him and assist him in his ministry from prison. Paul has apostolic authority to demand that Philemon release his slave for that purpose but, he refused to do so. He wants Philemon to show that mercy himself and not be forced into it. Paul hints that he should free his slave so that he spread the good news. The book of Philemon is showing how the good news is transforming the very fabric of society.
Hebrews
The Genre is an epistle. The key theme of this book is that Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Those angles serve Jesus. That there is consequences to those to hear the good news and do not respond. Jesus is the new covenant and he paid the price for our sin once and for all by dying on the cross for all mankind. That Jesus is worthy of our commitment, worship, and endurance in faith. Our perseverance in the Christian faith will be directly proportional to the clarity with which we understand, who Jesus is and what he accomplished on our behalf. The key characters and events are as follows. Christianity was spreading throughout the world. The pagans mistrusted the Christians because they did not believe in the same Gods as them. Some Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This lead the Christians to be persecuted in all walks of life their jobs, family, social connections and friendships. Due to false teachings some of the Hebrews theological perspective had been twisted their endurance in the faith was wavering. This led some Christians to leave the church and abandon Christ. This book point to Christ to renew the struggling Christian endurance and faith. This book reminds us of Christ superiority and that he is the exalted son of God. That Jesus is indeed God. Jesus took on flesh and blood in order to die to set us free. That Jesus position was only temporarily below the angels on the earth to complete his mission. That Jesus was appointed by God and Jesus himself was the sacrifice that saved all mankind. Because of Jesus we can look forward to eternal life and enjoyment in God’s presence. This book was to remind the Hebrew church of the good news and renew their faith and endurance in Christ.
James
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of this book is for the Christian to maintain undivided faith and loyalty toward God. The main characters and event are as follows. James wrote a letter about the teachings and ethics in Christianity. In his letter he also reflects on the teachings o f Jesus and through the example Jesus set with his life. James is the brother to Jesus, and during Jesus life he was not a follower of Jesus. James had even tried to end Jesus ministry. This all changed when he saw Jesus resurrection on the cross. James had become the leader of the Jerusalem church after Peter’s arrest. During this time in history the church being oppressed economically and being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. James takes us to the beginning of the Christian Church and its enthusiasm. He talks about Jewish law but does not mention the ceremonial elements of Judaism such as Sabbath, circumcision, or food laws. He talks about how good works are a manifestation of accepting Jesus Christ. Jesus in the only way to eternal life it cannot be earned through works. James preaches about the future coming of the Lord. That there will be a day of judgment. That God had the power to save or Judge. That those who oppress Christians will be destroyed. The Christians that continue to endure will receive the crown of eternal life, and reap a harvest of righteousness sown by a life of faithfulness to God. As Christians we must practice faith, prayer and confession. We must endure suffering, to learn how kind the Lord is at the end.
First Peter
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme is to encourage Christians to maintain a life of holiness and righteous in a fallen world. That as believers we have become foreigners and aliens in this world. That we are now Gods children, we live in this world but do not belong to it. That we are what God is using to build a new spiritual temple. The main events and character are as follows. The Christians in the ancient world were widely misunderstood. Many of the Romans thought them disloyal to Roman society because, they refused to take an oath to the emperor. They viewed them as gathering in secret and participating in strange rituals. Because the Christians were very different that the prevailing culture they were viewed with contempt. The Christians were going through many trails and gossip was rampant about their lifestyle. This caused the early Christians much grief. Peter instructed the early Christians to view these accusations and trails as an opportunity to bear witness to their enemies the good news of Jesus. That the church should follow the example of Christ, and practice a life of evangelism and love for their enemies. That the suffering that the Christian faces only strength their faith. That we all should recognize the price which God purchased our salvation. That salvation is so great that the prophets predict it and the angel investigate it. Peter also tells the early Christians how to live in this fallen world. They are to submit to the authority of the government, slaves are to accept the authority of their masters, and wives are to accept the authority of their husbands. That the Christian is to behave in, an honorable and respectful manner, even when it results in abuse. That the Christian can stand firm in our salvation in Christ Jesus.
Second Peter
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of the book is that it is dangerous to deviate from the truth. That the church must be on guard against, those who distort the Gods word and misinterpret it. This letter is a concern over false teachers in the church. The main characters and events are as follows. Peter writes a letter to the church with a concern that they will grow in their understanding of the good news. Peter tells them that he does not have long to live. That false teachers in the church doubted Gods return. This grieved Peter and he denounces the false teachings and declares of his certainty of Christ’s return. He states that the false teachers will be judged by God. God will rescue the righteous. These false teachers assumed that God’s grace gave them liberty to do whatever they wanted. They engaged in sins of the flesh drinking, eating, greed, and illicit sex. They had no authority to do so. That all sin will be exposed before God. That persistent wrong doing to leads to ruin.
First John
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of this book is the good news. The book is written show Jesus mission, to reveal God the Father, and to bring believer into union with the father and son through the Sprit. The main events and characters are as follows. John writes in his letter, how Christians experience God in their daily life. That Christians are commanded to love one another and God. Anyone who claims to know God must love other Christians. To accept other Christians does not mean to accept all they teach, say or do. During this time in the church there were fellow Christians, that were denying the deity of Christ, and that he had come as a human being. John states that all people who deny the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ are antichrist. His letter warns strongly against such teachings. Such heresy can lead the Christian away from a true relationship with God. John in his letter stresses loyalty to Jesus apostles, the ones who followed Jesus during his life, and had known him personally. John gave some instructions to keep away from heresy. He instructed to maintain loyalty toward the apostle. To confess any sin they have to Jesus Christ. To respect Jesus as the word of life. To love god and other Christians. To walk closely to Christ, to become like Christ, and to confess worldly lust. To understand the truth of God through the sprit and to know him personally. To discern false teachings with the aid of the Holy Spirit and the word of God. Finally John instructs all Christians to enjoy eternal life.
Second John
The Genre of the book is an epistle. The key theme of the book is an antidote to false teachings that were infecting many of the early churches. John warns against false teachers who need to be shunned exposed and avoided. He also talks about the love that the Christian community must have for one another. The main events and characters are as follows. John writes a letter to the church encouraging them to love one another. He wants them to continue to follow Christ and live in the eternal truth. He again encourages them to hold onto the apostle teachings regarding, Jesus to receive the reward God has for them. He warns the Christians not to welcome false teachers into their meetings or homes or help them in any way. That they should not even wish them well to do so would be Heresy. John then tells the church that he will visit soon. True teachers of God word can be recognized by the message they bring and the motive which inspires them.
Third John
The Genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of this book is Truth and love. The Apostle John is concerned with false teachers and prophets. The main characters and events are as follows. Diotrephes is an example of one who ignores the authority of the Apostles and followed false teachings. Diotrephes was destroying his church. He did not love others and rejected anyone who truly knew Jesus. John states that one cannot claim to love God if we do not love and follow the teachings of the Apostles. That we cannot be in Father God’s house if don’t heed the principles set forth by the Apostles. Diotrephes was a leader of a local church. He rejected the authority of Apostle John and refused hospitality to the teacher that he sent. Diotrephes had walked away from the doctrine of the Apostles and did not place the same disciplinary demands on the members. He claimed to be taught a different doctrine. John knowing the situation sent a letter to Gaius a faithful member of the church, encouraging him to continue hosting John’s missionaries, and to remain faithful to his teachings. Gaius except the teachers that John sent and he is was commended by John, and encourages him to continue. Diotrephes excommunicated those who did not follow his leadership. Gaius warned against his bad example and encouraged other followers not to be influenced by him. This letter provides insight to problems in church leadership in the early church as well as today.
Jude
The genre of this book is an epistle. The key theme of this book is warned against false teachers that have been plaguing the church over the years. Jude is powerful reminder of the terrible fate of those who follow false teachers. Some examples that he gives are the angles that rebelled against God, Sodom and Gomorrah and the rebellious Israelites in the wilderness. False teachers are rebels against the lord and will face Judgment for it. The main events and characters are as follows. Jude sends a letter to the church, that they are in danger because of the teachings of false prophets. Jude explains the character of these false teachers and their ungodly behavior and attitudes only lead to destruction. Jude talks about defending ones faith. Jude implies there is a defined body of doctrine in the early church that all Christians need to adhere to. To be a Christian is to have faith in God and love one another. We cannot have faith in God unless we believe in the truth that God has revealed. To defend our faith we must know what the essential of our faith are. Only by learning the essentials will Christians be able to witness to others. That we must all learn the essentials of our faith to guard against false teachings.
Revelation
The genre of this book is apocalyptic. The key theme of this book is that God sovereign hand is always present and at work, to accomplish his work and purpose in his people, despite the ever looming presence of evil. This book speaks of the second coming of Christ. The main events and characters are as follows. John begins the book with a letter and greeting. He follows this with a brief history. John then describes a vision of Jesus. In letters to seven churches Jesus personally addresses the believers. After the letters, the vision portrays Jesus as both a lamb and a lion. The vision of John portrays three acts of judgment. The first judgment Jesus opens seven seals and these results in seven judgments. The vision also shows people being protected from harm. The second judgment is seven angels blowing seven trumpets. On the sounding of the sixth trumpet an angel has a scroll and seven sounds of thunder are heard then two witnesses proclaim Gods message. The final trumpet presents heaven, the coming kingdom of Christ the Lord. Then we see a cosmic battle between good and evil. The vision continues with the birth of Christ, and Christ whom God rescues from Satan’s destructive intentions. Satan is a dragon in this vision and even though he is defeated continues to create havoc on the world and form a false trinity, with two other beasts on the earth. Three angels deliver God message of coming judgment and destruction of the evil force. The third and final judgment involves seven plagues. After the destruction of evil, heaven rejoices at the destruction of the prostitute Babylon. God is victorious against evil. Jesus destroys all his enemies and all that evil in the war of Armageddon. The devil is imprisoned. The saints enjoy rest as Christ reigns on earth. The devil is judged before God and he is thrown into the lake of fire. The world greatest nemesis is destroys. Then John paints a beautiful picture of heaven for us.
