New testament definition
The New Testament (NT) is the second part of the Christian Bible, which contains the accounts of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian church. The NT is composed of 27 books, including the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles (letters) of Paul and other early Christian leaders, and the Book of Revelation.
Here is a brief overview of the New Testament:
Gospels:
- Matthew: The life and teachings of Jesus, with an emphasis on his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Mark: The life and teachings of Jesus, with an emphasis on his miracles and actions.
- Luke: The life and teachings of Jesus, with an emphasis on his compassion and love for the poor and marginalized.
- John: The life and teachings of Jesus, with an emphasis on his divinity and the significance of his death and resurrection.
Acts of the Apostles:
- The story of the early Christian church, from the ascension of Jesus to the spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world.
Epistles (Letters):
- Paul's letters to various early Christian churches, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
- Letters from other early Christian leaders, including James, Peter, John, and Jude.
Book of Revelation:
- A prophetic book that contains visions of the end times, the return of Jesus, and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
The New Testament is considered authoritative by Christians because it is believed to be the inspired word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is seen as a source of guidance, comfort, and wisdom for believers, and is often used in worship, study, and personal devotion.