The word 'gospel' is never used

in the New Testament as a

book. It always means 'good
news' and is derived from two
Anglo Saxon words "God"
(good) and "spell" (story or
tidings).
 Really there is only one gospel,
recorded for us by four different
writers. The good news is that
"God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten Son that
whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish but have
everlasting life" - John 3:16.
In Matthew we see the Messiah-King (the
lion).

In Mark we see Jehovah’s Servant (the ox).

In Luke we see the Son of Man (the man).

In John we see the Son of God (the eagle).

Matthew addresses his Gospel primarily to
the Jews to convince them that Jesus of
Nazareth is their Messiah, the King of the
Jews. With the genealogy of Jesus,
Matthew also uses ten fulfillment
quotations by which he seeks to show that
this Jesus, though rejected and crucified, is
the long-awaited Messiah of the Old
Testament
I.The Person and Presentation of the
King (1:1-4:25)

II.The Proclamation or Preaching of the

King (5:1-7:29)

III.The Power of the King (8:1-11:1)

IV.The Program and Progressive
Rejection of the King (11:2-16:12)

V.The Pedagogy and Preparation of the

King’s Disciples (16:13-20:28)

VI.The Presentation of the King (20:29-

23:39)
VII. The Predictions or Prophecies of the
King (24:1-25:46)

VIII. The Passion or Rejection of the King

(26:1-27:66)

IX. The Proof of the King (28:1-20)

The theme of Mark is ‘Christ the Servant.’
This thrust is brought in 10:45, “For even
the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and give His life a
ransom for many.” A careful reading of
Mark shows how the two themes of this
verse, service and sacrifice, are unfolded
by Mark. Mark is addressed primarily to
the Roman or Gentile reader
I. The Preparation of the Servant for Service (1:1-13)

II. The Preaching of the Servant in Galilee (1:14-

9:50)

III. The Preaching of the Servant in Perea (10:1-52)

IV. The Passion of the Servant in Jerusalem (11:1-

15:47)
V. The Prosperity of the Servant in Resurrection
(16:1-20)
Christ as Seen in Luke:

The humanity and compassion of Jesus are

repeatedly stressed in Luke’s Gospel. Luke gives the
most complete account of Christ’s ancestry, birth,
and development. He is the ideal Son of Man who
identified with the sorrow and plight of sinful man
in order to carry our sorrows and offer us the
priceless gift of salvation. Jesus alone fulfills the
Greek ideal of human perfection.
I. The Prologue: The Method and Purpose of
Writing (1:1-4)
II. The Identification of the Son of Man with Men
(1:1-4:13)
III. The Ministry of the Son of Man to Men (4:14-
9:50)
IV. The Rejection of the Son of Man by Men (9:51-
19:44)
V. The Suffering of the Son of Man for Men (19:45-
23:56)
VI. The Authentication (by resurrection) of the Son
of Man Before Men (24:1-53)
 The key concept in John is Jesus, the
Son of God, the one who is the Logos,
the very revelation of God (John 1:1,
14, 18). But there are a number of
other key words in the presentation
of Christ like truth, light, darkness,
word, knowledge, believe, abide, love,
world, witness
Christ as Seen in Acts:
The resurrected Savior is the central theme of the
sermons and defenses in Acts. The Old Testament
Scriptures, the historical resurrection, the apostolic
testimony, and the convicting power of the Holy
Spirit all bear witness that Jesus is both Lord and
Christ (see Peter’s sermons in 2:22-36; 10:34-43).
“To Him all the prophets witness that, through His
name, whoever believes in Him will receive
remission of sins” (10:43). “Nor is there salvation in
any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved”
(4:12).
 Acts can be naturally
outlined around Acts 1:8,
the spread of the gospel
from Jerusalem to Judea
and Samaria, and to the
uttermost part of the earth.
I. The Witness in Jerusalem (1:1-6:7)
A. The Expectation of the Chosen (1:1-
2:47) Progress report no. 1: “And the Lord
added to their number daily those who
were being saved” (2:47).
B. The Expansion of the Church in
Jerusalem (3:1-6:7) Progress report no.
2: “So the Word of God spread. The
number of disciples in Jerusalem
increased rapidly” (6:7).
II. The Witness in all Judea and Samaria (6:8-9:31)
A. The Martyrdom of Stephen (6:8-8:1a)
1. The Arrest of Stephen (6:8-7:1)
2. The Address of Stephen (7:2-53)
3. The Attack on Stephen (7:54-8:1a)
B. The Ministry of Philip (8:1b-40)
C. The Message of Saul (9:1-19a)
D. The Conflicts of Saul (9:19b-31) Progress report
no. 3: “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee,
and Samaria … was strengthened; and [it was]
encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers,
living in the fear of the Lord” (9:31).
III. The Witness to the Extremity of the Earth (9:32-28:31)
A. The Extension of the Church to Antioch (9:32-
12:24) : “But the Word of God continued to increase and
spread” (12:24).
B. The Extension of the Church in Asia Minor (12:25-
16:5) “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and
grew daily in numbers” (16:5).
C. The Extension of the Church in the Aegean Area (16:6-
19:20) : “In this way the Word of the Lord spread widely
and grew in power” (19:20).
D. The Extension of the Church to Rome (19:21-28:31)
: “Paul … welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and
without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and
taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (28:30-31).
Christ as Seen in Romans
Paul presents Jesus Christ as the Second Adam
whose righteousness and substitutionary
death have provided justification for all who
place their faith in Him. He offers His
righteousness as a gracious gift to sinful men,
having borne God’s condemnation and wrath
for their sinfulness. His death and resurrection
are the basis for the believer’s redemption,
justification, reconciliation, salvation, and
glorification.
Apart from the introduction (1:1-
17), where Paul also states his
theme, and conclusion, where he
has personal messages and a
benediction (15:14–16:27),
Romans easily divides into three
sections:
• The first eight chapters are doctrinal and
outline the basic doctrines of the gospel of a
righteousness (justification and sanctification)
of God through faith.
• The next three chapters (9-11) are national and
describe God’s dealings with Jews and Gentiles
and the relationship of each to the gospel.
• The remaining chapters (12-16) are practical or
applicational in that they demonstrate the
ramifications of the gospel on a believer’s daily
life.
I. Introduction (1:1-17)
II. Condemnation: The Need of Righteousness
Because of Sin in All (1:18–3:20)
A. The Condemnation of the Immoral Man (the
Gentile) (1:18-32)
B. The Condemnation of the Moral Man (2:1-16)
C. The Condemnation of the Religious Man (the Jew)
(2:17–3:8)
D. The Condemnation of All Men (3:9-20)
III. Justification: The Imputation of God’s
Righteousness Through Christ (3:21–5:21)
A. The Description of Righteousness (3:21-31)
B. The Illustration of Righteousness (4:1-25)
C. The Blessings of Righteousness (5:1-11)
D. The Contrast of Righteousness and
Condemnation (5:12-21)
IV. Sanctification: Righteousness
Imparted and Demonstrated (6:1–
8:39)
A. Sanctification and Sin (6:1-23)
B. Sanctification and the Law (7:1-25)
C. Sanctification and the Holy Spirit
(8:1-39)
V. Vindication: Jew and Gentile, the
Scope of God’s Righteousness (9:1–
11:36)
A. Israel’s Past: Election of God (9:1-
29)
B. Israel’s Present: Rejection of God
(9:30–10:21)
C. Israel’s Future: Restoration by God
(11:1-36)
VI. Application: the Practice of
Righteousness in Service (12:1–15:13)
A. In Relation to God (12:1-2)
B. In Relation to Self (12:3)
C. In Relation to the Church (12:4-8)
D. In Relation to Society (12:9-21)
E. In Relation to Government (13:1-14)
F. In Relation to Other Christians (14:1–
15:13)
VII. Personal Messages and
Benediction (15:14–16:27)
A. Paul’s Plans (15:14-33)
B. Paul’s Personal Greetings
(16:1-16)
C. Paul’s Conclusion and
Benediction (16:17-27)
Christ as Seen in 1 Corinthians:
The centrality of Christ as the essence, source, and means of
the Christian life is stated in 1:30, “of Him you are in Christ
Jesus, who became for us the wisdom of God: both
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption”
Outline:

I. Introduction (1:1-9)
A. The Salutation (1:1-3)
B. The Prayer of Thanks (1:4-9)
II. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21)
A. The Report of Divisions (1:10-17)
B. The Reasons for Divisions (1:18–2:16)
1. Misunderstanding of God’s message of the cross (1:18–
2:5)
2. Misunderstanding of the Spirit’s ministry (2:6-16)
C. The Result of Divisions (3:1–4:5)
1. Spiritual growth is hampered (3:1-9)
2. Rewards are lost (3:10–4:5)
D. The Design and Example of Paul (4:6-21)
III. Moral Disorders in the Church (5:1–6:20)
A. The Case of Incest (5:1-13)
B. The Problem of Litigation in Heathen Courts (6:1-8)
C. The Warning Against Moral Laxity (6:9-20)
IV.Instructions Concerning Marriage (7:1-40)
A. Marriage and Celibacy (7:1-9)
B. Marriage and Divorce (7:10-24)
C. Marriage and Christian Service (7:25-38)
D. Marriage and Remarriage (7:39-40)
V. Instructions Concerning Food Offered to Idols (8:1–11:1)
A. Question: May a Christian Eat Food Consecrated to a
Pagan God? (8:1-13)
B. Example of Paul (9:1-27)
C. Exhortations (10:1–11:1)
VI. Instructions Concerning Public Worship (11:2–14:40)
A. The Covering of Women (11:2-16)
B. The Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)
C. The Use of Spiritual Gifts (12:1–14:40)
1. The varieties of gifts (12:1-11)
2. The purpose of gifts: unity in diversity (12:12-31)
3. The supremacy of love over gifts (13:1-13
4. The superiority of prophecy over tongues (14:1-25)
5. The regulations for the use of gifts (14:26-40)
VII. The Doctrine of the Resurrection (15:1-58)
A. The Importance of the Resurrection (15:1-11)
B. The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection (15:12-19)
C. The Christian Hope (15:20-34)
D. The Resurrection Body (15:35-50)
E. The Christian’s Victory Through Christ (15:51-58)
VIII. The Collection for Jerusalem (16:1-4)
IX. Conclusion (16:5-24)
IX. Conclusion (16:5-24)
Christ as Seen in 2 Corinthians:
In a later epistle, Paul will stress how we are “complete in
Christ” (Col. 2:10). All we need for life is found in Him. In this
epistle, we see Him as our comfort (1:5), triumph (2:14),
Lord (2:4), liberty or freedom for a new life (3:17), light (4:6),
judge (5:10), reconciliation (5:19), gift (9:15), owner (10:7),
and power (12:9).
Outline:48
I. Primarily Apologetic: Explanation of Paul’s Conduct and
Apostolic Ministry (chs. 1–7)
A. Salutation (1:1-2)
B. Thanksgiving for Divine Comfort in Affliction (1:3-11)
C. The Integrity of Paul’s Motives and Conduct (1:12–2:4)
D. Forgiving the Offender at Corinth (2:5-11)
E. God’s Direction in the Ministry (2:12-17)
F. The Corinthian Believers—a Letter From Christ (3:1-11)
G. Seeing the Glory of God With Unveiled Faces (3:12–4:6)
H. Treasure in Clay Jars (4:7-16a)
I. The Prospect of Death and What It Means for the Christian
(4:16b–5:10)
J. The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:11–6:10)
K. A Spiritual Father’s Appeal to His Children (6:11–7:4)
L. The Meeting With Titus (7:5-16)
II. Hortatory: The Collection for the Christians at Jerusalem
(chs. 8–9)
A. Generosity Encouraged (8:1-15)
B. Titus and His Companions Sent to Corinth (8:16–9:5)
C. Results of Generous Giving (9:6-15)
III. Polemical: Paul’s Vindication of His Apostolic Authority
(chs. 10–13)
A. Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority and the Area of
His Mission (ch. 10)
B. Paul Forced Into Foolish Boasting (chs. 11–12)
C. Final Warnings (13:1-10)
D. Conclusion (13:11-14)
Christ as Seen in Galatians:
Through His death by which believers have died to the Law and
through the Christ exchanged life (2:20), believers have been freed
from bondage (5:1f.) and brought into a position of liberty. The power
of the cross provides deliverance from the curse of the law, from the
power of sin, and from self (1:4; 2:20; 3:13; 4:5; 5:16, 24; 6:14).
Outline:
I. Personal: The Gospel of Grace, Justification by Faith Defended (1:1-
2:21)
A. Introduction (1:1-9)
B. The Gospel of Grace Came by Revelation (1:10-24)
C. The Gospel of Grace Was Approved by the Church in Jerusalem (2:1-
10)
D. The Gospel of Grace Was Vindicated in the Rebuke of Peter, the
Chief of the Apostles (2:11-21)
II. Doctrinal: The Gospel of Grace, Justification by Faith Explained (3:1–
4:31)
A. The Experience of the Galatians: The Spirit is Given by Faith, Not by
B. The Example of Abraham: He was Justified by Faith, Not
by Works (3:6-9)
C. Justification Is by Faith, Not by the Law (3:10–4:11)
D. The Galatians Received Their Blessings by Faith, Not by
Law (4:12-20)
E. Law and Grace Are Mutually Exclusive (4:21-31)
III. Practical: The Gospel of Grace, Justification by
Faith Applied (5:1–6:18)
A. The Position of Liberty: Stand Fast (5:1-12)
B. The Practice of Liberty: Serve and Love One Another
(5:13-15)
C. The Power of Liberty: Walk by the Spirit (5:16-26)
D. The Performance of Liberty: Do Good to All Men (6:1-10)
E. The Conclusion (6:11-18)
Christ as Seen in Ephesians:
Phrases in Ephesians like “in Christ” or “with Christ” appear
some 35 times. These are common Pauline expressions, but
they appear in this epistle more than in any other. By this, we
see much of what believers have through their position in
the Savior. They are in Christ (1:1), blessed with every
blessing in Christ (1:3), chosen in Him (1:4), adopted through
Christ (1:5), in the Beloved (1:6), redeemed in Him (1:7),
given an inheritance in Him (1:11), have a hope that is to the
praise of His glory in Christ (1:12), sealed with the Spirit
through Him as an earnest installment of their inheritance
(1:13-14), made alive, raised, and seated with Him in the
heavenlies (2:5-6), created in Christ for good works (2:10),
partakers of the promise in Christ (3:6), and given access to
God through faith in Christ (3:12).
I. Salutation or Greeting (1:1-2)
II. The Doctrinal Portion of the Epistle, the Wealth and Calling
of the Church (1:3-3:21)
A. Praise for Redemption (1:4-14)
1. Chosen by the Father (1:4-6)
2. Redemption by the Son (1:7-12)
3. Sealed With the Spirit (1:13-14)
B. Prayer for Wisdom a Revelation (1:15-23)
1. The Cause of the Prayer (1:15-18a)
2. The Content of the Prayer (1:18b-23)
C. Positional Relocation (2:1-22)
1. The New Position in the Heavenlies (2:1-10)
2. The New Position in the Household (2:11-22)
D. Parenthetical Explanation (3:1-13)
1. The Mystery, the Product of Revelation (3:1-6)
2. The Minister, Appointed to Proclamation (3:7-13)
E. Prayer for Realization (3:14-21)
III. The Practical Portion of the Epistle; The Walk and Conduct
of the Church (4:1-6:24)
A. The Believer’s Walk in Unity (4:1-16)
1. The Appeal to Preserve Unity (4:1-3)
2. The Basis for Unity (4:4-6)
3. The Means of Unity (4:7-16)
B. The Believer’s Walk in Righteousness (4:17-5:18)
3. The Means of Unity (4:7-16)
B. The Believer’s Walk in Righteousness (4:17-5:18)
1. The Previous Walk of the Old Life (4:17-19)
2. The Present Walk of the New Life (4:20-32)
3. The Pattern for Our Walk (5:1-7)
4. The Proof and Reason for Our Walk (5:8-13)
5. The Power and Provision for Our Walk (5:14-18)
C. The Believer’s Walk in the World (5:19-6:9)
1. As to One’s Self and the Church (5:19-21)
2. As to One’s Home (5:22-6:4)
3. As to One’s Profession (6:5-9)
D. The Believer’s Walk in Warfare (6:10-20)
1. The Exhortation to Arms (6:10-13)
2. The Explanation of Our Armor (6:14-17)
3. The Employment of Our Armor (6:18-20)
E. Conclusion (6:21-24)
E. Conclusion (6:21-24)
Christ as Seen in Philippians:
No passage is clearer and more declarative regarding the
nature, fact, and purpose of the incarnation of Christ as is
found in this book, the great kenosis passage (2:5f.). Further,
in view of all Christ was, is, has and will accomplish, Paul
declares Christ as the believer’s life, “for to me to live is
Christ” (1:21), that He is the perfect model of humility and
sacrificing love (2:4-5), that He is the one who will transform
our humble bodies into the likeness of His glorious body at
the resurrection (3:21), and He is our means of enablement in
any and all circumstances of life (4:12).
Outline:57
Outline:57
I. Salutation and Thanksgiving for the Philippians (1:1-11)
II. The Personal Circumstances of Paul in Rome: The Preaching
of Christ (1:12-30)
III. The Pattern of the Christian Life: Having the Mind of Christ
(2:1-30)
A. The Exhortation to Humility (2:1-4)
B. The Epitome of Humility (2:5-11)
C. The Exercise of Humility (2:12-18)
D. The Examples of Humility Seen in Timothy and Epaphroditus
(2:19-30)
IV. The Prize of the Christian Life: Having the Knowledge of
Christ (3:1-21)
A. The Warning Against Legalistic Judaizers (3:1-4a)
B. The Example of Paul (3:4b-14)
C. The Exhortation to Others (3:15-21)
V. The Peace of the Christian Life: Knowing the Presence of
Christ (4:1-23)
A. Peace With Others (4:1-3)
B. Peace With Self (4:4-9)
C. Peace With Circumstances (4:10-23)
IV. The Prize of the Christian Life: Having the Knowledge of
Christ (3:1-21)
A. The Warning Against Legalistic Judaizers (3:1-4a)
B. The Example of Paul (3:4b-14)
C. The Exhortation to Others (3:15-21)
V. The Peace of the Christian Life: Knowing the Presence of
Christ (4:1-23)
A. Peace With Others (4:1-3)
B. Peace With Self (4:4-9)
C. Peace With Circumstances (4:10-23)
Christ as Seen in Colossians:
Wilkinson and Boa point out:
This singularly christological book is centered on the cosmic
Christ—“the head of all principality and power” (2:10), the
Lord of creation (1:16-17), the Author of reconciliation (1:20-
22; 2:13-15). He is the basis for the believer’s hope (1:5, 23,
27), the source of the believer’s power for a new life (1:11,
29), the believer’s Redeemer and Reconciler (1:14, 20-22;
2:11-15), the embodiment of full Deity (1:15, 19; 2:9), the
Creator and Sustainer of all things (1:16-17), the Head of the
church (1:18), the resurrected God-Man (1:18; 3:1), and the
all-sufficient Savior (1:28; 2:3, 20; 3:1-4).60
Outline:61
I. Doctrinal: The Person and Work of Christ (1:1-2:3)
A. Introduction (1:1-14)
1. Paul’s Greeting to the Colossians (1:1-2)
2. Paul’s Gratitude for the Colossians’ Faith (1:3-8)
3. Paul’s Prayer for the Colossians’ Growth (1:9-14)
B. The Person of Christ (1:15-18)
1. In Relation to the Father (1:15)
2. In Relation to the Creation (1:16-17)
3. In Relation to the New Creation (1:18)
C. The Work of Christ (1:19-2:3)
1. The Description of His Work (1:19-20)
2. The Application of His Work (1:21-23)
3. The Propagation of His Work (1:24-2:3)
II. Polemical: The Heretical Problems in Light of Union With
II. Polemical: The Heretical Problems in Light of Union With
Christ (2:4-3:4a)
A. The Exhortation Against False Teaching (2:4-8)
1. Exhortation Regarding the Methods of False Teachers (2:4-
5)
2. Exhortation to Progress in the Life of Faith (2:6-7)
3. Exhortation Regarding the Philosophy of the False
Teachers (2:8)
B. The Instruction of the True Teaching (2:9-15)
1. The Believer’s Position in Christ (2:9-10)
2. The Believer’s Circumcision (2:11-12)
3. The Believer’s Benefits (2:13-15)
C. The Obligations of the True Teaching (2:16-3:4)
1. Negative: Emancipation from Legalistic and Gnostic
Practices (2:16-19)
2. Negative: Emancipation from Ascetic Ordinances (2:20-23)
3. Positive: Aspirations for the Heavenly Life (3:1-4)
III. Practical: The Practice of the Believer in Christ (3:5-4:6)
1. In the Inward Life (3:5-17)
2. In the Home and Household Life (3:18-4:1)
3. In the Outward Life (4:2-6)
3. In the Outward Life (4:2-6)
IV. Personal: The Private Plans and Affairs of the Apostle (4:7-18)
1. His Special Representatives (4:7-9)
2. His Personal Salutations (4:10-18)
Christ as Seen in 1 Thessalonians:
With the coming of the Lord mentioned in every chapter, Christ is
presented as the believer’s hope of salvation both now and at His
coming. When He comes, He will deliver us from wrath (undoubtedly a
reference to the Tribulation) (1:10; 5:4-11), give rewards (2:19), perfect
us (3:13), resurrect us (4:13-18), and sanctify (set apart) all those who
have trusted in Him (5:23).
Outline:
I. The Past: The Work of Faith (1:1-3:13)
A. The Commendation of the Thessalonians (1:1-10)
1. The Evaluation of Paul (1:1-4)
2. The Evidence of Life (1:5-7)
3. The Explanation of the Evidence (1:8-10)
B. The Conduct of the Apostle and His Fellow Workers (2:1-
12)
1. Their Witness (2:1-2)
2. Their Word (2:3-7a)
3. Their Walk (2:7b-12)
C. The Conduct of the Thessalonians (2:13-16)
1. Their Reception of the Word (2:13)
2. Their Response to the Word (2:14)
3. The Rejection of the Word (2:15-16)
D. The Concern of the Apostle (2:17-20)
1. His Heart for the Thessalonians (2:17)
2. His Hindrance by Satan (2:18)
3. His Hope in the Thessalonians (2:19-20)
E. The Confirmation of the Thessalonians (3:1-10)
1. The Sending of Timothy (3:1-5)
F. The Concluding Prayer (3:11-13)
1. The Prayer That He Might Return to the Thessalonians
(3:11)
2. The Prayer That the Thessalonians Might Grow in Love
(3:12)
3. The Prayer That Their Hearts Might Be Established in
Holiness (3:13)
II. The Present: The Labor of Love (4:1-12)
A. Their Love for God Expressed in Sanctified Living (4:1-8)
B. Their Love for the Brethren, an Expression of Being God
Taught (4:9-10)
C. Their Love for the Lost Expressed in Godly Living (4:11-12)
III. The Prospective: The Endurance of Hope (4:13-5:28)
A. Concerning the Day of Christ: The Comfort of His Coming
(4:13-18)
1. The Resurrection of Sleeping Saints (4:13-16)
2. The Rapture of Living Saints (4:17-18)
B. Concerning the Day of the Lord (5:1-11)
1. The Coming of the Day of the Lord (5:1-5)
2. The Conduct of Christians (5:6-10)
3. The Conclusion (5:11)
C. Concerning Deportment in the Congregation (5:12-28)
1. The Concluding Prescription (5:12-22)
2. The Concluding Petition (5:23-24)
3. The Concluding Postscript (5:25-28)
Christ as Seen in 1 Timothy:
Several passages stand out in pointing us to the person and ministry
of the Savior. He is the source of our calling, strength, faith, and love
so needed for ministry (1:12-14), the one who came to save sinners
(1:15), “the one Mediator between God and men” (2:5), “God
manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels,
preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in
glory (3:16), and “the Savior of all men, especially of those who
believe” (4:10).
Outline:
I. The Salutation (1:1-2)
II. Instructions Concerning Doctrine (1:3-20)
A. Warnings Against False Doctrine (1:3-11)
B. Paul’s Testimony of Grace (1:12-17)
C. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (1:18-20)
III. Instructions Concerning Worship (2:1-2:15)
A. Instructions Concerning Prayer (2:1-7)
B. Instructions Concerning Men and Women (2:8-15)
IV. Instructions Concerning Leaders (3:1-16)
A. Concerning Elders and Deacons (3:1-13)
B. Parenthetical Explanation (3:14-16)
V. Instructions Concerning Dangers (4:1-16)
A. Description of the Dangers (4:1-5)
B. Duties and Defenses Against the Dangers (4:6-16)
VI. Instructions Concerning Various Responsibilities (5:1-6:10)
A. Concerning Various Age-Groups (5:1-2)
B. Concerning Widows (5:3-16)
C. Concerning Elders (5:17-25)
D. Concerning Slaves and Masters (6:1-2)
E. Concerning the Heretical and Greedy (6:3-10)
VII. Final Instructions to Timothy (6:11-21)
A. Exhortation to Godliness (6:11-16)
B. Instructions for the Rich (6:17-19)
C. Exhortations to Remain Faithful (6:20-21)
Christ as Seen in 2 Timothy:
At the heart of all ministry and our ability to endure in
ministry is the doctrine of the person and work of Christ. It is
not surprising, therefore, that even in a book stressing
endurance in ministry, the doctrine of Christ is prominent.
Here, He is described as the One who “abolished death and
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”
(1:10), as the One who rose from the dead (2:8), as the One
who gives salvation and eternal glory (2:10), as the One with
whom all believers have died, with whom they will live, and
from whom they will be rewarded for faithful service (as in
the crown of righteousness) and in the privilege of reigning
with Him (2:11-13; 4:8).
Outline:
I. The Salutation (1:1-2)
II. The Expression of Thanks for Timothy (1:3-7)
III. The Call to Remember Timothy’s Responsibilities (1:8-18)
IV. The Character of a Faithful Servant (2:1-26)
A. He Is Strong in Grace (2:1)
B. He Is a Multiplier of Disciples (2:2)
C. He Is Single-Minded Like a Soldier (2:3-4)
D. He Is Strict Like an Athlete and Enduring Like a Farmer
(2:5-13)
E. He Is a Diligent Workman (2:14-19)
F. He Is Sanctified Vessel (2:20-23)
G. He Is a Gentle Servant (2:24-26)
V. The Caution for a Faithful Servant (3:1-17)
A. The Peril of Apostasy (3:1-9)
B. The Protection From Apostasy (3:10-17)
VI. The Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)
VII. The Comfort of a Faithful Servant (4:6-18)
A. A Good Finish to Life (4:6-7)
B. A Good Future After Life (4:8)
C. Good Friends in Life (4:9-18)
VIII. Concluding Greetings (4:19-22)
Christ as Seen in Titus:
Again, as is so consistent with the teaching of Paul, we see how good
works or the conduct of the Christian is so connected with the person
and work of Christ, past, present, and future. In this book we see the
deity (2:13) and redemptive work of the Savior (2:12). Here Christ
Jesus is emphatically described as “our great God and Savior, Christ
Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed,
and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for
good deeds” (2:13-14).
The phrase “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” is one of the
christologically significant texts affected by the Granville Sharp rule.
According to this rule, in the article-noun-kaiv-noun construction the
second noun refers to the same person described by the first noun
when (1) neither is impersonal; (2) neither is plural; (3) neither is a
proper name. For more discussion see Wallace, Exegetical Syntax, 270-
78, esp. 276.69
Outline:
I. Salutation and Opening Greetings (1:1-4)
II. Ordination of Elders in the Church (1:5-9)
III. Offenders in the Church (1:10-16)
IV. Operation in the Church (2:1-3:11)
A. Duties for Titus (2:1-10)
B. Directions Regarding God’s Grace (2:11-15)
C. Demonstration of Good Works (3:1-11)
V. Final Instructions and Greetings (3:12-15)
Christ as Seen in Philemon:
The forgiveness that the believer finds in Christ is beautifully portrayed
by analogy in Philemon. Onesimus, guilty of a great offense (vv. 11,
18), is motivated by Paul’s love to intercede on his behalf (vv. 10-17).
Paul lays aside his rights (v. 8) and becomes Onesimus’ substitute by
assuming his debt (vv. 19-19). By Philemon’s gracious act, Onesimus is
restored and placed in a new relationship (vv. 15-16). In this analogy,
we are as Onesimus. Paul’s advocacy before Philemon is parallel to
Christ’s work of mediation before the Father. Onesimus was
condemned by law but saved by grace.72
Outline:
I. Prayer of Thanksgiving for Philemon (vv. 1-7)
II. Petition of Paul for Onesimus (vv. 8-18)
III. Promise of Paul to Philemon (vv. 19-21)
IV. Personal Matters (vv. 22-25
Christ as Seen in Hebrews:
In accomplishing the purpose to show the superiority of Christ,
Hebrews undoubtedly becomes the most Christological single book of
the New Testament. Here he is declared as Son, as the very outshining
and representation of the essence of God (1:3, 13), as the one who sat
at God’s right hand (1:3), as the one declared by God the Father as God
(1:8-9), as the eternal Creator (1:10-12), and as the eternal Priest
according to the order of Melchizedek (7). Here Christ is presented as
the divine-human Prophet, Priest, and King. He is seen as our
Redeemer who, having been made like His brethren, has once and for
all dealt with our sin and done that which the temporary sacrifices
could never do. As such, He has now passed into the heavens as our
Great High Priest as one who sympathizes with our weaknesses.
Outline:
I. The Superiority of Christ to Old Covenant Leaders (1:1-7:28)
A. Christ Is Superior to Old Testament Prophets (1:1-3)
B. Christ Is Superior to the Angels (1:4-2:18)
C. Christ Is Superior to Moses (3:1-6)
D. Christ Is Superior to Joshua (3:7-4:13)
E. Christ Is Superior to the Aaronic Priesthood (4:14-7:28)
1. Exhortation to hold fast (4:14-16)
2. Qualifications of a priest (5:1-10)
3. Exhortation to abandon spiritual lethargy (5:11-6:12)
4. Certainty of God’s promise (6:13-20)
5. Christ’s superior priestly order (chap. 7)
II. The Superior Sacrificial Work as Our High Priest (chaps. 8-10)
A. A Better Covenant (chap. 8)
B. A Better Sanctuary (9:1-12)
C. A Better Sacrifice (9:13-10:18)
D. Exhortations (10:19-39)
III. Final Plea for Persevering Faith (chaps. 11-12)
A. Examples of Past Heroes of the Faith (chap. 11)
B. Encouragement for Persevering Faith (12:1-11)
C. Exhortations for Persevering Faith (12:12-17)
D. Motivation for Persevering Faith (12:18-29)
IV. Conclusion (chap. 13)
A. Practical Principles for the Christian Life (13:1-17)
B. Request for Prayer (13:18-19)
C. Benediction (13:20-21)
D. Personal Remarks (13:22-23)
E. Greetings and Final Benediction (13:24-25)
E. Greetings and Final Benediction (13:24-25)
Christ as Seen in James:
In 1:1 and 2:1, James specifically refers to the “Lord Jesus Christ” and
then anticipates His coming in 5:7-8. “In the 108 verses of the epistle
there are references or allusions from 22 books of the Old Testament
and at least 15 allusions to the teachings of Christ as embodied in the
Sermon on the Mount.”84
Outline:85
I. Stand with Confidence (chap. 1)
A. Salutation and greeting (1:1)
B. Rejoice in diverse trials (1:2-12)
1. Attitude in trials (1:2)
2. Advantage of trials (1:3-4)
E. Greetings and Final Benediction (13:24-25)
Christ as Seen in James:
In 1:1 and 2:1, James specifically refers to the “Lord Jesus Christ” and
then anticipates His coming in 5:7-8. “In the 108 verses of the epistle
there are references or allusions from 22 books of the Old Testament
and at least 15 allusions to the teachings of Christ as embodied in the
Sermon on the Mount.”84
Outline:85
I. Stand with Confidence (chap. 1)
A. Salutation and greeting (1:1)
B. Rejoice in diverse trials (1:2-12)
1. Attitude in trials (1:2)
2. Advantage of trials (1:3-4)
2. Advantage of trials (1:3-4)
3. Assistance for trials (1:5-12)
C. Resist in deadly temptation (1:13-18)
1. Source of temptation (1:13-14)
2. Steps in temptation (1:15-16)
3. Solution for temptation (1:17-18)
D. Rest in divine truth (1:19-27)
1. Receptivity to the Word (1:19-21)
2. Responsiveness to the Word (1:22-25)
3. Resignation to the Word (1:26-27)
II. Serve with Compassion (chap. 2)
A. Accept others (2:1-13)
1. Courtesy to all (2:1-4)
2. Compassion for all (2:5-9)
3. Consistency in all (2:10-13)
B. Assist others (2:14-26)
1. Expression of true faith (2:14-17)
2. Evidence of true faith (2:18-20)
3. Examples of true faith (2:21-26)
III. Speak with Care (chap. 3)
A. Control talk (3:1-12)
1. The tongue is powerful (3:1-5)
III. Speak with Care (chap. 3)
A. Control talk (3:1-12)
1. The tongue is powerful (3:1-5)
2. The tongue is perverse (3:6-8)
3. The tongue is polluted (3:9-12)
B. Cultivate thought (3:13-18)
1. Wisdom is humble (3:13)
2. Wisdom is gracious (3:14-16)
3. Wisdom is peaceable (3:17-18)
IV. Submit with Contrition (chap. 4)
A. Turn hatred into humility (4:1-6)
1. Cause of conflict (4:1-2)
2. Consequence of conflict (4:3-4)
3. Cure for conflict (4:5-6)
B. Turn judgment into justice (4:7-12)
1. Advice for justice (4:7-9)
2. Advantage of justice (4:10-11)
3. Author of justice (4:12)
C. Turn boasting into belief (4:13-17)
1. Statement of boasting (4:13)
2. Sentence on boasting (4:14)
3. Solution for boasting (4:15-17)
V. Share with Concern (chap. 5)
A. Share in possessions (5:1-6)
1. Consternation from wealth (5:1)
2. Corrosion of wealth (5:2-3)
3. Solution for boasting (4:15-17)
V. Share with Concern (chap. 5)
A. Share in possessions (5:1-6)
1. Consternation from wealth (5:1)
2. Corrosion of wealth (5:2-3)
1. Cause of conflict (4:1-2)
2. Consequence of conflict (4:3-4)
3. Cure for conflict (4:5-6)
B. Turn judgment into justice (4:7-12)
1. Advice for justice (4:7-9)
2. Advantage of justice (4:10-11)
3. Author of justice (4:12)
C. Turn boasting into belief (4:13-17)
1. Statement of boasting (4:13)
2. Sentence on boasting (4:14)
3. Solution for boasting (4:15-17)
V. Share with Concern (chap. 5)
A. Share in possessions (5:1-6)
1. Consternation from wealth (5:1)
2. Corrosion of wealth (5:2-3)
Outline:
First Peter can be easily divided into four sections: (1) the Salvation of
Believers (1:1-12), (2) the Sanctification of Believers (1:13-2:12), (3) the
Submission of Believers (2:13-3:12), and the Suffering of Believers
(3:13-5:14).
I. The Salvation of Believers (1:1-12)
A. Salutation (1:1-2)
B. Future (Living) Hope and Present Trials (1:3-9)
C. Present Salvation and Past Revelation (1:10-12)
II. The Sanctification of Believers (1:13-2:12)
A. The Call to Holiness (1:13-21)
B. The Call to Love One Another Fervently (1:22-25)
C. The Call to Desire the Pure Milk of the Word (2:1-3)
D. The Call to Offer Up Spiritual Sacrifices (2:4-10)
III. The Submission of Believers (2:13-3:12)
A. Submission to Government (2:13-17)
B. Submission in Business (2:18-25)
C. Submission in Marriage (3:1-8)
D. Submission in All Areas of Life (3:9-12)
IV. The Suffering of Believers (3:13-5:14)
A. Conduct Needed in Suffering (3:13-17)
B. Christ’s Example for Suffering (3:18-4:6)
C. Commands for Suffering (4:7-19)
D. Custodians (Shepherds) in Suffering (5:1-9)
E. Conclusion or Benediction (5:10-14)
Christ as Seen in 2 Peter:
Peter speaks of Christ as the source of life and godliness, and,
in keeping with the focus, he speaks of Christ as “Lord and
Savior” four times, and speaks of Him as “Lord” fourteen
times. In addition, he refers to the glorious transfiguration on
the holy mountain and looks forward to the Savior’s second
coming or parousia. At this time the whole world will see that
which Peter and the other two disciples were privileged to see
on that holy mountain.
Outline:
I. Greetings (1:1-2)
II. The Development or Cultivation of Christian Character (1:3-
21)
A. The Growth of Faith (1:3-11)
B. The Grounds of Faith (1:12-21)
A. The Growth of Faith (1:3-11)
B. The Grounds of Faith (1:12-21)
Description and Characteristics (2:10-22)
IV. The Design and Confidence for the Future (3:1-18)
A. The Derision of the False Teachers (3:1-7)
B. The Delay of the Day of the Lord (3:8-9)
C. The Dissolution Following the Day of the Lord (3:10-13)
D. The Diligence Needed in View of the Dangers (3:14-18)
Christ as Seen in 1 John:
This book focuses on the present ministry of the Savior in the
life of believers and anticipates His coming again. His blood
continually cleanses the believer from all sin (1:7) and from
personal sins and all unrighteousness upon confession of sin
(1:9). Indeed, it declares that Christ is our righteous Advocate
before the Father (2:1) and the propitiation or atoning
sacrifice not only for believers, but for all the world (2:2), that
Jesus is the Christ who has come in the flesh (2:22; 4:2-3), that
He came by water and by blood, a reference to His baptism
and the cross (5:6), and that He is coming again when we shall
see Him and be like Him (2:28-3:3).
Outline:
I. Introduction and Purpose of the Letter (1:1-4)
II. Conditions Vital for Fellowship (1:5-2:2)
A. Walking in the Light (1:5-7)
B. Confession of Sin (1:8-2:2)
III. Conduct Consistent With Fellowship (2:3-27)
A. The Character of Fellowship—Being Like Christ (2:3-11)
B. The Commandment of Fellowship—Loving Not the World
(2:12-17)
C. The Cautions for Fellowship—Guarding Against Antichrist
(2:18-27)
(2:18-27)
IV. Characteristics of Fellowship (2:28-5:3)
A. Purity in View of Our Prospect (2:28-3:3)
B. Practice of Righteousness in View of Christ’s Death (3:4-24)
C. Proving (Testing) the Spirits (4:1-6)
D. Pattern of Fellowship, Loving as Christ Loved (4:7-5:3)
V. Consequences of Fellowship (5:4-21)
A. Victory Over the World (5:4-5)
B. Verification of Christ’s Credentials (5:6-12)
C. Verification (Assurance) of the Believer’s Salvation (5:13)
D. Verification of Answered Prayer (5:14-17)
E. Victory from Habitual Sin (5:18-21)
Christ as Seen in 2 John:
Again, as in 1 John, 2 John is concerned with protecting the biblical
doctrine of the incarnation. He wrote to refute the error that denies that
Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. In fact, the statement in verse 7
regarding the denial that “Jesus as Christ coming in the flesh” may even
refer to the incarnation in a threefold way. In contrast to 1 John 4:2
where he used the perfect participle, “has come in the flesh”
(ele„luthota), here John used the present participle (erchomenon), “is
coming” or “is come in the flesh.” Since the present participle may
simply emphasize the results and is sometimes translated like a present,
there may be no distinction here, but perhaps John meant to broaden
the focus on the significance of the incarnation.
This present tense participle seems to include the past coming of Christ
in flesh at the Incarnation, the present continuance of His risen
humanity, as well as His future coming to earth. By contrast, the perfect
tense participle in 1 John 4:2 emphasizes only His incarnation.97
Outline:
I. Prologue and Greeting (1:1-3)
II. Commendation for Walking in the Truth (1:4)
III. Commandment to Continue to Love One Another (1:5-6)
IV. Cautions and Instructions Against False Teachers (1:7-11)
V. Concluding Remarks and Final Greetings (1:12-13)
V. Concluding Remarks and Final Greetings (1:12-13)
Christ as Seen in 3 John:
While the name of Jesus Christ is not mentioned directly, He is referred
to in the statement, “For they have gone forth on behalf of ‘The
Name.’” This is undoubtedly a reference to ministry on behalf of the
Lord Jesus (see Acts 5:40-41 where we have the identical Greek
construction in v. 41). Paul uses a similar phrase in Romans 1:5, and in
1 John 2:12 the author wrote, “your sins are forgiven on account of His
(Christ’s) name.” John’s Gospel also makes reference to believing “in
the name of Jesus” (John 1:12, 3:18).
Outline:
I. Greeting or Introduction (1)
II. Commendation of Gaius (2-8)
A. His Godliness (2-4)
B. His Generosity (5-8)
III. Condemnation of Diotrephes (9-11)
A. His Selfish Ambition (9)
B. His Selfish Activities (10-11)
IV. Commendation of Demetrius (12)
V. Concluding Remarks (13-14)
Christ as Seen in Jude:
Jude focuses our attention on the believer’s security in Christ
(v. 24), on the eternal life He gives (v. 21), and on His sure
coming again (v. 21). It is Jesus Christ our Lord who gives us
access into God’s presence (v. 25).
Outline:
I. Greetings and Purpose (1-4)
II. Description and Exposure of False Teachers (5-16)
A. Their Past Judgment (5-7)
B. Their Present Characteristics (8-13)
C. Their Future Judgment (14-16)
III. Defense and Exhortation to Believers (17-23)
IV. Benediction (24-25)
Christ as Seen in Revelation:
Since Revelation is indeed “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” it
demonstrates His glory, wisdom and power (1), and portrays His
authority over the church (2-3) and His power and right to judge the
world (5-19). But as the revelation of Christ, it is loaded with
descriptive titles. In particular, it describes Jesus Christ (1:1) as the
faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler over the kings
of the earth (1:5), the first and the last (1:17), he who lives (1:18), the
Son of God (2:18), holy and true (3:7), the Amen, the faithful and true
Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (3:14), the Lion of the
tribe of Judah, The Root of David (5:5), a Lamb (5:6), Faithful and True
(19:11), The Word of God (19:13), King of Kings and Lord of Lords
(19:16), Alpha and Omega (22:13), The Bright and Morning Star
(22:16), and the Lord Jesus Christ (22:21).
Outline:
I. The Prologue (1:1-8)
II. The Things Past (1:9-20)
III. The Things Present (2-3)
A. The Message to Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. The Message to Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. The Message to Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. The Message to Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. The Message to Sardis (3:1-6)
F. The Message to Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. The Message to Laodicea (3:14-22)
IV. The Things Predictive (4:1-22:5)
A. The Tribulation Period (4:1-19:21)
1. The Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)
2. The Seven Sealed Book and the Lion Who Is Also a Lamb (5:1-14)
3. The Seal Judgments (6:1-17)
4. An Interlude: The Redeemed of the Tribulation (7:1-17)
5. The First Four Trumpet Judgments (8:1-13)
6. The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets and the First Two Woes (9:1-20)
7. The Angel and the Little Book (10:1-11)
8. The Temple, the Two witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet (11:1-19)
9. The Angelic Conflict (12:1-17)
10. The Beast and the False Prophet (13:1-18)
11. Special Announcements (14:1-20)
12. Prelude to the Seven Last plagues (15:1-8)
13. The Bowl Judgments (16:1-21)
14. The Judgment of Religious Babylon (17:1-18)
15. The Judgment of Commercial Babylon (18:1-24)
16. The Second Coming of Christ (19:1-21)
B. The Reign of Christ (the Millennium) and the Great White Throne
(20:1-15)
1. Satan Bound ((20:1-3)
2. Saints Resurrected (20:4-6)
3. Sinners in Rebellion (20:7-9)
4. Satan Doomed (20:10)
5. Sinners Judged (20:11-15)
C. The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
1. The Descent of the New Jerusalem (21:1-8)
2. The Description of the New Jerusalem (21:9-27)
3. The Delights of the New Jerusalem (22:1-5)
D. The Epilogue (22:6-21)