New Testament Quick Reference
A one-page overview of all 27 New Testament books.
The Gospels
| Book | Summary | Key Theme | Key Verse | Top Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Jesus is the Messiah-King who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and establishes God's kingdom. | Messiah-King | Matt 28:18-20 | Make disciples and live out kingdom ethics |
| Mark | Fast-paced account of Jesus as the powerful Son of God who came as suffering Servant. | Suffering Servant | Mark 10:45 | Serve others sacrificially like Jesus |
| Luke | Jesus is the compassionate Savior for all people, especially the marginalized and outcast. | Savior for All | Luke 19:10 | Welcome the marginalized and seek the lost |
| John | Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh who gives eternal life to all who believe. | Eternal Life | John 3:16 | Abide in Christ—remain connected to Him daily |
History
| Book | Summary | Key Theme | Key Verse | Top Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acts | The Holy Spirit empowers the church to witness from Jerusalem to Rome despite persecution. | Spirit's Power | Acts 1:8 | Be a witness powered by the Holy Spirit |
Paul's Letters
| Book | Summary | Key Theme | Key Verse | Top Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romans | Salvation is by grace through faith alone; justification brings transformation. | Justification | Rom 1:16-17 | Rest in grace; don't try to earn God's favor |
| 1 Corinthians | Address church divisions and disorders by pursuing love and spiritual maturity. | Church Unity | 1 Cor 13:13 | Let love be your highest priority |
| 2 Corinthians | Paul defends his ministry, showing strength in weakness and God's comfort in suffering. | Comfort | 2 Cor 1:3-4 | Comfort others with the comfort you've received |
| Galatians | Justification comes through faith in Christ alone, not works; believers are free from legalism. | Freedom | Gal 5:1 | Stand firm in freedom—reject legalism |
| Ephesians | God's eternal plan unites believers in Christ with every spiritual blessing. | Unity in Christ | Eph 2:8-10 | Live out your identity in Christ |
| Philippians | Joy and contentment in Christ despite circumstances through humility and partnership. | Joy | Phil 4:4 | Rejoice always—choose joy regardless of circumstances |
| Colossians | Christ is supreme over all creation; believers are complete in Him. | Christ's Supremacy | Col 1:15-18 | Set your mind on things above, not earthly things |
| 1 Thessalonians | Living faithfully while awaiting Christ's return with hope and holiness. | Second Coming | 1 Thess 4:16-17 | Live for eternity—Christ is coming back |
| 2 Thessalonians | Stand firm in truth, work faithfully, and await Christ's return with perseverance. | Perseverance | 2 Thess 3:3 | Keep working faithfully while waiting for Christ |
| 1 Timothy | Instructions for church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly conduct. | Church Order | 1 Tim 3:15 | Pursue godliness and guard sound doctrine |
| 2 Timothy | Paul's final charge to Timothy: guard the gospel and endure hardship faithfully. | Endurance | 2 Tim 3:16-17 | Fan into flame your gift—don't be ashamed |
| Titus | Grace teaches believers to live godly lives and be devoted to good works. | Good Works | Titus 2:11-12 | Let grace teach you to live rightly |
| Philemon | Paul appeals for forgiveness and reconciliation between master and former slave as brothers. | Reconciliation | Philem 1:16 | Forgive radically and see people as family in Christ |
General Letters
| Book | Summary | Key Theme | Key Verse | Top Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hebrews | Christ is superior to all; hold fast to Him as our great High Priest. | Christ's Superiority | Heb 4:14-16 | Draw near to God's throne with confidence |
| James | Faith without works is dead; true faith produces practical obedience. | Faith & Works | Jas 2:17 | Turn your faith into action—control your tongue |
| 1 Peter | Living as exiles with hope despite suffering, following Christ's example. | Hope in Suffering | 1 Pet 2:21 | Respond to suffering like Christ did |
| 2 Peter | Grow in grace, beware false teachers, and live for the Day of the Lord. | Growth | 2 Pet 3:18 | Keep growing—don't become spiritually complacent |
| 1 John | Assurance of salvation through walking in light, loving others, and believing in Jesus. | Assurance | 1 John 4:19 | Love others because God first loved you |
| 2 John | Walk in truth and love while guarding against false teaching. | Truth & Love | 2 John 1:6 | Balance truth and love—don't compromise either |
| 3 John | Commendation for hospitality and faithfulness; warning against controlling leaders. | Hospitality | 3 John 1:8 | Practice hospitality and support gospel workers |
| Jude | Contend for the faith against false teachers who distort grace. | Contend | Jude 1:3 | Defend the faith while showing mercy wisely |
Prophecy
| Book | Summary | Key Theme | Key Verse | Top Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revelation | Christ is victorious over all evil; God will judge the world and create a new heaven and earth. | Christ's Victory | Rev 21:5 | Live with eternal perspective—Christ wins |