I. THE ACTS. This book is the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, a record of what the Gospel of Christ accomplished during the first thirty years after the resurrection. It contains a history of the work of the Holy Spirit, sent to those who believe in a risen Redeemer.

1. Author. Luke, the Author of the third Gospel.

2. Date. About 63 A. D., probably while with Paul in prison at Rome.

3. For Whom Written. Like his Gospel, Luke addresses Theophilus, but undoubtedly writes for the entire church.

4. Purpose. To show how the church which had been formed by Christ triumphed over all obstacles, separated from the Jewish church on the one hand and from the world on the other. It is intended to show the principles and purposes of the church of Christ.

II. ROMANS.

1. Author. Paul, by birth a Hebrew, was commissioned to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. He was educated under Gamaliel, one of the greatest Jewish teachers at Jerusalem. Educated as a Pharisee and one very zealous for the law, Paul became a persecutor of the Christians. He was suddenly converted when on' his way to Damascus to persecute the Christians, and in Damascus received his commission. He made three missionary journeys in Asia and Europe, and then was taken to Rome as a prisoner, where he finally suffered martyrdom.

2. Date. This epistle was written at Corinth during the third missionary journey, about 58 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. Paul wrote for the Christians at Rome, whom he had never seen. The Christian community at Rome was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, and Paul addresses both classes.

4. Purpose. Paul had been hindered from visiting Rome as he had intended, feeling it necessary to return to Jerusalem and if possible conciliate the Jewish Christians with Gentile Christianity. He wrote to the Romans to explain his delay and to prepare them for the visit which he hoped to give them after returning to Jerusalem. But Paul did not know but that he might lose his life by going to Jerusalem, or at least while he was detained he feared Judaizers might subvert their faith in Christ as the only ground of justification before God, and that the rejection of Israel came through the unbelief of the Jews.

III. FIRST CORINTHIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 57 A. D., shortly before Paul left Ephesus to make a second visit to Corinth.

3. For Whom Written. For the church of Corinth, which Paul had founded on his second missionary journey. This church consisted of both Jews and Gentiles.

4. Purpose. To correct the disorders that had arisen in the Corinthian church, to give advice on certain questions they had written about, and to show that Christians are the body of Christ, and therefore must separate themselves from the pollutions of the world. Paul aimed to define the relation which Christians should assume toward the government, religion and society of the heathen.

IV. SECOND CORINTHIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 57 A. D., shortly after writing First Corinthians. He wrote while in Macedonia on his way to Corinth.

3. For Whom Written. The Christians at Corinth.

4. Purpose. After sending his first letter it seems that Paul himself visited Corinth (12:14; 13:1) and found schisms, and Judaizing teachers and heathen moralists in the church, which he sternly rebukes in his letter. He sent Titus to learn the effect of his visit and his first letter, and leaving Ephesus he hoped to meet Titus with news from Corinth. Titus failed to come, so Paul hastened to Macedonia and there met him with encouraging reports from Corinth. There Paul wrote this letter expressing his joy that they had heeded his words to encourage them to forsake the sins of the world.

V. GALATIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. The date of writing cannot be definitely fixed, but from the similarity of its doctrine to that of Romans it is generally concluded that it was written about the same time from Corinth, A. D. 58.

3. For Whom Written. For the churches of Galatia which Paul had founded on his second journey and revisited on his third journey.

4. Purpose. At first they received the word with great enthusiasm and Paul was treated as an angel of God; but Judaizing teachers quickly perverted Paul's teaching and drew them away from the Gospel of Christ and destroyed their confidence in Paul. Paul writes to the Galatians to refute their false teachings, to vindicate his own apostleship, to bring them back to the Gospel of faith in Christ and to admonish them to righteous living.

VI. EPHESIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 62 A. D., during Paul's first imprisonment at Rome.

3. For Whom Written. The Epistle is addressed to the saints at Ephesus, but is evidently intended for all Christians in that region. It was probably a circular letter intended for all the churches of Asia, and was sent to the capital city first.

4. Purpose. To show that Gentiles and Jews are to be united in Christ. This union is spiritual, holy and pure, and was God's eternal purpose.

VII. PHILIPPIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. 62 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. For the saints at Philippi, and especially for the bishops and deacons.

4. Purpose. While Paul was in the Roman prison the Philippian Christians sent Epaphroditus with a generous contribution. Epaphroditus is detained by serious illness, and after his recovery Paul writes this epistle to thank them for their kindness and to encourage them to follow the example of Christ, who in his humility and unselfishness gave himself for others.

VIII. COLOSSIANS.

1. Author. Paul,

2. Date. About 62 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. For the church at Colosse, a town in Asia Minor, not far east of Ephesus. Paul had not founded this church, nor had he visited it, but he was interested in its welfare.

4. Purpose. Epaphras, a minister of Colosse, had told Paul of Judaizers and Agnostic philosophers who were trying to subvert the faith of the Colossians. Paul sent this letter to counteract this evil influence. He aims to establish their faith in Christ as the Son of God and Creator of all things. Paul's purpose is to strengthen their belief in Christ's death to redeem man, and his resurrection to be head of the church. The Christian is a new creature in Christ.

IX. FIRST THESSALONIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 53 A. D., while Paul was at Corinth a year and a half on his second missionary journey.

3. For Whom Written. To the church at Thessalonica, in Macedonia. This church was composed chiefly of Gentiles.

4. Purpose. Paul did not remain long at Thessalonica on account of the persecutions of the Jews. Paul had sent Timothy to instruct them about the Gospel, and when Timothy joined him at Corinth with a good report of their faith and conduct Paul wrote this letter to exhort them to continue in the regular duties of life and not wait idly for the coming of the Lord. He also comforts them concerning their Christian friends who had died, assuring them that they are safe.

X. SECOND THESSALONIANS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 54 A. D., before he left Corinth.

3. For Whom Written. To the Thessalonian Christians.

4. Purpose. To warn them of the coming judgment and of the increased opposition to Christ, and to exhort Christians to give their attention to the ordinary duties of life.

XI. FIRST TIMOTHY.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 63 A. D., during Paul's first imprisonment at Rome.

3. For Whom Written. For Timothy, who had been converted under Paul and had accompanied him on his missionary journeys, and who was at this time located at Ephesus as elder in charge.

4. Purpose. To give directions concerning the organization and instruction of the churches, and to impress the importance of teaching the Word.

XII. SECOND TIMOTHY.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 67 A. D., just before his martyrdom.

3. For Whom Written. For Timothy, the young bishop at Ephesus.

4. Purpose. Paul expected to suffer martyrdom soon, and wrote this farewell letter to his spiritual son Timothy, exhorting him to be faithful, to seek the promulgation of this Gospel and to guard against false teaching.

XIII. TITUS.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. About 64 A. D., after he had been released from the first imprisonment at Rome.

3. For Whom Written. A Gentile convert and a companion of Paul's in his missionary labors. It was written to Titus while in Crete, having charge over the church.

4. Purpose. To give Titus instruction concerning the discipline of church members, and to exhort Christians to live in harmony with their profession.

XIV. PHILEMON.

1. Author. Paul.

2. Date. 62 A. D., during Paul's first imprisonment at Rome; at the same time he wrote Colossians.

3. For Whom Written. For Philemon, an influential Christian at Colosse.

4. Purpose. To intercede for Onesimus, a slave of Philemon's who had committed some wrong and fled to Rome. He had been converted under Paul's preaching, and Paul entreats for reconciliation with his master. The deeper purpose is to teach that social rank does not destroy the equality in Christ.

XV. HEBREWS.

1. Author. The authorship is not ascribed to any one. Tradition makes Paul the author.

2. Date. Probably about 62 A. D.

3. For Whom Written. For Hebrew Christians who were undergoing persecution by the Jews and who were in danger of turning from Christianity back to the empty formalism of Judaism.

4. Purpose. To encourage Christians who were being persecuted to stand fast in the faith, and to contrast the new dispensation of peace with the Old Testament dispensation of law.

QUESTIONS.

• What period of time is covered by the Acts?
• Give the author of this book.
• Give the date and for whom written.
• What was the purpose?
• Who was the author of the book of Romans?
• Where was it written and to what people?
• Why did he write this book to the Romans?
• Where was Paul when he wrote First Corinthians?
• What was his purpose in writing?
• Give the date of both epistles.
• Where was the second one written?
• State the purpose in writing Second Corinthians.
• Where is Galatia?
• When and where was the letter written?
• For whom and for what purpose was it written?
• When and under what circumstances was Ephesians written?
• For whom and for what purpose?
• When and under what circumstances was Philippians written?.
• For whom and for what purpose?
• When and by whom was Colossians written?
• Where is Colosse?
• Who was Epaphras?
• Why did Paul write the letter?
• When and at what place was First Thessalonians written?
• How did Paul know of the condition of the church?
• What was the purpose of the letter?
• When and where did Paul write the second letter?
• Give the purpose of Second Thessalonians.
• Where was Paul when he wrote to Timothy the first time?
• What was his aim in writing this letter?
• Under what circumstances did Paul write the second letter to Timothy?
• Where was Timothy at this time?
• What purpose had he in writing the second letter?
• Where was Titus when Paul wrote to him?
• Who was Titus?
• Why was the letter written?
• Give date and place of the writing of Philemon.
• What is the purpose of this letter?
• Did Paul write Hebrews?
• When and for whom was it written?
• What is the purpose of this letter?

REVIEW.

I. The Acts.

1. Author Luke.

2. Date 63 A. D.

3. For whom written Theophilus; entire church.

4. Purpose to show the church's triumph.

II. Romans.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 58 A. D.

3. To whom written Christians at Rome.

4. Purpose prepare Romans for his coming; teach justification through faith.

III. First Corinthians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 57 A. D.

3. For whom written church at Corinth.

4. Purpose correct disorder in the church.

IV. Second Corinthians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 57 A. D.

3. For whom written Christians at Corinth,

4. Purpose to correct Judaizing teachers.

V. Galatians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 58 A. D.

3. For whom written churches of Galatia.

4. Purpose correct false teachers.

VI. Ephesians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written Ephesians; all Christians.

4. Purpose to show union in Christ.

VII. Philippians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written Philippians, Bishops and Deacons.

4. Purpose to express gratitude for contribution received.

VIII. Colossians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written church at Colosse.

4. Purpose counteract evil influence of false teachers.

IX. First Thessalonians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date about 53 A. D.

3. For whom written church at Thessalonica.

4. Purpose to prepare for coming of the Lord.

X. Second Thessalonians.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 54 A. D.

3. For whom written Thessalonian Christians.

4. Purpose to warn of coming judgment.

XI. First Timothy.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 63 A. D.

3. For whom written Timothy.

4. Purpose to show importance of Bible teaching.

XII. Second Timothy.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 67 A. D.

3. For whom written Timothy.

4. Purpose remain faithful under persecution.

XIII. Titus.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 64 A. D.

3. For whom written Gentile convert.

4. Purpose exhorts to live up to profession.

XIV. Philemon.

1. Author Paul.

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written Philemon.

4. Purpose intercede for Onesimus.

XV. Hebrews.

1. Author Paul (?).

2. Date 62 A. D.

3. For whom written Hebrew Christians.

4. Purpose Christian faithfulness in persecution.