Vital Statistics and Blueprint of the New Testament NKJV
THE NEW TESTAMENT
Vital Statistics and Blueprint
New King James Version
A book-by-book companion for study of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. Vital statistics give the who, when, why, and what of each book. The blueprint is a plain-text outline of its structure. Key verses are quoted from the New King James Version.
A word on dates and authorship. Dates below follow the traditional ranges used in conservative evangelical study Bibles. They are approximate. Where authorship is debated in modern scholarship, the historic church attribution is given first, because that is the view assumed by most NKJV study editions. Chapter and verse counts follow the standard Protestant numbering shared by the KJV and NKJV (260 chapters; 7,957 verses).
OVERVIEW OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
The New Testament is the second division of the Christian Bible. It records the person and work of Jesus Christ, the birth and expansion of the church, the teaching of the apostles, and the promised consummation of all things. It was written in Koine Greek across roughly five decades of the first century.
Vital Statistics of the Whole New Testament
Books: 27
Chapters: 260
Verses: 7,957 (standard KJV/NKJV numbering)
Language of composition: Koine Greek
Approximate span of writing: A.D. 45–96
Traditional human authors: Nine: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James, Peter, Jude, and the unnamed writer of Hebrews
NKJV New Testament textual basis: The Textus Receptus (the same Greek tradition underlying the 1611 King James Version), with significant variant readings noted in the NKJV footnotes
Translation character of the NKJV: Formal equivalence (essentially word-for-word), updating the vocabulary and grammar of the King James Version while seeking to retain its cadence and accuracy
NKJV New Testament first published: 1979 (complete Bible, 1982; minor revision, 1984)
Publisher of the NKJV: Thomas Nelson
How the Twenty-Seven Books Are Arranged
The New Testament is arranged by literary type, not by date of writing. The four Gospels present Jesus. Acts continues the story of the risen Christ working through His church. The Epistles apply the gospel to congregations and individuals. Revelation closes the canon with the unveiling of Jesus Christ and the end of the age.
The historical books (5): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts.
The Pauline Epistles (13): Romans through Philemon, customarily ordered by length, first the letters to churches, then the letters to individuals.
Hebrews stands next. Though often grouped with Paul in older tradition, the letter itself is anonymous.
The General (Catholic) Epistles (7): James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude.
The prophetic book (1): Revelation.
The Fourfold Witness of the Gospels
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King of the Jews, the Son of David who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Mark presents Him as the mighty Servant who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Luke presents Him as the perfect Son of Man, Savior of all peoples. John presents Him as the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh, that believing you may have life in His name.
Christ in the New Testament
Every book of the New Testament is about Jesus Christ. The Gospels record His earthly life, death, and resurrection. Acts records His continuing work from the right hand of the Father through the Spirit. The Epistles interpret His finished work and form His people. Revelation unveils Him as the Lamb who was slain and the King who is coming.
THE GOSPELS
Matthew
Vital Statistics
Author: Matthew (Levi), the tax collector and apostle (Matthew 9:9; 10:3)
Date: About A.D. 50–70 (commonly placed in the 50s or 60s)
Setting / Place: Probably written in Palestine or Syria, often associated with Antioch
Original audience: Jewish believers and inquirers, to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel
Chapters / Verses: 28 chapters; 1,071 verses
Theme: Jesus is the promised King, the Son of David and Son of Abraham, who fulfills the Scriptures and inaugurates the kingdom of heaven.
Purpose: To prove from the Old Testament that Jesus is the Messiah-King; to instruct disciples in the righteousness of the kingdom; to commission the church to make disciples of all the nations.
Key word: Kingdom (especially “kingdom of heaven”)
Key chapter: Matthew 5–7 (the Sermon on the Mount) and Matthew 28
Christ portrayed as: King of the Jews; Son of David; Immanuel; the greater Moses who gives the law of the kingdom
Key Verses (NKJV)
Matthew 28:18–20. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Matthew 1:21. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Blueprint
I. The Person of the King (1:1–4:11)
A. Genealogy and birth (1:1–25)
B. Childhood and fulfillment of prophecy (2:1–23)
C. Forerunner, baptism, and temptation (3:1–4:11)
II. The Proclamation of the King (4:12–7:29)
A. Beginning of the Galilean ministry (4:12–25)
B. Sermon on the Mount: the righteousness of the kingdom (5:1–7:29)
III. The Power of the King (8:1–11:1)
A. Miracles of authority over disease, nature, demons, and death (8:1–9:38)
B. Mission discourse to the Twelve (10:1–11:1)
IV. The Progressive Rejection of the King (11:2–16:12)
A. Growing opposition (11:2–12:50)
B. Parables of the kingdom (13:1–52)
C. Continued unbelief and withdrawal (13:53–16:12)
V. The Preparation of the King’s Disciples (16:13–20:34)
A. Peter’s confession and the first prediction of the cross (16:13–28)
B. Transfiguration and further instruction (17:1–18:35)
C. Journey toward Jerusalem (19:1–20:34)
VI. The Presentation and Rejection of the King (21:1–25:46)
A. Triumphal entry, cleansing of the temple, and controversies (21:1–23:39)
B. Olivet Discourse: the coming of the King (24:1–25:46)
VII. The Passion and Triumph of the King (26:1–28:20)
A. Betrayal, last supper, Gethsemane, trials, and crucifixion (26:1–27:66)
B. Resurrection and Great Commission (28:1–20)
Mark
Vital Statistics
Author: John Mark, associate of Peter and of Paul (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 1 Peter 5:13)
Date: About A.D. 50–68 (often dated in the late 50s or early 60s, before the fall of Jerusalem)
Setting / Place: Traditionally Rome, written from Peter’s preaching for a Gentile, especially Roman, audience
Original audience: Roman Gentiles; disciples facing pressure and possible persecution
Chapters / Verses: 16 chapters; 678 verses
Theme: Jesus is the Son of God and the Suffering Servant who acts with power and gives His life a ransom for many.
Purpose: To present the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, with urgency; to call disciples to follow the Servant-King through suffering to glory.
Key word: Immediately (a hallmark of Mark’s rapid narrative)
Key chapter: Mark 10 (servanthood and the ransom) and Mark 15–16
Christ portrayed as: The Servant of the Lord; the Son of God; the ransom for many
Key Verses (NKJV)
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.”
Mark 1:1. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Blueprint
I. The Beginning of the Servant’s Ministry (1:1–13)
A. Title, forerunner, baptism, and temptation (1:1–13)
II. The Servant’s Ministry in Galilee (1:14–8:30)
A. Early authority in word and deed (1:14–3:12)
B. Appointment of the Twelve and growing opposition (3:13–6:6)
C. Mission, miracles, and misunderstanding (6:7–8:26)
D. Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27–30)
III. The Servant on the Way to the Cross (8:31–10:52)
A. First prediction of the passion and the cost of discipleship (8:31–9:50)
B. Teaching on the way to Jerusalem (10:1–52)
IV. The Servant in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)
A. Entry, temple, and controversies (11:1–12:44)
B. Olivet Discourse (13:1–37)
V. The Servant’s Passion and Victory (14:1–16:20)
A. Anointing, last supper, Gethsemane, arrest, and trials (14:1–72)
B. Crucifixion and burial (15:1–47)
C. Resurrection and commission (16:1–20)
Luke
Vital Statistics
Author: Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24). He also wrote Acts.
Date: About A.D. 58–63 (often dated before Paul’s two-year imprisonment in Rome ends, since Acts closes there)
Setting / Place: Possibly Caesarea or Rome; written after careful investigation of eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1–4)
Original audience: Theophilus and a broader Gentile readership; cultured Greek-speaking people
Chapters / Verses: 24 chapters; 1,151 verses
Theme: Jesus is the perfect Son of Man and universal Savior who came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Purpose: To give an orderly, historically grounded account of Jesus so that Theophilus may know the certainty of the things he has been taught.
Key word: Son of Man; salvation; the poor and the outcast
Key chapter: Luke 15 (the lost sheep, coin, and son) and Luke 24
Christ portrayed as: The Son of Man; the Savior of all peoples; the compassionate Physician of body and soul
Key Verses (NKJV)
Luke 19:10. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 1:3–4. “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”
Blueprint
I. Prologue and Infancy Narratives (1:1–2:52)
A. Preface to Theophilus (1:1–4)
B. Announcements and births of John and Jesus (1:5–2:52)
II. Preparation for Ministry (3:1–4:13)
A. John’s ministry, Jesus’ baptism and genealogy (3:1–38)
B. Temptation in the wilderness (4:1–13)
III. Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:50)
A. Nazareth rejection and Capernaum authority (4:14–44)
B. Calling disciples and teaching with power (5:1–6:49)
C. Miracles, parables, and the identity of Jesus (7:1–9:50)
IV. The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:27)
A. Cost of discipleship and mission of the Seventy (9:51–10:24)
B. Teaching on prayer, hypocrisy, and the kingdom (10:25–13:21)
C. Banquet parables, lost and found, and riches (13:22–17:10)
D. Approaching Jerusalem: faith, the rich ruler, Zacchaeus, and the minas (17:11–19:27)
V. Ministry in Jerusalem (19:28–21:38)
A. Entry, temple, and controversies (19:28–20:47)
B. Olivet teaching (21:1–38)
VI. Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension (22:1–24:53)
A. Last supper, arrest, and trials (22:1–23:25)
B. Crucifixion and burial (23:26–56)
C. Resurrection appearances, Emmaus, commission, and ascension (24:1–53)
John
Vital Statistics
Author: John the apostle, the disciple whom Jesus loved, son of Zebedee (John 21:20–24)
Date: About A.D. 80–95 (traditionally late in the first century, from Ephesus)
Setting / Place: Ephesus, according to early church testimony
Original audience: The church at large, both Jewish and Gentile, to bring readers to saving faith and to confirm believers
Chapters / Verses: 21 chapters; 879 verses
Theme: Jesus is the eternal Word, the Christ, the Son of God; believing in Him you have life in His name.
Purpose: Stated by the author: that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31).
Key word: Believe; life; the “I am” sayings; signs
Key chapter: John 3 and John 20
Christ portrayed as: The Word made flesh; the only begotten Son; the I AM; the Lamb of God
Key Verses (NKJV)
John 20:31. “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.”
John 1:14. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Blueprint
I. Prologue: The Word Made Flesh (1:1–18)
II. The Book of Signs: Public Ministry (1:19–12:50)
A. Witness of John and the first disciples (1:19–51)
B. Early signs and teaching in Galilee, Judea, and Samaria (2:1–4:54)
C. Growing conflict in Jerusalem (5:1–47)
D. Bread of Life and division (6:1–71)
E. Feasts, controversies, and the Light of the world (7:1–10:42)
F. Raising of Lazarus, anointing, and entry into Jerusalem (11:1–12:50)
III. The Book of Glory: Private Ministry and Passion (13:1–20:31)
A. Upper Room: foot washing, betrayal, and the new commandment (13:1–38)
B. Farewell discourse and High Priestly Prayer (14:1–17:26)
C. Arrest, trials, crucifixion, and burial (18:1–19:42)
D. Resurrection appearances to Mary and the disciples (20:1–31)
IV. Epilogue: The Restoration of Peter and the Beloved Disciple (21:1–25)
HISTORY OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Acts
Vital Statistics
Author: Luke, the beloved physician; volume two of Luke–Acts (Acts 1:1–2)
Date: About A.D. 62–64
Setting / Place: Probably Rome, near the end of Paul’s first Roman imprisonment
Original audience: Theophilus and the wider church; a Gentile-friendly history of the gospel’s advance
Chapters / Verses: 28 chapters; 1,007 verses
Theme: The risen Christ builds His church by the Holy Spirit, from Jerusalem to the end of the earth.
Purpose: To show the unstoppable progress of the word of God; to confirm the Gentile mission; to present Paul as the Lord’s chosen instrument.
Key word: Witness; the Holy Spirit; the word of God grew and multiplied
Key chapter: Acts 2 (Pentecost) and Acts 15 (the Jerusalem Council)
Christ portrayed as: The risen and exalted Lord who pours out the Spirit and directs the mission of the church
Key Verses (NKJV)
Acts 1:8. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:42. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Blueprint
I. Introduction: The Promise of the Spirit and the Ascension (1:1–26)
II. Witness in Jerusalem (2:1–8:3)
A. Pentecost and the birth of the church (2:1–47)
B. Healing, preaching, and opposition (3:1–5:42)
C. The seven, Stephen’s speech, and the first martyrdom (6:1–8:3)
III. Witness in Judea and Samaria (8:4–12:25)
A. Philip in Samaria and with the Ethiopian (8:4–40)
B. Conversion of Saul (9:1–31)
C. Peter and the Gentile Cornelius (9:32–11:18)
D. The church at Antioch and Peter’s deliverance (11:19–12:25)
IV. Witness to the End of the Earth (13:1–28:31)
A. Paul’s first missionary journey (13:1–14:28)
B. The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
C. Second missionary journey (15:36–18:22)
D. Third missionary journey (18:23–21:16)
E. Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and defenses (21:17–26:32)
F. Voyage to Rome and ministry under house arrest (27:1–28:31)
THE PAULINE EPISTLES — LETTERS TO CHURCHES
Romans
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Romans 1:1), with Tertius as amanuensis (16:22)
Date: About A.D. 56–57, near the end of the third missionary journey
Setting / Place: Written from Corinth (compare Romans 16:1, 23; 1 Corinthians 1:14)
Original audience: The church in Rome, a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers Paul had not yet visited
Chapters / Verses: 16 chapters; 433 verses
Theme: The gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes; the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
Purpose: To set forth a full statement of the gospel; to unify Jew and Gentile in the church; to prepare the way for Paul’s visit and hoped-for mission to Spain.
Key word: Righteousness; justification; faith; gospel
Key chapter: Romans 3–5 and Romans 8
Christ portrayed as: The Second Adam; the mercy seat; the risen Lord who justifies the ungodly
Key Verses (NKJV)
Romans 1:16–17. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.””
Romans 5:1. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Blueprint
I. Introduction and Theme (1:1–17)
II. The Universal Need of Righteousness (1:18–3:20)
A. The guilt of the Gentile world (1:18–32)
B. The guilt of the moralist and of the Jew (2:1–3:8)
C. The whole world accountable to God (3:9–20)
III. The Provision of Righteousness by Faith (3:21–5:21)
A. Justification by grace through faith (3:21–31)
B. Abraham as the pattern of faith (4:1–25)
C. Results of justification and the two Adams (5:1–21)
IV. The Power of Righteousness in the Believer (6:1–8:39)
A. Union with Christ: dead to sin, alive to God (6:1–23)
B. Freedom from the law’s condemnation (7:1–25)
C. Life in the Spirit and the certainty of glory (8:1–39)
V. The Place of Israel in God’s Righteous Plan (9:1–11:36)
A. Israel’s past election (9:1–33)
B. Israel’s present unbelief (10:1–21)
C. Israel’s future salvation and the mercy of God (11:1–36)
VI. The Practice of Righteousness (12:1–15:13)
A. Consecration and life in the body (12:1–21)
B. Submission to authorities and love of neighbor (13:1–14)
C. The weak and the strong (14:1–15:13)
VII. Conclusion: Plans, Greetings, and Doxology (15:14–16:27)
1 Corinthians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1), with Sosthenes
Date: About A.D. 55, during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19; 1 Corinthians 16:8)
Setting / Place: Ephesus
Original audience: The church of God at Corinth, a gifted but divided and worldly congregation in a notoriously immoral city
Chapters / Verses: 16 chapters; 437 verses
Theme: The wisdom of God in Christ crucified orders the life, worship, and hope of a divided church.
Purpose: To answer reports of division and immorality, and to reply to the church’s questions about marriage, idols, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.
Key word: Wisdom; body; love; resurrection
Key chapter: 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 Corinthians 15
Christ portrayed as: The wisdom and power of God; our Passover; the last Adam; the risen Lord
Key Verses (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 15:3–4. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 13:13. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1–9)
II. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21)
A. Party spirit versus the cross (1:10–2:16)
B. Servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries (3:1–4:21)
III. Disorders in the Church (5:1–6:20)
A. Incest and church discipline (5:1–13)
B. Lawsuits and sexual immorality (6:1–20)
IV. Answers to the Church’s Questions (7:1–14:40)
A. Marriage and singleness (7:1–40)
B. Food offered to idols and Christian liberty (8:1–11:1)
C. Headship, the Lord’s Supper, and public worship (11:2–34)
D. Spiritual gifts and the way of love (12:1–14:40)
V. The Resurrection of the Dead (15:1–58)
VI. Collection, travel plans, and final greetings (16:1–24)
2 Corinthians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:1), with Timothy
Date: About A.D. 55–56, not long after 1 Corinthians
Setting / Place: Macedonia, after leaving Ephesus (2 Corinthians 2:12–13; 7:5–7)
Original audience: The church at Corinth and the saints throughout Achaia
Chapters / Verses: 13 chapters; 257 verses
Theme: The ministry of the new covenant is a ministry of weakness, comfort, and the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Purpose: To defend Paul’s apostolic ministry, to complete the collection for the Jerusalem saints, and to prepare the church for his coming visit.
Key word: Ministry; comfort; glory; weakness
Key chapter: 2 Corinthians 4–5
Christ portrayed as: The Yes of all God’s promises; the One who knew no sin and was made sin for us
Key Verses (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 5:17–21. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation… For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 12:9. “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and the God of All Comfort (1:1–11)
II. Paul’s Conduct and Change of Plans (1:12–2:13)
III. The Nature of New Covenant Ministry (2:14–7:16)
A. Sufficiency from God, not from ourselves (2:14–3:18)
B. Treasure in earthen vessels (4:1–18)
C. The ministry of reconciliation (5:1–21)
D. Appeal for holiness and joy in the Corinthians’ repentance (6:1–7:16)
IV. The Collection for the Saints (8:1–9:15)
V. Defense of Paul’s Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:10)
A. The weapons of warfare and the limits of boasting (10:1–18)
B. The fool’s speech: sufferings and visions (11:1–12:13)
C. Coming visit and call to self-examination (12:14–13:10)
VI. Closing exhortations and benediction (13:11–14)
Galatians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Galatians 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 48–49 (if to south Galatia, before the Jerusalem Council) or A.D. 53–57 (if to north Galatia)
Setting / Place: Written from Antioch or on a missionary journey, after agitators had troubled the Galatian churches
Original audience: Churches of Galatia, Gentile believers being pressured to add circumcision and the works of the law to faith in Christ
Chapters / Verses: 6 chapters; 149 verses
Theme: Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ apart from the works of the law; the believer lives by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
Purpose: To defend the true gospel against legalism; to establish Christian liberty; to call believers to walk in the Spirit.
Key word: Faith; law; liberty; Spirit; flesh
Key chapter: Galatians 2–3 and Galatians 5
Christ portrayed as: The One who loved us and gave Himself for us; the seed of Abraham; the Liberator
Key Verses (NKJV)
Galatians 2:16. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Galatians 5:1. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
Blueprint
I. Introduction and Occasion (1:1–10)
II. Paul’s Gospel and Apostleship Defended (1:11–2:21)
A. The gospel received by revelation (1:11–24)
B. Recognition at Jerusalem and the incident at Antioch (2:1–21)
III. Justification by Faith Explained (3:1–4:31)
A. The Spirit received by faith, not by law (3:1–14)
B. The law as tutor until Christ (3:15–29)
C. Sons, not slaves; the allegory of Hagar and Sarah (4:1–31)
IV. Liberty Applied: Walk in the Spirit (5:1–6:10)
A. Freedom versus the flesh (5:1–15)
B. Works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit (5:16–26)
C. Burden-bearing and sowing to the Spirit (6:1–10)
V. Conclusion: Boasting only in the cross (6:11–18)
Ephesians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment
Setting / Place: Rome, written as one of the Prison Epistles
Original audience: The saints in Ephesus and, likely, neighboring churches in Asia (a circular letter)
Chapters / Verses: 6 chapters; 155 verses
Theme: The church is the body of Christ, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, called to walk worthy of her calling.
Purpose: To unfold the believer’s wealth in Christ and the walk that matches that wealth; to display the unity of Jew and Gentile in one new man.
Key word: In Christ; church; walk; mystery
Key chapter: Ephesians 1–2 and Ephesians 4
Christ portrayed as: The Head of the church; the One in whom all things are summed up; the Bridegroom
Key Verses (NKJV)
Ephesians 2:8–10. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 4:1. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1–2)
II. The Wealth of the Believer in Christ (1:3–3:21)
A. Spiritual blessings in the heavenlies (1:3–14)
B. Prayer for enlightenment (1:15–23)
C. From death to life by grace (2:1–10)
D. Jew and Gentile made one new man (2:11–22)
E. The mystery revealed and a second prayer (3:1–21)
III. The Walk of the Believer in Christ (4:1–6:20)
A. Unity and growth of the body (4:1–16)
B. The new man and holy living (4:17–5:21)
C. Household relationships (5:22–6:9)
D. The armor of God (6:10–20)
IV. Closing greetings (6:21–24)
Philippians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Philippians 1:1), with Timothy
Date: About A.D. 60–62, from Roman imprisonment
Setting / Place: Rome
Original audience: The saints in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons; a beloved supporting church founded on the second journey (Acts 16)
Chapters / Verses: 4 chapters; 104 verses
Theme: Joy in Christ in every circumstance; to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Purpose: To thank the Philippians for their gift, to report on his chains, to urge unity and humility, and to warn against Judaizers and worldly-minded professors.
Key word: Joy; rejoice; Christ; mind
Key chapter: Philippians 2
Christ portrayed as: The self-emptying Servant who is highly exalted; the One for whom all else is loss
Key Verses (NKJV)
Philippians 1:21. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 2:5–8. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1–11)
II. Paul’s circumstances and the advance of the gospel (1:12–26)
III. Exhortation to unity and the mind of Christ (1:27–2:18)
IV. Timothy and Epaphroditus, examples of service (2:19–30)
V. Warning against confidence in the flesh; pressing toward the goal (3:1–21)
VI. Final appeals: peace, thought-life, contentment, and the gift (4:1–20)
VII. Greetings and benediction (4:21–23)
Colossians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Colossians 1:1), with Timothy
Date: About A.D. 60–62, from Roman imprisonment
Setting / Place: Rome; sent with Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7–9; Philemon)
Original audience: The saints at Colosse, a church Paul had not founded in person; threatened by a syncretistic “philosophy”
Chapters / Verses: 4 chapters; 95 verses
Theme: The preeminence and sufficiency of Christ, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Purpose: To refute a heresy that diminished Christ by adding philosophy, legalism, mysticism, and asceticism; to call the church to a life hidden with Christ in God.
Key word: Fullness; preeminence; mystery; hidden in Christ
Key chapter: Colossians 1
Christ portrayed as: The image of the invisible God; the firstborn over all creation; the Head of the body
Key Verses (NKJV)
Colossians 1:18. “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Colossians 2:9–10. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1–14)
II. The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–23)
III. Paul’s ministry of the mystery (1:24–2:5)
IV. Warning against false philosophy (2:6–23)
V. The new life in Christ (3:1–4:6)
A. Seek the things above (3:1–17)
B. Household relationships (3:18–4:1)
C. Prayer and wise walk toward outsiders (4:2–6)
VI. Final greetings (4:7–18)
1 Thessalonians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 1:1), with Silvanus and Timothy
Date: About A.D. 50–51, one of Paul’s earliest letters
Setting / Place: Corinth, shortly after Timothy’s good report from Thessalonica (Acts 17–18; 1 Thessalonians 3:1–6)
Original audience: The church of the Thessalonians, a young congregation converted from idolatry and facing persecution
Chapters / Verses: 5 chapters; 89 verses
Theme: The coming of the Lord sustains a holy, working, hopeful church.
Purpose: To commend their faith, hope, and love; to defend Paul’s ministry; to instruct them concerning holiness and the coming of the Lord.
Key word: Coming (parousia); hope; holiness
Key chapter: 1 Thessalonians 4
Christ portrayed as: The coming Lord who delivers from the wrath to come
Key Verses (NKJV)
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 1:9–10. “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1)
II. Thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope (1:2–10)
III. Paul’s ministry among them reviewed (2:1–16)
IV. Paul’s longing and Timothy’s report (2:17–3:13)
V. Exhortations to holiness and brotherly love (4:1–12)
VI. The coming of the Lord and the day of the Lord (4:13–5:11)
VII. Final instructions and benediction (5:12–28)
2 Thessalonians
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 1:1), with Silvanus and Timothy
Date: About A.D. 51–52, a few months after 1 Thessalonians
Setting / Place: Corinth
Original audience: The same Thessalonian church, now disturbed by a false report that the day of the Lord had already come
Chapters / Verses: 3 chapters; 47 verses
Theme: The day of the Lord has not yet come; stand fast, work quietly, and wait for the revelation of the Lord Jesus.
Purpose: To correct eschatological error, to comfort the afflicted, and to command the idle to work.
Key word: Day of the Lord; falling away; tradition
Key chapter: 2 Thessalonians 2
Christ portrayed as: The Lord who will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, taking vengeance and being glorified in His saints
Key Verses (NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:15. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and thanksgiving amid persecution (1:1–12)
II. Correction concerning the day of the Lord (2:1–17)
A. The falling away and the man of sin must come first (2:1–12)
B. Thanksgiving and a call to stand fast (2:13–17)
III. Request for prayer and command to the disorderly (3:1–15)
IV. Benediction (3:16–18)
THE PAULINE EPISTLES — LETTERS TO INDIVIDUALS (PASTORAL)
1 Timothy
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (1 Timothy 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 62–64, after release from the first Roman imprisonment
Setting / Place: Probably Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3)
Original audience: Timothy, Paul’s true son in the faith, left in Ephesus to charge certain men not to teach another doctrine
Chapters / Verses: 6 chapters; 113 verses
Theme: How one ought to conduct himself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Purpose: To instruct Timothy in sound doctrine, public worship, qualifications for elders and deacons, and godliness in a church threatened by false teachers.
Key word: Doctrine; godliness; the house of God
Key chapter: 1 Timothy 3
Christ portrayed as: The one Mediator between God and men; the mystery of godliness
Key Verses (NKJV)
1 Timothy 3:15. “But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:5. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1–2)
II. Charge concerning false doctrine (1:3–20)
III. Instructions for public worship (2:1–15)
IV. Qualifications of overseers and deacons (3:1–16)
V. The good minister and coming apostasy (4:1–16)
VI. Relationships in the church: widows, elders, slaves (5:1–6:2)
VII. Godliness, contentment, and the good confession (6:3–21)
2 Timothy
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (2 Timothy 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 66–67, during Paul’s final imprisonment, shortly before his death
Setting / Place: Rome, from a Roman prison
Original audience: Timothy, still in Ephesus, called to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
Chapters / Verses: 4 chapters; 83 verses
Theme: Guard the gospel, endure suffering, and preach the word; the sacred Scriptures are able to make one wise for salvation.
Purpose: Paul’s last will and testament: to strengthen Timothy, to warn of last-days departure, and to request a final visit.
Key word: Endure; Scripture; preach the word
Key chapter: 2 Timothy 3–4
Christ portrayed as: The righteous Judge; the One who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
Key Verses (NKJV)
2 Timothy 3:16–17. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 4:2. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and thanksgiving (1:1–7)
II. Do not be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul (1:8–18)
III. A good soldier, athlete, and farmer (2:1–13)
IV. An approved worker handling the word of truth (2:14–26)
V. Perilous times and the sufficiency of Scripture (3:1–17)
VI. Charge to preach the word; Paul’s departure (4:1–8)
VII. Personal requests and final greetings (4:9–22)
Titus
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Titus 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 62–64, in the same period as 1 Timothy
Setting / Place: Probably written from Macedonia or Nicopolis (Titus 3:12)
Original audience: Titus, Paul’s true son in a common faith, left in Crete to set in order the things that were lacking
Chapters / Verses: 3 chapters; 46 verses
Theme: Sound doctrine produces sound living; the grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly.
Purpose: To direct the appointment of elders, to silence false teachers, and to instruct every age-group in the church in good works.
Key word: Sound doctrine; good works; grace
Key chapter: Titus 2
Christ portrayed as: Our great God and Savior who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed
Key Verses (NKJV)
Titus 2:11–14. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
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 city as I commanded you.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1–4)
II. Qualifications of elders and the silencing of rebels (1:5–16)
III. Sound teaching for older men, older women, young women, young men, and bondservants (2:1–10)
IV. The appearing of grace and the blessed hope (2:11–15)
V. Conduct in society and the washing of regeneration (3:1–11)
VI. Closing directions and greetings (3:12–15)
THE PAULINE EPISTLES — LETTERS TO INDIVIDUALS
Philemon
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Paul (Philemon 1), with Timothy
Date: About A.D. 60–62, from Roman imprisonment
Setting / Place: Rome; sent with Colossians by Onesimus and Tychicus
Original audience: Philemon, a beloved fellow laborer at Colosse, together with Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon’s house
Chapters / Verses: 1 chapter; 25 verses
Theme: Christian love and forgiveness restore a runaway slave as a brother in the Lord.
Purpose: To appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother, and to charge any debt to Paul’s account.
Key word: Receive; brother; charge it to my account
Key chapter: Philemon (the whole letter)
Christ portrayed as: The One in whom slaves and masters become brothers; the pattern of intercession and substitution
Key Verses (NKJV)
Philemon 17–18. “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.”
Philemon 15–16. “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1–3)
II. Thanksgiving for Philemon’s love and faith (4–7)
III. The appeal for Onesimus (8–21)
IV. Travel hope, greetings, and benediction (22–25)
THE GENERAL EPISTLES
Hebrews
Vital Statistics
Author: Unnamed. The early Western church often associated the letter with Paul; others have suggested Barnabas, Apollos, Luke, or another companion of the apostles. The writer knew Timothy (13:23) and writes with apostolic authority, but the letter itself does not name its author.
Date: About A.D. 64–69, before the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 (the sacrificial system is spoken of as still functioning)
Setting / Place: Unknown; the greeting “Those from Italy greet you” (13:24) may suggest either origin or destination connected with Italy
Original audience: Jewish Christians in danger of drifting back to the shadows of the old covenant under pressure of persecution
Chapters / Verses: 13 chapters; 303 verses
Theme: The supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ: better than angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, and the whole Levitical order.
Purpose: To warn against apostasy and to exhort believers to hold fast, draw near, and run with endurance, looking unto Jesus.
Key word: Better; once for all; priest; covenant; faith
Key chapter: Hebrews 8–10 and Hebrews 11
Christ portrayed as: The Son; the great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek; the Mediator of a better covenant; the Author and Finisher of our faith
Key Verses (NKJV)
Hebrews 4:14–16. “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 12:1–2. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Blueprint
I. The Superiority of the Son to the prophets and to angels (1:1–2:18)
II. The Superiority of the Son to Moses and Joshua (3:1–4:13)
III. The Superiority of the Son’s Priesthood (4:14–7:28)
A. Jesus the great High Priest (4:14–5:10)
B. Warning against falling away and the call to maturity (5:11–6:20)
C. Melchizedek and the forever priesthood (7:1–28)
IV. The Superiority of the New Covenant and the once-for-all Sacrifice (8:1–10:18)
V. The Call to Draw Near, Hold Fast, and Endure (10:19–12:29)
A. Full assurance and the warning of willful sin (10:19–39)
B. The hall of faith (11:1–40)
C. Looking unto Jesus and the Father’s discipline (12:1–29)
VI. Concluding exhortations, benediction, and greetings (13:1–25)
James
Vital Statistics
Author: James, the Lord’s brother, a leader of the Jerusalem church (Galatians 1:19; Acts 15; 21:18)
Date: About A.D. 45–49, possibly the earliest New Testament book
Setting / Place: Jerusalem
Original audience: The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Jewish believers of the Dispersion
Chapters / Verses: 5 chapters; 108 verses
Theme: Genuine faith works; it is tested, tamed, and proven by obedience.
Purpose: To call scattered believers from dead orthodoxy to living faith expressed in endurance, impartial love, controlled speech, and practical righteousness.
Key word: Faith; works; wisdom; tongue
Key chapter: James 2
Christ portrayed as: The Glory; the Lord of glory; the coming Judge; the One whose name is called over the sick
Key Verses (NKJV)
James 1:22. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 2:17. “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1)
II. Trials, wisdom, and the implanted word (1:2–27)
III. Impartiality and living faith (2:1–26)
IV. The tongue and two kinds of wisdom (3:1–18)
V. Worldliness, humility, and judging (4:1–17)
VI. Warning to the rich; patience until the coming of the Lord; prayer and restoration (5:1–20)
1 Peter
Vital Statistics
Author: The apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:1), with Silvanus as amanuensis (5:12)
Date: About A.D. 62–64
Setting / Place: “Babylon” (5:13), commonly understood as Rome
Original audience: Pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: mostly Gentile believers facing social hostility
Chapters / Verses: 5 chapters; 105 verses
Theme: Hope and holiness for sojourners who share in the sufferings of Christ and will share in His glory.
Purpose: To strengthen suffering saints to stand firm in the true grace of God, living as a holy nation and royal priesthood.
Key word: Suffering; hope; grace; sojourners
Key chapter: 1 Peter 2
Christ portrayed as: The living Stone; the Shepherd and Overseer of souls; the example in suffering
Key Verses (NKJV)
1 Peter 1:3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 2:9. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1:1–2)
II. A living hope and a call to holiness (1:3–2:10)
III. Living as sojourners: submission and the example of Christ (2:11–3:12)
IV. Suffering for righteousness and the victory of Christ (3:13–4:19)
V. Shepherding the flock and standing firm in grace (5:1–14)
2 Peter
Vital Statistics
Author: Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1)
Date: About A.D. 64–68, near the end of Peter’s life (1:14)
Setting / Place: Probably Rome
Original audience: The same circle of churches addressed in 1 Peter (3:1)
Chapters / Verses: 3 chapters; 61 verses
Theme: Grow in the knowledge of Christ and beware of false teachers; the day of the Lord will come.
Purpose: To stir up a pure mind by way of reminder, to expose false teachers, and to explain the delay of the Lord’s coming as patience leading to repentance.
Key word: Knowledge; false teachers; promise; haste unto the coming
Key chapter: 2 Peter 1 and 2 Peter 3
Christ portrayed as: Our God and Savior; the One whose power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness
Key Verses (NKJV)
2 Peter 3:18. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
2 Peter 1:3. “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and the provision for godliness (1:1–11)
II. The certainty of the apostolic witness (1:12–21)
III. The doom of false teachers (2:1–22)
IV. The coming day of the Lord (3:1–13)
V. Final appeal and doxology (3:14–18)
1 John
Vital Statistics
Author: John the apostle, the elder (compare 2 John 1; 3 John 1; John 21:24)
Date: About A.D. 85–95
Setting / Place: Traditionally Ephesus
Original audience: Churches in Asia facing an early form of Gnostic error that denied the true incarnation and split fellowship
Chapters / Verses: 5 chapters; 105 verses
Theme: Fellowship with God who is light and love, tested by right doctrine, obedient living, and brotherly love.
Purpose: That your joy may be full; that you may not sin; that you may know you have eternal life (1 John 1:4; 2:1; 5:13).
Key word: Know; fellowship; love; light; antichrist
Key chapter: 1 John 1 and 1 John 4
Christ portrayed as: The Word of life; the Advocate with the Father; the propitiation for our sins; the Son of God come in the flesh
Key Verses (NKJV)
1 John 5:13. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
1 John 1:7. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Blueprint
I. Prologue: the Word of life (1:1–4)
II. Walking in the light (1:5–2:29)
III. Living as children of God (3:1–24)
IV. Testing the spirits and abiding in love (4:1–21)
V. Faith in the Son and assurance of life (5:1–21)
2 John
Vital Statistics
Author: The Elder, John the apostle (2 John 1)
Date: About A.D. 85–95
Setting / Place: Ephesus
Original audience: “The elect lady and her children,” either a faithful Christian woman and her household or a local church personified
Chapters / Verses: 1 chapter; 13 verses
Theme: Walk in truth and love; do not receive those who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
Purpose: To commend walking in truth, to command love, and to warn against giving hospitality to deceivers.
Key word: Truth; love; doctrine of Christ
Key chapter: 2 John (the whole letter)
Christ portrayed as: Jesus Christ come in the flesh; the Son of the Father
Key Verses (NKJV)
2 John 6. “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
2 John 9–10. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting in truth and love (1–3)
II. Walking in truth and love (4–6)
III. Warning against deceivers (7–11)
IV. Hope of a face-to-face visit and greeting (12–13)
3 John
Vital Statistics
Author: The Elder, John the apostle (3 John 1)
Date: About A.D. 85–95
Setting / Place: Ephesus
Original audience: Gaius, a beloved brother commended for hospitality to traveling missionaries
Chapters / Verses: 1 chapter; 14 verses
Theme: Faithful hospitality advances the truth; prideful control of the church opposes it.
Purpose: To commend Gaius, to expose Diotrephes, to recommend Demetrius, and to promise a visit.
Key word: Truth; fellow workers; hospitality
Key chapter: 3 John (the whole letter)
Christ portrayed as: The Name for which the brethren went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles
Key Verses (NKJV)
3 John 4. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
3 John 8. “We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting and prayer for Gaius (1–4)
II. Commendation of Gaius’s hospitality (5–8)
III. Condemnation of Diotrephes (9–11)
IV. Commendation of Demetrius and closing (12–14)
Jude
Vital Statistics
Author: Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and brother of James (Jude 1); thus also a half-brother of the Lord
Date: About A.D. 65–80
Setting / Place: Unknown
Original audience: Those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ; a church facing stealthy false teachers
Chapters / Verses: 1 chapter; 25 verses
Theme: Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
Purpose: To expose ungodly men who turn the grace of God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and to keep the beloved in the love of God.
Key word: Contend; ungodly; kept / preserved
Key chapter: Jude (the whole letter)
Christ portrayed as: Our only Lord and Savior; the One who is able to keep us from stumbling
Key Verses (NKJV)
Jude 3. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Jude 24–25. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
Blueprint
I. Greeting (1–2)
II. Occasion: contend for the faith (3–4)
III. Historical warnings and the character of the intruders (5–16)
IV. Reminder of apostolic words and duties of the beloved (17–23)
V. Doxology (24–25)
PROPHECY
Revelation
Vital Statistics
Author: John the apostle (Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8), exiled on the island of Patmos
Date: About A.D. 95–96, during the reign of Domitian (the traditional and still majority conservative date). A minority date it in the late 60s under Nero.
Setting / Place: Written from Patmos to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia
Original audience: The seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea — and, through them, the whole church
Chapters / Verses: 22 chapters; 404 verses
Theme: The unveiling of Jesus Christ as the slain Lamb and conquering King who will judge the world and make all things new.
Purpose: To show His servants things which must shortly take place; to bless the reader, hearer, and keeper of the prophecy; to call the churches to overcome.
Key word: Overcome; Lamb; throne; Babylon; new heaven and new earth
Key chapter: Revelation 1; Revelation 5; Revelation 19–22
Christ portrayed as: The Alpha and the Omega; the Son of Man among the lampstands; the Lion of Judah and the Lamb; KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS; the Bright and Morning Star
Key Verses (NKJV)
Revelation 1:19. “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
Revelation 19:16. “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Blueprint
I. Prologue and vision of the risen Christ (1:1–20)
II. The things which are: letters to the seven churches (2:1–3:22)
III. The things which will take place after this (4:1–22:5)
A. The throne in heaven and the worthy Lamb (4:1–5:14)
B. The seven seals (6:1–8:1)
C. The seven trumpets (8:2–11:19)
D. The dragon, the beasts, and the Lamb’s people (12:1–14:20)
E. The seven bowls of wrath (15:1–16:21)
F. The fall of Babylon (17:1–19:5)
G. The coming of the King, the millennium, and the last judgment (19:6–20:15)
H. The new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem (21:1–22:5)
IV. Epilogue: testimony, invitation, warning, and blessing (22:6–21)
A CLOSING WORD
The New Testament is not a collection of disconnected pamphlets. It is one witness to one Lord. Read each book first for its own voice — its author, audience, occasion, and argument. Then read it as part of the whole, because the same Christ who is King in Matthew is Servant in Mark, Son of Man in Luke, Son of God in John, Head of the church in the Epistles, and coming Conqueror in Revelation.
Key verses are quoted from the New King James Version. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Dates, authorship notes, and outlines follow the traditional conservative consensus common to NKJV study editions and survey handbooks. They are offered as a starting map, not as a substitute for reading the text itself.
