New Testament Bible Study

Getting Started with the New Testament

The New Testament is the heart of the Christian Scriptures. It tells the story of Jesus—his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection—and the birth of the early church. Whether you’re new to the Bible or deepening your study, it helps to understand how the New Testament is organized and what it aims to communicate.

This section is your starting place. Here you’ll find helpful resources that answer common questions and guide you into thoughtful, meaningful study.

How Many Books Are in the New Testament?

The New Testament contains 27 books, beginning with the four Gospels and ending with the book of Revelation. These books fall into different categories:

  • Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

  • History (Acts)

  • Pauline Epistles (Romans–Philemon)

  • General Epistles (Hebrews–Jude)

  • Apocalyptic (Revelation)

Read more: How Many Books Are in the New Testament?

Who Wrote the New Testament?

The New Testament was written by at least nine different authors, most of whom were apostles or close companions of the apostles. Paul wrote 13 letters; others were written by Peter, John, James, and anonymous early church leaders.

Read more: Who Wrote the New Testament?

What Are the Genres of the New Testament?

Understanding genre helps you read the New Testament faithfully:

  • Gospels tell the story of Jesus’ life and teachings.

  • Letters (epistles) provide instruction to early Christian communities.

  • Apocalyptic literature, like Revelation, uses symbols and visions to reveal spiritual truths.

Read more: Understanding the Genres of the New Testament

When Was the New Testament Written?

The books of the New Testament were written between AD 45 and 100. The earliest letters came first, followed by the Gospels, and finally Revelation.

Read more: When Was the New Testament Written?

How Do I Start Reading the New Testament?

Looking for a place to begin? Try:

  • The Gospel of Luke – a detailed, compassionate portrait of Jesus

  • Philippians – a letter full of joy and encouragement

  • 1 John – a short book on love, faith, and assurance

Read: Best Books to Start Studying in the Bible

The Gospels and Acts –

Studies, Overviews, and Commentary

The four Gospels and the book of Acts form the narrative foundation of the New Testament. Whether you’re digging into a single story or walking through an entire Gospel, this section organizes your resources clearly for both newcomers and returning readers.

The Gospel of Luke

Verse-by-Verse Commentary Series

Luke’s Gospel offers a historically grounded and theologically rich account of Jesus’ ministry. Explore each pericope in sequence with in-depth commentary.

👉 Explore the Gospel of Luke Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Looking for something specific?

The Gospel of Matthew

Sermons and Studies

Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, connecting Him deeply to Israel’s story.

The Gospel of Mark

Sharp, Fast-Paced, Powerful

Mark’s Gospel captures the urgency and authority of Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of John

Portrait of the Divine Son

John offers a theologically rich and reflective look at Jesus, emphasizing His divinity and personal encounters.

The Book of Acts

From Resurrection to Mission

Acts shows how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Characters and Contexts Across the Gospels

Learn the Background of Key Figures

Key People, Places, and Cultural Backgrounds

Your New Testament Encyclopedia

Understanding the world of the New Testament—its people, cities, customs, and religious systems—adds depth to every passage of Scripture. This section gathers short-form studies and informational articles into one hub.

Whether you’re looking up a name you encountered in a Gospel reading or preparing a Bible study of your own, this is your go-to resource.

Featured Articles:

Letters of Paul and Other New Testament Writings

Explore the heart of the New Testament through the letters of Paul and other key epistles. These writings speak directly to Christian life, theology, and the early Church’s challenges and hope.

Many of these studies walk through entire books chapter by chapter, while others focus on key passages and themes.

Ephesians: Unity, Grace, and the Church

Explore Paul’s vision of God’s eternal plan, the mystery of the Church, and what it means to live a life worthy of the calling.

Philippians: Joy, Humility, and the Mind of Christ

A warm, pastoral letter calling us to joy and unity—even in adversity.

1 John: Light, Love, and Assurance

This epistle anchors us in the love of God and what it means to walk in light and truth.

Theology & Themes in the New Testament

Explore the central ideas and theological patterns that run throughout the New Testament. From grace and kingdom to parables and prayer, these studies dive deep into how Jesus and the apostles taught, fulfilled, and reinterpreted the Scriptures for the early Church—and for us today.

These resources are ideal for both new learners and seasoned readers wanting to go beyond surface reading.

Jesus: The Fulfillment and the New Humanity

Themes of Grace, Law, and Gospel

  • Grace vs. Law in the New Testament (coming soon)

    A closer look at Paul’s arguments in Romans and Galatians—and why grace doesn’t mean anything-goes.

  • The Genuine and True Hope of Our Prayer

    Read the full reflection »

The Kingdom, the Cross, and the Parables

  • Jesus’ Use of Parables (coming soon)

    Why Jesus taught in stories—and how they still disrupt and reveal truth today.

  • The Kingdom of God in the Gospels (coming soon)

    Not just heaven someday, but the inbreaking reign of God in the here and now.

  • The Cross and Resurrection in Early Preaching (future post idea)

    How Acts and Paul center the cross not as failure, but divine victory.