Where does the New Testament start in the Bible? This is a question that often arises for those new to the Christian faith or for those seeking a deeper understanding of the structure of the Holy Scriptures. The New Testament, which is the second part of the Christian Bible, is a collection of sacred texts that focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian movement. It begins with the book of Matthew, which is traditionally believed to be the first book in the New Testament.
The New Testament is divided into two main sections: the Gospels and the Letters. The Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament, tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They are named after the four different authors who wrote them: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel presents a unique perspective on the life of Jesus, offering insights into his teachings, miracles, and interactions with people.
Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. It is thought to have been written around the year 80 AD, making it one of the earliest written Gospels. Matthew’s Gospel is particularly focused on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. It begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing his Jewish heritage, and then proceeds to describe the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Following Matthew is the Gospel of Mark, which is often considered the shortest Gospel. It was written by the apostle John Mark, who was a close associate of Peter. Mark’s Gospel is known for its straightforward and action-packed narrative, focusing on the miracles and teachings of Jesus. It begins with the baptism of Jesus and ends with his ascension into heaven, skipping over his resurrection appearances.
The third Gospel, Luke, is attributed to the apostle Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke’s Gospel is unique in that it includes a detailed genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back to Adam. Luke’s narrative is characterized by its emphasis on the universal salvation message of Jesus, reaching out to both Jews and Gentiles. It begins with the birth of John the Baptist and concludes with the ascension of Jesus.
Finally, the Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, the son of Zebedee. It is the longest Gospel and is known for its profound theological depth. John’s Gospel presents a different perspective on Jesus, emphasizing his divine nature and the revelation of God through him. It begins with the Word of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus and concludes with Jesus’ final discourse and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
After the Gospels, the New Testament continues with the Letters, also known as the Epistles. These books were written by various apostles and early church leaders to address specific issues and encourage the early Christian communities. The Letters include Paul’s Epistles, which make up the majority of the New Testament, as well as the General Epistles, which were written by other apostles and early church leaders.
The first book of the Letters is the book of Acts, which was written by Luke. It tells the story of the early church and the spread of the Christian faith, beginning with the ascension of Jesus and continuing with the ministry of the apostles, including Peter and Paul.
In conclusion, the New Testament starts in the Bible with the book of Matthew, which is followed by the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospels provide the foundational narrative of Jesus’ life and teachings. After the Gospels, the Letters continue to offer guidance, instruction, and theological insights to the early Christian communities. Understanding the structure and content of the New Testament is essential for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the teachings and history of the Christian faith.
