The New Testament is made up of twenty-seven Books, starting with Matthew and ending with Revelation. The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, introduce readers to Jesus Christ. They give an historical record of His life on earth.

The earthly life of Jesus Christ

To understand the life of Jesus we must consider seven things:

There were many predictions of the coming of Jesus Christ.

The coming of Jesus the Messiah was predicted by the Old Testament Prophets.

In 170 B.C. the third book of the Sibylline Oracles made reference to the coming of - "A King sent from Heaven."

The Talmud made reference to the Messiah being born in a royal palace in Bethlehem and that His name would be "Menechem" which means "Comforter."

Because of this in about 4 B.C. many people expected His appearance. There were several people in Jerusalem, who were waiting for the Messiah's appearance at the time of His birth and actually were privileged to see Him.

Two of these are recorded in the Bible -

Simeon.

Luke 2:25-30
“Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
Anna the Prophetess.

Luke 2:36-38
“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Jesus gloriously appeared.

He was born in a manger in Bethlehem to a virgin called Mary, of the Holy Ghost. His earthly father was Joseph the husband of Mary. However He was birthed by The Holy Ghost and not Joseph.

Matthew 1:18|
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

The Angelic hosts announced His coming to the Shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields and sang praises to God.

Luke 2:10-14
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The Magi came from an Eastern Kingdom to find the Heavenly King and gave gifts to Him. They found the Child Jesus and worshipped Him.

Matthew 2:1-11
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”

It is believed that these Magi were of the lineage of the Magi that lived in Daniel's time. They knew of the Prophecies of the coming Messiah and were watching the stars for a sign of His coming.

Jesus was circumcised.

On the eighth day after His birth, Mary and Joseph brought Him to the Temple to be circumcised and presented to God.

Luke 2:21-22
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;”

Jesus was taken to the Temple.

At the age of twelve, Jesus was taken by His parents to the Temple, for His "Bar mitzvah". Every Jewish boy experiences this after being taught the Torah and the Jewish Faith.

Luke 2:42-47
“When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”

Then there was an eighteen year period of silence in Jesus' life.

The Bible is silent about this period, from the time of His Bar mitzvah at the age of 12 to His Baptism at the age of 30.

Jesus appeared at the Jordan River and was baptized by John.

John the Baptist had predicted the coming of the Messiah.

Luke 3:15-16
“And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”

Jesus finally appeared one day amidst the crowd and John recognized Him.

John 1:29
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus went to the wilderness where He fasted for forty days. He was tempted by the satan and completely defeated and overcame satan.

Matthew 4:1-11
“Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Jesus was baptized at the age of thirty. Then Jesus began His earthly ministry.

Luke 3:33
"And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age."

The Ministry of Jesus.

His first miracle recorded in the Bible was the changing of water into wine at Cana. He did this and revealed His power and glory to those He knew including His Mother.

John 2:7-10
“Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory.”

The three-year earthly ministry of Jesus was divided into three parts, each lasting one year. Each year started and ended at Capernaum.

The Three Ministry years of Jesus:

The events of Jesus' first year of Ministry:

(Matthew 4:12-16, Mark 1:14, Luke 4:14-30, John 2:13-4:45)

Jesus went from Capernaum to Jerusalem for the Passover. There He cleansed the Temple. He met with Nicodemus and ministered to him about being "born again." He met a Woman of Samaria at Jacobs well and told her about the Water of Life.

At Cana He healed the Nobleman's Son who was at the point of death. He ministered in Nazareth, was rejected and the people tried to kill Him. He returned to Capernaum from time to time.
The events of Jesus' second year of Ministry.

(Matthew 4:18-9:34, Mark 1:16-5:43, Luke 5:8-8:56)
- Jesus called four of His Disciples. (Peter, Andrew, James and John)
- He performed the miracle of a catch of a multitude of fish.
- He healed the person who was paralyzed.
- He delivered a demon possessed person.
- He healed Peters Mother-in-law.
- He healed a Leper.
- He called Matthew to follow Him.
- He again returned to Jerusalem to keep the Passover.
- He healed a Lame Man at the Pool of Bethesda.
- He returned to Capernaum.
- He gave the Sermon on the Mount.
- He healed the Centurion's Servant.
- The Widows dead Son was raised to life.
- A sinful Woman anointed His feet with ointment from an alabaster box.
- He healed a person who had a demon of dumbness.
- He taught the people by telling them parables.
- He calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee.
- He delivered Legion who was demon possessed.
- He attended Matthew's feast held for his publican friends.
- He healed the Woman with the issue of blood.
- He raised Jairus' Daughter from the dead.
- Other Apostles were selected by Jesus – Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite and Judas Iscariot. Then all twelve were ordained and sent out by Him to Minister.
- He healed a blind and a dumb man.
The events of Jesus' third year of Ministry.

(Matthew 13:54-18:35, Mark 6:1-9:50, Luke 9:1-10:24, John 6:1-10:42)
- Jesus went to Nazareth and was rejected again.
- Jesus instructed His apostles, sending them with power to heal the sick and cast out devils.
- Jesus was told of John the Baptists death.
- He fed five thousand.
- He walked on the Sea of Galilee.
- He performed many miracles.
- Some of His followers rejected and left Him.
- He rebuked the Pharisees.
- He healed the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter.
- He went to minister in the cities of the Decapolis.
- He healed a deaf and dumb man.
- He fed four thousand people.
- He healed the Blind Man of Bethsaida.
- He was transfigured on the Mount before Peter, James and John.
- Moses and Elijah appeared unto them.
- He healed a demoniac Son.
- He continued to teach with parables.
- He sent forth His seventy Disciples.
- He was rejected by the Samaritans.
- He healed the Ten Lepers.
- He attended the Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem.
- He forgave the Woman caught in the act of adultery.
- He again taught with Parables.
- The Seventy returned from their mission and reported to Him.
- He healed the Blind Man at the Temple.
- He attended the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem.

The last months of Jesus life on earth.

(Matthew 19:1-26:13, Mark 10:1-14:9, Luke 13:10-19:27, John 11:1-12:8)
- Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
- He ministered in Ephraim and Perea.
- He attended a Supper arranged by a Pharisee.
- He healed a man with Dropsy.
- He again taught with parables.
- He blessed the Little Children.
- He asked the rich Young Ruler to sell all he had and follow Him.
- He foretold of His sufferings.
- He healed blind Bartemaeus.
- He visited Zacchaeus' house and ministered to him.
- Mary anointed Jesus' feet with a pound of precious spikenard ointment.
The last days of Jesus on earth

(Matthew 21:1-28:20, Mark 11:1-16:20, Luke 24:53, John 12:12-16:7)
- He triumphantly entered Jerusalem.
- He cursed the barren fig tree and it withered overnight.
- He cleansed the temple.
- He taught with Parables and answered questions.
- He prophesied of future events, concerning Jerusalem and the end of the World.
- Judas Iscariot plotted with the Jews against Jesus.
- Jesus kept the Passover with His Disciples.
- He washed their feet during the Last Supper.
- He prayed in the Garden called Gethsemane near the Mount of Olives.
- Judas betrayed Him.
- Jesus healed Malchus' ear that Peter cut off with a sword.
- He was taken captive and led away.
- Jesus was taken before the High Priest to be tried.
- Peter denied Jesus three times and the cock crowed.
- Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin and accused.
- He was sent to Pilate who tried Jesus and found no fault in Him.
- Jesus was scourged thirty-nine times.
- The Roman Soldiers mocked Him.
- Pilate sentenced Jesus to death.
- Jesus was mocked and led away to be crucified.
- Judas Iscariot committed suicide.
- Jesus was crucified.
- Jesus ministered to the Thief on the cross who was crucified next to Him.
- Jesus was buried in a new tomb of Joseph of Aramithea.
- Jesus was resurrected on the third day and an Angel guarded the empty tomb.
- Then Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, Peter, the Apostles and over 500 people.
- Jesus commanded His Disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Ascended into Heaven from the Mount of Olives.
- Two Men in white proclaimed the Return of Jesus Christ in like manner.

The New Testament Books from Acts to Revelation

They describe the activitie, teachings of the Apostles and early Church Christians.

After the Ascension of Jesus, the Disciples found themselves waiting in the Upper Room for the promise of the Holy Spirit. They waited there for ten days and then the Holy Spirit came and endued them with power.

The Day of Pentecost:

Acts 2:1-4
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The New Testament Church was born and grew very quickly. Thousands were saved and many new Disciples emerged to play prominent roles in the Church.

During the next four years the following events took place:

On the day of Pentecost over 3000 people were saved. (30 A.D.)

A lame man was healed at the gate Beautiful of the Temple.

Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned. They appeared before Annas the High Priest and Caiaphas. They were warned not to preach about Jesus and then released.

The Holy Spirit again visited the Disciples with great power. Ananias and Sapphira sinned against the Holy Spirit and died.

The first seven deacons were appointed.

Stephen was one of them and did great miracles. He was arrested, tried, stoned to death and Saul of Tarsus witnessed it.

Saul of Tarsus was saved on the Road to Damascus. (35 A.D.)

Ananias was told by Jesus to go and pray for Saul. Saul was healed and received the Holy Spirit. His life was threatened in Damascus and he escaped over the wall in a basket.

Paul continued sharing his testimony and preached about Jesus Christ.

Barnabas took him and he visited with the Apostles in Jerusalem The Disciples sent him to Tarsus.

The Church had peace and rest from persecution.

Peter raised Tabitha from the dead. Peter was commanded by the Holy Spirit to go to minister to Cornelius and his family. As a result, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles for the first time.

Peter was summoned to appear before the Apostles Council in Jerusalem regarding this. He gave account of His ministry to the Gentiles and they rejoiced.

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him back to Antioch. They continued there teaching the Disciples. It was here that the Disciples were first called "Christians".

King Herod imprisoned and killed James. He then had Peter arrested and imprisoned. Peter was set free by an Angel and escaped, after the Church prayed for him.

Herod was Smitten by an Angel and died.

Paul was appointed by the Holy Spirit as an Apostle (48 A.D.)

Fourteen years after Paul's conversion he became an Apostle. He immediately exercised this new calling and traveled on three Missionary Journeys. After that he went to Rome where he eventually was martyred.

Paul's first Missionary Journey.
- Paul and Barnabas were selected and sent by the Holy Spirit as Apostles.
- They sailed from Antioch to Seleucia.
- They then sailed to Salamis on the Island of Cyprus.
- From Salamis they traveled to Paphos.
- It is here where Saul's name was changed to Paul.
- They ministered to Sergius Paulus, a Deputy of that Country.
- Elymas hindered the Gospel and was smitten blind.
- Paul and Barnabas continued on to Perga in Pamphylia.
- From there they went to Antioch in Pisidia where Paul preached a great sermon.
- They then went to Iconium where mighty signs and wonders were done.
- After that they went on to Lystra.
- Paul and Barnabas refused to be worshipped as gods, by the people.
- Paul was stoned and raised by the Prayers of the Disciples.
- From Lystra they traveled to Derbe.
- They then returned to the places where they had been before, establishing Churches.
- They eventually came back to Antioch in Syria, where they first started.
Paul's second Missionary journey. (52 A.D.)
- Paul chose Silas to go with him.
- Paul left Antioch in Syria and confirmed the Churches in Syria, Cilicia and Derbe.
- Timothy joined them at Lystra.
- The Holy Spirit forbade them to go and preach in Asia.
- They then went to Mysia.
- The Holy Spirit forbade them to go to Bithynia.
- They then went to Troas.
- There Paul had a vision and was called by God to go to Macedonia.
- They went to Philippi in Macedonia.
- They Ministered to Lydia and her Family who were saved and baptized.
- A young demon possessed Girl was delivered from a spirit of divination.
- Paul and Silas were charged before Magistrates for defrauding her Masters.
- They were beaten and jailed.
- At midnight they worshipped God and sang in Prison and an earthquake shook the place.
- As a result of that, the keeper of the Prison was saved.
  (It was to this Church that he wrote the book of Philippians.)
- Paul and Silas were released and they went to Thessalonica.
- Paul ministered in the Synagogue and some Jews were saved.
- Many Greeks were saved. (It was to this Church that he wrote 1st & 2nd Thessalonians.)
- The unbelieving Jews caused a great uproar in the city and attacked Jason's House.
- Paul and Silas left for Berea at night.
- Many Berean people were saved and searched the scriptures daily.
- They then continued their journey to Athens.
- Paul ministered in the Synagogue and in the Market Place daily.
- He reasoned with the Philosophers, Epicureans and Stoicks.
- Paul was taken to the Areopagus where he preached in the midst of Mars Hill.
- He preached about the Unknown God.
- Some mocked, some said they would listen again and many were saved.
- Paul and Silas then went to Corinth.
- Here Paul met Priscilla and Aquila and worked with them as a tentmaker.
- They were saved and he lived with them in their home.
- He reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath about Jesus the Messiah.
- The Jews rejected his message and he continued ministering in Justus' house.
- Crispus the Chief Ruler of the Synagogue and his household were saved.
- Paul continued ministering in Corinth for eighteen months.
- The Jews charged him before Galio the Deputy of Achaia.
- Galio drove them from the judgment seat and rejected the charge.
  (It was to this Church that he wrote 1st & 2nd Corinthians.)
- Paul took leave of the Church and went to Ephesus.
- Paul preached in the Synagogue.
- He then went to Caesarea and Antioch.
- He then went through Galatia and Phrygia.
- Priscilla and Aquila ministered to Apollos an eloquent Teacher.
- He was persuaded of the truth.
- God began to use him mightily.
- Paul returned to Jerusalem and then went on to Antioch in Syria.
Paul's Third Missionary Journey (58 A.D.)
- From Antioch he went to Galatia.
- Then he went through Phrygia to Ephesus
- Many Believers received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- He continued ministering there for two years.
- Many mighty miracles and healings took place.
- Many were delivered from demons.
- Those delivered brought their books of curious arts and burned them.
- The value of these books was about 50 thousand pieces of silver.
- He established a Church at Ephesus.
  (It was to this Church that he wrote Ephesians.)
- Demetrius a silversmith, who made idols, accused Paul of despising the goddess Diana.
- He caused uproar in the city and called an Assembly of the people.
- The Town clerk dismissed the Assembly.
- Paul continued through Macedonia and Greece encouraging the Believers.
- He came to Troas and ministered there.
- He ministered until midnight.
- A young boy, sleeping fell out of a window.
- His dead body was revived as Paul prayed for him.
- Then Paul went back to Ephesus and ministered to the Elders of the Church.
- He then went to Tyre and ministered to the Disciples there.
- Then he went to Ptolemais and ministered there to the Church.
- He continued on to Caesarea and abode in the home of Philip the Evangelist.
- There Agabus a Prophet warned Paul that he would be arrested in Jerusalem.
- Paul returned by carriage to Jerusalem and was received gladly by the Apostles.
Paul's voyage to Rome (60 A.D.)
- Paul met with the Elders of the Church at Jerusalem.
- He reported of a great successful Ministry to the Gentiles.
- Because of Jewish criticism, they urged him to take a vow of Purification.
- The Jews of Asia saw him in the Temple and caused an uproar.
- The Jews took him out of the Temple to kill him.
- The Chief Captain arrested him and bound him with two chains.
- Paul asked for permission and addressed the crowd.
- He was then brought before the Sanhedrin.
- That night Jesus appeared to Paul confirming that he would go to Rome.
- Jews plotted to kill Paul and his sisters Son warned Paul about it.
- The Chief Captain sent Paul at night to Caesarea to stand Trial there.
- Paul was escorted, by 200 Soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen.
- Paul was kept at Herod's Judgment Hall and after five days he appeared before Felix.
- Tertullus a lawyer prosecuted against Paul on behalf of the Jews.
- Paul defended himself and the case was postponed.
- Paul continued to minister to Felix, who trembled under conviction.
- After two years Paul appeared before Festus.
- Because Festus was appeasing the Jews, Paul appealed to Caesar for Judgment.
- He appeared before King Agrippa and Bernice his wife and ministered to them.
- Paul then sailed for Rome, a prisoner of Julius a Centurion of the Augustus Band.
- One of the Brethren from Thessalonica, Aristarchus, sailed with Paul.
- They encountered a strong wind called a Euroclydon.
- An Angel warned him of impending danger but said that all would survive.
- They were shipwrecked on an Island called Melita.
- While making a fire, a poisonous viper bit the hand of Paul.
- It did him no harm.
- Paul ministered to the Islanders and many received healing.
- They blessed Paul and the people who were with Paul with food, clothes and other things.
- After three months Paul continued by ship to Rome.
- There Paul was allowed by the Centurion to dwell by himself and was kept by one soldier.
- For two years Paul dwelt in his own hired house and ministered to all who came to him.
- It is reported that Paul was beheaded at Rome in 67 A.D.

Paul wrote various letters to Churches and Individuals including:

Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon and Hebrews

These are the names of the other Apostles and New Testament books they wrote:

Luke –Gospel of Luke and Acts

Peter - 1 & 2 Peter

James - James

Judas the Brother of Jesus - Jude

John - 1, 2 & 3 John and Revelation

John is reported to be the last Apostle to die after 97 A.D.

What happened to the Apostles?

Peter -	Crucified head downward in Rome
James -	Beheaded by Herod in Jerusalem
John -	Banished to Patmos and died a natural death
Andrew -	Crucified
Philip -	Martyred in Hierapolis
Bartholomew -	Flayed to death in Armenia
Thomas -	Martyred in India
Matthew -	Martyred in Ethiopia
James -	Crucified in Egypt
Jude -	Martyred in Persia
Simon -	Crucified

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