OUTLINE OF THE BIBLE

THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT SUMMARY

BR. MARTIN GREYFORD PHIRI

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 FOR MY WIFE LEAH NYIRENDA
I BELIEVE THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THE BIBLE BETTER.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I thank God for every word penned down in this book through ‘International Training Institute, Network
Beyond’ under the able leadership and support of Rev. Lucas Ogwa for every lesson I learnt in those
three years journey. Your teaching has ignited something in me to an extent that I have written this
book. Your teachings gave me hunger to read and study more of God’s Word. I remember people telling
me that I’ll run mad because of the Word, I didn’t realize then it was another kind of God’s Grace that
prompted me to do so. Thank you, ITI, and thank you Rev. Lucas Ogwa.

My beloved wife and friend Leah Nyirenda thank you for your love and support towards this project. It
has taken time to be finalized but I believe its in perfect time for you to read and study.

My dearest brother Darlington, thank you for believing in me when the rest couldn’t. You saw in me
what only God revealed to you. From day one till date, you have always supported me and the work of
God.

And to everyone that supported this project, my late pastor, Elias Tembo Snr (MYSCRIP), you picked me
up when others had considered me trash. You believed that God called me, and you prayed for me to
write something about the Word of God and your prayers enabled me to write this book. Thank you so
much. Even in death you are still my Pastor. Continue resting in peace till we meet.

Zenith Banda, thank you for your spiritual support.

Prophet David Shang’andu, thank you for allowing me to use your words.

Rev. Agness Kaposa, thank you for your prayers and spiritual support.

Pastor Susan Tembo, thank you for adopting and believing in me.

Br. Elias Tembo Jr, thank you for believing in me.

Br. Langson Phiri, thank you for being a person who asks me question frequently, they have helped me
to stay on truck.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE
1. Introduction to the Bible

2. The books of the Bible

3. Versions of the Bible

THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. Introduction to the Books of Law

4. Genesis

5. Exodus

6. Leviticus

7. Numbers

8. Deuteronomy

2. Introduction to the Books of History

9. Joshua

10. Judges

11. Ruth

12. 1st and 2nd Samuel

13. 1st and 2nd Kings

14. 1st and 2nd Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

3. Introduction to the Books of Poetry

18. Job

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19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

4. Introduction to the Books of Prophecy

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

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 The New Testament
5. Introduction to the books of Gospel

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

6. Introduction to the book of History

44. Acts

7. Introduction to the books of Epistles or Letters

45. Romans

46. 1st and 2nd Corinthians

47. Galatians

48. Ephesians

49. Philippians

50. Colossians

51. 1st and 2nd Thessalonians

52. 1st and 2nd Timothy

53. Titus

54. Philemon

55. Hebrews

56. James

57. 1st and 2nd Peter

58. 1st, 2nd and 3rd John

59. Jude

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8. Introduction to the book of Prophecy

60. Revelation

ALL SCRIPTURE QUOTATION ARE TAKEN FROM KING JAMES VERSION UNLESS INDICATED

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INTRODUCTION
God had desired us to know Him more through His Word and He openly gave us the Word which is the
Bible so we can understand and learn more about Him. He is the Word throughout the Bible.

The many references to the Old Testament by Jesus during His earthly ministry illustrate the importance
He placed on knowing the content of the Scriptures. Because Jesus stressed the importance of God's
Word to the men He trained, so I write to equip men and women to reach their nations with God's
message.

"International Training Institute" introduced the Bible and discussed its translations and various versions
to me. It presented an overview of Biblical history, geography, and life in Bible times. The course
provided an outline for each book of the Bible and taught me the outlining skills for expanding these
basic outlines into more detailed studies of God's Word. Information presented on each Bible book
includes the author, the people to whom the book was written, the purpose of the book, the key verse,
a list of main characters, and an outline of the content. A life and ministry principle are also stated for
each book. These principles are basic truths vital to Christian maturity and ministry which you should
seek to incorporate into your own life.

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2nd Timothy
3:16-17)

INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the Bible which is the written Word of the one true God. The word "Bible"
means "the books." The Bible is one volume which consists of 66 separate books.

The word "Scripture" is also used to refer to God's Word. This word comes from a Latin word which
means "writing." When the word "Scripture" is used with a capital "S" it means the sacred writings of
the one true God. The word "Bible" is not used in the Bible. It is a word selected by men as a title for all
of God's Words.

ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE

The Bible is the written Word of God. He inspired the words in the Bible and used approximately 40
different men to write down His words. These men wrote over a period of 1500 years. The perfect
agreement of these writers is one proof that they were all guided by a single author. That author was
God.

Some of the writers wrote down exactly what God said:

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee
against Israel . . . (Jeremiah 36:2)

Other writers wrote what they experienced or what God revealed concerning the future:

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be
hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)

All the writers wrote under God's inspiration the words of His message for us.

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THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE
The Bible itself records its main purpose:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly
furnished unto all good works. (2nd Timothy 3:16-17) The Scriptures are to be used to teach
doctrine, to reprove and correct from evil, and to teach righteousness. They will help you live
right and equip you to work for God.

MAJOR DIVISIONS
The Bible is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word
"testament" means covenant. A covenant is an agreement. The Old Testament records God's original
covenant or agreement with man. The New Testament records the new covenant made by God through
His Son, Jesus Christ. What was the subject of these two agreements? They both concerned restoring
sinful man to right relationship with God. God made a law that sin can only be forgiven through the
shedding of blood:

. . . without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness). (Hebrews 9:22)

Under God's agreement in the Old Testament, blood sacrifices of animals were made by man to obtain
forgiveness for sin. This was a symbol of the blood sacrifice Jesus Christ would provide under the new
agreement with God. Through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, a final sacrifice for sin was
made:

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect
tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of
goats and calves, but by His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having
obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an
heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall
the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge
your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause, He is the
mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption the
transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the
promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:11-15)

Both testaments are the Word of God, and we must study both in order to understand God's message.
The terms "old" and "new" testaments are used to distinguish between God's agreement with man
before and after the death of Jesus Christ. We do not disregard the Old Testament simply because it is
called "old."

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FURTHER DIVISIONS
The Bible is further divided into 66 books. The Old Testament has 39 books. The New Testament
contains 27 books. Each book is divided into chapters and verses. Although the content of each book is
the Word of God, the division into chapters and verses was made by man. to make it easy to locate
specific passages. It would be very difficult to find a passage if the books were all one long paragraph.
Here is a simple diagram that shows the basic divisions of the Bible.

THE BIBLE
____________________

Old Testament New Testament

39 Books 27 Books

UNITY OF THE BIBLE

When we speak of the unity of the Bible, we mean two things:

ONE: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN CONTENT:

Even though the Bible was written by many writers over many years, there are no contradictions. One
author does not contradict any of the others.

The Bible includes discussion of hundreds of controversial subjects. (A controversial subject is one that
creates different opinions when mentioned). Yet the writers of the Bible spoke on such subjects with
harmony from the first book of Genesis through the last book of Revelation. This was possible because
there was really only one author: God. The writers only recorded the message under His direction and
inspiration. For this reason, the content of the Bible is united.

TWO: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN THEME:

Some people think the Bible is a collection of 66 separate books on different subjects. They do not
realize that the Bible is united by a major theme. From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God's special
purpose which is summarized in the book of Ephesians:

Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He
hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in
Him; In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. (Ephesians 1:9-11)

The Bible reveals the mystery of God’s plan which is the unifying theme of the Bible. It is the revelation
of Jesus Christ as the Savior of sinful mankind. Jesus explained how the Old Testament is centered on
Him:

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 And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets,
and in the psalms concerning me. (Luke 24:44) With this introduction, Jesus continued and . . .
. . . opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)

What was the key Jesus gave them to understanding the Scriptures? The fact that its major theme
focused on Him: . . . Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead
the third day; And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And Ye are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)

The Old and New Testaments both tell the story of Jesus. The Old Testament prepares us for its’
happening and the New Testament tells how it happened. This unites the Bible in one major theme. The
people who looked forward to Jesus under the Old Testament were saved from their sins through faith
in God's promise. Everyone who looks back to it as having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ is saved in the
same way: Through faith that it happened just as God promised.

DIVERSITY OF THE BIBLE

When we speak of the "diversity" of the Bible we mean that the Bible has variety. It records different
ways in which God dealt with people and the different ways in which they responded to Him. The Bible
is written in different moods. Some portions express joy while others reflect sorrow. The Bible includes
different types of writing. It contains history, poetry, prophecy, letters, adventure, parables, miracles,
and love stories. Because of its variety, the Bible has been further divided into major groups of books.

OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

The books of the Old Testament are divided into four major groups:

• Law
• History
• Poetry and
• Prophecy.

THE BOOKS OF THE LAW:

There are five books of law. The names of these books are:

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

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These books record the creation of man and the world by God and the early history of man. They tell
how God raised up the nation of Israel as a people through which He could reveal Himself to the nations
of the world. These books record the laws of God. The best-known parts are

• The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17),

• The greatest of all commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5),
• And the second greatest commandment (Leviticus 19:18).

Open your Bible and locate the books of Law in the Old Testament. Locate the three verses mentioned
in the preceding paragraph and read them. These are an example of the laws of God recorded in these
books.

THE BOOKS OF HISTORY:

There are 12 books of history in the Old Testament. The names of the books of history are:

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1st and 2nd Samuel
• 1st and 2nd Kings
• 1st and 2nd Chronicles
• Ezra Nehemiah
• Esther

Locate these books in your Bible. They are found right after the books of law. The books of history cover
a thousand-year history of God's people, Israel. Naturally they do not tell everything that happened, but
they record the major events and show the results of both following and ignoring God's law.

THE BOOKS OF POETRY:

There are five books of poetry. The names of the books of poetry are:

• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon

These books are the worship books of God's people, Israel. They still are used in worship by believers
today. Turn to Psalm 23 and read it. This is an example of the beautiful worship poetry contained in
these books.

THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY:

The books of prophecy of the Old Testament are divided into two groups which are called Major and
Minor prophetical books. This does not mean the Major Prophets are more important than the Minor

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Prophets. The title is simply used because the Major Prophets are longer books than the Minor
Prophets. There are 17 books of prophecy in the Old Testament.

The names of the books of prophecy are:

Major Prophets:

• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel

Minor Prophets:

• Hosea
• Nahum
• Joel
• Habakkuk
• Amos
• Zephaniah
• Obadiah
• Haggai
• Jonah
• Zechariah
• Micah
• Malachi

These books are prophetic messages from God to His people about future events. Many of the
prophecies have already been fulfilled, but some remain to be fulfilled in the future. Find these
prophetic books in your Bible. They are the last books in the Old Testament.

NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

The New Testament has also been divided into four groups:

• Gospels,
• History,
• Letters, and
• Prophecy.

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THE GOSPELS:
There are four books in the Gospels. The names of these books are:

• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John

These books tell about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Their purpose is to lead you to believe
that He is the Christ, the Son of God and God. Find the Gospels in your Bible and then read John 20:31
which states this purpose.

THE BOOK OF HISTORY:

There is one book of history in the New Testament, the book of Acts. This book tells how the church
began and fulfilled Christ's commission to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Locate this book in
your Bible.

LETTERS:
There are 21 letters in the New Testament. The names of these letters are:

• Romans
• Titus
• 1st and 2nd Corinthians
• Philemon
• Galatians
• Hebrews
• Ephesians
• James
• Philippians
• 1st and 2nd Peter
• Colossians
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John
• 1st and 2nd Thessalonians
• Jude
• 1st and 2nd Timothy

The letters are addressed to all believers. Their purpose is to guide them in living and help them do what
Jesus commanded. Romans 12 is a good example of their teaching. Turn to this chapter in your Bible and
read it. The letters are also sometimes called "epistles" which means letters.

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PROPHECY:
Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. It tells of the final victory of Jesus and His
people. Its purpose is to encourage you to keep living as a Christian should live until the end of time. Its
message is summarized in Revelation 2:10.

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you
into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

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 CHAPTER TWO
THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy Word. (Psalms
119:169)

INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapter you learned that the Bible is the written Word of God. You learned it is divided
into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. You learned the four
divisions of the Old Testament books:

• Law
• History
• Poetry
• Prophecy

You also learned the four divisions of the New Testament books:

• Gospels
• History
• Letters
• Prophecy

The following chart summarizes what you have learned about the Bible so far:

THE BIBLE

GOD'S WRITTEN WORD

66 BOOKS

___________________________________________

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 OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS

Law Gospel

History History

Poetry Letters

Prophecy Prophecy

This chapter contains a summary of each of the 66 books of the Bible which make up the major divisions
of the Old and New Testaments. It provides an introduction to the content of both testaments. Four
suggestions for successful Bible reading are given and you will choose a systematic plan to start reading
God's Word.

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 OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS
(39 Books)
BOOKS OF LAW:
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice, nations, and
government and key men of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from bondage in
Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.

Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the religious leaders
and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming of Jesus Christ
as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was a result of disobedience to
God. The title of the book is from two numberings (population censuses) taken during the long journey.

Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and Leviticus.

BOOKS OF HISTORY:
Joshua: Details how Joshua, the successor of Moses, led the people of Israel into the Promised Land of
Canaan. It records the military campaigns and the division of the land among the people.

Judges: Israel turned away from God after Joshua's death. This book records the sad story of their
repeated sins and the judges God raised up to deliver them from enemy forces.

Ruth: The story of Ruth, a woman of the Gentile nation of Moab, who chose to serve the God of Israel.
She became the great grandmother of David.

1st Samuel: This book centers on three persons: Samuel who was the last of the judges of Israel; Saul,
the first king of Israel; and David who succeeded Saul as king.

2nd Samuel: The glorious 40-year reign of King David is recorded in this book.

1st Kings: King Solomon's reign and the kings of the divided kingdom through the reigns of Ahab in the
north and Jehoshaphat in the south are the subjects of this book.

2nd Kings: The final decline of Israel and Judah is recalled in this book. God's people fell into deep sin.

1st Chronicles: The reign of David and preparations for building the temple are recorded here. The time
of this book is the same as 2nd Samuel.

2nd Chronicles: This book continues Israel's history through Solomon's reign with focus on the southern
kingdom. It closes with the decree of Cyrus which permitted the return of the people from Babylon to
Jerusalem.

Ezra: The return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity is detailed.

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Nehemiah: The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under the direction of Nehemiah is recalled by this book.
The project was begun about 14 years after Ezra's return with the people.

Esther: God's deliverance of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai is the subject of this book.

BOOKS OF POETRY:
Job: This book is the story of Job, a man who lived around the time of Abraham. The theme is the
question of why righteous men suffer.

Psalms: The prayer and praise book of the Bible.

Proverbs: Divine wisdom for practical problems of everyday life.

Ecclesiastes: A discussion of the futility of life apart from God.

Song of Solomon: The romance of Solomon and his Shulamite bride. The story represents God's love for
Israel and of Christ for the church.

BOOKS OF PROPHECY:
Several of these books were written during a period when the nation of Israel was divided into two
separate kingdoms: Israel and Judah.

Isaiah: Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sin against God.

Jeremiah: Written during the later decline and fall of Judah. Told of the coming judgment and urged
surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.

Lamentations: Jeremiah's lament (expression of sorrow) over the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon.

Ezekiel: Warns first of Jerusalem's impending fall and then foretells its future restoration.

Daniel: The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah and taken to Babylon. This
book provides historic and prophetic teaching which is important in understanding Bible prophecy.

Hosea: Theme of this book is Israel's unfaithfulness, their punishment, and restoration by God.

Joel: Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.

Amos: During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warned Israel and surrounding
nations of God's future judgment on their sin.

Obadiah: God's judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the Dead Sea.

Jonah: The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in Ninevah capital of the Assyrian
empire. The book reveals God's love and plan of repentance for the Gentiles.

Micah: Another prophecy against Israel's sin. Foretells the birthplace of Jesus 700 years before the event
happened.

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Nahum: Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah which had been spared some 150 years earlier
through Jonah's preaching.

Habakkuk: Reveals God's plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more sinful one. Teaches that "the
just shall live by faith."

Zephaniah: Judgment and restoration of Judah.

Haggai: Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15-year delay due to enemy resistance.

Zechariah: Further urging to complete the temple and renew spiritual commitment. Foretells Christ's
first and second comings.

Malachi: Warns against spiritual shallowness and foretells the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.

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 NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS
(27 Books)
THE GOSPELS:
The four books known as the Gospels record the birth, life, ministry, teachings, death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ. The approach of each book differs:

Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as King and was directed especially to the Jews.

Mark: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Servant of God and was directed especially to the Romans.

Luke: Presents Jesus Christ as the "Son of Man," the perfect man and Savior of imperfect men.

John: Presents Jesus in His position as the Son of God.

BOOK OF HISTORY:
Acts: The one history book of the New Testament records the early growth of Christianity from the time
of Christ's return to Heaven through Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The book covers about 33 years and
emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit.

LETTERS:
Romans: A presentation of the Gospel which stresses salvation by faith alone.

1st Corinthians: Written to correct errors of Christian conduct in the local church.

2nd Corinthians: Speaks of the true ministry of the Gospel, stewardship, and Paul's apostolic authority.

Galatians: Deals with the error of mixing law and faith. The theme is justification by faith alone.

Ephesians: Encourages believers regarding their position in Christ.

Philippians: Emphasizes the joy of Christian unity.

Colossians: Deals with the error of false teachings which denied Jesus was truly Son of God and Son of
Man. The book also emphasizes Jesus as head of the Church.

1st Thessalonians: Counsel in Christian living and emphasis on the return of Jesus.

2nd Thessalonians: Further instruction on the Lord's return and how knowledge of this should affect
everyday life.

1st Timothy: Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government, and principles to guide the church in
the years to come.

2nd Timothy: Describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. It also warns of the apostasy (spiritual decline)
which had already started. It presents the Word of God as the remedy to correct all error.

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Titus: Paul's letter to a young minister named Titus who was serving God on the island of Crete. Doctrine
and a Godly life are stressed.

Philemon: Paul's intercession for a runaway slave of a wealthy Colossian Christian. It illustrates the
intercession of Jesus on the behalf of believers who were once slaves to sin.

Hebrews: Explains the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Presents Jesus as the Great High Priest
and the mediator between God and man.

James: Teaches that true faith is evidenced by works, although salvation is by faith alone.

1st Peter: A letter of comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those suffering spiritual attacks
from outside the church through unbelievers.

2nd Peter: A warning against spiritual attacks from within. For example, false teachers who had already
"crept" into the Church.

1st John: Written to combat Gnosticism which denied Christ's position as Son of God and Son of Man.
The book emphasizes fellowship and love among believers and assures true believers of eternal life.

2nd John: Warns against any compromise with doctrinal error and emphasizes that the truth must be
guarded in love.

3rd John: Warns of the sin of refusing fellowship with those who are true believers.

Jude: Another warning against apostasy and false doctrine. The theme is similar to that of 2nd Peter.

BOOK OF PROPHECY:
Revelation: This prophetic book tells of the final events of world history. It tells of the things which
were, are, and which will be in the future plan of God (Revelation 1:19).

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SUCCESSFUL BIBLE READING
You will learn much in this book about how to understand and interpret the Bible. You will also learn
methods of creative Bible study. But the first step in understanding the Bible is to begin to read it. To
help you start reading God's Word we have outlined several different reading plans.

1. READ DAILY:
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.
(Psalms 1:2)

God made your physical body so you must have food daily in order to remain healthy. In a similar
manner, your spirit must be fed daily with the food of the Word of God if you are to be spiritually
healthy:

. . . It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God. (Luke 4:4)

2. READ SELECTIVELY:

Start by reading the "milk" of the word. These are the simple truths of the Word of God:

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby. (1st Peter
2:2)

Later you will mature spiritually to where you can eat "meat" of the Word of God. This means you will
be able to understand more difficult teachings of the Bible:

For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it . . . (1st
Corinthians 3:2)

3. READ PRAYERFULLY:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord. (Ezra 7:10)

Before you start to read, pray to God and ask Him to help you understand the message He has given you
through His written Word. Let your prayer be as the Psalmist David prayed:

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalms 119:18)

4. READ SYSTEMATICALLY:

Some people do not understand God's Word because they do not have a systematic plan for reading.
They read a chapter here and there and fail to understand how it all fits together. This is like reading a
few pages here and there in a text book on medicine and then trying to set up a medical practice. The
Bible tells us to "search the scriptures" (John 5:39).

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 CHAPTER THREE
VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE
The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it. (Psalms 68:11)

INTRODUCTION
This chapter identifies the original languages in which the Bible was written and explains how the
Scriptures have been translated into other languages. You will learn the difference between a
translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible. Examples from various versions of the Bible are
provided.

THREE LANGUAGES
The Bible was originally written in three languages. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew
except for parts of the books of Daniel and Nehemiah which were written in Aramaic. The New
Testament was written in Greek. None of the original manuscripts of the Bible are now in existence.
Some good manuscripts exist which are copies of the original. Versions are translations of these copies
of the original manuscripts. From early times men saw the necessity of translating the Bible so everyone
could read it in their own language.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES

There are many different versions of the Bible. The word "version" means a Bible written in a language
different from those in which God's Word was originally written. There are two main types of versions of
the Bible: Translations and paraphrases.

TRANSLATION: A translation is an effort to express what the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words actually
say. It gives as nearly as possible a literal word by word translation. Extra words are inserted only when
it is necessary in order for the reader to understand the meaning.

PARAPHRASE: A paraphrase does not attempt to translate word for word. It translates thought by
thought. A paraphrase is a restatement of the meaning of a passage. Paraphrase versions are easier to
read and understand because they are written in modern vocabulary and grammar, but they are not an
exact translation of God's Word.

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SELECTING A STUDY BIBLE
For purposes of this book and Bible study in general, I recommend use of the King James version of the
Bible. There are several reasons for this:

• FIRST: The King James Bible is very accurate and a good translation for serious study. A
paraphrase version does not contain the exact word-by-word translation of Scriptures.
• SECOND: There are more study tools available for the King James version. There are a large
number of concordances, dictionaries, and commentaries written for the King James text.
• THIRD: The King James version is available in more languages than any other version. It is
important to have a Bible in your native tongue because you think and understand best in your
own language.

RED LETTER EDITIONS

Several versions of the Bible come in what are called "red letter editions." In red letter editions of the
Bible the words of Jesus are printed in red. The rest of the text of the Bible is printed in black ink. If a
red-letter edition of the King James version is available in your language, we suggest you obtain it.

A SUMMARY
The following chart summarizes how the various versions of the Bible developed:

The Bible:

Inspired by God

Revealed to Holy Men Who Wrote God's Words in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic

Interpreted into Various Languages Resulting In

Exact Translations and Paraphrase Versions of The Bible

26
THE DIFFERENCE IN BETWEEN TRANSLATIONS OF JOHN 3:16
King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

New King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Revised Standard Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Living Bible: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in
Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

New American Standard Bible: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

New English Bible: God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that everyone who has faith
in Him may not die but have eternal life.

Amplified Version: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only-
begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish-come
to destruction, be lost-but have eternal (everlasting) life.

Phillips: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in
Him should not be lost, but should have eternal life.

Wurst: For in such a manner did God love the world, insomuch that His Son, the uniquely begotten One,
He gave, in order that everyone who places his trust in Him may not perish but may be having life
eternal.

Moffat: For God loved the world so dearly that He gave up His only Son, so that everyone who believes
in Him may have eternal life instead of perishing.

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 THE OLD TESTAMENT
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF LAW

In previous chapters you learned that the Bible is the written Word of God. You learned it is divided into
two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. You learned the four divisions of
the Old Testament books: Law, History, Poetry, Prophecy. You also learned the four divisions of the New
Testament books: Gospels, History, Letters, and Prophecy.

With this lesson you begin a basic study of the books which make up the major divisions you have
learned about. There are 39 books in the Old Testament. We will start our survey with the books of law:

THE BOOKS OF LAW

The books of law were written by Moses and they span a period of 600 years. The books of law consist
of five books:

Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice, nations, and
government. Also records the stories of key men of God: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from bondage in
Egypt and journeys to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.

Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the religious leaders
and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It points also to the coming of Jesus
Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness as a result of disobedience to God.
The title of the book is from two "numberings" or population census taken during the long journey.

Deuteronomy: Records the close of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and Leviticus.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
GENESIS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Moses
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To preserve the historical background of Israel and the record of creation, sin,
redemption, and God's first dealings with man.
• KEY VERSE: Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLES: God's plan from the beginning included all nations. God
begins new things with people.
• MEANING: Origin or beginning
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Enoch, Esau, Jacob (Israel), Enoch, Abraham, Isaac,
Joseph

OUTLINE
I. The history of humanity: 1:1-11:26

A. Creation: 1:1-2:25
B. The fall of man: 3:1-4:26
1. Adam and Eve: 3:1-24
2. Cain and Abel: 4:1-26
C. Genealogy from the fall to the flood: 5:1-32
D. The flood: 6:1-9:29 51
1. The wickedness of man: 6:1-4
2. God's decision: 6:5-7
3. Noah: 6:8-10
4. God speaks to Noah: 6:11-21
5. Noah's response: 6:22
6. God speaks to Noah: 7:1-4
7. Noah's response: 7:5-16
8. Life in the ark: 7:17-24
9. Release from the ark: 8:1-19
10. God's covenant: 9:1-17
11. Generations of Noah: 9:18-19
12. Sins of Noah's family: 9:20-29
E. From the flood to Abraham: 10:1-11:26
1. Generations of the sons of Noah: 10:1-32

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 2. The tower of Babel: 11:1-9
3. Generations of Shem: 11:10-26
4. Generations of Terah: 11:27-32

II. The patriarchal history of Israel: 11:27-50:26

A. Abraham: 11:27-25:10
1. Abraham's birth and ancestry: 11:26-30
2. His wanderings: 11:31-13:1
(a) From Ur to Haran: 11:31-32
(b) From Haran to Canaan: 12:1-9
(c) To Egypt and back: 12:10-13:1
3. Abraham and Lot: 13:2-14:24
(a) Dispute and division: 13:2-13
(b) God's promise to Abraham: 13:14-18
(c) Lot captured by the kings of the east: 14:1-24
4. The covenant: 15:1-20
5. Ishmael: 16:1-16
6. Circumcision: 17:1-27
7. A promised son: 18:1-15
8. Sodom and Gomorrah: 18:16-19:38
9. Abraham visits Abimelech: 20:1-18
10. Isaac born and Ishmael driven out: 21:1-21
11. Abraham and Abimelech: 21:22-34
12. Proposed sacrifice of Isaac: 22:1-19
13. The death and burial of Sarah: 23:1-20
14. Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah: 24:1-67
15. Abraham and Keturah: 25:1-6
16. Abraham's death and burial 25:7-10 52
B. Isaac: 25:11-35:29
1. Birth of Isaac: 21:1-8
2. Marriage to Rebekah: 24
3. Isaac and his sons: 25:19-35:29
4. Covenant renewed: 26:1-5
5. Deception of Abimelech: 26:6-33
6. Marriage to Judith and Bashemath: 26:34-35
7. Isaac deceived by Jacob: 27:1-45
8. Jacob's flight to Haran: 27:46-28:5
9. Death of Isaac: 35:27-29
C. Jacob: 28:10-36:43
1. His birth: 25:19-26
2. Rivalry between Jacob and Esau: 25:27-45
(a) The birthright: 25:27-34
(b) The blessing: 27:1-45
3. The flight to Haran: 27:46-29:14

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 4. Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel: 29:15-30
5. Life in Haran: 29:31-30:43
6. Return to Canaan: 31:1-55
7. Preparations to meet Esau: 32:1-23
8. Jacob's wrestling match: 32:24-32
9. Peace with Esau: 33:1-17
10. Jacob and his family in Canaan: 33:18-45:28
11. Jacob's final days and death: 46:1-50:14
D. Joseph: 37:1-50:26
1. Joseph's early life: 37:1-36
(a) His coat: 37:1-4
(b) His dreams: 37:5-11
(c) Sold into slavery: 37:12-36
(d) The sin of Judah: 38:1-30
2. Joseph the slave: 39:1-40:23
(a) In Potiphar's house: 39:1-20
(b) In prison: 39:21-40:23
3. Joseph the prime minister: 41:1-45:28
(a) Preparation for famine: 41:1-57
(b) Joseph and his brothers: 42:1-45:28
(c) Joseph and his family in Egypt: 46:1-50:21
(d) Joseph's death: 50:22-26

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 CHAPTER FIVE
EXODUS

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Moses
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To record the deliverance of Israel from slavery and document their purpose for
existence as a nation.
• KEY VERSE: Exodus 12:13. “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye
are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to
destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”
• MEANING: Journey or shifting
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Salvation comes only through the blood of the Lamb of God,
Jesus.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, Miriam, Jethro

OUTLINE
I. The nation of Israel in Egypt: 1:1-12:36

A. Egyptian bondage: 1:1-22

B. God prepares a deliverer: Moses: 2:1-4:31
C. The dialogue with Pharaoh: 5:1-11:10
D. The Passover: 12:1-30
E. Deliverance from Egypt: 12:31-36

II. Israel in the wilderness: 12:37-18:27

A. The Exodus and the pursuit by the Egyptians: 12:37-15:21

B. The journey to Sinai: 15:22-17:16
C. The visit of Jethro: 18:1-27

III. Israel at Sinai: 19:1-40:38

A. The giving of the law: 19:1-25

B. Laws governing moral life: 19-22
C. Laws governing social life: 22-23
D. Laws governing religious life: 24:1-31:18

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 E. The tabernacle: 24:12-40:38
1. The tabernacle designed: Instructions concerning the tabernacle and the priests:
24:12-31:18
2. The tabernacle delayed: The golden calf and renewal of the covenant: 32:1-34:35
3. The tabernacle completed: Erection of the tabernacle and institution of the
priesthood:

God sent ten plagues on Egypt in the process of making Pharaoh willing to release Israel from slavery:

-Blood: 7:14-25
-Frogs: 8:1-15
-Lice: 8:16-19
-Flies: 8:20-32
-Murrain: 9:1-7
-Boils: 9:8-12
-Hail: 9:13-35
-Locusts: 10:1-20
-Darkness: 10:21-29
-Death: 11:1-10, 12:29-36

The tabernacle was important because it was the place of worship and sacrifice for Israel, but the
tabernacle was also a spiritual type. This means that each part of the tabernacle was symbolic of a
greater spiritual truth.

The courtyard around the tabernacle measured 150 feet by 75 feet. It is a symbol of the world.

The altar of burnt offering was 71/2 feet square and 4 1/2 feet high. Sacrifices were burned here which
symbolized the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the world.

The laver was a large basin where the priests washed their hands and feet before going into the Holy
Place. It is a symbol of Christian baptism.

The Holy Place measured 30 by 15 feet. It symbolizes the church separated from the world (the court)
and entered by way of Christ's sacrifice (the altar) and baptism (the laver). The table of shewbread is a
symbol of the Lord's Supper (or communion, as it is called in some denominations).

The candlestick provided light for the Holy Place. It is a symbol of God's Word.

The altar of incense was the place where incense was burned. The sweet-smelling smoke ascended to
God as a symbol of the prayers of His people.

The veil was a curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. It symbolized the separation
between God and man. The Most Holy Place was 15 feet long, wide, and high. It was a perfect cube
shape and is a symbol of heaven. It was the dwelling place of God's presence.

The ark of the covenant was a wooden chest covered with gold. It had a lid decorated with two golden
cherubim. The ark contained the Ten Commandments which symbolized God's government, a dish of
manna which recalled God's provision, and Aaron's rod which was a reminder of God's power among His

33
people. Once a year the high priest sprinkled the top of the ark with blood which was a symbol of
Christ's blood by which we are cleansed from sin.

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 CHAPTER SIX
LEVITICUS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Moses
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To show Israel how to live as a holy nation in fellowship with God and prepare them
to extend the redemptive plan of God to all nations.
• KEY VERSE: Leviticus 20:7 “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD
your God.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God requires holiness of His people.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Moses, Aaron

OUTLINE
I. Laws concerning sacrifices: 1:1-7:38

A. Introduction: 1:1-2
B. The burnt offering: 1:3-17
C. The meal offering: 2:1-16
D. The peace offering: 3:1-17
E. The sin offering: 4:1-5:13
F. The trespass offering: 5:14-17 63

II. Laws and incidents concerning the priests: 8-10

A. Prescriptions for consecration: 8:1-9:24

B. Punishment for violation: 10:1-20

III. Laws of purification: 11:1-15:33

A. Clean and unclean food: 11:1-47

B. Purification after childbirth: 12:1-8
C. Leprosy: 13:1-14:57
D. Sexual impurities and cleansings: 15:1-33

IV. The day of Atonement: 16:1-34

A. Aaron's preparation: 16:1-10

B. The sin offering for the priests: 16:11-14
C. The sin offering for the people: 16:15-19
D. The scapegoat: 16:20-22
E. The offering completed: 16:23-28

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 F. The solemnity of the day: 16:29-34
V. The holiness code: 17:1-27:34
A. Prohibitions: 17:1-22:33
1. Holiness on the part of the people: 17:1-20:27
2. Holiness on the part of the priests: 21:1-22:33
B. Religious festivals: 23:1-44
1. The Sabbath: 23:1-3
2. Passover and unleavened bread: 23:4-14
3. Feast of weeks, or Pentecost: 23:15-22
4. Feast of trumpets: 23:23-25
5. Day of Atonement: 23:25-32
6. Feast of tabernacles: 23:33-44
C. Religious symbols: 24:1-23
D. Sabbatic year and jubilee: 25:1-26:2
E. Promises and warnings: 26:3-46
1. The necessity for right relationship to God: 26:1-2
2. The blessings of obedience to God: 26:1-2
3. The chastisements for disobedience: 26:14-39
4. God's faithfulness to His covenant: 26:40-45
5. Summary statement: 26:46
F. Vows and tithes: 27:1-34
1. Vows to persons: 27:2-8 64
2. Vows of domestic animals: 27:9-1.
3. Vows of houses and fields: 27:14-25
4. The tithe: 27:30-33
(a) First among beasts: 27:26-27
(b) Devoted things: 27:28-29
(c) The tithe: 27:30-33

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 CHAPTER SEVEN
NUMBERS

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Moses
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Records experiences of the wilderness journey which are a type of the defeated
Christian.
• KEY VERSE: Numbers 32:23 “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD:
and be sure your sin will find you out.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God is not pleased with anything less than total commitment.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Moses, Korah, Balaam, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb

OUTLINE
I. Preparation for departure from Sinai:

A. 1:1-10:10
1. The people numbered: 1:1-54
2. The camp arranged: 2:1-34
3. The priest and Levites instructed: 3:1-4:49
4. The people protected: 5:1-31
4. The vow of the Nazarite: 6:1-27
6. Gifts of the princes: 7:1-89
7. Lighting of the tabernacle lamps: 8:1-4
8. Cleansing of the Levites: 8:5-26
9. Observance of the Passover: 9:1-14
10. Guidance of the camp: 9:15-23
11. Calling an assembly and moving the camp: 10:1-10

II. The journey from Mt. Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea: 10:11-12:15

A. Mobilizing for the march: 10:11-28

B. Hobab refuses service: 10:29-32
C. A continuing cloud: 10:34-36
D. A fiery judgment: 11:1-3

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 E. A murmuring multitude: 11:4-9
F. A provoked prophet: 11:10-15
G. A deadly diet: 11:31-34
H. A suffering sister: 12:1-15

III. Israel at Kadesh-Barnea: 13:1-14:45

A. Spying out the land: 13:1-25

B. The reports and response: 13:26-14:10
C. The judgment of God: 14:11-34

IV. Events during the wilderness wandering: 20:1-35:34

A. Stoning of a Sabbath breaker: 15:32-36

B. The rebellion of Korah: 16:1-32
C. The budding of Aaron's rod: 17:1-13
D. Instructions to Aaron: 18:1-19:22
E. The death of Miriam: 20:1
F. The sin of Moses: 20:1-13
G. A request refused: 20:14-22
H. Aaron's death: 20:23-29
I. Serpents among the people: 21:5-9
J. A perverted prophet: 22:1-24:25
K. A patriotic priest: 25:1-18
L. Miscellaneous instructions: 26:1-31:54
M. Territorial distribution in East Jordan: 32:1-42
N. Record of the journey from Egypt: 33:1-56
O. Instructions prior to entering Canaan: 34:1-36:13

The word "holy" in Leviticus is used over 100 times. Other key words are "sacrifice" used 42 times,
"priest" used 189 times, and "blood" used 86 times.

The number seven (7) has great significance in the book of Leviticus:

-Every 7th day was a Sabbath.

-Blood was sprinkled 7 times in the tabernacle.
-Every 7th year was a Sabbatic year.
-Every 7th Sabbatic year was followed by a Jubilee year.
-Every 7th month was especially holy, having three feasts.
-There were 7 weeks between Passover and Pentecost.
-The Passover feast lasted 7 days.
-Unclean persons were isolated 7 days.
-The Feast of Tabernacles lasted 7 days.
-At Passover, 14 lambs (2 x 7) were offered daily.
-At Pentecost 7 lambs were offered.
-At the feast of tabernacles 14 lambs were offered daily

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 CHAPTER EIGHT
DEUTERONOMY

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Moses
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To restate the law to the new generations of Israelites born since Mt. Sinai.
• KEY VERSES: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt
love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Obedience brings blessing. Disobedience brings judgment.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Moses, Joshua, Balaam, Amalek, Miriam

OUTLINE
I. Moses' first sermon: Historical 1:1-4

A. Historical introduction: 1:1-5

B. Review of the journey from Horeb to Moab: 1:6-3:29
C. Appeal to the new generation to keep the law: 4:1-40
D. Account of the appointment of the cities of refuge: 4:41-43
E. Summary of the law of Moses: 4:44-49

II. Moses' second sermon: Legal 5:1-26:19

A. The ten commandments are repeated: 5:7-21

B. He warns against immorality (23:17); compromise (7:1-5); and witchcraft: 18:9-14
C. Moses describes Canaan: 8:7-8
D. He reviews his personal experiences with God on Mt. Sinai: 9:9-21
E. He reminds them of their financial obligations to God: 26:1-19
F. Laws concerning clothing (22:50; divorce (24:1-4); women's rights (21:10-17; 22:13-20); and
warfare (20:1-20) are given.
G. He summarizes God's plan: 6:23

III. Moses' third sermon: Prophetic: 27:1-30:20

A. Inscription of laws on stone, and blessings and curses: 27:1-26

B. Prediction of blessings and curses: 28:1-68
C. Exhortations to holiness: 29:1-30:20

IV. Historical appendix: 31:1-34:12

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 A. Moses' final words and appointment of Joshua: 31:1-30
B. Moses' song and exhortation: 32:1-47
C. God's final words to Moses: 32:48-52
D. Moses' parting blessing on the tribes: 33:1-29
E. The death and burial of Moses: 34:1-12

Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy during His temptation by Satan. Compare Matthew 4:4
with Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:7 with Deuteronomy 6:16; and Matthew 4:10 with Deuteronomy
6:13.

Deuteronomy is a historical book, but it contains four important prophecies:

-The entrance of Israel under Joshua into Canaan: 7:2; 9:1-3; 31:3,5
-The sin of Israel while in Canaan: 31:16-18, 20, 29
-The exile from Canaan: 4:26-28; 7:4; 8:19-20; 28:36,41,49,50,53,64
-The return of Israel back to Canaan: 4:29; 30:1-3,10

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF HISTORY

The next group of books we will study are the books of history. These include the following books:

Joshua: Details how the successor of Moses, Joshua, led the people of Israel into the Promised Land of
Canaan. It records the military campaigns and the division of the land among the people.

Judges: Israel turned away from God after Joshua's death. This book records the sad story of their
repeated sins and the judges God raised up to deliver them from enemy forces.

Ruth: The story of Ruth, a woman of the Gentile nation of Moab, who chose to serve the God of Israel.
She became the great grandmother of David.

1st Samuel: This book centers on three persons: Samuel who was the last of the judges of Israel; Saul,
the first king of Israel; and David who succeeded a disobedient Saul as king.

2nd Samuel: The glorious forty-year reign of King David is recorded in this book.

1st Kings: King Solomon's reign and the kings of the divided kingdom through the reigns of Ahab in the
north and Jehoshaphat in the south are the subjects of this book.

2nd Kings: The final decline of Israel and Judah is recalled in this book.

1st Chronicles: The reign of David and preparations for building the temple are recorded here. The time
of this book parallels that of 2nd Samuel.

2nd Chronicles: This book continues Israel's history through Solomon's reign with focus on the southern
kingdom. It closes with the decree of Cyrus which permitted the return of the people from Babylon to
Jerusalem.

Ezra: The return of the Jews from Babylon captivity is detailed in this book.

Nehemiah: The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah is documented in the book of
Nehemiah. This project was begun about fourteen years after Ezra's return with the people.

Esther: God's deliverance of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai is the subject of this book.

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 CHAPTER NINE
JOSHUA

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Joshua
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Record the history of the conquest of Canaan.
• KEY VERSE: Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day
whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of
the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we
will serve the LORD”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: No moral or spiritual victories are won without battles.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Joshua, Rahab, Caleb, Achan, Balaam, Eleazar

OUTLINE
I. Entering the land: 1:1-5:15

A. Joshua commissioned: 1:1-9

B. Preparation to cross the Jordan: 1:10-2:24
C. Jordan crossed: 3:1-4:24
D. Gilgal occupied: 5:1-15

II. Possessing the land: 6:1-12:24

A. Jericho and Ai taken: 6:1-8:29

B. Joshua's altar: 8:30-35
C. The Gibeonites received: 9:1-27
D. Southern Canaan conquered: 10:1-43
E. Northern Canaan conquered: 11:1-15
F. The conquest summarized: 11:16-12:24

III. Occupying the land: 13:1-22:34

A. Joshua instructed: 13:1-7

B. The eastern tribes assigned: 13:8-33
C. The western tribes assigned: 14:1-19:51
D. The cities of refuge: 20:1-9
E. Levitical towns: 21:1-45

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 F. Eastern tribes sent home: 22:1-34

IV. Joshua's farewell address and death: 23:1-24:33

A. He reminds them of God's goodness: 23:3-10

B. He warns them concerning disobedience: 23:11-13

C. He reviews this history: 24:1-13

D. He challenges them to serve God: 24:14-18

E. He completes the book that bears his name: 24:26-28

F. He dies and departs for Heaven: 24:29-33

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 CHAPTER TEN
JUDGES

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Samuel
• TO WHOM: Israel.
• PURPOSE: Historical record of the rule of the judges which occurred after the close of the book
Joshua.
• KEY VERSE: Judges 17:6 “In those days there was no King in Israel, but every man did that which
was right in his own eyes.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: There is a divine pattern of chastisement designed to turn God's
people from sin to salvation.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: The judges.

OUTLINE
I. Introduction to the period of the judges: 1:1-2:5

A. Political conditions from Joshua to the time of the judges: 1:1-36

B. Religious conditions from Joshua to the time of the judges: 2:1-5

II. The period of the judges: 2:6-16:31

A. Summary of religious conditions of the entire period: 2:6-3:6 82

B. List of the judges: 3:7-16:31
1. Othniel of Judah: 3:7-11
2. Ehud of Benjamin: 3:12-30
3. Shamgar: 3:31
4. Deborah of Ephraim and Barak of Naphtali: 4:1-5:31
5. Gideon of Manasseh and Abimelech: 6:1-9:57
6. Tola of Issachar: 10:1-2
7. Jair of Gilead: 10:3-5
8. Jephthah of Gilead: 10:6-12:7
9. Ibzan of Zebulon: 12:8-10
10. Elon of Zebulon: 12:11-12
11. Abdon of Ephriam: 12:13-15
12. Samson of Dan: 13:1-16:31

44
III. Historical appendix: 17:1-21:25

A. The idolatry of Micah and the Danites: 17:1-18:31

1. Micah and his personal priest: 17:1-13
2. The Danites join the idolatry: 18:1-31
B. The crime of Benjamin at Gibeah and its punishment: 19:1-21:25
1. The stop in Gibeah: 19:1-15
2. The crime: 19:16-27
3. The Levite's response: 19:28-29
4. The outrage of Israel: 19:30-20:11
5. The three-battle war: 20:12-21:25

45
 CHAPTER ELEVEN
RUTH

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Written as part of the historical record of Israel to illustrate the concern of God for all
people. It also illustrates the kinsman-redeemer relationship of Jesus Christ.
• KEY VERSES: Ruth 1:16-17 “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee or return from following
after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall
be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will in die, and there will I be buried: the
LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God can turn bitterness to blessing.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Naomi (Mara), Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion, Orpha, Ruth, Boaz, an unnamed
kinsman.

OUTLINE
I. Moab: 1:1-5

A. Journey to Moab: 1:1-2

1. When the story occurs: 1:1
2. Why they went to Moab: 1:1
3. Introduction of the family: 1:2
B. Tragedy in Moab: 1:3-5
1. Naomi's husband dies: 1:3
2. Naomi's sons marry 1:4
3. Naomi's sons die: 1:5

II. Return to Bethlehem: 1:6-18

A. Naomi plans return and tells daughters-in-law to return to their own people: 1:6-9
B. Their appeal to stay: 1:10
C. Naomi's answer: 1:11-13
D. Their response: 1:14
E. Ruth's declaration: 1:16-18
1. She does not want to leave Naomi: 1:16

46
 2. She will go where Naomi goes: 1:16
3. She will live where Naomi lives: 1:16
4. Naomi's people shall be hers: 1:16
5. Naomi's God shall be her God: 1:16
6. She will remain faithful to death: 1:17

III. Arrival in Bethlehem: 1:19-22

A. Reception by the city: 1:19

B. Naomi's response: 1:20-21
C. The timing of the return: 1:22

IV. Ruth in the fields of Boaz: 2:1-17

A. Gleaning in the fields: 2:1-3

B. Boaz's recognition: 2:4-13
C. Mealtime with Boaz: 2:14
D. Gleaning the best: 2:15-17
E. Return from the fields: 2:18-23

V. A special plan: 3:1-18

A. Naomi's plan: 3:1-5

B. The results: 3:6-15
C. The return to Naomi: 3:16-18

VI. The redemption: 4:1-13

A. The process: 4:1-12

B. The union of Ruth and Boaz: 4:13-17
C. The blessing: 4:14-16

VII. The genealogy of David: 4:17-22

The character of Ruth:

-Loving, committed: 1:16-17

-Steadfast: 1:18
-Humble: 2:2
-Temperate: 2:14
-Accountable: 2:18-19
-Faithful: 2:23
-Obedient: 3:5
-Submissive: 3:10
-Focus on eternal values: 3:10
-Concerned about appearance of evil: 3:14
-Patient: 3:18

47
 CHAPTER TWELVE
1st AND 2nd SAMUEL

1st SAMUEL
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Samuel
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Continued record of God's dealing with His people.
• KEY VERSES: 1st Samuel 15:22-23 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the Voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is than than
sacrifice, and to hearken than the fats of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he
hath also rejected thee from being king”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Obedience to God is more important than sacrifice.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Samuel, Elkanah, Hannah, Eli, David, Goliath, Saul, Jonathan, Michal, Abigail

OUTLINE
I. Samuel: The last of the judges: 1:1-7:17

A. Samuel's birth and childhood: 1:1-2:10

B. Eli's rejection and Samuel's call: 2:11-3:21
C. The ark among the Philistines: 4:1-7:1
D. Samuel's activities as judge: 7:2-17 92

II. Saul: The first of the kings: 8:1-15:35

A. Israel's demand for a king: 8:1-22

B. The choice of Saul: 9:1-11:15
C. Samuel's farewell address: 12:1-25
D. Saul's war against the Philistines: 13:1-14:52
E. Saul's disobedience and rejection: 15:1-35

III. Saul and David: 16:1-31:13

A. David's anointing and call: 16:1-23

48
 B. David's victory over Goliath: 17:1-58
C. David's flight from Saul: 18:1-20:42
D. David's wanderings: 21:1-30:31
E. Saul's death: 31:1-13

49
2nd SAMUEL
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Samuel
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Continue the historical record of God's dealing with His people.
• KEY VERSES: 2nd Samuel 7:22-23 “Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like
thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem
for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for
thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemest to thee from Egypt, from the nations and
their gods?”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God carries out His plan through those obedient to Him in spite
of their human frailties.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: David, Uriah, Bathsheba, Nathan, Absalom, Abner, Isbosheth, Joab

OUTLINE
I. The triumphs of David: 1:1-10:19

A. The lament of David over Saul and Jonathan: 1:1-27

B. David's coronation over Judah: 2:1-7
C. David establishes national and religious unity: 2:8-6:23
D. The Davidic covenant: 7:1-29
E. David's conquests: 8:1-10:19

II. The troubles of David: 11:1-24:25

A. David's sin and repentance: 11:1-12:31

B. Amnon and Absalom's crimes: 13:1-18:33
C. David's restoration to power: 19:1-20:26
D. The famine and revenge of the Gibeonites: 21:1-14
E. Heroes in the war with the Philistines: 21:15-22
F. David's song and last words: 22:1-23:7
G. David's heroes: 23:8-39
H. David's census and punishment: 24:1-25

NOTE:

1. 1st Samuel records a transition in Israel from a theocracy (where God ruled directly through
priests and military leaders) to a monarchy (the rule by various kings).

2. 1st Samuel 15:22-23 is one of the greatest passages on obedience.

50
 3. 1st Samuel 16:7 is one of the greatest passages on true human worth.

4. 1st Samuel 17:4 describes the world's tallest man.

5. 1st Samuel 18:1 record of one of the most beautiful friendships recorded in the Bible.

6. 1st Samuel records the first of several conversations of people who had previously left this earth in
death. 1st Samuel 28; Luke 16:23-31; Revelation 6:9-10 and 7:9-10.

7. Samuel started the first Bible schools recorded in Scripture. These were located at Gilgal, Jericho,
and Bethel. 1st Samuel 10:10; 1st Kings 18:13; 2nd Kings 2:3,5; 6:1-2.

8. 2nd Samuel records an important law of sowing and reaping in the spiritual world. After David's
prayer of repentance (Psalms 51) God forgave him for adultery and murder (2nd Samuel 11). But
David still harvested sorrow from his actions. The harvest involved the death of an infant son, the
rape of a daughter by her own brother, the murder of that brother by another brother, and the
rebellion of his favorite son who was later executed by a military commander.

9. Another important principle is taught in 2nd Samuel. It is the principle of doing God's will God’s
way. It was God's will for David to bring the ark into the Holy City. God's way was for the priests to
carry it. At first David did not obey and it resulted in sorrow and death (6:1-7). It is important to
harmonize God's will with God's way.

51
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
1st AND 2nd KINGS

1st KINGS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown. Possibly Jeremiah.

• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Continue the record of God's dealings with His people, Israel.
• KEY VERSE: 1st Kings 19:18 “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have
not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Compromise may seem easy but it is always costly later.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: David, Solomon, kings of Judah and Israel (see chart on the kings), Nabath,
Ahab, Elijah, Elisha

OUTLINE
I. The reign of King Solomon: 1:1-11:43

A. His anointing as king: 1:1-53

B. David's challenge to Solomon and the death of David: 2:1-46
C. Solomon's marriage and choice of wisdom: 3:1-28
D. Solomon's administration: 4:1-34
E. Building activities of Solomon: 5:1-8:66
F. The wealth and splendor of Solomon: 9:1-10:29
G. Solomon's sin: 11:1-43

II. The reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel: 12:1-22:53; also continues into 2nd Kings.

A. Accession of Rehoboam: 12:1-33

B. Judah's kings: Rehoboam to Jehoshaphat: 13:1-22:53
C. Israel's kings: Jeroboam to Ahaziah: 13:1-22:53
D. Ministry of the Prophet Elijah to Israel: 17:1-22:53

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2nd KINGS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown. Possibly Jeremiah.

• TO WHOM: Israel PURPOSE: Continue the record of God's dealings with His people, Israel.
• KEY VERSES: 2nd Kings 2:9-10 “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said
unto Elisha, ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray
thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing:
nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it
shall not be so”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Kingdoms of this world are temporal: They rise and fall under
God's control.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Kings of Israel and Judah, Elisha, Elijah

OUTLINE
I. Ministry of Elisha and continuing record of the kings of Israel: 1:1-10:36

II. Record of the kings of Israel and Judah: 11:1-17:41 Continued from the 1st Kings record.

III. Reigns of Judah's kings: Hezekiah to Zedekiah: 18:1-25:30

KINGS OF ISRAEL
NAME REIGN REFERRENCE

Jeroboam I 22 1st Kings 11:26-14:20

Nadab 2 1st Kings 15:25-28

Baasha 24 1st Kings 15:27-16:7

Elah 2 1st Kings 16:6-14

Zimri 7 days 1st Kings 16:9-20

Omri 12 1st Kings 16:15-28

Ahab 21 1st Kings 16:28-22:40

Ahaziah 1 1st Kings 22:40- 2nd Kings 1:18

Jehoram 11 2nd Kings 3:1-9:25

Jehu 28 2nd Kings 9:1-10:36

Jehoahaz 16 2nd Kings 13:1-9

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Jehoash (Joah) 16 2nd Kings 13:10-14:16

Jeroboam II 40 2nd Kings 14:23-29

Zechariah ½ a year 2nd Kings 14:29-15:12

Shallum 1-month 2nd Kings 15:10-15

Menahem 10 2nd Kings 15:14-22

Pekahiah 2 2nd Kings 15:22-26

Pekah 20 2nd Kings 15:27-31

Hoshea 9 2nd Kings 15:30-17:6

KINGS OF JUDAH
Rehoboam 17 1st Kings 11:42-14:31

Abijam 3 1st Kings 14:31-15:8

Asa 41 1st Kings 15:8-24

Jehosaphat 25 1st Kings 22:41-50

Johoram 8 2nd Kings 8:16-24

Ahaziah 1 2nd Kings 8:24-9:29

Athliah 6 2nd Kings 11:1-20

Joash 40 2nd Kings 11:1-12:21

Amaziah 29 2nd Kings 14:1-20

Azariah (Uzziah) 52 2nd Kings 15:1-7

Jotham 18 2nd Kings 15:32-38

Ahaz 19 2nd Kings 16:1-20

Hezekiah 29 2nd Kings 18:1-20:21

Manasseh 55 2nd Kings 21:1-18

Amon 2 2nd Kings 21:19-26

Josiah 31 2nd Kings 22:1-23:30

Jehohaz 3 months 2nd Kings 23:31-33

Jehoiakim 2 2nd Kings 23:34-24:5

Jehoiachin 3 months 2nd Kings 24:6-16

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Zedekiah 2 2nd Kings 24:17-25:30

55
 CHAPTER FORTEEN
1st AND 2nd CHRONICLES

1st CHRONICLES
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown. Possibly Ezra.

• TO WHOM: Israel PURPOSE: Record of the religious history of Judah.
• KEY VERSE: 1st Chronicles 29:11 “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory
and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the
kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: When God is exalted His people are blessed.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: King David, Solomon

OUTLINE
I. Genealogies from Adam to David: 1:1-9:44

A. From Adam to Jacob: 1:1-2:2

B. From Jacob to David: 2:2-9:44

II. History of King David: 10:1-29:30

A. The death of King Saul: 10:1-14

B. Capture of Zion and David's heroes: 11:1-12:40
C. David's prosperous reign: 13:1-22:1
D. David's religious accomplishments: 22:2-29:30

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2nd CHRONICLES
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown. Possibly Ezra.

• TO WHOM: Israel PURPOSE: Record of the religious history of Judah.
• KEY VERSE: 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God's blessing comes through humbling ourselves and seeking
Him.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: King Solomon and his successors from Rehoboam to Zedekiah.

OUTLINE
I. History of King Solomon: 1:1-9:31

A. Solomon's wealth and wisdom: 1:1-17

B. Solomon's building and dedication of the temple: 2:1-7:22
C. Solomon's various activities: 8:1-9:28
D. Solomon's death: 9:29-31

II. History of the kings of Judah: 10:1-36:23

A. Kings from Rehoboam to Zedekiah: 10:1-36:21

B. The edict of Cyrus: 36:22-23

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 CHAPTER FIFTEEN
EZRA

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Ezra
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Records the return of Israel from exile and rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.
• KEY VERSE: Ezra 6:16 “And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the
children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Return and restoration are basic principles of repentance.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Ezra, Jeshua, Zerubbabel, Cyrus, Haggai, Zechariah, Artaxerxes

OUTLINE
I. Restoration under Zerubbabel: 1:1-6:22

A. First return of exiles: 1:1-2:70

1. Edict of Cyrus: 1:1-11
(a) The writing of the edict: 1:2-4
(b) The desire of the people: 1:5-11
2. List of exiles: 2:1-70
B. Restoration of public worship: 3:1-6:22
1. Rebuilding of temple: 3:1-6:15
(a) Worship reinstated in Jerusalem: 3:1-7
(b) Work on the temple: 3:8-13
(c) Satan tries to hinder the work: 4:1-24
(d) The prophets come to help: 5:1-2
(e) The governor's questions: 5:3-5
(f) The letter to Darius: 5:6-17
(g) The search: 6:1-12
(h) Tatnai's response: 6:13-15
2. Dedication of temple: 6:16-22

II. Reforms under Ezra: 7:1-10:44

A. Second Return of Exiles 7:1-8:36

1. Ezra's background and preparation: 7:1-10
2. The letter of Artaxerxes: 7:11-26
3. The response of Ezra: 7:27-28

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 B. Correction of social evils: 9:1-10:44
1. God's people compromising: 9:1-2
2. Ezra's supplication: 9:3-15
3. Conviction settles on the people: 10:1-8
4. Confession and repentance: 10:9-16
5. The list of offenders: 10:18-44

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 CHAPTER SIXTEEN
NEHEMIAH

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Nehemiah
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: Continuation of the history of Israel. Record of the rebuilding of the walls of
Jerusalem.
• KEY VERSE: Nehemiah 6:3 “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so
that I cannot come down, why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: There is no opportunity without opposition. Faith without works
is dead.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Nehemiah, Sanballat, Geshem, Gashmu, Shemiah, Tobiah, Hananiah, Ezra,
Artaxerxes

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-11

A. Bad news from Jerusalem: 1:1-3

B. Nehemiah's response: 1:4-11 111

II. Preparation for the task: 2:1-20

A. With the King: 2:1-8

B. With the governors: 2:9-10
C. In Jerusalem: 2:11-15
D. With the leaders of the people: 2:15-20

III. Restoration of the walls: 3:1-6:19

A. List of builders and organization: 3:1-32

B. External and internal opposition: 4-6:14
1. External opposition:
(a) Direct criticism: 2:19
(b) Mocking and scorn: 4:1-3
(c) False accusations: 6:5-7
(d) Strikes at times of vulnerability: 4:6
(e) Diversion: 6:2
(f) Popular influence: 6:2

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 (g) Threats, fear: 6:5-9
(h) Compromise: 5:14-19
(i) Fighting, hindering: 4:8
(j) Conspiracy: 4:8; 6:2
(k) Threats and fear: 6:5-9
2. Internal opposition:
(a) Discouragement: 4:10-11
(b) Dissension: 5:1-19
(c) Weak believers: 4:12
(d) Opposition of religious leaders: 3:5
(e) False prophets of God: 6:10-13
C. The wall is finished: 6:15-19

IV. Control and census: 7:1-73

A. City controls established: 7:1-4

B. Census of returning exiles: 7:5-73

V. Religious reforms by Ezra and Nehemiah: 8:1-13:31

A. Reading of the law: 8:1-8:18

B. Confession and prayer: 9:1-37
C. Renewal of the covenant: 9:38-10:39
D. List of residents: 11:1-12:26
E. Dedication of the wall: 12:27-47
F. Reforms of Nehemiah: 13:1-31
Inspirational Slogans Nehemiah's ten inspirational slogans:
-The good hand of my God upon me: 2:8
-Let us rise up and build: 2:18
-The God of Heaven will prosper us: 2:20
-The people had a mind to work: 4:6
-Remember the Lord and fight: 4:14
-God shall fight for us: 4:20
-O God, strengthen my hands: 6:9
-This work was wrought of our God: 6:16
-The joy of the Lord is our strength: 8:10
-Remember, O My God: 13:29,31

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 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ESTHER

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown
• TO WHOM: The Jews scattered throughout Persia.
• PURPOSE: Continuation of history of Israel. Also, to recount the providential care of God for His
people.
• KEY VERSE: Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there
enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s
house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a
time as this?”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God meets the crises of life with human vessels which He has
prepared.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Esther, Vashti, Haman, Mordecai, Ahasuerus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-22

A. The great feasts: 1:1-9

B. A domestic problem: 1:10-12
C. A royal commandment: 1:13-22 116

II. A new queen: 2:1-21

A. The search for a queen: 2:1-4

B. Esther enters the competition: 2:5-11
1. Mordecai's background: 2:5-6
2. Esther's background: 2:7
C. Esther in the custody of Hegai: 2:8-11
D. The women presented before the king: 2:12-14
E. Esther selected as queen: 2:15-17
F. The feast for Esther: 2:18
G. Esther's secret: 2:19

III. Two men, two plots: 2:21-3:15

A. The plot overthrown by Mordecai: 2:22-23

1. Mordecai in the king's gate: 2:22-23

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 2. Mordecai aborts the plot: 2:21-22
3. The two criminals hanged: 2:23
B. The promotion and plot of Haman: 3:1-15
1. Haman promoted above all other princes: 3:1
2. The problem between Haman and Mordecai: 3:2-6
3. Haman's vengeful plot: 3:7-15

IV. Despair and deliverance: 4:1-7:10

A. Despair of the Jews: 4:1-3

B. Despair of the Queen: 4:4-9
C. A plan for deliverance: 4:10-5:14
1. The plan: 4:10-17
2. Before the King: 5:1-3
3. Invitation to a banquet: 5:4-8
4. Haman's pride: 5:9-14
D. Mordecai honored: 6:1-14
1. The king's reading: 6:1-3
2. Haman sought for advice: 6:4-5
3. Haman prideful response: 6:6-9
4. Haman's mortification as Mordecai is honored: 6:10-12
5. The response of Haman's family and friends: 6:13-14
E. The feast of Esther: 7:1-6
F. Haman punished: 7:7-10

V. The new kingdom order: 8:1-10:3

A. New orders from the king: 8:1-14

B. Mordecai honored: 8:15-17
C. Deliverance of the Jews: 9:1-11
D. House of Haman destroyed: 9:12-14
E. The feast of Purim: 9:15-32
F. Representation by Mordecai:

63
 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF POETRY
The five books of poetry show a progression of spiritual life.

• Job: Describes the death to the old life of self.

• Psalms: Illustrates the new life in God, expressing itself in praise, prayer, adoration, supplication,
confession, and intercession. Psalms is the hymn book and worship manual of the Bible.
• Proverbs: Gives heavenly, yet practical, wisdom for life on earth.
• Ecclesiastes: Tells of the vanity of pursuing life "under the sun" apart from God.
• Song of Solomon: Provides an example of life with meaning by a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.

Biblical poetry is different from most types of poetry because it is written in Hebrew poetic structure.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
JOB
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Unknown
• TO WHOM: The book is not specifically addressed to anyone but is applicable to all believers
who experience suffering.
• PURPOSE: This book wrestles with the question, "Why do the righteous suffer?"
• KEY VERSES: Job 19:25-27 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth: And though after my skins worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another;
though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: There is a spiritual reason behind suffering of the righteous.
Suffering is not necessarily evidence of God’s displeasure.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: God, Satan, Job, Job's wife, and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and
Elihu.

OUTLINE
I. Prologue: 1:1-2:13

A. Introduction: 1:1-5
B. Satan's first appearance and accusation: 1:6-12

64
 C. Job's trial: 1:13-22
D. Satan's second appearance and accusation: 2:1-6
E. Job's trial: 2:7-13

II. First cycle of speeches: 3:1-14:22

A. Job's speech: 3:1-26

B. Eliphaz's speech: 4:1-5:27
C. Job's reply: 6:1-7:21
D. Bildad's speech: 8:1-22
E. Job's reply: 9:1-10:22
F. Zophar's speech: 11:1-20
G. Job's reply: 12:1-14:22

III. Second cycle of speeches: 15:1-21:34

A. Eliphaz's speech: 15:1-35

B. Job's reply: 16:1-17:16
C. Bildad's speech: 18:1-21
D. Job's reply: 19:1-29
E. Zophar's speech: 20:1-29
F. Job's reply: 21:1-34

IV. Third cycle of speeches: 32:1-37

A. Eliphaz's final speech: 22:1-30

B. Job's reply: 23:1-24:25
C. Bildad's final speech: 25:1-6
D. Job's reply: 26:1-31:40

V. Elihu's speeches: 32:1-37:24

A. First speech: 32:1-33:33

B. Second speech: 34:1-37
C. Third speech: 35:1-16
D. Fourth speech 36:1-37:24

VI. God's answer: 38:1-42:6

A. First speech: 38:1-40:5

1. God questions Job from the realm of creation: 38:1-38
2. God questions Job from the realm of animals: 38:39-39:30
3. God demands an answer to His questions: 40:1-2
4. Job's first answer to God: 40:3-5
B. Second speech: 40:6-42:6
1. God tells Job to save himself: 40:6-14
2. God compares the power of Job with Behemoth: 40:15-24
3. God compares the power of Job with Leviathan: 41:1-34
4. Job's second answer to God: 42-1-6

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 a. He confesses lack of understanding: 42:1-3
b. He repents of His rebellion: 42:4-6

VII. Epilogue: 42:1-17

A. Divine rebuke of Job's three friends: 42:1-9

B. Job's restoration: 42:10-17

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 CHAPTER NINETEEN
PSALMS
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: All the Psalms were written by King David with the exception of the following:
-Asaph: 50; 73-83
-Heman: 88
-Ethan: 89
-Solomon: 127
-Moses: 90
-Hezekiah: 120, 121,123,125, 126, 128-130, 132, 134
-Author Unknown: 1, 10, 33, 43, 66, 67, 71, 911-94, 96-100, 102, 104, 106, 107, 111- 119, 135,
136, 137, 146-150
• TO WHOM: Israel, but the book has been used for devotion, prayer, and praise by believers
down through the centuries.
• PURPOSE: The book of Psalms was known as the hymn book of Israel. The word "Psalms" means
"songs to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument.” It is the prayer and praise book of the
Bible.
• KEY VERSE: Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock
of our salvation.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Prayer, praise, intercession, and confession are all part of true
worship.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: There are several people mentioned in Psalms, either in the Psalm itself or
in the title of the Psalm:
-Abimelech (Achish): 1st Samuel 21:10-15
-Absalom: 1st Samuel 13
-Ahimelech1st Samuel 22:9-19
-Aram-naharaim: Armeans of northwest Mesopotamia
-Aram-zobath: Armeans of central Syria
-Asaph: Levite, family of singers: 2nd Chronicles 5:12
-Bath-sheba: 2nd Samuel
-Cush the Benjamite (Shimel): 2nd Samuel 16:5-14
-Doeg the Edomite: 1st Samuel 22:9-23
-Ethan the Ezrahite (A wise man in Solomon's time): 1st Kings 4:31
-Heman the Ezrahite (Levite family of singers): 2nd Chronicles 5:12
-Jeduthun (Chief musician in the temple): 1st Chronicles 16:41-42
-Korah (Levite, head of the temple musicians): 1st Chronicles 6:22
-Nathan (Prophet of God): 2nd Samuel 12:1-14
-Sons of Korah (Musical Levite family): 1st Chronicles 6:22
-Ziphites: 1st Samuel 23:19

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OUTLINE
It is difficult to outline the book of Psalms as each chapter focuses on different subject matter. Many of
the Psalms have titles which either tell the occasion when the Psalm was written or the purpose of the
Psalm. Some of the Psalms were not given titles so we can only speculate as to when and why they were
written. The general outline of this book consists of five major divisions:

Part One: Psalms1-41

Number of Psalms: 41

Summary of content: Concerns man, his state of blessedness, fall, and recovery.

Key word: Man

Final doxology: 41:13

Part Two: Psalms 42-72

Number of Psalms: 31

Summary of content: Israel, her ruin, her Redeemer

Key word: Deliverance

Final doxology: 72:18-19

Part Three: Psalms 73-89

Number of Psalms: 17

Summary of content: The sanctuary, looking forward to its establishment.

Key word: Sanctuary

Final doxology: 89:52

Part Four: Psalms 90-106

Number of Psalms: 17

Summary of content: The earth: The blessing needed, anticipated, and enjoyed.

Key words: Unrest, wandering (which describes the believer's position in the present world)

Final doxology: 106:48

Part Five: Psalms 107-150

Number of Psalms: 44

Summary of content: The Word of God

Key words: Word of God

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Final doxology: 150:6

INSTRUMENTS MENTIONED IN PSALMS:

• -Alamoth: High-pitched harps
• -Gittith: Similar to the modern guitar
• -Mahalath: Flutes
• -Mahalath Leannoth: Special flutes played in times of mourning
• -Sheminith: A lyre or five stringed harp

TYPES OF PSALMS:
Psalms of Instruction: The word "Maschil" in the title means these and other Psalms are to be used for
instruction or teaching. (Psalms 32, 44, 52, and 78 are examples.)

Psalms of Adoration: In these Psalms God's greatness, mercy, love, and power are the theme. (See
Psalms 8, 29.)

Psalms of History: These recall historical events of the nation of Israel. (See Psalms 78, 105 and 106.)

Psalms of Supplication: Making requests of God. (An example is Psalm 86.)

Psalms of Thanksgiving: An example is Psalm 18.

Imprecatory Psalms: The word "imprecatory" means cursing. These Psalms are not for personal revenge
nor is bad language used. As a prophet of God, the writer speaks out against sin and the enemies of
God. (Examples of these are Psalms 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 83, 109, 137 and 140.)

Confession Psalms: Examples are Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143.

Messianic Psalms: These Psalms, or portions of them, give prophecies relating to the coming of the
Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Prophecies Concerning Jesus In The Book Of Psalms

Psalm New Testament Fulfillment

8:3-8 Hebrews 2:5-10; 1st Corinthians 15:27

72:6-17 This will be fulfilled in the future

89:3-4,26, 28-29,34-37 Acts 2:30

109:6-19 Acts 1:16-20

132:12b Acts 2:30

45:6-7 Hebrews 1:8-9

102:25-27 Hebrews 1:10-12

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110:1-7 Matthew 22:43-45; Acts 2:33-35;

Hebrews 1:13; 5:6-10; 6:20,7-24

2:1-12 Acts 4:25-28; 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5

16:10 Acts 2:24-31; 13:35-37

22:1-31 Matthew 27:35-46; John 19:23-25; Hebrews 2:12

40:6-8 Hebrews 10:5-10

69:25 Acts 1:16-20

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 CHAPTER TWENTY
PROVERBS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Solomon, the son of King David, wrote most of the Proverbs. It is recorded in 1st Kings
4:32 that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs under the inspiration of God. Some of these
are preserved for us by the Holy Spirit in the book of Proverbs. Two chapters in Proverbs are
written by authors with another name: Agur wrote chapter 30 and Lemuel wrote chapter 31.
Some of the Proverbs Solomon set in order himself. This means he not only wrote them but also
arranged them in the order in which they are presented in the Bible. Other Proverbs of Solomon
were put in their order by King Hezekiah’s men
• TO WHOM: Israel, but the truths for practical living are applicable to all believers.
• PURPOSE: The purposes of this book are given in Proverbs 1:1-6. Read them in your Bible. An
introduction to Proverbs is given in Ecclesiastes 12:8-14. Read this passage in your Bible.
• KEY VERSE: Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Vertical wisdom is necessary for horizontal living. Proverbs is a
collection of wise principles given by God to man (vertical) to govern living with others
(horizontal).
• MAIN CHARACTERS: The authors, Solomon, King Lemuel, and Agur. The woman apart from God
is called the "strange woman.” The final chapter of Proverbs presents a contrast to her by
describing the "virtuous woman" who knows God.

OUTLINE
The word "proverbs" means "a brief saying instead of many words." Each verse in Proverbs is a concise
summary of an important truth. It is difficult to make a general outline of the book because each
chapter and sometimes each verse within the chapter deals with a different subject. The reason for
writing these brief sayings or "proverbs" is to condense wisdom to help us remember spiritual truths
better. The Proverbs are short summaries of great spiritual truths. Here is a general outline of the book:

I. Introduction: 1:1-6

II. Lessons on wisdom: 1:7-9:18

A. The call of wisdom: 1:7-33

B. The rewards of wisdom: 2:1-7:27
C. Praise of divine wisdom: 8:1-9:18

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III. Miscellaneous proverbs of Solomon set in order himself: 10:1-22:16 (From this chapter through
chapter 25 are various observations about Christian virtues and their opposite sinful attitudes and
responses.)

IV. Collections of proverbs of wise men: 22:17-24:34

V. Proverbs of Solomon set in order by Hezekiah's scribes: 25:1-29:27

A. Observations about kings; quarrels; relationships with others: 25:1-28

B. Comments on fools, sluggards, and busybodies: 26:1-28
C. Self-love, true love; offenses; thoughts on household care: 27:1-27
D. Contrasts of the wicked and righteous: 28:1-28
E. Proverbs about public government and private affairs: 29:1-27

VI. A proverb of Agur: Confessions and instructions: 30:1-33

VII. A proverb of Lemuel: A lesson in chastity and temperance; praise of a good wife: 31:1-31

1. Key words to study in Proverbs include:

-wisdom
-knowledge
-instruction
-folly
-fear, fear of the Lord
-life
-law (commandments) righteousness/evil/justice
-my son

2. Study the following groups mentioned in Proverbs:

-Seven things God hates: 6:16-19

-Two things the author requests of God: 30:7-9
-Four things which are never satisfied: 30:15-16
-Four things which the earth finds unbearable: 30:21-23
-Four wonderful things: 30:18-19
-Four small but wise things: 30:24-28
-Four stately rulers: 30:29-31

3. Study the different fools mentioned in Proverbs:

-The simple fool: 1:4,22; 7:7; 21:11

-The hardened fool: 1:7; 10:23; 12:23; 17:10; 20:3; 27:22
-The arrogant fool: 3:34; 21:24; 22:10; 29:8
-The brutish fool: 17:21; 26:3; 30:22

4. Record what the book of Proverbs teaches on the following subjects:

-A good name

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 -Self-Control
-Masters/servants
-Youth and discipline
-Strong drink
-Anger/strife
-Business matters
-Friendship
-Rich/poor, poverty/wealth
-Marriage
-Words/tongue
-Women
-Immorality
-Wisdom and folly
-Oppression
-Evil companions
-Laziness/work
-Scorners
-Wisdom
-Proud/humble

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
ECCLESIASTES

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Solomon
• TO WHOM: Israel and believers in general with a special emphasis towards youth.
• PURPOSE: A description of the quest for life apart from God.
• KEY VERSE: Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and
keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Life apart from God is futile.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Solomon. No other characters are mentioned by name.

OUTLINE
I. Searching by personal experimenting: 1:1-2:26

A. By wisdom: 1:12-18
B. By pleasure: 2:1-11
C. A comparison of the two: 2:12-23
D. The first tentative conclusion: 2:24-26

II. Searching by general observation: 3:1-5:20

A. Of natural order: 3:1-22

B. Of human society: 4:1-16
C. His advice in view of these two: 5:1-17
1. Regarding religion: 5:1-7
2. Regarding society: 5:8
3. Regarding riches: 5:9-17
D. The third tentative conclusion: 5:18-20

III. Searching by practical morality: 6:1-8:17

A. Economic level: 6:1-12

B. Reputation: 7:1-22
C. Education: 7:23-8:1
D. Social position: 8:2-14
E. The third tentative conclusion 8:15-17

IV. The search reviewed: 9:1-12:12

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Solomon concludes the following about life apart from God (references relate back to his discussion of
these facts):

A. It is utterly futile: 2:11

B. It is filled with repetition: 3:1-8
C. It is filled with sorrow: 4:1
D. It is grievous and frustrating: 2:17
E. It is uncertain: 9:11-12
F. It is without purpose: 4:2,3; 8:15
G. It is incurable: 1:15
H. It is unjust: 7:15; 8:14; 9:11; 10:6-7
I. It is on the level of animal existence: 3:19

V. The search concluded; A final conclusion: 12:13-14

A. What we should do: 12:13

1. Fear God: 12:13
2. Keep His commandments: 12:13
B. Why we should do it: 12:13b-14
1. It is the whole duty of man: 12:13b
2. We will someday be judged: 12:14

The ten vanities:

-Human wisdom: 2:15-16

-Human labor: 2:19-21
-Human purpose: 2:26
-Human rivalry: 4:4
-Human awareness: 4:7
-Human fame: 4:16
-Human dissatisfaction: 5:10
-Human coveting: 6:9
-Human frivolity: 7:6
-Human system of awards: 8:10,14

The word "heart" is used 40 times in Ecclesiastes.

The key word of Ecclesiastes "vanity" is used 37 times.

The Bible records that King Solomon tried all of the following things trying to give meaning to his life:

-Human wisdom: Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

-Wealth: Ecclesiastes 2:7-8
-Alcohol: Ecclesiastes 2:3
-International reputation: 1st Kings 10:6-7
-Pleasure: Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
-Music: Ecclesiastes 2:8
-Building projects: Ecclesiastes 2:4

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 -Literature: 1st Kings 4:32
-Beautiful gardens and parks: Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
-Military power: 1st Kings 4:26 and 9:26
-Personal indulgences: Ecclesiastes 2:7
-Natural science: 1st Kings 4:33
-Sex: 1st Kings 11:3

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
SONG OF SOLOMON

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Solomon
• TO WHOM: Israel and all believers
• PURPOSE: To show the relationship between Jesus and the Church as demonstrated by the
marriage relationship.
• KEY VERSE: Song of Solomon 8:7 “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods
drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be
contemned.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The divine model of love between a man and his wife is the
pattern for relationship between Christ and the Church.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Solomon who represents the bridegroom (Jesus Christ); the Shulamite girl
who is the bride (the Church); and the daughters of Jerusalem.

OUTLINE
To understand this book; you must realize that it has four levels of interpretation:

1. It is a model of the relationship which should exist between a man and wife.
2. It is an example of God's relationship with His people, Israel.
3. It is an example of the relationship between Christ and the Church.
4. It is an example of the individual relationship between Christ and the believer. This book is
written in dialogue (conversational) form. The best outline for study is in terms of this dialogue.

There are natural parallels or descriptions of the spiritual qualities of our bridegroom, the Lord Jesus
Christ in the book of Song of Solomon as follows:

-Swift as a gazelle (animal like a deer) leaping over the hills: 2:9
-Ruddy and handsome, the fairest of ten thousand: 5:10
-His head was covered by wavy, dark hair, pure as gold: 5:11
-His eyes were deep and quiet, like doves beside brooks of water: 5:12
-His lips were like lilies and his breath like myrrh: 5:13
-His cheeks were like sweet beds of spice: 5:13
-His body was bright ivory with jewels: 5:14
-His arms were like round bars of gold set with topaz stones: 5:14
-His legs were like pillars of marble set in sockets of finest gold, like the cedar trees of Lebanon:
5:15

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The natural characteristics of the bride as described by the bridegroom and these are symbolic parallels
of spiritual truth.

-She was the most beautiful girl in the world: 1:8

-She was like a bouquet of flowers in a garden: 1:14
-Her eyes were like those of doves: 1:15
-She was like a lily among the thorns: 2:2
-Her hair was like flocks of goats which played across the slopes of Gilead: 4:1
-Her teeth were as white as sheep's wool: 4:2
-Her lips were like a thread of scarlet: 4:3
-Her lips were like honey: 4:11
-Her neck was as stately as the tower of David: 4:4
-Her bosom was like twin fawns feeding among the lilies: 4:5
-She was like a lovely orchard, bearing precious fruit: 4:13
-She was like a garden fountain, a well of living water, refreshing as the streams from the
Lebanon mountains: 4:15
-Her thighs were like jewels, the work of the most skilled craftsmen: 7:1
-Her waist was like a heap of wheat set about with lilies: 7:2
-Her navel was as lovely as a goblet filled with wine: 7:2
-Her nose was like the Tower of Lebanon overlooking Damascus: 7:4
-He was overcome by just a glance of her beautiful eyes: 4:9

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY
The final group of books in the Old Testament contain the writings of the prophets. The people of Israel
became a nation, were redeemed from slavery in Egypt, and God brought them into their own land.
They were given a law to live by, but they were constantly failing in their commitment to God. With idol
worship, civil war, immorality, and unconcern, Israel needed to be recalled again and again to the
purpose of their existence. The prophets were men raised up by God to call the people back to God.
Several of these books were written during a time period when the nation of Israel was divided into two
separate kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The books of the prophets include the following:

Isaiah: Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sins against God.

Jeremiah: Written during the later decline and fall of Judah. Tells of the coming judgment and urges
surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.

Lamentations: Jeremiah's lament over Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel: Warns first of Jerusalem's impending fall and then foretells its future restoration.

Daniel: The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah and taken to Babylon. This
book provides both historic and prophetic teaching important in understanding Bible prophecy.

Hosea: Theme of this book is Israel's unfaithfulness, punishment, and restoration.

Joel: Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.

Amos: During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warns Israel and surrounding
nations of God's future judgment on their sin.

Obadiah: God's judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the Dead Sea.

Jonah: The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in Ninevah, capitol of the Assyrian
empire. The book reveals God's love and plan of repentance for the Gentiles.

Micah: Another prophecy against Israel's sin. Foretells the birthplace of Jesus 700 years before the event
happened.

Nahum: Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah which was spared some 150 years earlier through
Jonah's preaching.

Habakkuk: Reveals God's plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more sinful one. Teaches that "the
just shall live by faith."

Zephaniah: Judgment and restoration of Judah.

Haggai: Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15-year delay due to enemy resistance.

Zechariah: Further urging to complete the temple and continue spiritual development. Foretells Christ's
first and second comings.

Malachi: Warns against spiritual shallowness and foretells the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
ISAIAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Isaiah
• TO WHOM: Judah
• PURPOSE: Correction and reproof.
• KEY VERSE: Isaiah 53:6 ”all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Rebellion leads to retribution. Repentance leads to restoration.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Isaiah, Hezekiah

OUTLINE
Part One

I. Prophecies concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 1:1-12:6

A. General introduction: 1:1-31

B. Millennial blessing by cleansing: 2:1-4:6
C. Punishment for Israel's sins: 5:1-30
D. The prophet's call and commission: 6:1-13
E. The prophecy of Immanuel: 7:1-25
F. The prophecy of the Assyrian invasion: 8:1-22
G. Messianic prediction and warning: 9:1-21
H. Punishment of Assyria: 10:1-34
I. Restoration and blessing: 11:1-16
J. Worship: 12:1-6

II. Prophecies against foreign nations: 13:1-23:18

A. Babylon: 13:1-14:23
B. Assyria: 14:24-27
C. Philistia: 14:28-32
D. Moab: 15:1-16:14
E. Damascus: 17:1-14
F. Land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: 18:1-7
G. Egypt: 19:1-25
H. Egypt and Ethiopia: 20:1-6
I. Dumah: 21:11-12
J. Arabia: 21:13-17

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 K. Valley of vision: 22:1-25
L. Tyre: 23:1-18

III. Prophecy of the establishment of the Kingdom: 24:1-27:13

A. The tribulation: 24:1-23

B. The character of the kingdom: 25:1-12
C. The testimony of restored Israel: 26:1-27:13

IV. Prophecy concerning Judah in relation to Assyria:

A. The fall of Samaria: 28:1-13

B. Warning to Judah: 28:14-29
C. The attack of Zion: 29:1-4
D. The attacker frustrated: 29:5-8
E. Reasons for the trial: 29:9-16
F. Blessings of final deliverance: 29:17-24
G. Warning against an Egyptian alliance: 30:1-14
H. Exhortation to rely on God for help: 30:15-31:9
I. The day of the Lord: 34:1-17
J. The kingdom blessing: 35:1-10

Connecting Link
Chapters 36 through 39 are a historical transition from the Assyrian to the Babylonian period:

I. Sennacherib's invasion: 36:1-37:38

II. Hezekiah's sickness and recovery: 38:1-22

III. Arrival of Babylonian envoy and captivity: 39:1-8

Part Two

I. Comfort of the Exiles in the promise of restoration: 40:1-66:24

A. The promise of restoration: 40:1-11

B. The basis of comfort: God's character: 40:12-31
C. The reason for comfort: 41:1-29
D. The Comforter: 42:1-25
E. The results of the comfort: 43:1-47:15
1. The nation restored: 43:1-45:25
2. The downfall of idols of Babylon: 46:1-13
3. Downfall of Babylon: 47:1-15
F. Exhortation of comfort for those who are delivered from captivity: 48:1-22

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II. Comfort of the exiles with the prophecy of Jesus the Redeemer: 49:1-57:21

A. Call and work: 49:1-26

B. Obedience and faithfulness: 50:1-11
C. Redemption of Israel: 51:1-52:12
D. Atonement and exaltation: 52:13-53:12
E. Israel's restoration: 54:1-17
F. Worldwide salvation: 55:1-13
G. His warnings and promises: 56:1-57:21

III. Comfort of the exiles with the prophecy of the future glory of Israel: 58:1-66:24

A. Obstacles to the restoration and their removal: 58:1-59:21

B. Glory of Jerusalem in the Messianic age: 60:1-22
C. Blessings of the Messiah for Israel and the world: 61:1-11
D. God's love for Jerusalem and its results: 62:1-12
E. Christ's conquest of Israel's enemies results in acknowledgment of past national deliverances:
63:1-14
F. Prayer of the remnant: 63:15-64:12
G. God's answer: 65:1-25
H. Blessings of the Messianic Kingdom: 66:1-24

The book of Isaiah can be compared to the Bible:

-The Bible has 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters.

-The Old Testament has 39 books covering the history and sin Israel. The first section of Isaiah
has 39 chapters on the same subject.
-The New Testament has 27 books describing the ministry of Jesus Christ. The last section of
Isaiah has 27 chapters focusing on this subject.
-The New Testament begins with the ministry of John the Baptist. The second section of Isaiah
begins by predicting his ministry.
-The New Testament ends by describing the new heavens and earth. Isaiah ends by describing
the same things.

Isaiah includes several important passages:

-The only Old Testament prophecy concerning the virgin birth of Jesus: Isaiah 7:14
-One of the clearest statements on the Trinity: 48:16
-The most important chapter of the entire Old Testament:

Spiritual keys to Isaiah's ministry:

-Conviction: 6:5
-Consecration: 6:8
-Confession: 6:5
-Commission: 6:9
-Cleansing: 6:7

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
JEREMIAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Jeremiah
• TO WHOM: Judah
• PURPOSE: To warn of the coming judgment of captivity and call for repentance.
• KEY VERSES: Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and
mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 1:7-8 “But the LORD said unto me, say not
am a child, for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee shall
speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: National disasters and deteriorations are often due to
disobedience to God.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Jeremiah

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: The Prophet's call: 1:1-19

II. Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem: 2:1-45:5

A. Prophecies during the reigns of Josiah and Jehoiakim: 1:1-20:18

1. First prophecy: Sin and ingratitude of the nation: 2:1-3:5
2. Second prophecy: Destruction from the north: 3:6-6:30
3. Third prophecy: Threat of exile: 7:1-10:25
4. Fourth prophecy: The broken covenant and the sign of the girdle: 11:1- 13:27
5. Fifth prophecy: 14:1-17:27
a. The drought: 14:1-15:21
b. The unmarried prophet: 16:1-17:18
c. The warning concerning the Sabbath: 17:19-27
6. The sixth prophecy: The sign the potter's house: 18:1-20:18
B. Prophecies at various periods before the fall of Jerusalem: 21:1-39:18
1. Punishment upon Zedekiah and the people: 21:1-29:32
2. Future Messianic Kingdom: 30:1-33:26
3. Zedekiah's sin and loyalty of the Rechabites: 34:1-35:19
4. Jehoiakim's opposition: 36:1-32
5. Jeremiah's experiences during the siege: 37:1-39:18

C. Prophecies after the fall of Jerusalem: 40:1-45:5

1. Jeremiah's ministry among the remnant: 40:1-42:22

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 2. Jeremiah's ministry in Egypt: 43:1-44:30
3. Jeremiah's message to Baruch: 45:1-5

III. Prophecies against the nations: 46:1-51:64

A. Against Egypt: 46:1-28

B. Against Philistia: 47:1-7
C. Against Moab: 48:1-47
D. Against Ammon: 49:1-6
E. Against Edom: 49:7-22
F. Against Damascus: 49:23-27
G. Against Arabia: 49:28-33
H. Against Elam: 49:34-39
I. Against Babylon: 50:1-51:64

IV. Appendix: Fall and liberation: 52:1-52:34

A. The fall and captivity of Judah: 52:1-30

B. The liberation: 52:31-34

Several object lessons are used by Jeremiah. An object lesson is when a visible object is used to illustrate
a spiritual truth such as:

-An almond rod: 1

-Boiling caldron: 1
-Marred girdle: 13
-Full bottle: 13
-Drought: 14
-Potter's vessel: 18
-Broken bottle: 19
-Two baskets of figs: 24
-Bonds and bars: 27
-Buying a field: 32
-Hidden stones: 43
-A book sunk in the river: 51

Jeremiah was the only Biblical prophet who was forbidden to pray for his nation: 7:16; 11:14; 14:11;
16:5

The sufferings of Jeremiah were similar to the sufferings of Jesus:

-Both were mistreated by their families: Jeremiah 12:6, John 7:5

-Both were plotted against by citizens of their own home towns: Jeremiah 11:21, Luke 4:28-30
-Both were hated by the religious world: Jeremiah 26:7-8, John 11:47-53
-Both were denounced by synagogue leaders: Jeremiah 20:1, John 18:13,24
-Both were aided by a king: Jeremiah 38:16, Luke 23:4
-Both were described similarly: Jeremiah 11:19, Isaiah 53:7

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 -Both wept over Jerusalem: Jeremiah 9:1, Luke 19:41
-Both predicted the destruction of the Temple: Jeremiah 7:11-15, Matthew 24:1-2

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
LAMENTATIONS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Jeremiah
• TO WHOM: Jews who were captive in Babylon PURPOSE: To produce repentance necessary for
spiritual restoration.
• KEY VERSES: Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is the LORD’s mercies that we are consumed, because his
compassions fall not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God is faithful in both judgment and mercy.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Jeremiah

OUTLINE
I. The condition of Jerusalem: 1:1-22 Note the following verses of indictment: 1:1,3,8,9,17

II. Punishment from God: The results described: 2:1-22

A. God had destroyed every home in Judah: 2:1-2

B. Every fortress and wall was broken: 2:2
C. His bow of judgment was bent across the land: 2:4
D. The Temple had fallen: 2:6
E. Judah's enemies were given freedom to destroy: 2:15-16
F. Bodies of the people lined the streets of Jerusalem: 2:21-22

III. The prophet of God: 3:1-66

A. The affliction of the prophet: 3:1-19

B. The assurance of the prophet: 3:21-27, 31-33
C. The advice of the prophet: 3:40-66

IV. Description of conditions continued: 4:1-22

A. Children are thirsty: 4:4

B. Youth treated badly: 5:13
C. Rich were in the streets begging: 4:5
D. Formerly mighty princes were now thin with blackened faces: 4:7,8
E. Women had cooked and eaten their own children: 4:10
F. False prophets and priests were blindly staggering through the streets: 4:14
G. King Zedekiah had been captured, blinded, and carried into captivity: 4:20

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V. The prayer of the prophet: 5:1-18 It was a prayer of:

A. Remembrance: 5:1
B. Repentance: 5:16
C. Recognition of God: 5:19
D. Renewal: 5:21

One of the greatest passages on the faithfulness of God is found in Lamentations 3:21-33. Compare this
with 2nd Timothy 2:13. Compare Revelation 18 to the book of Lamentations. In Lamentations, the
prophet weeps over the destruction of the Messianic city of Jerusalem. In Revelation 18, the merchants
weep over the destruction of the materialistic city of Babylon.

Read Lamentations 5:16. This verse summarizes the reasons for God's judgment. Around 1000 B.C.
David established his capital in Jerusalem. God blessed this city for nearly 400 years and spared it even
after he allowed the northern kingdom to be carried away by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. All of His mercy
was in vain, however, for the people of Judah continued to sin. Judgment now came.

The Jews have for centuries publicly read Lamentations each year on the ninth month of Ab to
commemorate the destruction of the first Temple in 586 B.C. and the second Temple in A.D. 70. It is said
that Jeremiah sat weeping outside the north wall of Jerusalem under a hill called Golgotha where Christ
would later die.

Jerusalem is personified as a woman. Note her emotions, the anguish because of her children, and the
thoughts and memories she must deal with. Lamentations 1:5 states that God caused Judah grief
because of her sin and brought about her captivity because of her transgressions.

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
EZEKIEL

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Ezekiel
• TO WHOM: Judah
• PURPOSE: Ezekiel warned of the coming captivity, then prophesied to the captives after it
occurred.
• KEY VERSE: Ezekiel 22:30 “and I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge,
and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The Lord orders historical events so that the nations will know
He is God.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Ezekiel

OUTLINE
Part One: Prophecies Before the Siege of Jerusalem – Chapters 1-24

Six years before the destruction of Jerusalem, Ezekiel began his prophecies of warning to Judah.

I. The prophet's call and commission: 1:1-3:27

A. The vision: 1:1-28

B. The call: 2:1-3:27

II. Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem: 4:1-24:27

A. Destruction predicted: 4:1-7:27

1. By sign and symbol: 4:1-5:17
2. By prophecies: 6:1-7:27
B. Jerusalem's sin and punishment: 8:1-11:25
1. Vision of sin: 8:1-18
2. Punishment: 9:1-11:25
C. Necessity of punishment: 12:1-19:14
D. Last warning before the fall: 20:1-24:27

Part Two: Prophecies During the Siege of Jerusalem - Chapters 25-32

These prophecies were directed at Judah's enemies.

I. Prophecies against surrounding nations: 25:1-32:32

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 A. Against Ammon: 25:1-7
B. Against Moab: 25:8-11
C. Against Edom: 25:12-14
D. Against Philistia: 25:15-17
E. Against Tyre: 26:1-28:19
F. Against Sidon: 28:20-26
G. Against Egypt: 29:1-32:32

Part Three: Prophecies After the Siege of Jerusalem - Chapters 33-48

These prophecies concerned the restoration of Judah.

I. Events preceding the establishment of the Kingdom: 33:1-39:29

A. The wicked purged: 33:1-33

B. False shepherds give way to the true shepherd: 34:1-31
C. Restoration of the land: 36:1-15
D. Restoration of the people: 36:16-37:28
E. Judgment of Israel's enemies: 38:1-39:24
F. The restored nation: 39:25-29

II. The Millennial Kingdom: 40:1-48:35

A. The temple: 40:1-43:27

B. The worship: 44:1-46:24
C. The land: 47:1-48:35

Compare Ezekiel chapter 16 and the book of Hosea. 2. The most vivid Old Testament vision is the valley
of dry bones found in Ezekiel 37.

Chapter. 3 describes one of seven Biblical temples, the Millennial temple. See Ezekiel chapters 40-48.
Read about the other Biblical temples in these chapters:

-The tabernacle of Moses: Exodus 40

-The temple of Christ's body: John 2
-The temple of Solomon: 1st Kings 6
-The spiritual temple: The church: Acts 2
-The temple of Zerubbabel/Herod: Ezra 6, John 2
-The tribulation temple: Revelation 11

It is important to realize that God orders the events of history with one purpose in mind: That the
nations might know He is the true God. The phrase "they shall know I am Jehovah" occurs 70 times in
this book.

Ezekiel is a prophet of visions. He wrote that as he was among the captives, "...the heavens were
opened, and I saw visions of God" (Ezekiel 1:1). Here are the visions he saw:

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 -The vision of the Cherubim: Ezekiel 1:1-3:13
-The vision of glory and godlessness: Ezekiel 8:1-11:25
-The vision of the burning vine: Ezekiel 15:18
-The vision of dry bones: Ezekiel 37:1-28

Parables and signs in Ezekiel:

-The parable of the two eagles reveals the King of Babylon and the King of Egypt; the highest
branch corresponds to Jehoiachin; seed of the land was Zedekiah; the tender twig stood for the
Messiah: Ezekiel chapter 17
-Chapters 20-23 include several parables. One of the most important is that of the two sisters,
Aholah and Aholibah. They represent Israel and Judah's deterioration into idolatry.
-The parable of the boiling caldron symbolizes the condition of Jerusalem when the Babylonians
invade it: Ezekiel 11:1-13
-Two sticks, one Judah and the other Israel, are shown as ultimately reunited under the
Shepherd King: Ezekiel 37:1-28

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
DANIEL

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Daniel
• TO WHOM: The Jewish captives
• PURPOSE: To show how God rules the affairs of men.
• KEY VERSE: Daniel 12:3 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;
and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God is sovereign, and He honors those who honor Him.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Daniel

OUTLINE
I. Introductory background: The reasons for Daniel's prosperity: 1:1-21

II. Visions and events under Nebuchadnezzar: 2:1-6:28

A. The image and interpretation: 2:1-49 Four kingdoms or world empires:

1. Babylonian: 606 B.C.
2. Medo-Persian: 538 B.C.
3. Grecian: 330 B.C.
4. Roman: 63 B.C.
B. The fiery furnace: 3:1-30
1. The king's command: 3:1-7
2. The stand of God's men: 3:8-23
3. Judgment and deliverance: 3:24-30
C. Nebuchadnezzar's tree vision and its meaning: 4:1-37
1. The dream: 4:1-18
2. The interpretation: 4:19-27
3. The fulfillment: 4:28-37
D. Belshazzar's feast: 5:1-31
1. The feast: 5:1-4
2. The judgment: 5:5-9
3. The search for an interpreter: 5:10-16
4. The interpretation: 5:17-29
5. The fulfillment: 5:30-31
E. Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den: 6:1-28
1. An evil plan: 6:1-9

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 2. Daniel's response: 6:10-20
3. Deliverance from the den: 6:21-28

III. Visions under Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus: 7:1-12:13

A. The four beasts and interpretation: 7:1-28

1. They arise from a great sea: 7:1-3
(a) Beast like a lion: Babylon: 7:4
(b) Beast like a bear: Medo-Persia: 7:5
(c) Beast like a leopard: Greece: 7:6
(d) Beast like a monster: Rome: 7:7
2. The little horn (antichrist): 7:8
3. Kingdom of God: 7:9-14
4. Interpretation: 7:15-28
B. The ram and the goat and interpretation: 8:1-27
1. The introduction: 8:1-2
2. The vision: 8:3-14
(a) The ram is Medo-Persia: 8:3-4
(b) The goat is Greece: 8:5-14
3. Revelations concerning Antiochus Epiphanes and the Anti-Christ: 8:15- 27
C. The seventy weeks: 9:1-27
1. Introduction: 9:1-2
2. The prayer: 9:3-19
3. The seventy weeks: 9:20-27
D. Preparation for the final revelation: 10:1-21
1. Introduction: 10:1-3
2. The man clothed in linen: 10:4-6
3. Daniel's response: 10:10-12
4. Conflict of Gabriel and the Prince of Persia: 10:13
5. Reason for the angel's coming: 10:14-21
E. Vision of events from Darius to the end of time: 11:1-12:13
1. The revelation of events to come: 11:1-12:3
2. The command to seal the book: 12:4
3. A final conversation with the messenger: 12:5-13

Ezekiel refers to Daniel. He compares him to Noah and Job: Ezekiel 14:14. He also refers to the wisdom
of Daniel: Ezekiel 28:3. Jesus quoted Daniel: Matthew 24:15. Daniel contains a great prayer of personal
confession: 9:3-19

Important things in Daniel:

-The most dramatic feast in the Bible:

-The only Old Testament description of the Father: 7:9-14
-The only book mentioning both Gabriel and Michael (Heaven's two archangels): 9:21; 10:13;
12:1

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 -An explanation as to why prayer might sometimes be hindered: 10:10-13
-The most complete description of the Antichrist: 7:7-27; 8:23-25; 9:26; 11:36-45

The 70 weeks of Daniel described in 9:24-27 uses the word "week" to mean a period of 70 years. If there
are 70 seven year periods, it equals 490 years. The division of these years are as follows:

-7 weeks, or 49 years, began at the command to build Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah.
-62 weeks, or 434 years, began at the building of the wall of Jerusalem and continued to the
time of the crucifixion when Jesus was "cut off.”
-Gentile rule, an unknown number of years intervenes after the 69th week. We are in this period
now, awaiting the return of Jesus.
-70th week, 7 years not yet begun, during which God deals with Israel. This starts when the
Antichrist takes power and the tribulation begins. This ushers in the time of trouble of Daniel
12:1 which is the great tribulation described in Revelation.

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
HOSEA

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Hosea
• TO WHOM: Northern kingdom of Israel.
• PURPOSE: To alert Israel to her sinful condition and bring her back to God.
• KEY VERSE: Hosea 4:1 “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a
controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor
knowledge of God in the land.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Experience fosters understanding and compassion.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Hosea, Gomer, Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1

II. The symbolic example: 1:1-2:23

A. Israel rejected: Hosea's marriage and birth of children.

1. Charged to take a wife of whoredom: 1:2-3
2. Jezreel symbolizes the overthrow of Jehu's dynasty: 1:4-5
3. Lo-ruhamah: God will no more have mercy on Israel: 1:6-7
4. Lo-ammi: Utter rejection of Israel: 1:8-9
B. Israel comforted: 1:10-11
C. Israel chastised: 2:1-13
1. Condemnation of sinful conduct: 2:1-7
2. Punishment more fully explained: 2:8-13
D. Israel restored: 2:14-23
1. Promise of conversion: 2:14-17
2. Renewal of covenant: 2:18-23

III. Redemption of an adulterous wife: 3:1-5

A. Hosea's experience: 3:1-3

B. Israel's parallel experience: 3:4-5

IV. The triumph of divine love in the restoration of a repentant nation: 4:1-14:9

A. Israel's guilt: 4:1-19

1. The general charge: 4:1-5
2. Willful ignorance: 4:6-11

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 3. Idolatry: 4:12-19
B. The divine displeasure: 5:1-15
1. Guilt of priests, people, princes: 5:1-7
2. Judgment will follow: 5:8-15
C. The repentant remnant: 6:1-3
1. Return, but without heartfelt repentance: 6:1-3
D. The response of God: 6:4-13:8
1. God is not deceived: 6:4-11
E. National government corrupt: 7:1-7
F. Foreign policy corrupt: 7:8-16
G. Consequences of national corruption: 8:1-14
H. The apostasy and its punishment: 9:1-9
I. As God found Israel and as they became: 9:10-17
J. Puppet kings and gods: 10:1-3
K. Righteousness becomes poison: 10:4-5
L. Assyria used in judgment: 10:6-7
M. The terror of judgment: 10:8
N. Persistence in rebellion: 10:9-15
O. Ingratitude for God's love: 11:1-7
P. Israel's Canaanitish ways: 11:12-12:14
Q. Idolatry the basis of destruction: 13:1-8

V. The final restoration: 13:9-14:9

A. Distrust in God: 13:9-1.

B. Call to repentance: 14:1-3
C. Promise of healing and Epilogue - Israel repents, God hears: 14:4-9

If you read 2nd Kings 14:23-17:41 you will understand that this passage describes the time during which
Hosea prophesied. The following examples of sin are used by God in the book of Hosea:

-An adulterous wife: 3:1

-A drunkard: 4:11
-A backsliding heifer: 4:16
-Troops of robbers: 6:9
-Adulterers: 7:4
-A smoldering oven: 7:7
-A cake half-baked: 7:8
-A silly dove: 7:11
-A deceitful bow: 7:16
-Swallowed up: 8:8
-A vessel: 8:8
-A wild ass: 8:9

Why would God tell a man to marry a prostitute? There were several reasons: First, by marrying an
unfaithful wife Hosea understood through experience the anguish in God's heart. God's people were

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committing spiritual adultery. Second, Hosea's own marriage was a living visual illustration of God's
message to Israel. Third, God commanded Hosea to name his children by titles which described the
future punishment and eventual restoration of Israel.

Israel's list of sins recorded in Hosea:

-Falsehood: 4:1
-Robbery: 7:1
-Murder: 5:2
-Oppression: 12:7
-Licentiousness (unrestrained by law or morality): :11 5.

Hosea used hard language to drive home the message God gave him. He used the word whoredom(s)
fourteen times; lovers six times; harlot(s) four times; various forms of the word adultery six times; a
whoring two times; lewdness two times; and the word whores once. Hosea used three figures to
emphasize the relation of God to His people: The example of a father and son (11:1); a husband and wife
(2:16); and a king and his subjects (13:10).

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 CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
JOEL

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Joel
• TO WHOM: Judah
• PURPOSE: To warn Judah of their sin and need for repentance and inform of God's future plans
for the nation. A first judgment (1:2-2:17) precedes a greater judgment to follow (2:18- 3:21).
• KEY VERSES: Joel 2:28-29 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your
young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days
will I pour out my spirit.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Even in the midst of corrective judgment, God plans future
blessings for His people.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Joel

OUTLINE
I. The prophet presented: 1:1

II. A type of the "day of the Lord": 1:2-20

A. The locust plague: 1:2-7

B. The people exhorted to repent: 1:8-20
1. The elders (leaders): 1:2
2. Old and young: 1:2-3
3. Drunkards: 1:5-7
4. Whole nation: 1:8-12
5. Priests (ministers): 1:9
6. Husbandmen: Laborers: 1:10-12
C. Exhortation to repent: 1:13-14
D. "Day of Jehovah": Prayer for mercy: 1:15-20
Note that we are to . . .
1. Hear: 1:1
2. Awake: 1:5
3. Lament: 1:8
4. Be ashamed: 1:11
5. Gird in sackcloth: 1:13
6. Sanctify a fast: 1:14
7. Call a solemn assembly of repentance: 1:15

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 8. Cry unto the Lord: 1:14,19

III. The "day of the Lord": 2:1-32

A. The invading northern army: 2:1-10

B. God's army at Armageddon: 2:11
C. The repentant remnant: 2:12-17
1. Rend the heart, not the garments: 2:12-14
2. Sincerely repent and fervently pray: 2:15-17
D. God's response to the remnant: 2:18-29
1. Repentance: 2:18
2. Restoration: 2:19-27
3. Outpouring of Spirit: 2:28-29
4. Judgment on the wicked: 2:20,30-31
5. Escape of the remnant in Zion: 2:32
E. Signs preceding the "day of the Lord": 2:30-32

IV. The judgment of the nations: 3:1-16

A. Israel restored: 3:1

B. The nations judged: 3:2-3
C. The Phoenicians and Philistines especially condemned: 3:4-8
D. The nations challenged to war and judgment: 3:9-16

V. The prophecy of the kingdom blessing: 3:17-21

A. The exaltation of Jerusalem: 3:17

B. Judah's prosperity: 3:18
C. Egypt and Edom's desolation: 3:19
D. Jerusalem's exaltation explained: 3:20-21

Joel was the first prophet to use the phrase "the day of the Lord." This title describes the seven-year
tribulation period which will come upon the earth at the time of God's final judgment. Read about "the
day of the Lord" in Joel 1:15; 2:1,11,31; and 3:14. Here is a summary of the condition of Judah as
described by Joel:

-Destroyed by enemy: 1:4,6-7

-New wine cut off: 1:6,10 (Jesus is the vine; the people were cut off from the vine, the source of
life.)
-Harvest perishing: 1:11-12
-Left first love: 1:8
-Offerings cut off: 1:9
-Ministers mourning: 1:9
-Joy gone: 1:12,16
-Spiritually hungry: 1:17-20

Here is the remedy God gives by Joel:

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 -Repentance: 2:12-13
-Recognition of God: 2:26
-Relation (come to know God): 2:27
-Reverence for God: 2:27 ("I am the Lord; none beside me")

If Judah repented, here is what would happen:

-Restoration: 2:25
-Revival and refreshing: 2:23
-Revelation: 2:28-31
-Redemption (salvation) and release (deliverance): 2:32
-Readiness (prepared, not ashamed): 3:13-14

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 CHAPTER THIRTY
AMOS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Amos
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To call Israel back to God.
• KEY VERSE: Amos 4:12 ”Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this
unto thee, prepare to meet thy God O Israel”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The call to the nations is still "Prepare to meet thy God."
• MAIN CHARACTER: Amos

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-2

II. Judgment upon nations neighboring Israel: 1:3-2:3

A. Damascus 1:3-5
B. Philistia: 1:6-8
C. Phoenicia: 1:9-10
D. Edom: 1:11-12
E. Ammon: 1:13-15
F. Moab: 2:1-3

III. Judgment on Judah and Israel: 2:4-16

A. On Judah: 2:4-5
B. On Israel: 2:6-16

IV. God's indictment of the family of Jacob: 3:1-9:10

A. Three addresses of condemnation: 3:1-6:15

1. Judgment is deserved: 3:1-10 Judgment is decreed: 3:11-15
2. Judgment is deserved: 4:1-11 Judgment is decreed: 4:12-13
3. Judgment is deserved: 5:1-15 Judgment is decreed: 5:16-6:14
B. Five symbolic visions of punishments: 7:1-9:10
1. The locust: 7:1-3
2. The drought: 7:4-6
3. The plumb line with a historical reference: 7:7-17
4. The fruit basket: 8:1-14
5. The Lord standing on the altar: 9:1-10

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V. Hope for a brighter future: 9:11-15

A. Christ's return and establishment of the Messianic reign: 9:11-12

B. Millennial prosperity: 9:13
C. Israel restored: 9:14-15

The watchful eye of God sees:

-Past sin: 1:3

-Individual acts: 1:6
-Broken promises: 1:9
-Hidden enmity of the heart: 1:11
-Emotions and ambition: 1:13
-Memory and its treasured sins: 2:1

Amos deals with five features of the day of the Lord:

-The King: 9:11

-The nations: 9:12
-The earth: 9:13
-The people: 9:14
-The land: 9:15

The first part of Amos is bracketed between two references to the roaring lion in 1:2 and 3:8. The lion
first denounces the sins of the Gentile world (1:3-2:3), then the Israelite world (southern kingdom of
Judah 2:4-5 and northern kingdom of Israel 2:6, 16), and ends by binding them together in a final oracle
(3:1-2). List all the nations mentioned in the book of Amos, the reason for their punishment, and the
judgment which was to come:

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
OBADIAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Obadiah
• TO WHOM: The nation of Edom.
• PURPOSE: To warn of God's punishment for sin.
• KEY VERSE: Obadiah 1:4 “Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest
among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God brings down that which has been sinfully exalted.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Obadiah

OUTLINE
I. Edom's destiny prophesied: 1:1-9

A. The message is from the Lord to Obadiah regarding Edom: 1:1

B. Unconquerable Edom will be conquered: 1:2-4
1. Edom will be small and despised among the nations: 1:2
2. Deceived by pride: 1:3
3. Brought down by God: 1:4
C. Edom will be completely plundered and deserted: 1:5-9
1. Thieves and robbers: 1:5
2. Hidden treasure sought: 1:6
3. Edom deceived and trapped: 1:7.
4. Wise men destroyed: 1:8
5. Mighty men dismayed, and Edom cut off: 1:9

II. The cause: 1:10-14

A. Violence: 1:10
B. Hostile attitude: 1:11
C. Joy at the calamity of others: 1:12
D. Boasting in times of other's distress: 1:12
E. Spoiling God's people: 1:13
F. Preventing escape of fugitives: 1:14
G. Betrayal: 1:14

III. "The day of the Lord" when judgment will come on all heathen nations, not only Edom: 1:15-21

A. Judgment on Edom and all nations: 1:15-16

1. As you have done, you will receive: 1:15

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 2. As they have done, they will receive: 1:16
B. Salvation of the house of Jacob: 1:17-20
1. Deliverance and holiness in Mt. Zion: 1:17
2. Houses of Jacob, Joseph, Esau: 1:18
3. Possessions: 1:19-20
C. The millennial kingdom of Jesus: 1:21

For other prophecies against Edom read the following passages:

-Isaiah 34:5-15
-Jeremiah 49:7-22
-Ezekiel 25:12-14; 35:1-5
-Amos 1:11-12 2.

"Edom" means red. The Edomites came from Esau. To read about their history see Genesis 36; Exodus
15:15; Numbers 20:14; 20-21; and Deuteronomy 23:7-8.

These are specific sins mentioned in Obadiah in the chapters indicated:

-Violence: 10
-Hostile attitude: 11
-Joy at the calamity of others: 12
-Boasting in times of other's distress: 12
-Spoiling God's people: 13
-Preventing escape of fugitives: 14
-Betrayal: 14

Key phrases in Obadiah:

-Thus saith the Lord

-I will
-Hear this word
-Thus the Lord showed me

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

JONAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Jonah
• TO WHOM: The nation of Ninevah to warn of the consequences of disobedience to God.
• PURPOSE: The purpose was not only to evangelize Ninevah, but to document for Israel that
salvation was not for the Jews only.
• KEY VERSES: Jonah 3:1-2 “And the word of the LORD came unto me a second time , saying, Arise,
go unto Nineveh, that great city and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Salvation is not restricted by race, culture, or other barriers:
"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
• MAIN CHARACTER: Jonah

OUTLINE
I. The first commission: 1:1-2:10

A. Divine call: Arise, go, cry: 1:1-2

B. Disobedience of Jonah: He arose and fled: 1:3
C. Results of disobedience: 1:4-17
1. Caught in a storm: 1:4-6
2. Found guilty: 1:7
3. Thrown overboard: 1:8-16
4. Swallowed by a great fish: 1:17
D. Jonah's prayer: 2:1-9
1. Remembers the distress of life: 2:3,5-6
2. Realizes the direction of God's hand: 2:3
3. Recognizes it is the desire of the Lord to answer prayer: 2:2,7
4. Requires rededication and repentance: 2:9
5. Results in deliverance: 2:10
E. Jonah's deliverance: 2:10

II. The second commission: Arise, go, proclaim: 3:1-10

A. Obedience: He arose, went, cried: 3:1-4

B. Results of obedience: 3:5-10
1. The people believed: 3:5
2. They repented: Fasting for man and beast, sackcloth and ashes: 3:5-9

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 3. The city was preserved: 3:10

III. The prophet's problem: 4:1-11

A. The wrath of the prophet: 4:1-5

B. The reproof of God: 4:6-11

When God "repented" it did not mean the same as repentance from wrongdoing (3:10). God, in mercy,
decided not to send the previously planned judgment because the people of Ninevah believed and acted
upon Jonah's message. See Amos 7:3; Luke 11:30; Matthew 12:39.

Jonah is a type of the nation of Israel:

-Chosen to witness: Deuteronomy 14:2; Ezekiel 20:5

-Commissioned of God: Isaiah 43:10-12 and 44:8
-Disobedient to the will of the Lord: Exodus 32:1-4; Judges 2:11-19; Ezekiel 6:1-5; Mark 7:6-9
-Among men of different nationalities: Deuteronomy 4:27; Ezekiel 12:15
-While among the heathen, they came to know God: Romans 11:11
-Miraculously preserved: Hosea 3:3; Jeremiah 30:11; 31:35-37

Note the reasons Jonah was displeased with God. It was because He was gracious, merciful, slow to
anger, great in kindness, and repents of judgment. Jonah was controlled by his emotions. For example,
in chapter 4 he was first angry, then glad, then angry again. He was self-willed (chapter 1) and
characterized by pride (4:2). He was more concerned with his own happiness and comfort (chapter 4)
than lost souls.

When running from God, there is . . .

-Indifference to His commands: 1:2-3

-Inability to hide from Him: 1:4,17
-Insecurity in the future: 1:15
-Incapability of helping self: 1:4-6 6.

Jonah is a type of Christ. Both had a special message, Jonah of judgment and Jesus of salvation. Both
were in a storm. Jonah was thrown into the water and Jesus calmed the storm. Jonah cried out from the
fish and Jesus cried out from the cross. Both rose the third day (Jonah from the fish and Jesus from the
tomb) and both preached after their resurrection.

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
MICAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Micah
• TO WHOM: Israel and Judah
• PURPOSE: A call to repentance to avoid judgment.
• KEY VERSE: Micah 6:8 “He hath shown thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the LORD
require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God judges the oppressors of His people.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Micah

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1

II. General prophecy of judgment: 1:2-2:13

A. Judgment against Samaria: 1:2-8

1. Announcement of judgment: 1:2-4
2. Destruction of Samaria: 1:2-8
B. Judgment against Judah: 1:9-16
C. Judgment upon oppressors: 2:1-11
1. Arrogance and violence of the nobles: 2:1-5
2. False prophets who would silence the true prophets: 2:6-11
D. Mercy upon a remnant: 2:12-13

III. The establishment of the Messianic Kingdom: 3:1-5:15

A. Judgment on wicked rulers, false prophets, and the nations: 3:1-12

1. Sins of the civil rulers: 3:1-4
2. Sins of the false prophets: 3:5-8
3. Rulers, prophets, and priests: 3:9-11
B. Character of the Kingdom: 4:1-5
C. Setting up the Kingdom: 4:6-13
1. Restoration of the former dominion: 4:6-8
2. Into Babylon before restoration: 4:9-10
3. Deliverance of Zion and destruction of the enemy: 4:11-5:1
D. The first advent and rejection of the King: 5:1-2
E. The interval between the King's rejection and return: 5:3
F. Events upon His return: 5:4-15

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 1. He will provide food for the flock: 5:4
2. He will be peace of His people: 5:5-6
3. He will provide power to His people: 5:7-9
(a) The remnant as dew: 5:7
(b) The remnant as a lion: 5:8
(c) The remnant triumphant: 5:9-15

IV. The Lord's problem with His people and His final mercy: 6:1-7:20

A. The people's ingratitude and wickedness: 6:1-7:6

1. Ingratitude for blessings: 6:1-5
2. Righteous conduct is God's requirement, not outward sacrifice: 6:6- 8
3. God's threat of judgment: 6:9-14
B. The prophet's intercession: 7:7-20
1. Confession of the nation's guilt: 7:1-6
2. Confession of faith: 7:7-13
3. Prayer for renewal of grace: 7:14
4. The Lord's answer: 7:15-17
5. Doxology: 7:18-20

A quotation from the book of Micah may have saved the life of Jeremiah the prophet many years later.
Read Jeremiah 26:16-18 and compare it to Micah 3:12. Micah 4:1-5 gives one the of the most beautiful
descriptions of the millennium in all the Bible.

Three words can help you remember the book of Micah:

-OUTWARD: His public sermons compose chapters 1-6

-INWARD: His personal thoughts are recorded in 7:1-6
-UPWARD: His prayer to God is lifted in 7:7-20

For the historical background of the kings of Judah mentioned in Micah 1:1 read 2 Kings 15:32-20:21 and
2 Chronicles 27:1-33:20. Micah's prophecy concerns the northern kingdom of Samaria and the southern
kingdom of Judah. Each time Samaria is mentioned put NK in the margin. Each time Jerusalem is
mentioned put SK in the margin. In Micah 6:6-8 God tells you how to approach Him and what He
requires.

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
NAHUM

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Nahum
• TO WHOM: The city of Ninevah.
• PURPOSE: To warn of judgment on Ninevah, capitol of the Assyrian empire which took God's
people into captivity.
• KEY VERSE: Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is
furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his
enemies.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Beware, God avenges evil.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Nahum

OUTLINE
I. Prophecy of destruction, part one: 1:1-14

A. Introduction: 1:1
B. Source of destruction: God Himself: 1:2-9
1. Vengeance and God's mercy: 1:2-3
2. His terrible anger against sin: 1:4-6
3. The greatness of His mercy: 1:7
4. The pursuer of His enemies: 1:8
C. Reason for destruction: Sin: 1:9-14
1. God's faithfulness in the present crisis: 1:9-11
2. Destruction of Assyria: 1:12-14
3. Rejoicing in Zion: 1:15

II. Promise to Judah: They no longer need fear this cruel nation: 1:15

III. Prophecy of destruction, part two: 2:1-3:19

A. The siege and destruction of the city: 2:3-13

1. Assault upon Ninevah: Doom of the city: 2:1-7
(a) Furious preparation for battle: 2:1-4
(b) Hopelessness of resistance: 2:5-6
(c) The city as a queen is captured: 2:7
2. Flight of the people and spoiling of the city: 2:8-13
(a) The inhabitants flee: 2:8-10
(b) The destruction is complete: 2:11-13

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 B. Reasons for Ninevah's fall: 3:1-9
1. Description of the battle: 3:1-3
2. The cause: Her sins: 3:1-6,16,19
3. The uncovering of her shame is of God: 3:5-7
C. The fate of No-amon is to be the fate of Ninevah: 3:8-11 (Jeremiah 46:25; Ezekiel 30:14)
D. Inability of Ninevah to save the city: 3:12-19
1. Fall of outlying strongholds: 3:12-13
2. Siege and destructions of the city: 3:14-19a
3. Universal joy over the fall of Ninevah: 3:19b

Compare these verses: Isaiah 8:8; 10:23 Nahum 1:8-9 Isaiah 24:1 Nahum 2:10 Isaiah 21:3 Nahum 2:10
Isaiah 52:7 Nahum 1:15

Here are some of the reasons for Ninevah's fall:

-Bloodshed: 3:1
-Lies: 3:1
-Robbery: 3:1
-Killing of the innocent: 3:3-4
-Whoredom: 3:4
-Witchcraft: 3:4
-Immorality: 3:5
-Hidden violence: 3:6
-Merchants (hired soldiers) who destroy: 3:16
-A wound so bad it could not be healed: 3:19
-Continual wickedness: 3:19

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
HABAKKUK

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Habakkuk
• TO WHOM: Judah
• PURPOSE: Awaken Judah to their spiritual needs and warn of impending judgment from God.
• KEY VERSE: Habakkuk 3:2 “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy
work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember
mercy.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The just shall live by faith.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Habakkuk

OUTLINE
This book divides easily into three sections according to chapters. Habakkuk records a spiritual burden
(chapter 1), a vision (chapter 2), and a prayer (chapter 3), all of which relate to the judgment of Judah by
God through the Chaldean nation.

I. Topic sentence: 1:1

II. Habakkuk's first complaint: 1:2-4

A. The prophet's questions: 1:2-3a

B. The moral and civil conditions of Judah: 1:3b
C. The prophet's conclusions: 1:4

III. The Lord's reply: 1:5-11

A. The marvelous work announced: 1:5

B. The Chaldeans and their might: 1:6-11

IV. Habakkuk's confidence in the Lord: 1:12

V. Habakkuk's second complaint: 1:13-17

VI. The waiting prophet: 2:1

VII. The Lord's answer: 2:2-4

A. The vision to be written plainly: 2:2

B. The vision surely to come: 2:3
C. The vision: 2:4

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VIII. The five woes: 23:5-19

A. Introduction: 2:5-6a
B. The five woes upon the Chaldeans: 2:6b-19
1. The first woe: 2:6b-8
2. The second woe: 2:9-11
3. The third woe: 2:12-13 (Earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord: 2:14)
4. The fourth woe: 2:15-18
5. The fifth woe: 2:19

IX. Habakkuk's psalm: 3:1-19

A. The title: 2:1

B. The plea: 3:2
C. The Lord's answer: 3:3-15
D. Habakkuk's response: 3:16-19a
E. The musical ascription: 3:19b

Habakkuk's statement, "the just shall live by faith," is quoted three times in the New Testament. See
Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38. See also Acts 13:40-41 and Philippians 4:4, 10-19. An
"oracle" can be translated "a burden."

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
ZEPHANIAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Zephaniah
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To warn Israel and all nations of the judgment of God.
• KEY VERSE: Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he
will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with shinning.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God is mighty to save.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Zephaniah

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-3

A. The messenger: 1:1

B. Summary of the message: 1:2-3

II. A look within: 1:4-2:3

A. The fact of judgment: 1:4-14

1. Judgment on four kinds of worshipers: 1:4-7
2. Judgment on sinners of every rank: 1:8-13
B. The nature and results of judgment: 1:14-18
1. It is at hand: 1:14
2. Even the mighty are brought low: 1:14
3. Dark day of distress, waste, desolation: 1:15-16
4. Distress, blood, flesh as dung: 1:17
5. No deliverance: 1:18
6. Day of the Lord's anger: 1:2-3
C. The name of judgment: Day of the Lord: 2:1-3
D. Hope in judgment: 2:3

III. A look around: Judgment coming on all nations: 2:4-3:7

A. Philistine cities: 2:4-7

B. Moab and Ammon: 2:8-11
C. Ethiopia: 2:12
D. Assyria and its capitol, Ninevah: 2:13-15
E. Judgment on Jerusalem: 3:1-7
1. Note the condition of Jerusalem:

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 (a) Filthy, oppressing, polluted: 3:1
(b) Disobedient: 3:2
(c) Evil secular leaders: 3:3
(d) Evil spiritual leaders: 3:4
2. Note the mercies of God: 3:5-7

IV. A look beyond: After judgment, healing will come: 3:8-20

A. God's purpose accomplished: 3:8

B. From among the heathen, God's remnant will come: 3:9-10, 12-13
C. Judgment on those who were once enemies of God: 3:9-13
D. Israel's Messiah manifested as King: 3:14-20

The title "the King of Israel" is used for God only twice in the Bible. Zephaniah uses it in the Old
Testament (3:15). Nathaniel, a disciple of Jesus, used it in the New Testament (John 1:49). Zephaniah
calls the judgment he describes "the day of the Lord." He uses this title seven times. (See 1:7,8,14,18;
2:2-3.)

This is what we learn about the day of the Lord:

-It is at hand: 1:4,7,14

-Even the mighty will be brought low: 1:14
-It is a time of darkness, terror, wrath, desolation: 1:15
-It is a time of alarm: 1:16
-Judgment will come upon sin: 1:17
-It will be accompanied by great signs in nature: 1:15
-It is the day of the Lord's anger: 1:2-3
-It falls upon all creation: 2:1-15; 3:8

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
HAGGAI

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Haggai
• TO WHOM: Israel, after the exile; particularly the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem.
• PURPOSE: To inspire Israel to new zeal for God and make the leaders aware of their
responsibility to rebuild the temple of worship.
• KEY VERSE: Haggai 1:5 “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider your ways.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Building God's Kingdom should be a priority of the true believer.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Haggai

OUTLINE
I. First message: A summons to rebuild the temple (given on the first day of the sixth month) 1:1-15

A. The date: 1:1

B. The message: 1:2-11
1. The people's procrastination: 1:2-4
2. It's consequences: 1:5-11
C. The people's response: 1:12-15
1. Obedience and fear of the Lord: 1:12
2. The work of encouragement: 1:13
3. The work begun: 1:14
4. The date: 1:15

II. Second message: Prophecy of the Millennial temple which would be greater than the temple they
would now build (given the 21st day of the seventh month) 2:1-9

A. The date: 2:1

B. The message: 2:2-9
1. The temples compared: 2:2-3
2. The answer to discouragement: 2:4-5
3. The universal shaking and later glory of the temple: 2:6-9

III. Third message: Promise of present blessing on the rebuilding of the temple (given the 24th day of the
ninth month) 2:10-19

A. The date: 2:10

B. The message: Sin is contagious: 2:11-19
1. The priests questioned: 2:11-13
2. The application: 2:14-19

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IV. Fourth message: Prophecy of future destruction of Gentile world powers (given the 24th day of the
ninth month) 2:20-23

A. The date: 2:20

B. The message: 2:21-23
1. Overthrow of earthly power: 2:21-22
2. Zerubbabel the signet: 2:23

Spiritual truths in Haggai:

-The Lord's work takes priority over all.

-The Lord's work demands clean instruments.
-The Lord's work is linked to God's plan for all nations.
-Good is not contagious, but evil is.

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Apply the truths of Haggai to yourself personally

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
ZECHARIAH

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Zechariah
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To inspire Israel to finish the temple.
• KEY VERSE: Zechariah 13:1 “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David
and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: God controls the affairs of men and nations.
• MAIN CHARACTER: Zechariah

OUTLINE
I. Introductory call to repentance: 1:1-6

II. Prophecies by vision: 1:7-6:8

A. The man among the myrtle trees: 1:7-17 (Israel outcast, but not forgotten by God.)
B. The four horns: 1:18-21 (The overthrow of Israel by her enemies.)
C. The man with the measuring rod: 2:1-13 (The coming prosperity of Jerusalem.)
D. Joshua the high priest: 3:1-10 (Israel's sin removed by Jesus, the Branch.)
E. The candlestick and the two trees: 4:1-14 (Israel is God's future light-bearer.)
1. The first question and explanation: 4:1-10
2. The second question and explanation: 4:11-14
F. The flying roll: 5:1-4 (Wicked governments cursed by God)
G. The woman in the ephah: 5:5-11 (Wickedness removed on divine wings)
H. The four chariots: 6:1-8 (God's judgments.)

III. Illustrative prophecies: 6:9-8:23

A. The returning Jews: 6:9-15

B. Vanities of the people: 7:1-8:23
1. Fast days of Israel and obedience to the Word: 7:1-17
(a) Occasion of the prophecy: 7:1-3
(b) Fasting not essential, but hearing is: 7:4-7
2. First half of the Lord's answer to the question of fasting: 7:8-14
(a) What God requires of the fathers: 7:8-10
(b) Refusal of the fathers to hearken: 7:11-14
3. The second half of the Lord's answer: 8:1-23
(a) The time of redemption: 8:1-8

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 (b) Message of encouragement: 8:9-17
(c) Fasting to be changed to rejoicing: 8:18-23

IV. Direct prophecies: 9:1-14:21

A. The first prophecy: The first coming and rejection of Jesus: 9:1-11:17
1. Fall of the heathen world and deliverance of Zion: 9-10
2. Good and foolish shepherds: 11:1-17
(a) The humiliated land: 11:1-3
(b) The good shepherd: 11:4-14
(c) The foolish shepherd: 11:15-17
B. The second prophecy: The second coming and acceptance of Jesus: 12:1-14:21
1. Future deliverance and conversion of Israel: 12:1-13:9
(a) Deliverance of Judah and Jerusalem: 12:1-9
(b) Spirit of grace and lamentation: 12:10-14
(c) A fountain of grace for salvation: 13:1-6
2. The return of Jesus: 14:1-21
(a) Judgment and deliverance: 14:1-5
(b) Complete salvation: 14:6-11
(c) Destruction of enemy nations: 14:12-15
(d) Conversion of heathen nations: 14:16-19
(e) Everything unholy removed: 14:20-21

The book of Zechariah provides much information on the ministry of angels. See chapters 1 and 2. Like
the book of Job, Zechariah offers a glimpse into heaven to view the confrontations between God and
Satan. See Job 1 and 2 and Zechariah 3:1-5.

Several facts about Jesus are presented in Zechariah:

-His commission: 2:8-11

-His present work: 3:1-2
-His concern over Jerusalem: 1:12
-His title: 6:12
-His temple: 6:13
-His triumphal entry to Jerusalem: 9:9
-His betrayal: 11:12
-His crucifixion: 12:10; 13:7
-His final recognition by Israel: 12:1
-His appearance on Mt Zion: 14:4
-His worship by all nations: 14:16
-His victory at Armageddon: 14:3

Several facts about the city of God are presented in Zechariah:

-A city of truth: 8:3

-Surrounded by God's glory: 2:5
-Filled with children: 8:5

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 -Visited by all nations: 8:20-23
-Once again besieged by enemies: 12:2; 14:2
-Its enemies are destroyed: 12:9; 14:12-14
-Its citizens recognize the Messiah: 12:10
-Filled with God's holiness: 14:21

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 CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
MALACHI

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Malachi
• TO WHOM: Israel
• PURPOSE: To call the nation to repentance and return to righteousness.
• KEY VERSE: Malachi 2:2 “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my
name, saith the LORD, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessing: yea, I
have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Repentance (attitude) + Returning (action) = Restoration Both
attitude (repentance from sin) and action (returning to God) are necessary for forgiveness
(restoration to righteousness before God).
• MAIN CHARACTER: Malachi

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-5

A. The messenger: 1:1

B. The message: 1:1
C. The recipient of the message: Israel: 1:1
D. God's love for Israel: 1:2-5 217
1. Essau and Jacob: 1:2-3
2. God and Edom: 1:4-5

II. A message to the priests: 1:6-2:9

A. Their neglect in religious duties: 1:6-2:4

1. Worthlessness of sacrifices: 1:6-14
2. Better to shut the temple than engage in worthless worship: 1:9-10
3. Superior service among the Gentiles: 1:11
4. Weariness in worship: 1:12-13 contrasted with wonderful worship in 1:11.
5. The curse of God: 1:14-2:4
B. Their faulty teaching of the law: 2:5-9 .
1. Covenant with Levi and the ideal priest: 2:5-7
2. The apostate priests and their disgrace: 2:8-9

III. A message to the Jewish laymen: 2:10-4:3

A. A charge of treachery: 2:10-16

B. Warning of judgment: 2:17-3:6

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 1. Their questions: 2:17
2. God's refining fire: 3:1-3
3. Purification of the priest and people: 3:3-5
4. God does not change: 3:6
C. A call to repentance: 3:7-12
1. The people's unfaithfulness and God's curse: 3:7-9
2. God's reward for their respect and faithfulness: 3:10-12
D. Divine indictment for sin: 3:13-4:3
1. Complaint: 3:13-15
2. Separation of the righteous from the wicked: 3:16-18
3. Utter destruction of the wicked: 4:1
4. Exaltation and glorification of the righteous: 4:2-3

IV. Concluding warning: 4:4-6

A. Keep the law of Moses: 4:4

B. Look for the second coming of Jesus: 4:5-6

Malachi contains several key passages:

-The most famous Old Testament passage on giving: 3:8-10

-The most wonderful diary of all time: 3:16
-The only passage in which believers are called Jewels: 3:17
-The only Old Testament book predicting Elijah's return to minister during the tribulation: 4:15

It is difficult for man to accept the fact he has sinned. Note how the people argued with God's judgment
in the book of Malachi. "Wherein" is the key word which precedes each argument of the people: 1:2,6,7;
2:17; 3:7,8,13. Note the minister's chief areas of temptation: 1:6-2:9

There are several "beholds" to note in this book:

-Behold I will corrupt and reject worship: 2:3

-Behold I will send my messenger (John the Baptist): 3:1
-Behold the earth will burn: 4:1
-Behold Elijah will warn: 4:5 5.

"God's Book of Remembrance": See also Exodus 32:32; Psalms 56:8; 69:28; 139:16; Ezekiel 13:9; Daniel
7:10; 11:1; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12. Although most of the prophets lived and prophesied in
days of change and political upheaval, Malachi lived in an uneventful waiting period when God seemed
to have forgotten His people who were enduring poverty and foreign domination in Judah. The day of
miracles seemed to have passed with Elijah and Elisha. The Temple was not completed and nothing
profound had occurred to indicate God's presence had returned to fill it with glory as Ezekiel prophesied
(Ezekiel 43:4). The people continued their religious duties without enthusiasm. In reality, the promises
that had been given were conditional and the people were not meeting the requirements of God to
enable them to receive them. Malachi's prophecy permits us to see the strains and temptations of the
waiting periods of life. More important, he also shows the way back to genuine faith in the God who
does not change (3:6); who invites men to return to Him (3:7); and who never forgets those who
respond (3:16)

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 CHAPTER FORTY
MATTHEW

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Matthew
• TO WHOM: To all believers, although the first intended audience was the Jews to whom he
presented Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David.
• PURPOSE: To present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as King of the Jews.
• KEY VERSES: Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The final command of Jesus to His followers was to go to all
nations with the Gospel.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Jesus, the twelve disciples

OUTLINE
Part One:
The Genealogy Of The King 1:1-17

I. Introduction: 1:1
II. People in the genealogy: 1:2-16
III. The plan of the genealogy: 1:17

Part Two:
The Birth Of The King 1:18-2:23

I. The conception: 1:18-23

II. The birth: 1:24-25
III. Events related to the birth: 2:1-23
A. Visit of the wise men and Herod's plot: 2:1-12
B. The flight into Egypt: 2:13-15
C. Herod's revenge: 2:16-18
D. Return to the Nazareth home: 2:19-23

Part Three:
Preparation 3:1-4:11

I. Preparation for the King's coming: 3:1-17

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 A. The ministry and message of John the Baptist: 3:1-12
B. The baptism of the King: 3:13-17
II. Preparation of the King: 4:1-11
A. His humanity attacked by Satan: 4:1-4
B. His divinity attacked by Satan: 4:5-7
C. His Lordship attacked by Satan: 4:8-11

Part Four:
Ministry Of The King In Galilee 4:12-13:58

I. A call to repentance: 4:12-17

II. Four fishermen called to discipleship: 4:18-22
III. Early success and fame: 4:23-25
IV. Principles of conduct for Kingdom citizens: 5:1-7:28
A. Attitudes that should characterize Kingdom citizens: 5:1-12
B. The witness of Kingdom citizens: Light and salt: 5:13-16
C. Kingdom principles in relation to the law and the prophets: 5:17-48
1. God's law in general: 15:17-20
2. The new law: 15:21-48
a. Killing: 15:21-26
b. Adultery: 15:27-30
c. Divorce: 15:31-32
d. Oaths: 15:33-37
e. Treatment of others: 15:38-48
D. Three attitudes of worship in the Kingdom: 6:1-18
1. Giving: Outward look: 6:1-4
2. Praying: Upward look: 6:5-15
3. Fasting: Inward look: 6:16-18
E. Priorities for Kingdom citizens: 6:19-33
1. In relation to values: 6:19-21
2. In relation to service: 6:22-24
3. In relation to material needs: 6:25-34
4. The proper priority: The Kingdom: 6:33
F. Proper conduct for Kingdom citizens: 7:1-29
1. Judging: 7:1-5
2. Care for that which is holy: 7:6
3. Prayer: 7:7-12
a. Three kinds of prayer: Asking, seeking, knocking: 7:7-8
b. A comparison between the response of natural fathers and the
Heavenly Father: 7:9-11
G. Special warnings to Kingdom citizens: 7:13-29
1. Two gates: 7:13-14
2. False prophets: 7:15-20
3. The proof of God's man: Doing His will: 7:21-23
4. A comparison of wise and foolish men: 7:24-27

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 H. Astonishment at the doctrine of Jesus: 7:28-29
V. The authority of the King: 8:1-9:38
A. Authority over disease: 8:1-17
1. Healing of a leper: 8:1-4
2. Healing of the Centurion's servant: 8:5-13
3. Healing of Peter's mother-in-law: 8:14-15
4. Healing of all types of diseases: 8:16-17
B. Authority over His disciples: 8:18-22
C. Authority over natural elements: 8:23-27
D. Authority over demons: 8:28-34
E. Authority over sin: 9:1-8
F. Authority over men: 9:9-17
1. The calling of Matthew: 9:9
2. Eating with sinners: 9:10-13
3. Answering a challenge: 9:14-17
G. Authority over death: The ruler's daughter: 9:18-19, 23-26
H. Authority over physical conditions: 9:20-38
1. Woman with the issue of blood: 9:20-22
2. Blindness: 9:27-31
3. Deafness and demon possession: 9:32-34
4. The compassion of Jesus: 9:35-38
VI. Commissioned by the King: 10:1-42
A. The twelve missionaries and their authority: 10:1-4
B. Instructions for the journey: 10:5-42
1. Where to go: 10:5-6
2. The ministry: 10:7-8
3. Material instructions: 10:9-15
4. Spiritual instructions: 10:16-42
VII. Attitudes towards the Kingdom: 11:1-30
A. The Kingdom misunderstood: 11:1-11
B. The Kingdom perverted: 11:12-19
C. The Kingdom rejected: 11:20-24
D. The Kingdom accepted: 11:25-30
VIII. Controversies with the Pharisees: 12:1-14
A. Harvesting on the Sabbath: 12:1-8
B. Healing on the Sabbath: 12:9-13
C. The results: 12:14-21
IX. The unpardonable sin: 12:22-37
X. Christ's reply to demands of the Pharisees: 12:38-45
XI. The priority of spiritual over physical relationships in the Kingdom: 12:46-50
XII. Parables of the Kingdom: 13:1-53
A. Parable of the sower: 13:1-9
B. The reason for speaking in parables: 13:10-17
C. Interpretation of the parable of the sower: 13:18-23

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 D. Parable of the tares: 13:24-30
E. Parable of the mustard seed: 13:31-32
F. Parable of the leaven: 13:33
G. A summary concerning parables: 13:34-35
H. Interpretation of the parable of the tares: 13:36-43
I. Parable of the treasure hidden in a field: 13:44
J. Parable of the pearl of great value: 13:45-46
K. Parable of the dragnet: 13:47-50
L. Concluding remarks about parables: 13:51-52
XIII. The King's reception in His home town: 13:53-58

Part Five:
Ministry In Regions Near Galilee 14:1-18:35

I. The death of John the Baptist: 14:1-12

II. Jesus' withdrawal beyond the sea: 14:13-15:20
A. Feeding the 5,000: 14:13-21
B. Following for loaves and fishes: 14:22-23
C. Walking on the sea: 14:24-33
D. Ministry in Gennesaraet: 14:34-36
E. Controversy with the Pharisees and Scribes: 15:1-20
III. Jesus' withdrawal to the region of Tyre and Sidon: 15:21-28
A. The women of Tyre and Sidon: 15:21-28
IV. Jesus' withdrawal to the vicinity of Decapolis: 15:29-38
A. Healing ministry near the Sea of Galilee: 15:29-31
B. Feeding the 4,000: 15:32-38
V. Ministry in the regions of Magadan: 15:39-16:4
VI. Warning the disciples concerning the Pharisees and the Sadducees: 16:5-12
A. Seeking for a sign: 16:1-4
B. Warning concerning their doctrine: 16:5-12
VII. Withdrawal to Caesarea-Philippi: 16:13-17:21
A. Testing the disciples: 16:13-20
B. Announcement of His death, resurrection, and return: 16:21-28
C. The transfiguration: 17:1-13
D. Healing of a lunatic: 17:14-20
VIII. A brief visit to Galilee: 17:22-18:35
A. A reminder of His death and resurrection: 17:22-23
B. Paying the temple tax: 17:24-27
C. A lesson in greatness: 18:1-6
D. Warnings concerning offenses: 18:7-9
E. Parable of the lost sheep: 18:10-14
F. Settling disputes among Kingdom citizens: 18:15-35
1. How to settle disputes: 18:15-17
2. The responsibilities and privileges of Kingdom citizens: 18:18-20
3. A question on forgiveness: 18:21-22

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 4. The King and his debtors: 18:23-35

Part Six:
Ministry Of The King In Perea 19:1-20:34

I. Healing multitudes in Judea: 19:1-2

II. The question concerning divorce: 19:3-12
III. Children blessed by Jesus: 19:13-15
IV. Interview with the rich young ruler: 19:16-22
V. The peril of riches: 19:23-30
VI. Parable of the householder: 20:1-16
VII. Impending death and resurrection of Jesus: 20:17-19
VIII. A mother's selfish request: 20:20-28
IX. Two blind men healed near Jericho: 20:29-34

Part Seven:
The King's Last Week 21:1-27:31

I. The royal entry into Jerusalem: 21:1-11

II. Cleansing the temple: 21:12-17
III. The fig tree cursed: 21:18-22
IV. The authority of Jesus challenged: 21:23-32
V. Parable of the wicked husbandmen: 21:33-46
VI. Parable of the marriage feast: 22:1-14
VII. Attempts to discredit Jesus: 22:15-45
A. Question of paying taxes to Caesar: 22:15-22
B. Question concerning the resurrection: 22:23-33
C. Question of the great commandment: 22:34-40
D. Questions by Jesus: 22:41-46
VIII. Discussion concerning the Scribes and Pharisees: 23:1-39
A. They pretend religious authority: 23:1-3
B. They impose burdens: 23:4
C. They covet praise: 23:5-7
D. Advice to His disciples: 23:8-12
E. Woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees: 23:13-36
F. The cry over Jerusalem: 23:37-39
IX. The future of the Kingdom: 24:1-25:46
A. The destruction of the temple: 24:1-2
B. Signs of the end: 24:3-14
C. The tribulation period: 24:15-22
D. The return of Jesus: 24:23-31
E. Parable of the fig tree: 24:32-35
F. The day of the Lord: 24:36-41
G. The command to watch: 24:42-51
H. Parables concerning the end times: 25:1-46

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 1. The ten virgins: 25:1-13
2. The talents: 25:14-30
3. The sheep and goats: 25:31-46
X. Events prior to the crucifixion: 26:1-27:31
A. Announcement of approaching death: 26:1-2
B. The plot to kill Jesus: 26:3-5
C. Anointed for burial: 26:6-13
D. Agreement of Judas to betray Jesus: 26:14-16
E. The Last Supper: 26:17-29
1. Preparations for the Passover: 26:17-19
2. The Last Supper: 26:20-29
3. Jesus' warning and Peter's boast: 26:30-35
F. Gethsemane: 26:36-46
G. Betrayal and arrest: 26:47-56
H. The trials of Jesus: 26:57-27:26

Part Eight:
The King's Death And Triumph 27:27-28:20

I. The crucifixion and burial: 27:27-66

A. The mockery of the soldiers: 27:27-31
B. The road to and death on Calvary: 27:32-54
C. The faithful women, the burial, and tomb guard: 27:55-66
II. The resurrection: 28:1-15
III. The Great Commission: 28:16-20

Note: The book of Matthew can be viewed in three groups of ten incidents:

• The Sermon on the Mount consists of 10 principal components (chapters 5-6).

• The next chapters (8-10) record 10 miracles.
• The next group of chapters (11-18) record 10 representative reactions by people to Jesus.
• Matthew was a publican (Matthew 5:3).
• He became a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 9:9).
• He was later appointed an apostle (Matthew 10:3) and he became the writer of this Gospel
which bears His name.
• The Temptation Realm Of The "ifs" Christ's Answer Temptation From Scripture Stones Physical If
Thou be God's Son Deuteronomy 8:3 (hunger) Pinnacle of Spiritual If Thou be God's son Psalms
91:11-12 the Temple Deuteronomy 6:16 Kingdoms of Material If Thou will Deuteronomy 6:13
the world worship me
• In Matthew chapters 1 and 2 there are several Old Testament Scriptures quoted:
-Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14
-Matthew 2:2 Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 9:9
-Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:2
-Matthew 2:15 Hosea 11:1; Exodus 4:22
-Matthew 2:18 Jeremiah 31:15

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 -Matthew 2:23 Isaiah 11:1
• key words in Matthew: Kingdom, Heaven, Kingdom of Heaven, 10.
• The prayers of Jesus:
-At His baptism: Luke 3:21
-In a solitary place: Mark 1:35
-In the wilderness: Luke 5:16
-All night before choosing the disciples: Luke 6:12
-Before His invitation, "Come unto Me": Matthew 11:25-27
-At the feeding of the 5,000: John 6:11
-After the feeding of the 5,000: Matthew 14:23
-When He gave the Lord's prayer: Luke 11:1-4
-At Caesarea-Philippi: Luke 9:18
-Before His transfiguration: Luke 9:28-29
-For little children: Matthew 19:13
-Before the raising of Lazarus from the dead: John 11:41-42
-In the temple: John 12:27-28 -At the supper: Matthew 26:26-27
-For Peter: Luke 22:32
-For the disciples and His future followers: John 17
-In Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36,39,42,44
-On the cross: Luke 23:24
-At Emmaus: Luke 24:30
• The miracles of Jesus: Matthew Mark Luke John
Leper 8:2-3 1:40-42 5:12-13
Centurion's servant 8:5-13 7:1-10
Peter's mother-in-law 8:14-15 1:30-31 4:38-39
Two Gadarenes 8:28-34 5:1-15 8:27-35
Paralyzed man 9:2-7 2:3-12 5:18-25
Woman with hemorrhage 9:20-22 5:25-29 8:43-48
Two blind men 9:27-31
Man dumb and possessed 9:32-33
Withered hand 12:10-13 3:1-5 6:6-10
Blind, dumb possessed 12:22 11:14
Canaanite woman's girl 15:21-28 7:24-30
Boy with epilepsy 17:14-18 9:17-29 9:38-43
Blind men 20:29-34 10:46-52 18:35-43
Deaf and dumb man 7:31-37
Man possessed, synagogue 1:23-26 4:33-35
Blind man at Bethsaida 8:22-26
Woman bent double 13:11-13
Man with dropsy 14:1-4
Ten lepers 17:11-19
Malchus' ear 22:50-51
Official's son 4:46-54
Sick man, Bethesda 5:1-9

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 Man born blind 9:1-7
Calming storm 8:23-27 4:37-41 8:22-25
Walking on water 14:25 6:48-51
5,000 fed 14:15-21 6:35-44 9:12-17 6:5-13
4,000 fed 15:32-38 8:1-9
Coin in fish's mouth 17:24-27
Fig tree withered 21:18-22 11:12-26
Catch of fish 5:1-11
Water into wine 2:1-11
Another catch of fish 21:1-11
Jairus' daughter 9:18-25 5:22-42 8:41-56
Widow's son 7:11-15
Lazarus 11:1-44
• The parables of Jesus: Matthew Mark Luke
Lamp under a bushel 5:14-15 4:21-22 8:16; 11:33
House on rock 7:24-27 6:47-49
New cloth 9:16 2:21 5:36
New wine 9:17 2:22 5:37-38
Sower and soils 13:3-8 4:3-8 8:5-8
Mustard seed 13:31-32 4:30-32 13:18-19
Tares 13:24-30
Leaven 13:33 13:20-21
Hidden treasure 13:44
Pearl 13:45-46
Drag net 13:47-48
Lost sheep 18:12-13 15:4-6
Two debtors 18:23-24
Workers in vineyard 20:1-16
Two sons 21:28-31
Wicked tenants 21:33-41 12:1-9 20:9-16
Wedding feast 22:2-14
Fig tree 24:32-33 13:28-29 21:29-32
Ten bridesmaids 25:1-13
Talents/pounds 25:14-30 19:12-27
Sheep and goats 25:31-36
Seed time to harvest 4:26-29
Creditor and the debtors 7:41-43
Good Samaritan 10:30-37
Friend in need 11:5-8
Rich fool 12:16-21
Alert servants 12:35-40
Faithful steward 12:42-48
Fig tree without figs 13:6-9
Places of honor 14:7-14

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 Great banquet 14:16-24
Counting the cost 14:28-33
Lost coin 15:8-10
Prodigal son 15:11-32
Dishonest steward 16:1-8
Rich man and Lazarus 16:19-31
Master and servant 17:7-10
Persistent widow 18:2-5
Pharisee and tax collector 18:10-14

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 CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
MARK
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Mark
• TO WHOM: To all believers, although the first intended audience was the Romans to whom he
presents Jesus as a servant.
• PURPOSE: To present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as a servant and the Son of man.
• KEY VERSE: Mark 10:45 “For even the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: We should seek to minister rather than to be ministered to.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Jesus, the twelve disciples

OUTLINE
I. The period of preparation: 1:1-13

A. The beginning of the Gospel: 1:1-3

B. The ministry of John the Baptist: 1:4-8
C. The baptism of Jesus: 1:9-11
D. The temptation of Jesus: 1:12-13

II. The Galilean Ministry: 1:14-6:30

A. The beginning of the ministry of Jesus: 1:14-15

B. The call of four fisherman: 1:16-20
C. Healing of a demon possessed man: 1:21-28
D. Healing of Peter's mother-in-law: 1:29-31
E. Growing popularity: 1:32-34
F. The quiet time: 1:35-37
G. The first tour of Galilee: 1:38-39
H. Healing of a leper: 1:40-45
I. Healing of a paralyzed man: 2:1-12
J. The call of Matthew: 2:13-14
K. A celebration, criticism, and reply: 2:15-22
L. The Sabbath controversy: 2:23-3:6
M. Ministry by the sea: 3:7-12
N. The ordaining of the twelve disciples: 3:13-19
O. The zeal of Jesus: 3:20-21
P. The unpardonable sin: 3:22-30
Q. True relationship with Jesus: 3:31-35
R. A series of parables: 4:1-34
1. The parable of the soils: 4:1-20

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 2. The parable of the lamp: 4:21-25
3. The parable of gradual growth: 4:26-29
4. The parable of the mustard seed: 4:30-34
S. A storm at sea: 4:35-41
T. The healing of a demoniac: 5:1-20
U. The daughter of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood: 5:21-43
V. Rejection at Nazareth: 6:1-6
W. The mission of the twelve disciples: 6:7-13
X. The death of John the Baptist: 6:14-29
Y. The report of the twelve: 6:30

III. The period of withdrawal: 6:31-9:50

A. The feeding of the 5,000: 6:31-46

B. Walking on water: 6:47-52
C. The ministry at Gennesaret: 6:53-56
D. The rebuking of the Pharisees: 7:1-23
E. The Syrophoenician woman: 7:24-30
F. Healing of a deaf mute: 7:31-37
G. Feeding of the 4,000: 8:1-9
H. A demand for a sign: 8:10-13
I. A warning about leaven: 8:14-21
J. Healing of the blind man: 8:22-26
K. An examination and lesson at Caesarea Philippi: 8:27-9:1
L. The transfiguration of Jesus: 9:2-10
M. The problem of Elias: 9:11-13
N. The healing of a demoniac boy: 9:14-29
O. Final teaching in Galilee: 9:30-50

IV. The ministry in Perea and Judea: 10:1-52

A. A lesson about divorce: 10:1-12

B. The blessing of children: 10:13-16
C. The rich young ruler: 10:17-22
D. A warning on the peril of riches: 10:23-27
E. A discussion concerning rewards: 10:28-31
F. The prediction of Jesus' death: 10:32-34
G. A request for prominence: 10:35-45
H. The healing of Bartimaeus: 10:46-52

V. Events of the final week: 11:1-15:47

A. The royal entry to Jerusalem: 11:1-11

B. Cursing the barren fig tree: 11:12-14
C. Cleansing of the temple: 11:15-19
D. A lesson about faith: 11:20-26
E. A challenge to Christ's authority: 11:27-33

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 F. The parable of the husbandmen: 12:1-12
G. A question about tribute: 12:13-17
H. The problem of the resurrection: 12:18-27
I. A question about the Great Commandment: 12:28-34
J. A question about the Christ: 12:35-37
K. A warning against Scribes: 12:38-40
L. The widow's mite: 12:41-44
M. Faith for the future: 13:1-37
N. The plot of the Sanhedrin: 14:1-2
O. Dinner in Bethany: 14:3-9
P. The plot of Judas: 14:10-11
Q. The Passover: 14:12-21
R. The Last Supper: 14:22-26
S. Peter's denial foretold: 14:27-31
T. Prayer in Gethsemane: 14:32-42
U. The betrayal and arrest: 14:43-52
V. The Jewish trial: 14:53-65
W. The denials of Peter: 14:66-72
X. The Roman trial: 15:1-21
Y. The crucifixion of Jesus: 15:22-41
Z. The burial of Jesus: 15:42-47

VI. The resurrection of Jesus: 16:1-8

A. First at the tomb: 16:1-3

B. The empty tomb: 16:4-6
C. The commission to preach the resurrection message: 16:7-8

VII. The appearances of Jesus: 16:9-14

A. To Mary Magdalene: 16:9-11

B. To two disciples: 16:12-13
C. To the eleven disciples: 16:14

VIII. The Great Commission: 16:15-18

IX. The ascension of Jesus to Heaven: 16:19

X. Fulfilling the Commission: 16:20

NOTE: Jesus appeared many times after His resurrection, confirming that He truly did rise from the
dead. He appeared to the following:

• -Mary Magdalene: Mark 16:9-10

• -The other women: Matthew 28:9-10
• -Two disciples on the way to Emmaus: Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32
• -Peter: Luke 24:34
• -The disciples without Thomas: Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36; John 29:19

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 • -The disciples with Thomas: John 20:26-31
• -The seven beside the Sea of Galilee: John 21
• -The disciples in Galilee: Matthew 28:16-20
• -James: 1st Corinthians 15:7
• -Those with Him on the Mount of Ascension: Mark 16:19; Luke 24:44; Acts 1:3
• -Paul: 1st Corinthians 15:5-8

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 CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
LUKE
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Luke
• TO WHOM: All believers, although the first intended audience was the Greeks to whom he
presented Jesus as the perfect man. He also addresses one specific believer, Theophilus.
• PURPOSE: The purpose is to write an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4).
• KEY VERSE: Luke 19:10 “For the son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Our mission is identical to that of Jesus: To reach the lost with
the good news of the Gospel.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Jesus, the twelve disciples

OUTLINE
Part One: Preparation 1:1-2:52

I. Introduction:

A. The note to Theophilus: 1:1-4

B. The vision of Zechariah: 1:5-25
C. The vision of Mary: 1:26-38
D. The visit of Mary to Elizabeth: 1:39-56
E. The birth of John the Baptist: 1:57-80

II. Birth and childhood of Jesus:

A. The birth of Jesus: 2:1-7

B. The visit of the shepherds: 2:8-20
C. The circumcision and naming of Jesus: 2:21
D. The presentation of Jesus: 2:22-40
E. The visit of Jesus to the Temple: 2:41-52

Part Two: The Beginning Of Christ's Ministry 3:1-4:3

I. The ministry of John the Baptist: 3:1-20

II. The baptism of Jesus: 3:21-22

III. The genealogy of Jesus: 3:23-38

IV. The temptation of Jesus: 4:1-13

Part Three: Jesus In Galilee 4:14-9:62

I. The rejection of Jesus in Nazareth: 4:14-30

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II. The demon possessed man in the synagogue at Capernaum: 4:31-37

III. The healing of Peter's mother-in-law: 4:38-39

IV. Further miracles and preaching: 4:40-44

V. A miraculous catch of fish and the call of Simon Peter, James, and John: 5:1-11

VI. The cleansing of a leper: 5:12-16

VII. The forgiving and healing of a paralyzed man: 5:17-26

VIII. The call of Matthew: 5:27-28

IX. The feast with publicans: 5:29-32

X. Remarks about fasting: 5:33-39

XI. Plucking and eating grain on the Sabbath: 6:1-5

XII. Healing of a withered hand: 6:6-11

XIII. Choice of the twelve disciples: 6:12-16

XIV. The sermon on the Mount: 6:17-49

XV. Healing of a centurion's servant: 7:1-10

XVI. Raising a widow's son from the dead: 7:11-17

XVII. The question of John the Baptist: 7:18-35

XVIII. Anointing by and forgiveness of the sinful woman: 7:36-50

XIX. Preaching with support from certain women: 8:1-3

XX. The parable of the seed and the soils: 8:4-15

XXI. Parable of the candle: 8:16-18

XXII. True spiritual relationship: 8:19-21

XXIII. Stilling the storm: 8:22-25

XXIV. Healing the demoniac: 8:26-40

XXV. Healing the woman with the issue of blood and raising Jarius' daughter: 8:40-56

XXVI. The mission of the twelve disciples: 9:1-6

XXVII. The death of John the Baptist: 9:7-9

XXVIII. Feeding of the 5,000: 9:10-17

XXIX. Peter's confession: 9:18-21

XXX. Prediction of Christ's death: 9:22

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XXXI. A call to discipleship: 9:23-27

XXXII. The transfiguration: 9:28-36

XXXIII. The deliverance of a demon possessed boy: 9:37-45

XXXIV. A lesson on greatness: 9:46-48

XXXV. Remarks on tolerance: 9:49-50

Part Four: Jesus on The Way To Jerusalem 10:1-19:48

I. Determination to go to Jerusalem and the rejection by a Samaritan village: 9:51-56

II. Remarks on discipleship: 9:57-62

III. The mission of the seventy: 10:1-24

IV. The parable of the good Samaritan: 10:25-37

V. Dinner with Mary and Martha: 10:38-42

VI. Teaching on prayer: 11:1-13

VII. Defense against the charge of Satanic power: 11:14-26

VIII. The importance of keeping God's Word: 11:27-28

IX. Seeking for a sign: 11:29-36

X. Exposing the Pharisees and Scribes: 11:37-54

XI. Warnings: 12:1-59

A. Against hypocrisy: 12:1-12

B. Against covetousness: 12:13-21
C. Against anxiety: 12:22-34
D. About servants waiting for masters: 12:35-48
E. About understanding Christ's mission: 12:49-59

XII. A call to repentance: 13:1-9

XIII. The healing of the woman with the spirit of infirmity: 13:10-17

XIV. Parables: 13:18-30

A. The mustard seed: 13:18-19

B. The leaven: 13:20-21
C. The narrow door: 13:22-30

XV. A message from and to Herod: 13:31-33

XVI. A lament over Jerusalem: 13:34-35

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XVII. Healing of a man with dropsy: 14:1-6

XVIII. Parables:

A. The marriage feast: 14:7-14

B. The great banquet: 14:15-24
C. The builder: 14:25-30
D. The king who goes to war: 14:31-35
E. The lost sheep: 15:1-7
F. The lost coin: 15:8-10
G. The prodigal son: 15:11-32
H. The unjust steward and further comments on the Pharisees: 16:1-18
I. The rich man and Lazarus: 16:19-31

XIX. Offenses: 17:1-4

XX. Increasing faith: 17:5-10

XXI. Healing of the lepers: 17:11-19

XXII. The future of the Kingdom of God: 17:20-37

XXIII. Parable of the widow and the unjust judge: 18:1-8

XXIV. Parable of the Pharisee and the publican: 18:9-14

XXV. Welcoming little children: 18:15-17

XXVI. The rich young ruler: 18:18-30

XXVII. Prediction of the death and resurrection of Jesus: 18:31-34

XXVIII. Healing of the blind man near Jericho: 18:35-43

XXIX. The conversion of Zacchaeus: 19:1-10

XXX. The parable of the pounds: 19:11-27

Part Five: Jesus in Jerusalem 19:28-24:53

I. Events prior to the death of Jesus: 19:28-23:25

A. The triumphal entry: 19:28-48

B. Temple disputes: 20:1-47
1. The question of authority: 20:1-8
2. The parable of the faithless tenants: 20:9-18
3. The question of tribute to Caesar: 20:19-26
4. The question of the resurrection: 20:27-40
5. A question and a warning: 20:41-47
C. Temple teachings: 21:1-38

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 1. The widow's offering: 21:1-4
2. The future: 21:5-28
3. The warning to watch: 21:29-38
D. Passover and the final night: 22:1-71
1. The plot against Jesus: 22:1-6
2. The preparation for the Passover: 22:7-13
3. The Last Supper: 22:14-23
4. True greatness: 22:24-30
5. The warning to Peter: 22:31-34
6. Warning to the disciples: 22:35-38
7. Prayer in the garden: 22:39-46
8. The arrest of Jesus: 22:47-53
9. Peter's denials: 22:54-62
10. The trial of Jesus: 22:63-71
a. Abuse by the soldiers: 22:63-65
b. Condemnation by the Sanhedrin: 22:66-71
c. The hearing before Herod: 23:1-12
d. The hearing before Pilate: 23:13-25

II. The death of Jesus: 23:26-56

A. The crucifixion: 23:26-49

1. On the way to Golgotha: 23:26-31
2. The crucifixion and mocking of Jesus: 23:32-38
3. The repentant criminal 23:39-43
4. The death of Jesus: 23:44-49
5. The burial of Jesus: 23:50-56

III. The resurrection of Jesus: 24:1-12

IV. The post-resurrection ministry: 24:13-49

A. The walk to Emmaus: 24:13-35

B. The appearance in Jerusalem: 24:36-49
C. A final charge: 24:44-49
D. The ascension of Jesus: 24:50-53

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 CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
JOHN

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: John
• TO WHOM: All believers, to whom John portrays Jesus as the Son of God.
• PURPOSE: To convince that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and lead men to everlasting
life.
• KEY VERSE: John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, source of salvation
and way to everlasting life.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Jesus, John the Baptist, the twelve disciples

OUTLINE
Part One: Introduction 1:1-51

I. Introducing Jesus, the Christ: 1:1-18

A. Jesus, the Word, was: 1:1-3

1. From the beginning: 1:1
2. With God: 1:1
3. Was God: 1:1
4. The creative word: 1:2-3
B. Jesus, the life and light: 1:4-13
1. The life and light of men: 1:4
2. The light which shown in darkness: 1:5
3. The light of which John the Baptist gave witness: 1:6-8
4. The true light of man: 1:9
5. Not received by some: 1:10-11
6. Received by others: 1:12-13
C. Jesus in the flesh: 1:14-18
1. Born of God: 1:14
2. The Word was made flesh and lived among us: 1:14
3. John the Baptist gave witness of the Word made flesh: 1:15
D. Jesus, the fullness of God's grace: 1:16-18

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II. The witness of John: 1:19-34

A. To Jesus the Messiah: 1:19-28

1. The questioning: 1:19-22
2. The answer: 1:23
3. The questioners: 1:24
4. More questioning: 1:25
5. The answer: 1:26-27
6. The location of the dialogue: 1:28
B. To Jesus the Lamb and the Son: 1:29-36
1. The baptism: 1:29-34
2. The confession: 1:35-36

III. The first disciples: 1:35-51

A. Andrew: 1:34-40
B. Simon: 1:40-42
C. Philip: 1:43-44
D. Nathaniel: 1:45-51

Part Two: Public Ministry 2:1-12:50

I. Turning water into wine: 2:1-10

A. The setting: 2:1

B. The participants: 2:2
C. The problem: 2:3-5
D. The miraculous solution: 2:6-11

II. Authority over the temple: 2:12-25

A. Transition to Jerusalem: 2:12-13

B. The cleansing of the temple: 2:14-22
1. The cleansing: 2:14-16
2. The disciples remember: 2:17
3. The prophecy: 2:18-21
4. The disciples remember: 2:22
C. Reaction to the cleansing: 2:23-25

III. Conversation with Nicodemus: 3:1-21

A. The setting: 3:1-2

B. The declaration: 3:2
C. The response: 3:3
D. The first question: 3:4
E. The response: 3:5-8
F. The second question: 3:9

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 G. The response: 3:10-21

IV. Verification of Jesus by John the Baptist: 3:22-36

A. The setting: 3:22-24

B. The question: 3:25-26
C. The answer: 3:27-36

V. A mission among the Samaritans: 4:1-42

A. The setting in Samaria: 4:1-6

B. The witness to a woman: 4:7-26
C. The surprise of the disciples: 4:27
D. The witness of the woman in Samaria: 4:28-30
E. A vision for the disciples: 4:31-38
F. Results of the Samaritan mission: 4:39-42

VI. A miracle in Galilee: 4:43-54

A. Transition to Galilee: 4:43-45

B. Healing of a nobleman's son: 4:46-54

VII. Sickness to health on the Sabbath: 5:1-47

A. Healing on the Sabbath: 5:1-9

B. The Jews and the man who was healed: 5:10-13
C. Jesus and the man who was healed: 5:14
D. The Jews and the man who was healed: 5:15-18
E. A sermon following the healing: 5:19-47
1. Jesus claims equality with God: 5:19-29
a. In works: 5:19-21
b. In resurrection: 5:21
c. In judgment: 5:22-29
d. In honor: 5:23
2. Witnesses to the divine claims of Jesus: 5:30-40
a. A witness to Himself: 5:30-32
b. John the Baptist: 5:33-35
c. The works of Jesus: 5:36
d. The Father: 5:37-38
e. The Scriptures: 5:39
3. Condemnation of unbelief: 5:40-47

VIII. Christ the Bread of Life: 6:1-15

A. The setting: 6:1-4

B. The problem: 6:5-7
C. The feeding of the five thousand: 6:8-13
D. Disappointing results: 6:14-15

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IX. Fear into faith in the midst of a storm: 6:16-21

X. The sequel to the feeding of the 5,000: 6:22-71

A. The "five thousand" reassembled: 6:22-24

B. Dialogue on the Bread of Life: 6:25-71
1. The bread of Moses compared to that of Jesus: 6:25-34
2. The bread that nourishes eternal life: 6:35-40
3. The living bread from Heaven: 6:41-51
4. The bread of Christ's death: 6:52-59
C. Results of the dialogue: 6:60-71
1. Many turned back: 6:60-66
2. Twelve were left: 6:67-71

XI. Jesus at the Jerusalem feast: 7:1-53

A. Journey to Jerusalem: 7:1-10

B. Jesus in Jerusalem: A controversial figure: 7:11-13
C. Inconsistency of the critics of Jesus: 7:14-24
D. Jesus: The object of speculation: 7:25-36
E. The proclamation of Jesus: 7:37-39
F. The divided crowd: 7:40-44
G. The divided council: 7:45-53

XII. Teaching in the temple: 8:1-59

A. The woman in adultery: 8:1-8:11

B. Jesus the light of the world: 8:12-20
C. Preview of the cross and reaction of the crowd: 8:21-30
D. The Jews and discipleship: 8:31-59
1. Freedom through knowledge of truth: 8:31-36
2. Sons of Abraham: 8:37-40
3. Sons of Satan: 8:41-47
4. A charge of demon possession: 8:48-52
E. Reaction to the teaching: Jesus versus Abraham: 8:52-59

XIII. Jesus heals a blind man: 9:1-41

A. Man blind from birth is healed: 9:1-7

B. Reaction of the blind man's neighbors: 9:8-12
C. Reaction of the Pharisees: 9:13-34
1. Interview with the blind man: 9:13-17
2. Interview with his parents: 9:18-23
3. Another interview with the blind man: 9:24-34
D. The conclusion: Jesus, the blind man, and the Pharisees: 9:35-41

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XIV. The pastoral dialogue: 10:1-42

A. The True Shepherd of the sheep: 10:1-6

B. The Door to the sheep fold: 10:7-10
C. The Good Shepherd of the flock: 10:11-18

XV. Mounting hostility towards Jesus: 10:19-42

A. Division over demon possession: 10:19-21

B. A demand for plain talk: 10:22-24
C. Jesus' response: 10:25-30
D. Execution for blasphemy is prevented: 10:31-39
E. Refuge beyond Jordan: 10:40-42

XVI. Death turned into life: 11:1-44

A. The setting: 11:1-6

B. The plan: 11:7-16
C. Dialogue on the significance of the event to follow: 11:17-27
D. The hopelessness of death: 11:28-39
E. The raising of Lazarus: 11:40-44
F. Results of the miracle: 11:45-12:11
1. Reaction of some who believed: 11:45
2. Reaction of the council: 11:46-53
3. Implications for the security of Jesus: 11:54-57
4. Anointed for death: 12:1-8
5. Various reactions: 12:9-11

XVII. King Jesus: 12:12-50

A. Increasing popularity of the King: 12:12-19

B. The visit of the Greeks to the King: 12:20-22
C. The death of the King: 12:23-50
1. Prediction of the King's death: 12:23-27
2. Assurance from the Father to the King: 12:28-30
3. Witness by the King: 12:30-36
4. Unbelief in the King: 12:37-43
5. Belief in the King: 12:44-50

Part Three: Private Ministry 13:1-17:26

I. The Last Supper: 13:1-38

A. An object lesson: Foot washing: 13:1-11

1. The occasion: 13:1-3
2. The act: 13:4-5
3. The interpretation of the act: 13:6-17

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 B. Exposure of Judas: 13:18-30
C. Prediction of Jesus' departure: 13:31-35
D. Prediction of Peter's denials: 13:36-38

II. A message of preparation and comfort: 14:1-27

A. The preparation: 14:1-4

B. The way: 14:5-15
C. The Comforter: 14:16-21,26
D. Manifestation to His own: 14:22-31

III. Vital union with Jesus: 15:1-27

A. Union with the vine: 15:1-8

B. Union in love: 15:9-17
C. Disunion with the world: 15:18-25
D. Union with the Comforter: 15:26-27

IV. Preview of the future: 16:1-33

A. Coming persecution foretold: 16:1-6

B. The Comforter to come: 16:7-16
C. Prophecy of Christ's return to Heaven: 16:16
D. The perplexed disciples: 16:17-19
E. Turning sorrow to joy: 16:20-30
F. Faith for the future: 16:31-33

V. The prayer of Jesus: 17:1-26

A. For Himself: 17:1-8

B. For His present disciples: 17:9-19
C. For His future followers: 17:20-26

Part Four: The Final Days 18:1-19:42

I. The capture: 18:1-14

A. Meeting in the Garden: 18:1

B. Betrayal of Judas: 18:2-3
C. The non-resistance of Jesus: 18:4-9
D. Violence waived by Jesus: 18:10-11
E. The departure to Annas: 18:12-14

II. Peter's first denial: 18:15-18

III. The hearing before Annas: 18:19-24

A. Testimony of defense: 18:19-21

B. Judgment by Annas: 18:22-24

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IV. The second denial by Peter: 18:25-26

V. The third denial by Peter: 18:26-27

VI. The hearing before Pilate: 18:28-19:16

A. Public hearing: 18:28-32

B. Private hearing: 18:33-38
C. Barabbas: 18:38-40
D. Abuse by the Romans: 19:1-3
E. Death demanded: 19:4-8
F. Pardon rejected: 19:9-16

VII. The death of Jesus: 19:17-30

A. The crucifixion: 19:17-18

B. The obituary title: 19:19-22
C. A show of unconcern: 19:23-24
D. The bereaved: 19:25-27
E. The death of Jesus: 19:28-30

VIII. The burial: 19:31-42

A. Inspection of the body: 19:31-37

B. The burial: 19:38-42

Part Five: Resurrection and Appearances 20:1-21:23

I. The resurrection of Jesus: 20:1-31

A. The evidence of an open tomb: 20:1-10

B. The testimony of two messengers: 20:11-13
C. The witness of the risen Lord: 20:14-29
1. To Mary Magdalene: 20:14-18
2. To the disciples without Thomas: 20:19-25
3. To the disciples and Thomas: 20:26-29
D. A summary conclusion: 20:30-31

II. A meeting by the sea: 21:1-23

A. An unsuccessful night of fishing: 21:1-3

B. The solution of a Master Fisherman (Jesus): 21:4-6
C. Breakfast with Jesus: 21:7-14
D. Reconfirmation of Peter: 21:15-19
E. Origin of a legend: That the disciple John would never die: 21:20-23
F. Conclusion 21:24-25
1. John is the disciple testifying and writing: 21:24
2. There are many other things Jesus did which are not recorded by John: 21:25

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NOTE: Jesus makes several statements about Himself in the book of John. Each of these statements is
preceded by the words "I am..."

• -I am He (the Messiah): 4:26; 8:24,28; 13:19; 18:5,6,8

• -I am the Bread of Life: 6:35,41,48,51
• -I am the Light of the World: 8:12
• -I am the Door: 10:7,9
• -I am the Good Shepherd: 10:11,14
• -I am the Resurrection and the Life: 11:25
• -I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: 14:6
• -I am the Vine: 15:1,5
• -Before Abraham, I AM: 8:58

The relationship of Jesus with God:

• -In working: 5:19

• -In honor: 5:23
• -In knowing: 5:20
• -In regenerating: 5:24-25
• -In resurrecting: 5:28-29
• -In self-existence: 5:26

John tells of eight private interviews of Jesus with individuals or small groups:

• -Peter and Nathaniel: 1:35-51

• -Nicodemus: 3:1-21
• -The woman at Sychar: 4:6-26
• -The man born blind: 10:35-51
• -Martha and Mary: 11:1-57
• -The apostles: 13:1-16:33
• -Mary Magdalene: 20:1-18
• -Peter: 21:15-23

There are seven witnesses in John who proclaim Jesus as the Messiah:

• -John the Baptist: 1:34

• -Thomas: 20:28
• -Nathaniel: 1:49
• -John: 20:31
• -Peter: 6:69
• Jesus Himself: 10:36
• -Martha: 11:27

The life of John the Baptist:

• -His office: John 1:6-18

• -His clothes and food: Matthew 3:4

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 • -His message: Matthew 3:2-10; Luke 3:3-6,13-14; John 1:29
• -Predicted by: Isaiah (40:3-5) and Malachi (3:1)
• -His testimony: John 1:20,23,27; 3:29-30
• -His predictions: John 3:34-35; Luke 3:16
• -Reassurance that Christ was the Messiah: Matthew 11:2-6
• -The tribute to John by Jesus: Matthew 11:7-11

The Disciple John who wrote this Gospel also wrote 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John and the book of Revelation.

The names of the Holy Spirit used by John:

• -Abiding Presence: 14:16-17

• -Teacher: 14:25-26
• -Witness: 15:26 -Convictor: 16:7-11
• -Guide: 16:13-15

John presents Jesus as both the Son of God (His divine nature) and the Son of Man (His human nature).

Son Of God: 1:34,49; 3:18; 5:25; 10:36; 11:4,27; 19:7, 20:31

Son Of Man: 1:51; 3:13-14; 5:27; 6:27,53,62; 8:28; 9:35; 12:23-24

In addition to using the title "Son of God" to stress the deity of Jesus, John used many other references
to further confirm His divine nature.

The deity of Jesus is mentioned at least once in each chapter in John: 1:49; 2:11; 3:16; 4:26; 5:25; 6:33;
7:29; 8:58; 9:37; 10:30; 11:27; 12:32; 13:13; 14:11; 15:1; 16:28; 17:1; 18:11; 19:7; 20:28; 21:14 10.

The life of John, the author of this book:

• -His family: John 21:2, 19:25; Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40

• -His occupation: Mark 1:19-20
• -His leadership in the early church: Acts 4:1-22; 8:14-15; Galatians 2:9
• -His exile: Revelation 1:1,4,9

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF HISTORY

The book of Acts is the only history book in the New Testament. It records events after the ascension of
Jesus back to Heaven and the day of Pentecost, including the birth and historical record of the first
Church.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
ACTS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Luke
• TO WHOM: All believers, although the book is specifically addressed to Theophilus.
• PURPOSE: The book concerns what Jesus continued to do and teach after His ascension through
His spiritual Body, the Church (Acts 1:1-2).
• KEY VERSE: Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto
the uttermost part of the earth.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The true evidence of the Holy Spirit is directed power: Power to
become witnesses for the purpose of extending the Gospel throughout the world.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: John, Peter, Paul, Silas, Barnabas, John Mark, Philip, Stephen, Ananias and
Sapphira, Dorcas, Cornelius, Felix, Agrippa.

OUTLINE
(Note: This outline follows the command of the Lord given in Acts 1:8 for the extension of the Gospel
from Jerusalem to Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world).

Introduction Acts 1:1-11

I. Introduction: 1:1-2

A. To: Theophilus: 1:1

B. Concerning: What Jesus continued to do and teach after His ascension through His spiritual
Body, the Church: 1:1-2

II. The ministry of Jesus after the resurrection: 1:3

A. Its duration: Forty days: 1:3

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 B. Its purpose: Infallible proof: 1:3
C. Its message: The Kingdom Of God: 1:3

III. The final meeting of Jesus with His disciples: 1:4-8

A. The command to the disciples: 1:4-5

B. The question of the disciples: 1:6
C. The caution to the disciples: 1:7
D. The commission to the disciples: 1:8

IV. The ascension of Jesus into Heaven: 1:9-11

A. Description of the ascension: 1:9

B. Declaration of His second coming: 1:10-11

Part One: Forming The Witness In Jerusalem Acts 1:12-7

I. The forming of the witness: 1:12-2:4

A. Christ's disciples waiting in Jerusalem: 1:12-26

1. The gathering of the disciples: 1:12-15
a. Their meeting place: 1:12-13
b. Their number and names: 1:13-15
c. Their purpose: 1:14
2. The exhortation given to the disciples: 1:15-22
a. The speaker: Peter: 1:15
b. The message 1:16-22
(1) Background: 1:16-20
(2) Instructions: 1:21-22
3. The response of the disciples: 1:23-26
a. The nomination: 1:23
b. The prayer: 1:24-25
c. The election: 1:26
B. The baptism in the Holy Spirit: 2:1-4
1. The occasion: 2:1
2. The people: 2:1
3. The place: 2:1
4. The event: 2:2-4
a. The wind: 2:2
b. The tongues as of fire: 2:3
c. Speaking in tongues: 2:4

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Part Two: Functioning Of The Witness In Jerusalem Acts 2:5-7
I. The first witness: 2:4-40

A. The manner in which the witness was given: 2:4-6

B. The reaction to the witness: 2:7-13
C. The sermon by Peter: 2:14-36
1. Prophecy concerning the time: 2:17
2. Prophecy concerning the spirit: 2: 17-18
3. Prophecy concerning the event: 2:19-20
4. Prophecy concerning salvation: 2:21
5. The work of Jesus: 2:22-36
a. Jesus was approved of God: 2:22
b. Jesus was crucified: 2:23
c. Jesus arose from the dead: 2:24-32
d. Jesus is exalted at God's right hand: 2:33-35
e. Jesus is now the Lord and Christ: 2:36
D. Response to the message: 2:37-40
1. Conviction: 2:37
2. Inquiry: 2:37
3. Instruction: 2:38
4. Promises: 2:38-39
5. Exhortation: 2:40

II. The first local church: 2:41-47

A. Membership of the first church: 2:41

1. Their identity: They which received the Word.
2. Their number: 3,000 B. Spiritual practices of the first church: 2:42
1. The apostles' doctrine.
2. The fellowship of the saints.
3. Communion.
4. Prayer.
C. The living pattern of the first church: 2:44-46
1. Voluntary communal system: 2:44-45
2. Daily worship and testimony: 2:46
3. Fellowship in the homes: 2:46
4. Unity: 2:46
D. The witness of the local church: 2:46-47
1. Nature of the witness: 2:46-47
2. Results of the witness: 2:47

III. The first miracle: 3:1-26

A. The miracle described: 3:1-11

1. The setting: 3:1
2. The man and his need: 3:2-3

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 3. The message: 3:4-6
4. The miracle: 3:7-8
5. The reaction of the multitude: 3:9-11
B. The miracle explained: 3:12-18
1. The man was not healed by the power of the apostles: 3:12
2. The man was healed by God for the purpose of glorifying Jesus: 3:13-15
3. The man was healed by faith in the name of Jesus: 3:16
4. The man was healed to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy: 3:17-18
C. The message of Peter: 3:19-26
1. The promise made by Peter: 3:19-21
a. What God challenged Israel to do: 3:19
b. What God promised He would do: 3:19-21
2. The prophecy of the prophets: 3:22-26
a. The prophecy by Moses and the prophets: 3:22-24
b. The promise of the covenant: 3:25
c. The plan of the Messiah: 3:26

IV. The first opposition: 4:1-31

A. The arrest: 4:1-4

1. Source of the opposition: 4:1
2. Reason for the opposition: 4:2
3. Form of the opposition: 4:3
B. The trial: 4:5-14
1. The court: 4:5-6
2. Questions of the court: 4:7
3. Statement by Peter: 4:8-12
a. Source of his answer: 4:8
b. His answer: 4:9-10
c. His testimony concerning Jesus: 4:10-12
d. His declaration concerning salvation: 4:12
4. The evidence considered by the court: 4:13-14
a. The character of the witnesses: 4:13
b. The testimony of the man who was healed: 4:14
5. The decision: 4:15-22
a. The consultation: 4:15-17
b. The decision: 4:17-18
c. The response of Peter and John: 4:19-20
d. The release: 4:21-22
6. The reaction: 4:21-3
a. The prayer of the church: 4:23-30
b. The activity of the church: 4:31

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V. The first discipline of sin: 4:32-5:16

A. Organization of the church: 4:32-37

1. Its fellowship: 4:32
2. Its witness: 4:33
3. Its economy: 4:32-37
B. The first sin disrupting the fellowship: 5:1-10
1. The sin: 5:1-2
2. Exposure of the sin: 5:3-4
3. Disciplining of the sin: 5:5-10
C. The results of discipline: Fruitful witness of the fellowship: 5:11-16
1. Reverent attitude of the members: 5:11
2. Unity: 5:12
3. Miraculous signs: 5:12, 15-16
4. Community response: 5:12-14

VI. The first persecution: 5:17-43

A. Source of opposition: 5:17

B. Action of the opposition: 5:18
C. Deliverance by God: 5:19-26
1. His act: 5:19
2. His command: 5:20
3. Response to His command: 5:21
4. The discovery of His act: 5:21-23
5. The results of His act: 5:24-26
D. Trial: 5:27-40
1. Indictment by the Sanhedrin: 5:27-28
2. Defense made by Peter: 5:29-32
3. Investigation by the Sanhedrin: 5:33-39
4. Injustice of the decision of the Sanhedrin: 5:40
E. Response to persecution: 5:41-42
1. Rejoicing: 5:41
2. Unity: Met daily together: 5:42
3. Witnessing: Teaching and preaching: 5:42

VII. The first organization: 6:1-7

A. The need for the organization: 6:1

B. The organization suggested: 6:2-4
1. Source of the suggestion: 6:2
2. The reason for the suggestion: 6:2
3. The suggestion: 6:3
4. The advantage of the suggestion: 6:4
C. The organization set up: 6:5-6
1. The method used: 6:5-6
2. The men chosen: 6:5

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 3. Their ordination: 6:6
D. The results of the organization: 6:7
1. The word increased: 6:7
2. The disciples multiplied: 6:7
3. Obedience to the faith: 6:7

VIII. The first martyr: 6:8-8:1

A. The description of Stephen: 6:3-15

1. One of the seven: 6:3,5
2. Filled with the Holy Ghost: 6:5
3. A man of good reputation: 6:3
4. A man of faith: 6:5
5. A man of wisdom: 6:3, 10
6. A man with special power: 6:8
7. An effective witness: 6:9-10
B. The persecution of Stephen: 6:11-15
C. The message of Stephen: 7:1-53
1. Abraham: 7:1-8
2. The patriarchs: 7:9-16
3. Moses: 7:17-43
a. In Egypt: 7:17-28
b. In the wilderness: 7:29-43
4. The tabernacle: 7:44-50
a. Of Moses: 7:44
b. Of Joshua: 7:45
c. Of David: 7:45-46
d. Of Solomon: 7:47-50
e. Of God: 7:48-50
5. The prophets: 7:51-53
D. The witness of Stephen: 7:54-8:1
1. The attitude of the council: 7:54
2. The announcement by Stephen: 7:55-56
3. The action of the council: 7:57-59
4. The death of Stephen: 7:59-8:1

Part Three: The Witness In Judaea and Samaria Acts 8-12

I. Transition: Results of the death of Stephen: 8:1-4

A. The persecution: 8:1,3

B. The burial of Stephen: 8:2
C. The extended witness of the church: 8:4

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II. The witness of Philip: 8:5-40

A. Ministry in Samaria: 8:5-25

1. The witness of Philip: 8:5-13
a. The work of Philip: 8:5-7, 12
b. The response of the Samaritans: 8:6-12
c. Simon the Sorcerer: 8:9-13
2. The work Peter and John: 8:14-17
a. The coming of Peter and John: 8:14
b. The coming of the Holy Spirit: 8:15-17
c. The response of Simon: 8:18-19
d. The warning of Simon: 8:20-24
B. Ministry to the Ethiopian: 8:26-40
1. Preparation: 8:26-28
2. The witness: 8:29-35
3. The response: 8:36-38
C. Transition to Azotus: 8:39-40

III. The witness of Saul: 9:1-31

A. The conversion of Saul: 9:1-9

1. His purpose: 9:1-2
2. His vision: 9:3-9
3. The voice: 9:4-7
4. The blindness: 9:8-9
B. The commissioning of Saul through Ananias: 9:10-19
1. The call: 9:10-16
2. The commission: 9:17-19
C. The mission of Saul: 9:20-31
1. Saul at Damascus: 9:20-25
a. His witness: 9:20-22
b. The response: 9:21-23
c. His escape: 9:23-25
2. Saul at Jerusalem: 9:26-30
a. His reception: 9:26-28
b. His activity: 9:28-29
c. His departure: 9:29-30
D. Transition: Rest in the church: 9:31

IV. The witness of Peter: 9:32-12:35

A. At Lydda: 9:32-35
1. The believers: 9:32
2. The sick man: 9:33
3. Healing of the sick man: 9:34
4. The response: 9:35
B. At Joppa: 9:36-43

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 1. The death of Dorcus: 9:36-37
2. The call of Peter: 9:38-39
3. The ministry of Peter: 9:40-41
4. Response to the ministry: 9:42-43
C. At Caesarea: 10:1-48
1. Cornelius' vision: 10:1-8
a. The man Cornelius: 10:1-2
b. The vision of Cornelius: 10:3-6
c. The response of Cornelius: 10:7-8
2. Peter's vision: 10:9-22
a. The vision: 10:9-12
b. The voice: 10:13-16
3. The arrival of the messengers: 10:17-22
4. The visit to Cornelius' house: 10:23-48
a. The journey: 10:23
b. The reception: 10:24-27
c. The explanation: 10:27-28
d. The question: 10:29
e. The answer: 10:30-33
f. The unfinished sermon: 10:34-43
(1) God is no respecter of persons: 10:34-35
(2) Spread of the Gospel: 10:36-37
(3) The Gospel message: 10:38-43
g. The response of Cornelius: 8:44-48
D. At Jerusalem: 11:1-12:25
1. The problem of Gentile conversion: 11:1-18
a. The problem: 11:1-3
b. The explanation of God's work among the Gentiles: 11:4-17
(1) The vision: 11:4-10
(2) The visitors: 11:11
(3) The visit: 11:12-16
c. The decision: 4:18

V. The church in Antioch of Syria: 11:19-30

A. Evangelization of Antioch: 11:19-21

B. Visit by Barnabus: 11:22-24
C. Saul chosen as pastor-teacher: 11:25-26
D. Information revealed by Agabus: 11:27-30

VI. Persecution led by Herod: 12:1-25

A. The murder of James: 12:1-2

B. The arrest of Peter: 12:3-4
C. The deliverance of Peter 12:5-19
D. The death of Herod: 12:20-23

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VII. The declaration of the Word: 12:24-25

Part Four: Witness to The Uttermost Parts Of The Earth Acts 13-28
I. The first missionary journey: 13:1-14:28

A. The call to ministry: Acts 13:1-3

B. Ministry in Paphos in Cyprus: 13:4-12
C. Ministry in Antioch in Pisidia: 13:13-50
1. Transition to Pisidia: 13:13-16
2. The message: 13:17-37
a. The exodus deliverance: 13:17
b. The wilderness wanderings: 13:18
c. The conquest of Canaan: 13:19
d. The rule of Saul and David: 13:20-23
e. The ministry of John the Baptist: 13:24-25
f. Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus: 13:26-37
g. The invitation: 13:38-41
3. The response: 13:42-50
D. Ministry in Iconium: 13:51-14:5
E. Ministry in Lystra: 14:6-25
F. Ministry in Syria: 14:26-28

II. The Jerusalem council: 15:1-35

A. The problem: 15:1-3

B. The sessions: 15:4-21
1. First public session: 15:4-5
2. Private session of the apostles and elders: 15:6
3. Second public session: 15:7-21
a. Peter's report: 15:7-11
b. Paul and Barnabas' report: 15:12
c. James' report: 15:13-21
C. The decision: 15:19-21
D. The letters: 15:22-35

III. Second missionary journey: 15:36-18:22

A. The argument: 15:36-41

B. Ministry at Lystra: 16:1-5
C. Ministry at Troas: 16:6-10
D. Ministry at Philippi: 16:11-40
E. Ministry at Thessalonica: 17:1-9
F. Ministry at Berea: 17:10-14
G. Ministry at Athens: 17:15-34
H. Ministry at Corinth: 18:1-18

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 I. Ministry at Ephesus: 18:19-21
J. Jerusalem and Antioch: 18:22

IV. Third missionary journey: 18:23-21:14

A. Asia Minor: 18:23

B. Ministry in Ephesus: 18:24-19:41
1. Apollos: 18:24-28
2. Disciples of John: 19:1-7
3. School of Tyranus: 19:8-12
4. The sons of Sceva: 19:13-17
5. Dedication of the converts: 19:18-20
6. The decision: 19:21
7. Defenders of Diana: 19:23-41
C. Ministry in Macedonia and Greece: 20:1-5
D. Ministry in Troas: 20:6-12
E. Ministry in Miletus: 20:13-38
1. The journey: 20:13-16
2. Meeting with the elders from Ephesus: 20:17-35
a. Review of his ministry: 20:17-21
b. Facing the future: 20:22-24
c. Paul's conscience: 20:25-27
d. The warning 20:28-31
e. Commended to God: 20:32
f. Paul's example in labor: 20:33-35
3. The farewell: 20:36-38
F. Ministry in Tyre: 21:1-6
G. Ministry in Ptolemias: 21:7
H. Ministry in Caesarea: 21:8-14

V. The final visit to Jerusalem and the trip to Rome: 21:15-28:31

A. Jerusalem: 21:15-23:32
1. Transition to Jerusalem: 21:15-17
2. Rumors against Paul: 21:18-30
a. That he had degraded the law of Moses: 21:18-26
b. That he had desecrated the Temple: 21:27-30
3. The reaction of Paul: 21:23-26
4. The rescue of Paul: 21:30-32
5. Replies by Paul: 21:33-23:10
a. The Jewish crowd: 22:1-23
b. The Roman centurion: 22:24-26
c. Chief captain: 22:26-30
d. The Sanhedrin: 23:1-10
(1) Paul's confession: 23:1
(2) Encounter with the high priest: 23:2-5

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 (3) A divided court: 23:6-10
6. The revelation to Paul: 23:11
7. Revenge against Paul: 23:12-15
8. Rescue of Paul: 23:16-32
a. The plot revealed: 23:16-22
b. The letter: 23:25-30
c. The escape: 23-32 56
B. Caesarea: 23:33-26:32
1. Before Felix: 23:33-24:27
a. The accusations of Tertulius: 24:1-9
b. The answer of Paul: 24:10-21
c. The response of Felix: 24:22-27
2. Before Festus: 25:1-12
3. Festus and Agrippa: 25:13-27
4. Before Agrippa: 26:1-32
a. Paul speaks for himself: 26:1-23
b. Invitation to the Savior: 26:24-29
c. The verdict: 26:30-32
C. Enroute to Rome: 27:17-28:31
1. The storm: 27:1-44
2. The serpent: 28:1-6
3. The healing: 28:7-10
4. The journey continues: 28:11-15
D. Rome: 28:16-31
1. Meeting with the Jews: 28:16-29
2. Ministry: 28:30-31

The life of the Apostle Paul:

• -Paul's early life: Acts 22:3

• -Paul's persecution of Christianity: Acts 8:1-4; 9:1-2
• -Paul's conversion: Acts 9:3-
• -Paul's early years of service: Acts 9:22-31; 11:22-30
• -First missionary journey: Acts 13:1-14:28
• -The Jerusalem Council: Acts 15:1-35
• -Second missionary journey: Acts 15:36-18:22
• -Third missionary journey: Acts 18:23-21:27
• -Paul visits Jerusalem, is arrested, sent to Caesarea, appeals to Caesar: Acts 21:17-26:32
• -The journey to Rome by sea: Acts 27:1-44
• -Paul's first Roman imprisonment (two years): Acts 28:1-31
• -Paul's final travels: Romans 15:28
• -Paul's second Roman imprisonment and martyrdom: 2nd Timothy 4:6

Life in the first church was:

• -Confessing: 2:4

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 • -Convicting: 2:7
• -Converting: 2:37
• -Consistent: 2:42
• -Continuing: 2:46
• -Communing: 2:46
• -Contagious: 2:47

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS
The next division in the New Testament are the letters, also known as the Epistles. They include the
following books:

• Romans: A presentation of the Gospel which stresses salvation by faith alone.

• 1st Corinthians: Written to correct errors of Christian conduct in the local church.
• 2nd Corinthians: Speaks of the true ministry of the Gospel, stewardship, and Paul's apostolic
authority.
• Galatians: Deals with the error of mixing law and faith. The theme is justification by faith alone.
• Ephesians: Encourages believers everywhere who share a heavenly position with Jesus as
members of the Church.
• Philippians: Emphasizes the joy of the Christian experience.
• Colossians: Deals with the error of "Gnosticism,” a false teaching which denied Jesus was truly
Son of God and Son of Man. The book also emphasizes Jesus as head of the Church.
• 1st Thessalonians: Counsel in Christian living and emphasis on the return of Jesus.
• 2nd Thessalonians: Further instruction on the Lord's return and how knowledge of this should
affect everyday life.
• 1st Timothy: Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government, and principles to guide the
church in the years to come.
• 2nd Timothy: Describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. Warns of the apostasy (spiritual decline)
which had already started and presents the Word of God as the remedy to correct all error.
• Titus: Paul's letter to a young minister named Titus who was serving God on the island of Crete.
Doctrine and a godly life are stressed.
• Philemon: Paul's intercession for a runaway slave of a wealthy Colossian Christian. It illustrates
the intercession of Jesus on the behalf of believers who were once slaves to sin.
• Hebrews: Explains the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Presents Jesus as the Great High
Priest and the one mediator between God and sinful man.
• James: Teaches that true faith is evidenced by works, although salvation is by faith alone.
• 1st Peter: A letter of comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those suffering from
spiritual attacks from without through unbelievers.
• 2nd Peter: A warning against spiritual attacks from within. For example, false teachers who had
already gained position in the church.
• 1st John: Written to combat Gnosticism which denied Christ's position as Son of God and Son of
Man. Emphasizes fellowship and love among believers and assures true believers of eternal life.
• 2nd John: Warns against any compromise with doctrinal error and emphasizes that truth be
guarded in love.
• 3rd John: Warns of the sin of refusing fellowship with those who are true believers.
• Jude: Another warning against apostasy and false doctrine. The theme is similar to that of 2nd
Peter.

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 EPISTLE GROUPS
These can also be grouped by...

• Books Concerning Christ's Return: 1st and 2nd Thessalonians

• Books Emphasizing The Gospel: Romans, Galatians, 1st and 2nd Corinthians
• Books Written By Paul In Prison: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon Pastoral
• Letters: These Books focus on practical matters of church leadership and organization: I and
2nd Timothy and Titus.
• General Epistles: The remaining Epistles APOSTASY "Apostasy" is a term with which you
should be familiar as you survey the epistles. This word means "to depart from the faith." In
several of the epistles the writers deal with the problem of apostasy in the church.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
ROMANS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Believers in Rome.
• PURPOSE: To present the meaning of the Gospel in relation to law, prophecy, and the universal
need of man for justification by faith.
• KEY VERSES: Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek. For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by
faith.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The just shall live by faith.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Adam, Abraham, Isaac

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-7

A. The messenger: Paul: 1:1-6

1. Servant of Jesus Christ.
2. Called as an apostle.
3. Separated to the Gospel of God.
B. The readers: 1:7

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 1. Believers in Rome.
2. The beloved of God.
3. Those called to be saints.
C. The greeting: Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:7

II. Paul's relation to the Romans: 1:8-16

A. His thanksgiving for them: 1:8

B. His prayer for them: 1:9-10
C. His desire to visit them: 1:11-16
1. The desire: 1:11
2. The purpose of the desire: 1:11-12
3. Hindrances to its fulfillment: 1:13
4. The motivation behind the desire: 1:14-16
a. Desire to bear fruit: 1:14
b. His feeling of obligation to all Gentiles: 1:14
c. His readiness to preach at Rome: 1:15
d. His confidence in the Gospel message: 1:16

III. Statement of the theme of the book: The Gospel of power reveals the righteousness of God: 1:16-17

Part One: Doctrinal The Righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel 1:18-8:39

I. The need for righteousness because of universal sin: 1:18-3:20

A. A condemnation of the Gentile world: 1:18-32

1. The wrath of God against sin: 1:18
2. Reasons for the wrath of God: 1:19-23
a. Their knowledge of God leaves them without excuse: 1:19-20.
b. Their corruption of the knowledge of God confirms their guilt: 1:21-23
3. The wrath of God: 1:24-32
a. They are given up to uncleanness: 1:24-25
b. They are given up to evil passions: 1:26-27
c. They are given up to a reprobate mind: 1:28-32
(1) Consequences of their choice: 1:28
(2) The description of their condition: 1:28-32
B. The condemnation of the Jew: 2:1-3:8
1. The principle of divine judgment: 2:1-16
a. The judgment of God according to truth: 2:1-5
(1) The guilt of the one judging others: 2:1
(2) The principle of judgment: 2:2
(3) An appeal to the guilty: 2:3-5
b. The judgment of God according to works: 2:6-15
(1) The principle of judgment: 2:6
(2) The two classes in the judgment: 2:7-12
(3) Obedience to light as the test in judgment: 2:13-15
c. The judgment in relation to Paul's Gospel: 2:16

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 2. The Jew's moral failure: 2:17-29
a. Claims of the Jew: 2:17-20
b. Refutation of the claims of the Jew: 2:21-24
c. Failure to live up to responsibilities: 2:25-29
(1) Of circumcision: 2:25
(2) Of obedience: 2:26-27
(3) A true and false view of a Jew: 2:28-29
3. The Jew's objections: 3:1-8
a. The question of the Jews: 3:1-4
(1) The question: 3:1
(2) The answer: 3:2-4
(3) The objection: 3:5
(4) Denial of the objection: 3:6-8
C. Condemnation of the whole world: 3:9-20
1. The charge that all have sinned: 3:9
2. The proof of universal sin from Scripture: 3:10-18
a. The character of sin: 3:10-12
b. The practice of sin: 3:13-17
(1) In speech: 3:13-14
(2) In conduct: 3:15-17
c. The reason for sin: 3:18
3. The application to the Jew who has the law: 3:19-20

II. The righteousness of God in justification: 3:21-5:21

A. Justification by faith: 3:21-26

1. It is the manifestation of the righteousness of God: 3:21
2. The description of justification by faith: 3:21-26
a. Its relation to the Old Testament: 3:21
b. Availability through faith: 3:22-23
c. Its basis in Christ's redemption: 3:24-25
d. The demonstration of God's justice: 3:25-26
B. Summary of the doctrine of justification: 3:27-31
1. The exclusion of personal merit: 3:27-28
2. The presentation of God's character: 3:29-30
3. The establishment of the law: 3:31
C. The proof of justification by faith from Scripture: 4:1-25
1. Abraham's justification: 4:1-12
a. The question about Abraham's experience: 4:1
b. The means of his justification: 4:2-3
c. The comparison of the two ways of justification: 4:4-5
d. The confirmation from David's testimony: 4:6-8
2. Justification by faith apart from circumcision: 4:9-12
a. The question about circumcision: 4:9-10
b. The answers from Abraham's condition: 4:10

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 c. Abraham's circumcision: 4:11-12
3. The promise achieved by faith: 4:13-17
a. The means of attaining the inheritance: 4:13
b. The reason for the faith method: 4:14-15
c. The recipients of the promise: 4:16
d. The harmony with Scripture: 4:17
4. The example of the faith of Abraham: 4:17-25
a. The object of his faith: 4:17
b. The nature of his faith: 4:18-21
c. The reward of his faith: 4:22
d. The importance of his faith: 4:23-25
D. The permanency of justification: 5:1-11
1. The present results of justification: 5:1-2
2. The inability of trials to destroy this hope: 5:3-5
a. The effect of trials: 5:3-4
b. The experience of God's love: 5:5
3. The love of God in Christ confirms this hope: 5:6-11
a. God's love: 5:6-10
(1) The demonstration of His love for the lost: 5:6-8
(2) The assurance of salvation: 5:9-10
b. The experience of reconciliation: 5:11
E. The foundation of righteousness: 5:12-21
1. Two representative men: 5:12-14
a. The result of Adam's act: 5:12-14
b. The headship of Adam as a type of Christ: 5:14
2. The differences between Adam and Christ: 5:15-17
a. In quality: 5:15
b. In operation: 5:16
c. In results: 5:17
3. The similarities of Adam and Christ: 5:18-21
a. Similarity in scope: 5:18
b. Similarity in operation: 5:19
c. Similarity in measure: 5:20-21

III. The righteousness of God in sanctification: 6:1-8:39

A. The believer's relationship to sin: 6:1-23

1. Death to the principle of sin: 6:1-14
a. The question of remaining in sin: 6:1
b. Rejection of the suggestion: 6:2
c. Our position in baptism: 6:3-11
(1) The question of ignorance concerning baptism: 6:3
(2) The importance of baptism: 6:4
(3) The application to believers: 6:5-10
(4) The call to this position: 6:11

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 2. The believer's death to the practice of sin: 6:15-23
a. The question of continued sin: 6:15
b. Rejection of the suggestion: 6:15
c. An answer from the illustration of slavery: 5:16-23
(1) The question concerning two services: 6:16
(2) The believer's experience with both services: 6:17-18
(3) An appeal for the new position: 6:19
(4) The contrast between the two: 6:20-22
(5) The result of the two services: 6:23
B. The believer's relationship to the law: 7:1-25
1. Dead to the law but alive to God: 7:1-6
a. The dominion of the law: 7:1
b. An illustration from the law of marriage: 7:2-3
c. The application of the principle to the believer: 7:4-6
2. The inability of the law to deliver from sin: 7:7-25
a. The relation of the law to sin: 7:7-13
(1) The nature of the law is not sinful: 7:7
(2) The revelation of sin through the law: 7:7-13
(3) The work of sin through the law: 7:8-11
(4) The law's revelation of the sinfulness of sin: 7:12-13
b. The law's inability to give victory over sin: 7:14-25
(1) The first confession of defeat by sin: 7:14-17
(2) The second confession of indwelling sin: 7:18-20
(3) The third confession and the way of victory: 7:21-25
C. The believer's victory through the Spirit: 8:1-39
1. Deliverance from the power of the flesh by the Spirit: 8:1-11
a. The believer's freedom from condemnation: 8:1-2
b. The basis for the deliverance: 8:3
c. The purpose of the deliverance: 8:4
d. The method of the deliverance: 8:5-10
(1) The two classes of men: 8:5
(2) The two minds: 8:6-7
(3) The two spheres: Flesh and spirit: 8:8-11
e. The deliverance from physical death: 8:11
2. The life of sonship through the Spirit: 8:12-17
a. The obligation to live in the Spirit: 8:12-13
b. Evidence of life in the Spirit: 8:14-17
(1) The leading of the Spirit: 8:14
(2) The nature of the Spirit: 8:15
(3) The witness of the Spirit: 8:16
(4) The heirship of the believer: 8:17
3. Glorification in present suffering: 8:18-30
a. The evaluation of present suffering: 8:18
b. Assurances of glorification: 8:19-30

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 (1) Assurance from creation: 8:19-22
(2) Assurance from the present hope: 8:23-25
(3) Assurance by the Spirit: 8:26-27
(4) Assurance by God at work in the circumstances of life: 8:28
(5) Assurance by God's continued working in us: 8:29-30
4. The assurance of the believer's victory: 8:31-39
a. The believer's relation to God: 8:31-33
b. The believer's relation to Christ: 8:34
c. The believer's relation to circumstances of evil: 8:35-39
(1) The inability of evils of the visible world to separate from Christ:
8:35-37
(2) The inability of evils from the invisible world to separate from Christ:
8:38-39

Part Two: Historical The righteousness of God in His dealings with Israel and all mankind 9:1-
11:36
I. The sorrow of Paul because of Israel's rejection: 9:1-5

A. His feeling: 9:1

B. The intensity of his feeling: 9:2-3
C. The basis for his feeling: 9:3-5

II. The rejection of Israel and God's sovereignty: 9:6-29

A. The rejection of Israel and God's promise: 9:6-13

1. The denial of the failure of God's Word: 9:6
2. The proof that the promise is not based on physical descent: 9:6-13
a. Proof from the family of Abraham: 9:6-9
b. Proof from the family of Isaac: 9:10-13
B. The rejection of Israel and God's justice: 9:14-29
1. The justice of God in the manifestation of His will: 9:14-18
a. The question of God's justice: 9:14
b. The revelation of God's will: 9:15-17
(1) His mercy revealed according to His will: 9:15-16
(2) His judgment is exercised according to His will: 9:17
c. God's action according to His will: 9:18
2. The sovereign power of God: 9:19-29
a. The question and the rebuke: 9:19-20
b. The right of God to act: 9:20-21
c. The exercise of God's power: 9:22-24
(1) His patience with the wicked: 9:22
(2) His revelation of glory: 9:22-24
d. Anticipation of the call of Jew and Gentile: 9:25-29
(1) The call of the Gentile: 9:25-26

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 (2) Announcement concerning the fate of Israel: 9:27-29

III. The rejection of Israel: 9:30-10:21

A. The failure of Israel to achieve righteousness: 9:30-33

1. The fact of Israel's failure: 9:30-31
2. The reason for Israel's failure: 9:32
3. An explanation of Israel's failure: 9:32
4. The confirmation of the results: 9:32
B. The refusal by Israel to accept God's righteousness: 10:1-11
1. The cause for Israel's rejection: 10:1-
2. The nature of righteousness by faith: 10:5-11
a. The comparison of two methods for righteousness: 10:5-8
(1) Righteousness through keeping the law: 10:5
(2) Righteousness through faith: 10:6-8
b. The realization of righteousness through faith: 10:9-10
c. Scriptural assurance of righteousness by faith: 10:11
C. The neglect by Israel of the universal Gospel: 10:12-21
1. The fact of a universal Gospel: 10:12-13
2. The proclamation of the universal Gospel: 10:14-15
3. The reaction of Israel to this universal Gospel: 10:16-21
a. Disregarded: 10:16-17
b. Rejected: 10:18-21

IV. The rejection of Israel and God's purpose for their future: 11:1-32

A. The rejection of Israel left a remnant: 11:1-10

1. The denial that God has cut off His people: 11:1-2
2. The proof of a remaining remnant: 11:2-6
a. The proof from Scripture: 11:2-4
b. The proof from the existence of the remnant: 11:5-6
3. The contrast of the remnant with the nation: 11:7-10
B. The rejection of Israel is not permanent: 11:11-32
1. Israel's condition: 11:11-16
a. The fall of Israel is not permanent: 11:11
b. The fall of Israel is overruled for Gentile salvation: 11:11
c. The restoration of Israel will bring universal blessing: 11:12-15
d. The indication of Israel's future from the past: 11:16
2. The warning to the Gentiles: 11:17-24
a. Against boastfulness: 11:17-18
b. Against pride: 11:19-21
c. Against presumption: 11:22-24
3. The argument for the restoration of Israel: 11:23-24
4. The prophecy concerning Israel's future restoration: 11:25-32
a. The revelation concerning Israel's restoration: 11:25-26
b. Harmony of the restoration with prophecy: 11:26-27.

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 c. Harmony with the divine call of Israel: 11:28-29
d. Harmony with God's purposes: 11:30-32

V. The benediction in praise of God: 11:33-36

A. The declaration concerning God: 11:33

B. The questions about God: 11:34-35
C. Praise to God: 11:36

Part Three: Practical The righteousness of God applied to the life of the believer 12:1-15:13
I. The believer in relation to God: 12:1-2

A. Self-presentation to God: 12:1

B. Continued experience of transformation: 12:2

II. The believer in relation to the church: 12:3-13

A. The use of spiritual gifts with humility: 12:3-8

1. The need for humility: 12:3
2. The relation of the members to each other in the Body: 12:4-5
3. The expression of humility in service: 12:6-8
a. The diversity of the gifts given: 12:6
b. The ministering gifts: 12:6-8
B. The practice of love to members in the church: 12:9-13
1. The nature of this love: 12:9
2. The manifestations of such love: 12:9-13
a. Without dissimulation: 12:9
b. Abhor that which is evil: 12:9
c. Cleave to that which is good: 12:9
d. Be kindly affectionate to each other: 12:10
e. Show brotherly love: 12:10
f. In honor prefer one another: 12:10
g. Do not be slothful in business: 12:11
h. Be fervent in spirit: 12:11
i. Serve the Lord: 12:11
j. Rejoice in hope: 12:12
k. Be patient in tribulation: 12:12
l. Be continually instant in prayer: 12:12
m. Distribute to the needs of the saints: 12:13
n. Be given to hospitality: 12:13
o. Bless them which persecute you: 12:14
p. Rejoice with them that rejoice: 12:15
q. Weep with them that weep: 12:15
r. Be of the same mind one to another: 12:16
s. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate: 12:16

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 t. Be not wise in your own conceits: 12:16
u. Recompense no man evil for evil: 12:17
v. Provide things honest in the sight of all men: 12:17
w. Live peaceably with all men: 12:18
x. Avenge not yourselves: 12:19
y. Respond in love and care to your enemy: 12:20
z. Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good: 12:21

III. The believer in relation to mankind: 12:14-21

A. Love your enemies: 12:14

B. Love towards the interest of others: 12:15
C. Love towards associates: 12:16
D. Love towards a sinful world: 12:17-21
1. The passive bearing of evil: 12:17-19
2. The active reaction toward evil: 12:20-21

IV. The believer in relation to the state: 13:1-14

A. The believer's duties to the government: 13:1-7

1. The duty of obedience to the government: 13:1
2. The reason for obedience to the government: 13:1
3. Refusing obedience to the government: 13:2
4. The motives for obedience to the state: 13:3-5
a. From the function of the government: 13:3-4
b. From Christian conscience: 13:5
5. An illustration of obedience to government: 13:6
6. The call for obedience to the government: 13:7
B. The believer's duties to fellow citizens: 13:8-10
C. The believer's motivation in the hope of the return of Jesus: 13:11-14
1. An appeal to alertness: 13:11
2. The reason for alertness: 13:11-12
3. An exhortation for alertness: 13:12-13
4. The provision for alertness: 13:14

V. The believer in relation to a weaker brother: 14:1-15:13

A. The warning against judging a brother: 14:1-12

1. The proper attitude toward the weaker brother: 14:1
2. The areas of difficulty: 14:2-5
a. The first problem and its adjustment: 14:2-4
b. The second problem and its adjustment: 14:5
3. Making the adjustment: 14:6
4. The motivation: 14:7-9
5. The rebuke for judging a brother: 14:10-12
a. The questions of rebuke: 14:10
b. The basis for the rebuke: 14:10-12

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 c. The prohibition against the violation of a brother's conscience: 14:13-23
(1) Exhortation not to judge one another: 14:13
(2) The apostle's conviction concerning foods: 14:14
(3) The application of this conviction to conduct: 14:15-20
(4) The guiding principle for a strong brother: 14:21
(5) An appeal to both strong and weak: 14:22-23
B. The effort toward unity by following Christ's example: 15:1-13
1. The obligation of a strong brother: 14:1
2. The appeal for unity from Christ's example: 4:2-4
a. The statement of the appeal: 14:2
b. Arguments for the appeal: 14:3
(1) The example of Christ: 14:3
(2) The purpose of the Scriptures: 14:4
3. The request of the Apostle: 15:5-6
4. The command to receive one another: 15:7
5. The illustration from Christ's relation to Jew and Gentile: 15:8-12
a. The ministry of Christ: 15:8-9
b. Scriptural proof: 15:9-12
6. The Apostolic prayer: 15:13

The Conclusion 15:14-16:20

I. Personal matters: 15:14-33

A. Paul's explanation for writing: 15:14-21

1. His attitude in writing: 15:14-16
a. His recognition of them: 15:14
b. His boldness in writing them: 15:15
c. The statement of his commission: 15:16
2. His authorization for writing: 15:17-21
a. His personal boasting: 15:17
b. His humility in speaking of his work: 15:18
c. His ministry to the Gentiles: 15:18-19
d. His aim in selecting a field of labor: 15:20-21
B. His personal plans at the time of writing: 15:22-29
1. Unfulfilled plans: 15:22-24
a. His plans to visit Rome: 15:22-23
b. His plans for Spain: 15:24
2. His immediate plans: 15:25-27
a. His present plans: 15:25
b. Significance of his present plans: 15:26-27
3. His plans for the future: 15:28-29
C. His request for their prayers: 15:30-33
1. The request for prayer: 15:30-32
2. The benediction: 15:33

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II. Friendship matters: 16:1-23

A commendation of Phoebe: 16:1-2

B. The greeting to friends at Rome: 16:3-16
1. Greetings to individuals at Rome: 16:3-15
2. Greetings among believers at Rome: 16:16
3. Greeting from the churches to the Roman believers: 16:16
C. The warning to believers at Rome: 16:17-20
1. Contents of the warning: 16:17
2. Description of the men of whom he is warning: 16:18
3. The reason for the warning: 6:19
4. The promise of victory: 16:20
5. The benediction: 16:20
D. Greetings from his companions: 16:21-24

III. The concluding benediction: 16:25-27

A. The recipient of the praise: 16:25-27

1. The One able to establish them: 16:25-29
2. The only wise God, through Christ: 16:27
B. The praise: 16:27

NOTE: Romans contains five benedictions or blessings which close portions of the book. Romans 11:33-
36; 15:30-33; 16:20; 16:24-27.

Seven results of justification by faith are listed in Romans 5:1-11. Being justified by faith means we:

• -Have peace with God.

• -Have access by faith.
• -Rejoice in the hope of glory.
• -Glory in tribulations.
• -Have the love of God which is shed in our hearts.
• -Shall be saved from the wrath of God.
• -Possess joy in God.

There are three deaths spoken of in the book of Romans:

• -Dead to sin, alive to God: 6:11

• -Dead to the law, married to Christ: 7:4
• -Dead to the flesh, led by the Spirit: 8:13

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 CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
1st AND 2nd CORINTHIANS

1st CORINTHIANS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Believers at Corinth
• PURPOSE: Paul deals with problems which have been brought to his attention and questions
which the Corinthian believers have asked.
• KEY VERSE: 1st Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the
greatest of these is charity.
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Love is the greatest spiritual key to effective Christian life and
ministry.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-9

A. The writers: Paul and Sosthenes: 1:1

B. The readers: 1:2
1. To the church of God at Corinth.
2. Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus.
3. Those called to be saints.
4. All that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ.
C. The greeting: Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:3
D. The thanksgiving: 1:4-8
1. The nature of the thanksgiving: 1:4
2. The basis for the thanksgiving: 1:4
3. The thanksgiving for their past enrichment: 1:5-6
4. Thanksgiving for their present condition: 1:7-8
E. The affirmation of faith: 1:9

II. Church divisions: 1:10-4:21

A. Reaction to the report of their divisions: 1:10-17

1. An appeal for unity: 1:10
2. The source of his information about their divisions: 1:11
3. The nature of their divisions: 1:12
4. Questioning the divisions: 1:13

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 5. Their divisions not due to his ministry: 1:14-17
B. Arguments against church divisions: 1:18-4:5
1. Division is inconsistent with the Gospel: 1:18-3:4
a. The Gospel is not worldly wisdom: 1:18-2:5
(1) The proof from reactions to the Gospel: 1:18-25
(2) The proof from the composition of the church: 1:26-31
(3) The proof from Paul's work: 2:1-5
b. The Gospel is heavenly wisdom: 2:6-3:4
(1) The recipients of this wisdom: 2:6
(2) The nature of the wisdom: 2:6-12
(3) The acquisition of this wisdom: 2:13-3:4
2. Description of true ministers: 3:5-4:5
a. The ministers are laborers in God's field: 3:5-9
(1) The function of ministers: 3:5
(2) The work and reward of ministers: 3:6-8
(3) Summary of the teaching: 3:9
b. Ministers are builders of God's sanctuary: 3:10-23
(1) The work of the builder will be tested: 3:10-15
(2) The destruction of God's sanctuary is punished: 3:16-17
(3) An exhortation concerning their view of ministers: 3:18-23
c. The ministers are stewards of the mysteries of God: 4:1-5
(1) The view to be taken of ministers: 4:1
(2) The demand for faithfulness in the steward: 4:2
(3) The Lord as judge of stewards: 4:3-4
(4) The appeal to withhold judgment until the Lord comes: 4:5
C. The appeal to the Corinthians: 4:6-21
1. Application of the argument to their divisions: 4:6-21
a. The purpose of the application: 4:6
b. The failure to recognize talents as gifts: 4:7
c. The results: 4:8
d. The experience of the apostles: 4:9-13
(1) The low position of the apostles: 4:9
(2) The contrast between them and the Corinthians: 4:10
(3) The description of their experiences: 4:11-13
2. The appeal to follow his example: 4:14-17
a. His aim in writing: 4:14
b. His relation as their spiritual father: 4:15-16
c. His reason for sending Timothy to them: 4:17
3. The warning that their attitude will determine his actions: 4:18-21
a. The puffed-up attitude of some believers: 4:18
b. The coming of Paul to Corinth: 4:19-21

III. Moral problems in the church: 5:1-6:20

A. Immorality: 5:1-13

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 1. Discipline of the incestuous person: 5:1-8
a. The nature of the sin: 5:1
b. Failure of the church to act: 5:2
c. Judgment of the guilty person: 5:3-5
d. Appeal to the church to act: 5:6-8
2. The general principle in handling such cases: 5:9-13
a. His former instructions: 5:9-11
b. The call to act upon this principle: 5:12-13
B. The evil of litigation before worldly courts: 6:1-11
1. The question of such litigations: 6:1
2. The reasons for settling problems in the church: 6:2-6
a. Because of the church's future work of judging: 6:2-3
b. Because their lawsuits set up unqualified judges: 6:4-5
c. Because it shows the church's failure to exercise judgment: 6:5-6
3. The results: 6:7-8
4. The warning against unrighteousness: 6:9-11
C. Holiness of the body: 6:12-20
1. The limitation on Christian liberty: 6:12
2. The application of the principle in two areas: 6:13-14
a. To foods: 6:13
b. To sex: 6:13-14
3. The nature of the believer's body forbids fornication: 6:15
4. A contrast between two unions: 6:16-17
5. Warning to flee fornication: 6:18
6. The nature of the sin of fornication: 6:18
7. The proper use of the body: 6:19-20

IV. Marriage: 7:1-40

A. The problem of marriage and celibacy (remaining single for spiritual purposes): 7:1-9
1. The approval of the celibate life: 7:1
2. Instructions concerning married life: 7:2-6
a. The reason for preferring marriage: 7:2
b. The nature of marriage relations: 7:2
c. Duties in the marriage relation: 7:3-4
d. Regulation of sex relations: 7:5-6
3. The recognition of both marriage and celibacy as proper: 7:7
4. Advice to the unmarried: 7:8-9
B. The problem of marriage and separation: 7:10-16
1. A charge to Christian couples: 7:10-11
a. Authority for the charge: 7:10
b. Contents of the charge: 7:10-11
2. A charge to those of mixed marriages: 7:12-16
a. Nature of the charge: 7:12
b. Contents of the charge: 7:12-16

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 (1) Separation not to be caused by the believer: 7:12-14
(2) Separation when caused by the unbeliever: 7:15-16
C. The believer's life and earthly position: 7:17-24
1. The basic principle of life for the believer: 7:17
2. The application of the principle to life: 7:18-24
a. The principle applied to form religious distinctions: 7:18-20
b. The principle applied to the social status of believers: 7:21-24
D. Advice concerning the unmarried: 7:25-40
1. Advice concerning virgins: 7:25-35
a. The nature of the advice: 7:25-27
b. The reason for the advice: 7:28-31
c. Freedom resulting from his advice: 7:33-35
2. Advice to parents of marriageable daughters: 7:36-38
a. Conditions when marriage should be permitted: 7:36
b. Conditions when permission to marry should be denied: 7:37
c. Both are proper: 7:38
3. Advice to widows: 7:39-40

V. Food offered to idols: 8:1-11:1

A. The relationship of love to knowledge: 8:1-13

1. The need for love with knowledge: 8:1-3
2. The claim to liberty through knowledge: 8:4-8
a. Liberty to eat: 8:4-6
b. Danger to a weaker brother: 8:7
c. Food does not determine relationship to God: 8:8
3. Warning against causing a weaker brother to sin: 8:9-12
a. The warning to those with knowledge: 8:9
b. The effect of this knowledge: 8:10
c. Consequences of acting on knowledge: 8:11-12
d. The voluntary restriction of liberty: 8:13
B. Paul's example of voluntary restriction of liberties: 9:1-27
1. His authority as an apostle: 9:1-3
2. His rights as an apostle: 9:4-12
a. The rights claimed: 9:4-7
b. Justification of his claim: 9:8-12
3. His reasons for waiving these rights: 9:12-23
a. He would not hinder the Gospel: 9:12-14
b. It gives him ground for boasting: 9:15-18
c. It enables him to win more to Christ: 9:19-23
4. An appeal for them to follow his example: 9:24-27
C. The history of Israel as a warning against abuse of liberty: 10:1-13
1. The reminder of Israel's history: 10:1-5
a. Privileges of Israel: 10:1-4
b. The fate of Israel: 10:5

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 2. Warnings from the history of Israel: 10:6-10
a. Lessons in Israel's history: 10:6-10
(1) The general warning against lusting: 10:6
(2) Specific examples: 10:7-10
b. The significance of Israel's experiences: 10:11
3. The resulting admonition to those under testing: 10:12-13
a. Realize the danger of falling: 10:12
b. Encouragement to those being tempted: 10:13
4. The appeal to avoid idolatry: 10:14-22
a. Flee from idolatry: 10:14
b. The argument against participation: 10:15-22
(1) Recipient of the argument: 10:15
(2) The significance of participation: 10:16-22
D. Summary of general principles governing conduct: 10:23-11:1
1. Limitations upon Christian liberty: 10:23
2. Proper consideration for others: 10:24
3. Instructions concerning meats sold for food: 10:25-30
a. Instructions to those eating at home: 10:25-26
b. Instructions to those eating with unbelievers: 10:27-30
E. Concluding instructions: 10:31-11:1
1. Do all to God's glory: 10:31
2. Maintain proper relations with all men: 10:32-33
3. Follow the apostolic example: 11:1

VI. Public worship: 11:2-14:40

A. The covering of women: 11:2-16

1. Praise for their obedience: 11:2
2. The principle of subordination: 11:3-6
3. Establishing the principle of subordination: 11:7-15
a. From the creative relation: 11:7-12
b. From the spiritual relationship: 11:13-15
c. Conclusion of the discussion: 11:16
B. Disorders connected with the Lord’s Supper: 11:17-34
1. Corinthian disorders at the Lord's Supper: 11:17-22
a. The nature of their disorders: 11:18-21
(1) The report of their divisions: 11:18-19
(2) The description of disorders at the Lord's Supper: 11:20-21
b. The rebuke for disorders: 11:22
2. The Lord's Supper: 11:23-28
a. Revelation concerning the Lord's Supper: 11:23
b. The order of the Lord’s Supper: 11:23-25
c. The meaning of the Lord's Supper: 11:26
d. Participation in an unworthy manner: 11:27
e. Participation in a worthy manner: 11:28

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 3. Consequences of disorderly participation: 11:27-34
C. The problem concerning spiritual gifts in the Church: 12:1-14:40
1. The endowment of the gifts: 12:1-31
a. The test of the Spirit: 12:1-3
(1) The desire for them to be informed: 12:1
(2) The reminder of their past condition: 12:2
(3) The test for one speaking in the Spirit: 12:3
b. The diversity of gifts: 12:4-11
(1) The common source: 12:4-6
(2) The purpose of the gifts: 12:7
(3) The gifts: 12:8-10
(4) The source of all gifts: 12:11
c. The nature of the Body of Christ: 12:12-31
(1) Unity of the Body: 12:12
(2) Entrance into the Body: 12:13
(3) Harmony in the Body: 12:14-26
(4) Identification of the Body: 12:27
(5) Differing functions of the members: 12:28-31
2. Using the gifts: 13:1-13
a. The necessity for love in the use of gifts: 13:1-3
(1) The need for love with the gifts of tongues: 13:1 8
(2) Love and superior gifts: 13:2
(3) Love and giving: 13:3
b. Characteristics of love: 13:4-7
(1) Negative characteristics of love: 13:4-6
(2) Positive characteristics of love: 13:6-7
c. The superiority of love: 13:8-13
(1) The comparison of love with passing things: 13:8-12
(2) The superiority of love among permanent things: 13:13
3. The proper use of spiritual gifts: 14:1-40
a. Comparison of the value of tongues and prophecy: 14:1-25
(1) The comparison of their value in the church: 14:1-19
(2) The comparison of their function to unbelievers: 14:20-25
b. The orderly use of tongues and prophecy: 14:26-36
(1) Order in worship: 14:26
(2) Instructions concerning worship services: 14:27-36
c. Concluding statements: 14:37-40

VII. The resurrection: 15:1-58

A. The Gospel of Christ's resurrection: 15:1-11

1. The proclamation and reception of the Gospel: 15:1-2
2. The nature of the Gospel: 15:3-4
3. Witnesses to the resurrection of Christ: 15:5-10
4. Summary statement: 15:11

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 B. The necessity of Christ's resurrection: 15:12-34
1. The necessity of His resurrection for salvation: 15:12-19
a. The denial of the resurrection by some: 15:12
b. Consequences of their denial: 15:13-19
2. Historic necessity of the resurrection: 15:20-28
a. Historic necessity: 15:20
b. The divine provision: 15:21-22
c. The divine order in the program: 15:23-28
(1) The resurrection of Christ as the first fruits: 15:23
(2) The resurrection of those in Christ at His return: 15:23
(3) The end of God's program: 15:24-28
3. The necessity of Christ's resurrection for present Christian conduct: 15:29-34
a. The question concerning baptism for the dead: 15:29
b. The question of jeopardizing our lives: 15:30-34
(1) The foolishness of such conduct: 15:30-32
(2) The rebuke: 15:33-34
4. The prospect of the Christian's resurrection: 15:35-58
a. The nature of the resurrected body: 15:35-49
(1) Questions about the resurrected body: 15:35
(2) Answers about the resurrected body: 15:36-49
b. The change that produces the resurrected body: 15:50-58
(1) The condition requiring the change: 15:50
(2) The nature of the change: 15:51-52
(3) The requirement for the change: 15:53
(4) The triumph of the change: 15:54-57
(5) The concluding appeal for steadfastness: 15:58

VIII. Practical and personal matters: 16:1-24

A. Instructions for raising the collection: 16:1-4

1. Instructions also to be given to the Galatians churches: 16:1
2. The method to be used in collecting money: 16:2
3. The transmission of the collection: 16:3-4
B. Planned visits to Corinth: 16:5-12
1. Paul's visit: 16:5-9
2. The visit of Timothy: 16:10-11
3. The visit of Apollos: 16:12
C. Concluding admonitions to the Corinthians: 16:13-14
D. Acknowledgment of the representatives from Corinth: 16:15-18
1. An appeal concerning the house of Stephanas: 16:15-16
2. A statement about the coming of the three representatives: 16:17-18
E. Concluding greetings: 16:19-24
1. Greetings from others: 16:19-20
2. Salutation from Paul himself: 16:21-24
a. His signature: 16:21

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 b. A final warning: 16:22
c. The benediction: 16:23
d. The expression of affection: 16:24

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2nd CORINTHIANS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Believers at Corinth.
• PURPOSE: To reestablish his apostolic authority was the major purpose, but it also deals with
additional important issues.
• KEY VERSE: 2nd Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Human weakness provides opportunity for manifestation of the
power of God.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy, Titus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-11

A. Greeting: 1:1-2
1. From: Paul and Timothy: 1:1
2. To: The Church of God at Corinth and all saints in Achaia: 1:1
3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:2
B. Suffering: 1:3-11
1. Praise to God for suffering: 1:3
a. The father of Jesus Christ.
b. Father of mercies.
c. God of all comfort.
2. Value of suffering: 1:4-7
a. Ability to comfort others with the comfort by which we were comforted: 1:4
b. Personal consolation in Christ: 1:5
c. Consolation and salvation for others: 1:6-7
3. An example of suffering: Paul in Asia: 1:8-11

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Part One: Exhortation Regarding the Ministry 1:12-7:16
I. Paul's conduct: 1:12-14

A. His testimony: 1:12

1. Simplicity.
2. Godly sincerity.
3. Not with fleshly wisdom.
4. By the grace of God.
B. His letters: 1:13
C. His relationship: 1:14
D. His plans: 1:15-2:4
1. Original plan: 1:15-16
2. The change of plans: 1:17-22
3. Reason for the change: 1:22-2:4
E. Instructions regarding the repentant offender: 2:5-11
1. The offense: 2:5
2. Action advised: 2:6-8
3. Motive for the action: 2:9-11

II. The nature of the ministry: 2:12-6:10

A. Triumph of the ministry: 2:12-17

1. Anxiety at Troas: 2:12-13
2. Triumph in Christ: 2:14-17
B. Authorization of the ministry: 3:1-3
1. Questions about their authorization: 3:1
2. Basis of the authority: 3:2-3
C. The glory of the ministry: 3:4-18
1. It is empowered by God: 3:4-6
2. It is a glorious ministry: 3:7-11
3. It is a simple ministry: 3:12
4. It is an open, revealed ministry: 3:13-16
5. It is a ministry of liberty: 3:17
6. It is a ministry which changes lives into the image of the Lord: 3:18
D. The perseverance of the ministry: 4:1-5:10
1. Perseverance in spite of blindness to the Gospel message: 4:1-7
a. Sincerity of the ministers: 4:1-2
b. Spiritual blindness of the lost: 4:3-4
c. Satanic opposition to the ministry: 4:4
d. Light of the Gospel penetrates darkness: 4:5-6
e. The treasure of this ministry in earthen vessels: 4:7
2. Perseverance in suffering: 4:7-15
a. Description of suffering: 4:8-9
b. Purpose of suffering: 4:10-12
c. Victory in suffering: 4:13-15

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 3. Perseverance inspired by hope: 4:16-5:10
a. Hope in this life: 4:16-18
b. Hope in the future life: 5:1-10
4. The present attitude because of this hope: 5:6-8
a. Confidence: 5:6
b. Faith: 5:7
c. Fearlessness of death: 5:8
d. Acceptable living: 5:9
5. The end of this hope: 5:10
E. The motivation for the ministry: 5:11-17
1. Motive of fear of the Lord: 5:11
2. Motive of concern for others: 5:12-13
3. Motive of the love of Christ: 5:14-15
4. Motive of new life in Christ: 5:16-17
F. The message of the ministry: 5:18-21
1. The position of the ministers: Reconciled 5:18
2. The ministry of the ministers: Reconciliation: 5:18-19
3. The plea of the ministers: Reconciliation: 5:20
4. The basis for the message: 5:21

III. A summary of the ministry: 6:1-10

A. Position of the minister: Workers together with Him: 6:1

B. Plea of the ministers: 6:1-2
C. Conduct of the ministers: 6:3-10
1. Negative: Giving no offense in anything: 6:3
2. Positive: Approving themselves as ministers of God in all things: 6:4-10
a. In patience: 6:4
b. In afflictions: 6:4
c. In necessities: 6:4
d. In distresses: 6:4
e. In stripes: 6:5
f. In imprisonments: 6:5
g. In tumults: 6:5
h. In labors: 6:5
i. In watchings: 6:5
j. In fasting: 6:5
k. In pureness: 6:6
l. In knowledge: 6:6
m. In long suffering: 6:6
n. In kindness: 6:6
o. By the Holy Ghost: 6:6
p. By love unfeigned: 6:6
q. By the word of truth: 6:7
r. By the power of God: 6:7

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 s. Armor of righteousness: 6:7
t. Honor and dishonor: 6:8
u. Evil and good report: 6:8
v. Deceivers yet true: 6:8
w. Unknown yet well known: 6:9
x. Dying yet living: 6:9
y. Chastened and not killed: 6:9
z. Sorrowful yet rejoicing: 6:10
aa. Poor, yet making many rich: 6:10
bb. Having nothing yet possessing all things: 6:10

IV. Consequent appeals in view of this ministry: 6:11-7:4

A. A fatherly appeal: 6:11-13

B. Appeal for separation: 6:14-7:1
1. The command for separation: 6:14
2. Arguments for separation: 6:14-16
3. The results of separation: 6:17-6:18
a. Removal: 6:17
b. Reception: 6:17
c. Relationship: 6:18
C. Appeal for holiness: 7:1
D. Appeal for affection: 7:2-4

V. Recognition of the ministry: 7:5-16

A. Afflictions in Macedonia: 7:5

B. The coming of Titus: 7:6-7
1. Comfort through Titus: 7:6
2. His message: 7:7
C. Paul's former letter: 7:8-12
1. The letter: 7:8
2. Results of the letter: 7:8-11
a. Godly sorrow: 7:8-9
b. Repentance: 7:9-10
c. Salvation: 7:10
d. Carefulness: 7:11
e. Clearing of selves: 7:11
f. Indignation: 7:11
g. Fear: 7:11
h. Desire: 7:11
i. Zeal: 7:11
j. Revenge: 7:11
k. Approval in all things: 7:11
3. Purpose of the former letter: 7:12
D. Comfort from the joy of Titus: 7:13-15

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 E. Confidence expressed in the Corinthian believers: 7:16

Part Two: A Plea Concerning the Collection 8:1-9:15

I. Example: The giving of the Macedonians: 8:1-6

A. The explanation concerning their giving: 8:1

B. The circumstances of their giving: 8:2
1. Great trial of affliction.
2. Abundance of joy.
3. Deep poverty.
4. Riches of liberality.
C. The manner of their giving: 8:3-5
D. The result their giving: 8:6

II. Exhortation: The appeal for Christian giving: 8:7-15

A. The appeal: 8:7

B. The motives of such giving: 8:8-12
1. Love: 8:8
2. Example of Jesus Christ: 8:9
3. Willingness: 8:19-12
C. Principles of equality in giving: 8:13-15

III. The messengers to Corinth: 8:16-9:5

A. Approval of the messengers: 8:16-24

1. The coming of Titus to Corinth: 8:16-17
2. Brethren accompanying Titus to Corinth: 8:18-22
3. Recommendation of the messengers: 8:23
4. Request to receive them properly: 8:24
B. Explanation for sending the messengers: 9:1-5
1. The situation in Achaia concerning the collection: 9:1-2
2. Purposes for sending the brethren about the collection: 9:3-4
3. Commission of the brethren concerning the collection: 9:5

IV. The blessings of liberal giving: 9:6-15

A. The basic principle of giving: 9:6

B. The right spirit for giving: 9:7
C. The results of liberal giving: 9:8-14
1. All grace from God: 9:8
2. Sufficiency in all things: 9:8
3. Abounding in every good work: 9:8
4. Blessings on the poor: 9:9
5. Material blessings: 9:10
6. Spiritual blessings: 9:10

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 7. Increase in fruits of righteousness: 9:10
8. Enriched in all things: 9:11
D. Reaction of those receiving the gift: 9:11-14
1. Thankfulness to God: 9:11-13
2. Regard for the givers; 9:14
E. The basis of the blessings of giving: 9:15

V. Vindication: Paul's defense of his ministry: 10:1-13:10

A. Power: The apostle's authority: 10:1-18

1. His appeal to the church: 10:1-6
a. The basis for his appeal: 10:1
b. The contents of his appeal: 10:2
c. A description of his warfare: 10:3-6
(1) The spiritual nature of his warfare: 10:3
(2) The spiritual weapons of his warfare: 10:4
(3) The battle in the warfare: 10:5-6
B. The answer to a misled member: 10:7-11
1. An appeal to consider reality: 10:7
2. The verification of his authority: 10:8-9
3. The criticism: 10:10
4. The warning to "such a one": 10:11
C. The claims of false teachers: 10:12-18
1. The boasting of false teachers: 10:12
2. Justified boasting: 10:13-18
a. The standard of measurement: 10:13
b. The achievement to be measured: 10:14-18

VI. Apostleship: Paul's boasting: 11:1-12:13

A. His request to be permitted to boast: 11:1-4

1. Statement of the request: 11:1
2. Reasons for the request: 11:2-4
a. His personal concern for them: 11:2
b. His anxiety concerning them: 11:3-4
B. Refuting personal inferiority: 11:5-15
1. His position: 11:5
2. His preaching: 11:6
3. His service: 11:7-15
C. Paul's reasons for boasting: 11:16-12:10
1. The preparation for boasting: 11:16-21
a. The reluctance to boast: 11:16-17
b. The need for the boasting: 11:18
c. The consolation in his boasting: 11:19-21
2. The first boasting: 11:22-33
a. Boasting as to the flesh: 11:22

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 b. Boasting concerning service: 11:23-29
c. Boasting in infirmities: 11:30-33
3. The second boasting: 12:1-10
a. His feeling about boasting: 12:1
b. Boasting about visions: 12:2-5
c. Boasting in weakness: 12:6-10
D. A review of his boasting: 12:11-13
1. The feeling about the boasting: 12:11
2. The cause for the boasting: 12:11-13
a. Their failure to commend him: 12:11
b. Their obligation to commend him: 12:11-13

VII. The apostle's proposed visit to Corinth: 12:14-13:10

A. His service to them: 12:14-18

1. His free service upon arrival: 12:14
2. The reasons for his attitude: 12:14
3. His willingness to be spent for them: 12:15
4. Refutation of slander against him: 12:16-18
B. His concern about conditions upon his arrival: 12:19-21
1. Correction of false impressions: 12:19
2. His concerns about them: 12:20-21
C. His plan upon arrival: 13:1-4
1. The investigation he will make: 13:1-2
2. The proof that will be given them: 13:3-4
D. A final appeal to the Corinthian believers: 13:5-10
1. An appeal for self-testing: 13:5-10
2. A prayer for them: 13:7-9
3. The purpose of his letter to them: 13:10

Conclusion 13:11-14

I. An exhortation: 13:11

A. The command: 13:11

1. Be perfect.
2. Be of good comfort.
3. Be of one mind.
4. Live in peace.
B. The result: 13:11

II. The closing greetings: 13:12-13

III. The benediction: 13:14

A. Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Love of God.
C. Communion of the Holy Ghost

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2nd Corinthians reveals much about the person and work of Satan. 2nd Corinthians 2:10-11; 4:4; 11:3, 13-
15; 12:7.

At least four names for believers are found in 2nd Corinthians which are not found elsewhere in the
Bible. These are:

• Living epistles: 3:2-3

• A sweet savor of Christ: 2:15
• Treasure carried in earthen vessels: 4:7
• Ambassadors of Christ: 5:

Paul's example as revealed in 1st Corinthians:

• -Loyal in message, method, and motive: 2:1-5

• -Sound in building: 3:10-23
• -Trustee of the truth of the Gospel: 4:1-6
• -Endured tribulations for Jesus: 4:9-16
• -Considerate of weaker brethren: 6:12; 8:13
• -Relinquished his rights: 9:12-18
• -Denied himself in order to reach souls: 9:19-23
• -Self-disciplined: 9:27; 10:33
• -Demonstrated proper restraint in public assemblies: 14:18-20
• -Humble: 15:9-10

1st Corinthians 15 is the longest passage in the Bible concerning the future resurrection of believers. The
changes that will occur:

• -The body is sown (dies, is buried) in corruption, it is raised (through resurrection) in

incorruption.
• -It is sown in dishonor and raised in glory.
• -It is sown in weakness and raised in power.
• -It is sown a physical body and raised a heavenly body.
• -It is sown a flesh and blood body but raised a changed body.
• -It is sown a mortal body and raised an immortal body.

The Holy Spirit divides or distributes these gifts among believers as He will: Chapter 12

• -There are many gifts, but one Spirit: 4-11

• -There are many members but one body: 12-27
• -There are many ways to serve, but one Church: 28-31

The gifts have no value unless they are used with love: Chapter 13

• -Spiritual gifts are not effective without love: 1-3

• -The characteristics of love: 4-8
• -Love is the greatest gift of all: 9-13

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The most desirable gift is the gift of prophecy: Chapter 14

• -It edifies the church: 1-22

• -It convinces outsiders (the unsaved): 23-28
• -It should be used properly: 29-40

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 CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
GALATIANS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Believers at Galatia.
• PURPOSE: To correct false teaching of Jewish legalism in the Church.
• KEY VERSE: Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Jesus delivered us from law to liberty.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Peter, James, Cephas, John, Barnabas, Titus, Abraham

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-5

A. From: Paul: 1:1

1. An apostle.
2. Not of men.
3. By Jesus Christ and God the Father.
B. To: The churches of Galatia: 1:2
C. Grace and peace from Jesus: 1:3-5
1. Who gave Himself for our sins: 1:4
2. Who delivered us from the present evil world: 1:4
3. According to the will of God the Father: 1:4
4. To whom be glory for ever: 1:5

II. The rebuke: 1:6-10

A. Astonishment at the departure from the Gospel: 1:6

B. Statement of the departure to "another gospel" which is false: 1:6-7
C. The seriousness of the matter: No matter who preaches another gospel, they are accursed:
1:8-9
D. Paul's attitude towards the matter: 1:10

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Part One: The Liberty of The Gospel a Personal Argument 1:11-2:21
I. How Paul received the Gospel: 1:11-24

A. The origin through revelation: 1:11-12

B. His conduct previous to receiving the Gospel: 1:13-14
1. Taught the Jewish religion: 1:13
2. Persecuted the Church of God: 1:13
3. Profited in the Jewish religion above his equals: 1:14
4. Was zealous of the Jewish tradition: 1:14
C. Description of the revelation received: 1:15-17
1. Source of the revelation: God: 1:15
2. Subject of the revelation: His Son: 1:16
3. Purpose of the revelation: That Paul might preach Him among the heathen: 1:16
4. Response to the revelation: 1:16-17
a. He conferred not with flesh and blood: 1:16
b. He did not go to the apostles at Jerusalem: 1:17
c. He went to Arabia and Damascus: 1:17
D. Paul's independence of the Jerusalem apostles: 1:18-20
1. His first visit to Jerusalem: 1:18-20
a. The time of the visit: 1:18
b. The purpose of the visit: 1:18
c. The duration of the visit: 1:18
d. Contacts during the visit: 1:19-20
E. Paul's subsequent absence from Jerusalem: 1:21-24
1. The place of his withdrawal: 1:21
2. The lack of acquaintance with the churches in Judea: 1:22
3. The response of the churches to reports about him: 1:23-24

II. How the Gospel received by Paul was confirmed by the apostles at Jerusalem: 2:1-10

A. The circumstances of its presentation to them: 2:1-2

1. The journey to Jerusalem: 2:2
2. The presentation made by Paul at Jerusalem: 2:2
B. The result of Paul's presentation of the Gospel to them: 2:3-10
1. His position as reflected in Titus: 2:3
2. His conflict with false brethren: 2:4-5
a. Their presence: 2:4
b. Paul's refusal to yield to their demands: 2:5
3. Approval by Jerusalem leaders of the Gospel received by Paul: 2:6-10
a. Their failure to add anything to his Gospel: 2:6
b. Their approval of his Gospel: 2:7-10
c. The basis of their approval: 2:7-9
d. The expression of their approval: 2:9
e. The one request made in their approval: 2:10

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III. Paul's rebuke of Peter for his yielding to legalistic pressure in Antioch: 2:11-21

A. Reason for the rebuke: 2:12

B. Effect of the inconsistent conduct of Peter: 2:13
C. Justification for giving the rebuke: 2:14-21
1. Paul's question to Peter: 2:14
2. Paul's explanation of his doctrinal position: 2:15-21
a. Insufficiency of the law: 2:15-18
(1) We are justified by faith, not the law nor by works: 2:16
(2) If we rely on the law, we are transgressors: 2:17-18
b. The new life in Christ: 2:19-21
(1) The effect of the law led to the new life: 2:19
(2) The nature of the new life: 2:20
(3) The grace of God is nullified by law keeping: 2:21

Part Two: The Liberty Of The Gospel A Doctrinal Argument 3:1-4:31

I. The doctrine of justification by faith: 3:1-4:7

A. Justification by faith: 3:1-14

1. Inconsistency of their conduct: 3:1-5
a. Turning from Christ: 3:1
b. Question about the start of their Christian life: 3:2
c. A question about their method of perfection: 3:3
d. The question about their sufferings as believers: 3:4
e. The question about the basis of God's work in them: 3:5
B. The example of Abraham's justification: 3:6-9
1. The means of Abraham's justification: 3:6
2. The identity of the sons of Abraham: 3:7
3. The announcement to Abraham by God of justification through faith: 3:8
4. The heirs of the blessings of Abraham: 3:9
C. Deliverance from law and works through Jesus Christ: 3:10-14
1. The curse on those under law and works: 3:10
2. The inability of law and works to justify: 3:11-12
3. Deliverance from the curse through Jesus: 3:13-14
a. The means of deliverance from the curse: 3:13
b. The purpose in deliverance from the curse: 3:14
D. The limitations of the law and its relation to faith: 3:15-14:7
1. The covenant of faith with Abraham: 3:15-18
a. The covenant was binding: 3:15
b. It was to Abraham and his seed: 3:16
c. The promise was not altered by the law: 3:17
d. The inheritance is not through the law but by promise: 3:18
2. The true place and purpose of the law: 3:19-29

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 a. The temporary nature of the law: 3:19-20
b. The inability of the law to produce life: 3:21-22
c. The law was an instrument to bring us to Christ: 3:23-29
E. The contrasts of law and faith: 4:1-7
1. The illustration of the position of an heir as a minor: 4:1-2
2. Application of the illustration to believers: 4:3-6
a. Bondage as minors: 4:3
b. Free as sons: 4:4-6
3. The conclusion for the believer: 4:7

II. An appeal to the Galatian believers to drop their legalism: 4:8-31

A. Accepting Jewish legalism is a return to bondage: 4:8-11

1. Their past condition of bondage: 4:8
2. Their deliverance from bondage: 4:9
3. Legalism is returning to bondage: 4:9-10
4. Their actions cause concern to Paul: 4:11
B. The appeal from his relation to them: 4:12-20
1. An appeal for them to adopt Paul's position: 4:12
2. A reminder of his past relation to them: 4:12-14
3. The change in their relation to him: 4:15-18
4. The travail he is experiencing for them: 4:19-20
C. The appeal from the two contrasted covenants, law and grace: 4:21-31
1. A question to those desiring to be under the law: 4:21
2. The story of Abraham's two sons: 4:22-23
3. The interpretation of the story: 4:24-23
a. The two methods represent two covenants: 4:24
b. The description of the two covenants: 4:24-28
(1) One represents bondage: 4:24-25
(2) The other represents freedom: 4:26-28
c. The expulsion of the son of bondage: 4:29-30
d. Conclusion of the story: 4:31

Part Three: The Liberty of The Gospel Practical Application 5:1-6:18

I. The call to maintain Christian liberty: 5:1-12

A. The peril in circumcision: 5:2-6

1. It makes Christ useless to them: 5:2
2. It makes them subject to the whole law: 5:3
3. It severs them from Christ: 5:4
4. It is a fall from grace: 5:4
5. The proper Christian attitude: 5:5-6
B. The condemnation of the false teacher: 5:7-12
1. Their error: 5:7-8

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 2. Example of their teaching: 5:9
3. Condemnation of the one troubling them: 5:10-12

II. The life of Christian liberty: 5:13-6:10

A. The life is directed by love: 5:13-15

1. The believer is called to liberty: 5:13
2. The proper use of Christian liberty: 5:13
3. The fulfillment of the law through love: 5:14
4. The results of a lack of love: 5:15
B. It is a walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh: 5:16-25
1. The command to walk in the Spirit: 5:16
2. The conflict between the Spirit and the flesh: 5:17-18
3. The contrast between products of the flesh and the Spirit: 5:19-23
a. The works of the flesh: 5:19-21
b. The fruit of the Spirit: 5:22-23
4. The people living by the Spirit: 5:24-25
a. They have crucified the flesh: 5:24
b. They live and walk in the Spirit: 5:25
C. It is a life of mutual burden bearing: 5:26-6:10
1. Bearing faults: 5:26-6:5
a. The warning against wrong attitudes toward others: 5:26
b. The attitude of humility in restoring the fallen: 6:1
c. The duty of mutual burden-bearing: 6:2
d. The proper attitude towards self: 6:3-5
D. It is a life governed by basic principles: 6:6-10
1. The principle of communication: 6:6
2. The principle of spiritual harvest: 6:7-8
3. The principle of well doing: 6:9-10

III. The conclusion:

A. Reference to his large letters: 6:11

B. Rebuke of his adversaries: 6:12-13
C. His confidence in the cross: 6:14-16
1. Glorying in the cross: 6:14
2. Crucifixion through the cross: 6:15
3. Blessings on those accepting this principle: 6:16
4. He bears the marks of the Lord in his own body: 6:17

IV. The benediction: 6:18

NOTE: Things to bear:

• -Fruit-bearing: Galatians 5:22-23

• -Burden-bearing: Galatians 6:2
• -Seed-bearing: Galatians 4:7,9

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 • -Brand-bearing Galatians 6:17

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 CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
EPHESIANS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: The church at Ephesus.
• PURPOSE: To inform believers of their wealth in Christ and instruct concerning their walk in
Christ.
• KEY VERSE: Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Believers are heirs to both the blessings (the wealth) and the
responsibilities (the walk) of their calling in Christ.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Tychicus

OUTLINE
Part One: Our Wealth in Christ 1:1-3:21

I. Introduction: 1:1-2

A. From Paul: 1:1

B. To the saints at Ephesus: 1:1
C. Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:2

II. Praise for spiritual possession: 1:3-14

A. He has chosen us: 1:4

B. He has predestined us: 1:5-6
C. We have redemption in Him: 1:7
D. He shows wisdom towards us: 1:8
E. He reveals the mystery of His will: 1:9-10
F. In Him we have obtained an inheritance: 1:11-12
G. We have been sealed by the Spirit: 1:13-14

III. Prayer for spiritual perception through Christ: 1:15-23

A. The basis of the prayer: 1:15

B. The nature of the prayer: 1:16
C. The God addressed by the prayer: 1:17
D. The gifts requested in the prayer: 1:17
1. Wisdom.
2. Revelation in the knowledge of Him.

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 E. The purpose of the prayer: 1:18-23
1. That they may realize the hope of His calling: 1:18
2. That they may receive the riches of His inheritance: 1:18
3. That they may know His power: 1:19-23
a. The nature of His power: 1:19
b. The manifestation of His power in Christ: 1:20-23

IV. Our condition in Christ: 2:1-10

A. Before Christ: 2:1-3

1. Spiritual death: 2:1
2. Walked according to the way of the world: 2:2
3. Subject to Satan: 2:2
4. Disobedient spirit: 2:2
5. Evil conversation: 2:3
6. Children of wrath: 2:3
7. Flesh bound affections: 2:3
a. Desire of the flesh: Worldly appetites
b. Desires of the mind: Worldly ambitions
B. Our new condition in Christ: 2:4-10
1. Quickened: 2:5
2. Saved by grace: 2:5
3. Raised to heavenly places: 2:6
4. In favor with God: 2:7
C. The reason for the new condition: 2:8-10
1. Salvation which is: 2:8
a. By faith: 2:8
b. A gift of God: 2:8
2. Salvation which is not: 2:8-9
a. Of ourselves: 2:8
b. Of works: 2:9
3. The continual working of Christ Jesus in our lives: 2:10

V. Our old relationship: 2:11-12 "At times ye were..."

A. Without Christ: 2:12

B. Aliens: 2:12
C. Strangers: 2:12
D. Having no hope: 2:12
E. Without God: 2:12

VI. The new relationship: 2:19-22 "Now therefore ye are..."

A. Citizens of one city: 2:19

B. Members of one family: 2:19
C. Built on one foundation: 2:20
D. Parts of one building: 2:21

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 E. Indwelt by one Spirit: 2:22

VII. How the change happened: 2:13-18 "But now in Christ Jesus..."

A. Distance done away: Ye are made nigh: 2:13

B. Disunion done away: Both made one: 2:14
C. Division done away: Broken middle wall: 2:14
D. Dissension done away: Abolished enmity: 2:15
E. Distinction done away: 2:15-18
1. One new man: 2:15
2. Reconciled to God: 2:16
3. Peace with God: 2:17
4. Access to God: 2:18
5. No more strangers and foreigners: 2:19-22
a. Fellow citizens: 2:19
b. Built on the right foundation: 2:20
c. A proper spiritual building: 2:21
d. A holy temple in the Lord: 2:21
e. A habitation of God through the Spirit: 2:22

VIII. Revealing the divine mystery: 3:1-12

A. Paul as a messenger of the mystery: 3:1-13

1. His relation to the mystery: 3:1-5
a. His position as prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles: 3:1
b. His stewardship of God's grace towards the Gentiles: 3:2
c. His knowledge of the mystery by revelation: 3:3-5
2. Statement of the mystery: 3:6
3. Paul's ministry in connection with this mystery: 3:7-12
a. The source of his ministry: 3:7
b. The attitude of one given this ministry: 3:8
c. The contents of the ministry: 3:8-9
d. The purpose of the ministry: 3:10-11
e. The blessings of the ministry: 3:12
f. The sufferings of the ministry: 3:13

IX. Possessing the divine mystery: 3:14-21

A. Introduction to the prayer for possession: 3:14-15

B. The request: 3:16-17
1. That they might be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man: 3:16
2. That they might experience the presence of Christ: 3:17
3. That they will be rooted and grounded in love: 3:17
4. That they will have spiritual comprehension of the love of Christ: 3:18-19
a. Its boundaries: 3:18
b. Its divine nature: 3:19
5. That they might be filled with the fullness of God: 3:19

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 C. Conclusion of the prayer: 3:20-21
1. The ability of the One addressed: 3:20
2. Praise to the One addressed: 3:21

Part Two: Our Walk in Christ 4:1-6:24

I. The corporate walk of the church: Walk worthy: 4:1-16

A. Through proper attitude: 4:2

1. Lowliness.
2. Meekness.
3. Long suffering.
4. Forbearing one another in love.
B. Through unity: 4:3-6
1. In peace: 4:3
2. In one body: 4:4
3. In one spirit: 4:4
4. In one hope of your calling: 4:4
5. In one Lord: 4:5
6. In one faith: 4:5
7. In one baptism: 4:5
8. In one God: 4:6
a. Father of all.
b. Above all.
c. Through all.
d. In you all.
C. By following the example of Christ: 4:7-10
D. Through proper structure: 4:11-13
1. Spiritual gifts: 4:11
a. Apostles.
b. Prophets.
c. Evangelists.
d. Pastors.
e. Teachers.
2. Their purposes: 4:12-16
a. Perfecting of saints: 4:12
b. Work of the ministry: 4:12
c. Edifying the Body of Christ: 4:12
d. Unity of the faith: 4:13
e. Knowledge of the Son of God: 4:13
f. Perfection after Christ: 4:14
g. Spiritual maturity: 4:14-15
E. By becoming part of the Body: 4:16
1. Joined together.

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 2. Each part of the body functioning in its place.
3. Increasing through the edification of love.

II. The individual walk of believers: 4:17-5:2

A. How not to walk: 4:17-25

1. In vanity of mind: 4:17
2. With understanding darkened: 4:18
3. Alienated from the life of God through ignorance and blindness: 4:18
4. Given over to lasciviousness, uncleanness, and greediness: 4:19
B. How to walk: 4:20-5:2
1. In Christ: 4:20-21
2. Putting off the old man: 4:22
3. Renewing the spirit of your mind: 4:23
4. Put on the new man: 4:24
5. Put away sinful conduct: 4:25-30
a. Lying: 4:25
b. Anger: 4:26-27; 31
c. Stealing: 4:28
d. Corrupt communication: 4:29
e. Grieving the Holy Spirit: 4:30
f. Bitterness: 4:31
g. Wrath: 4:31
h. Anger: 4:31
i. Evil speaking: 4:31
j. Malice: 4:31
6. Assume righteous conduct: 4:32-5:1
a. Kind: 4:32
b. Tenderhearted: 4:32
c. Forgiving: 4:32
d. As obedient children: 5:1

III. Our walk-in relation to the world: 5:2-21

A. Walk in love following Christ's example: 5:2

B. Walk in holiness: 5:3-5
1. Without fornication: 5:3
2. Without uncleanness: 5:3
3. Without covetousness: 5:3
4. Without filthiness: 5:4
5. Without foolish talking: 5:4
6. Without jesting: 5:4
7. With an attitude of thankfulness: 5:4
C. Walk with eternity in mind: 5:5
D. Do not be deceived with vain words: 5:6
E. Do not form evil alliances: 5:7

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 F. Walk in the light: 5:8
G. Develop the fruit of the Spirit: 5:9
1. Goodness.
2. Righteousness.
3. Truth.
H. Prove what is acceptable unto the Lord: 5:10
I. Do not walk in darkness: 5:11-14
1. Have no fellowship with darkness: 5:11
2. Reprove unfruitful works: 5:11
3. Do not speak of things done in darkness: 5:12
4. Spread light in darkness: 5:13
5. Awake those who are sleeping in spiritual darkness: 5:14
J. Walk as the wise, not as fools: 5:15
K. Redeem the time: 5:16
L. Understand God's will: 5:17
M. Do not be drunk with wine: 5:18
N. Be filled with the Spirit: 5:18
1. Speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: 5:19
2. Making melody in your heart: 5:19
3. Giving thanks for all things to God in the name of Jesus: 5:20

IV. Our walk in regard to special relationships: 5:21-6:9

A. Other believers: Submit yourselves in the fear of God: 5:21

B. Wives: 5:22-24
1. Submit yourselves unto your own husband as unto the Lord: 5:22
2. Recognize the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church:
5:23
3. Be subject to your husband in everything just as the Church is subject to Christ: 5:24
C. Husbands: 5:25-33
1. Love your wives as Christ loved the church: 5:25-29
2. Be joined to your wife as the Church is joined to Christ: 5:30-33
a. One body: 5:30
b. Forsaking all others: 5:31-32
D. To both husband and wife: 5:33
1. Husband love your wife as yourself: 5:33
2. Wife reverence your husband: 5:33
E. Children: Honor your parents: 6:1-3
F. Fathers: 6:4
1. Do not provoke your children to wrath.
2. Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
G. Servants: 6:5-8
1. Be obedient to your masters: 6:5
2. Have an attitude of respect: 6:5
3. Be loyal (singleness of heart): 6:5

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 4. Serve them as you are serving Christ: 6:6-7
5. Recognize your reward comes from the Lord: 6:8
H. Masters: 6:9
1. Treat your servants the same way: 6:9
2. Recognize that you also serve a Master: 6:9
3. There is no respect of person by the Lord: 6:9

V. Our walk as it regards Satanic powers: 6:10-20

A. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might: 6:10

B. Put on the whole armor of God: 6:11-20
1. The purpose: That you are able to stand against Satan and his wiles: 6:11,13
2. The enemy: 6:12
a. Principalities.
b. Powers.
c. Rulers of the darkness of this world.
d. Spiritual wickedness in high places.
3. The armor: 6:14-20
a. Loins girt with truth: 6:14
b. Breastplate of righteousness: 6:14
c. Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace: 6:15
d. The shield of faith: 6:16
e. The helmet of salvation: 6:16
f. The sword of the Spirit: 6:17
g. Prayer: 6:18-20

VI. Conclusion: 6:21-24

A. Personal matters: 6:21-22

1. Commissioning of Tychicus as messenger: 6:21
2. The purpose of sending Tychicus to them: 6:21-22
a. To make known the message: 6:21-22
b. To inform of Paul's affairs: 6:22
c. To comfort them: 6:22
B. The conclusion: 6:23-24
1. The desire for the brethren: 6:23
a. Peace.
b. Love.
c. Faith.
2. The blessing on those loving Christ: 6:24

NOTE: The book of Ephesians compares believers to several things:

• -Citizens: 2:19
• -A body: 1:22-23; 4:4,12,16
• -A church: 5:22-23
• -Servants: 6:6-9

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 • -A building: 2:20-22
• -Soldiers: 6:10-17

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 CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
PHILIPPIANS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: The Church at Philippi
• PURPOSE: To present an appeal for Christian unity.
• KEY VERSE: Philippians 2:2 ”Fulfil ye my joy, that ye br likeminded, having the same love, being
of one accord, of one mind.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Unity in Jesus brings joy.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timotheus, Epaproditus, Ceasar

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-26

A. Greeting: 1:1-2
1. From Paul and Timotheus: 1:1
2. To: Saints in Christ Jesus, bishops, and deacons at Philippi: 1:1
3. Grace and peace: 1:2
B. Prayer for Philippians: 1:3-11
1. His thanksgiving for them: 1:3-5
a. Motivation for thanksgiving: 1:3
b. Expression of thanksgiving: 1:4
c. Cause for thanksgiving: 1:5
2. His confidence in them: 1:6-7
a. The nature of the confidence: 1:6
b. The justification for this confidence: 1:7
3. His longing: 1:8
4. His prayer for them: 1:9-11
a. That love may abound in knowledge and judgment: 1:9
b. That you may approve things that are excellent: 1:10
c. That you may be sincere and without offense: 1:10
d. That you will be filled with the fruit of righteousness: 1:11
C. Personal matters: 1:12-26
1. Events which have served to spread the Gospel: 1:12-18
a. Imprisonment: 1:12-14
b. Preaching: 1:15-18
c. Prayer: 1:19
2. Questioning as to whether it is best to live or die: 1:19-26

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 a. The contrast of life and death: 1:20-21
b. The appeal of life: 1:22
c. The competing desire for death: 1:23-24
d. Assurance for a longer life: 1:25-26

II. Exhortations for unity 1:27-2:18

A. Appeal for unity in suffering: 1:27-30

1. Proper conversation: 1:27
2. Stand fast in one spirit with one mind: 1:27
3. Striving together for the faith of the Gospel: 1:27
4. In nothing terrified by your adversaries: 1:28-30
B. Unity in Christ: 2:1-11
1. Through proper conduct: 2:1-4
a. Love: 2:1-2
b. Fellowship: 2:1
c. Mercy: 2:1
d. One accord: 2:2
e. One mind: 2:2
f. Nothing done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind esteem
others: 2:3
g. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of
others: 2:4
2. Christ's humiliation: Unify your minds after the pattern of His: 2:6-8
a. No reputation: 2:7
b. Form of servant: 2:7
c. Likeness of men: 2:7
d. Humbled self: 2:8
e. Obedient to death of cross: 2:8
3. Christ's exaltation: 2:9-11
a. Highly exalted: 2:9
b. A name above all others: 2:9
c. Every knee shall bow: 2:10
d. Every tongue will confess: 2:11
C. Spiritual growth brings unity: 2:12-18
1. Work out your salvation in fear: It is God: 2:12-13
2. Do all things without murmuring: That ye be blameless: 2:14-15
3. Hold forth the Word of life: That I may rejoice: 2:16-18

III. Paul's plans: 2:19-30

A. His plans for Timothy: 2:19-23

1. The plan: 2:19
2. The motive for the plan: 2:19
3. Reasons for choosing Timothy: 2:20-21
4. The relation of Timothy and Paul: 2:22

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 5. The timing of Timothy's trip: 2:23
B. Plans for himself: 2:24
C. Plans for Epaphroditus: 2:25-30
1. Statement of the plan: 2:25
2. Testimony of Epaphroditus: 2:25
3. The reason for sending Epaphroditus: 2:26-27
4. The welcome to be given: 2:28-30

IV. Warnings 3:1-4:1

A. Against Judaizing teachers: 3:1-16

1. The joy of the Lord as a defense against them: 3:1
2. Admonition to watch them: 3:2
3. Identification of true Israelites: 3:3
4. Paul's experiences in relation to this matter: 3:4-11
a. His grounds for legalistic pride: 3:4-6
(1) Circumcised: 3:5
(2) Of the stock of Israel: 3:5
(3) Of the tribe of Benjamin: 3:5
(4) A Pharisee: 3:5
(5) Zealous (persecuted Church): 3:6
(6) Righteous under the law: 3:6
b. His change of values: 3:7-11
(1) Nature of the change: 3:7
(2) Reasons for the change: 3:8
(3) Motives for the change: 3:8-11
5. Perfection as a defense against legalism: 3:12-16
a. Attitude towards perfection: 3:12
b. Efforts to reach the goal: 13-14
c. Exhortation to perfection: 3:15-16
B. Against false teachers: 3:17-21
1. Their character: 3:18
2. Their fate: 3:19
3. The response of the believer: 3:20-21

V. Exhortations: 4:1-9

A. Unity between Euodias and Syntyce: 4:1-3

B. Unity in joy: 4:4
C. Unity in moderation: 4:5
D. Unity in prayer: 4:6
E. Unity in peace: 4:7
F. Unity in mind: Proper thought process: 4:8
1. True.
2. Honest.
3. Just.

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 4. Pure.
5. Lovely.
6. Good report.
7. Things of virtue.
8. Things worthy of praise.
G. Unity between knowledge and actions: 4:9

VI. Thanks for their gift: 4:10-20

A. The secret of contentment: 4:10-13

1. His thanks for their gift: 4:10
2. His independence of material need: 4:11
3. Explanation of his secret: 4:11-12
4. His source of strength: 4:13
B. The secret of provision: 4:14-20
1. His appreciation of the gift: 4:14
2. His reminder of their past record: 4:15-16
3. His attitude towards their gift: 4:17
4. His receipt of the gift: 4:18
5. The secret of provision: 4:19-20

VII. Benediction 4:21-23

A. Salute the saints in Christ Jesus: 4:21

B. The brethren with Paul send greetings: 4:21
C. The saints and those of Caesar's household send greetings: 2:22
D. Grace be with you: 2:23

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 CHAPTER FIFTY
COLOSSIANS

INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Believers at Colosse who were to share the letter with the believers at Laodecea.
• PURPOSE: To deal with doctrinal issues in the church.
• KEY VERSES: Colossians 3:1-3 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things
on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLES: Christ is all and is in all.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Tychicus, Anesemus, Aristarchus, Markus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke,
Demas, Nymphas, Archippus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-14

A. Greetings: 1:1-2
1. From: Paul and Timothy: 1:1
2. To: The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse: 1:2
3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:2
B. Thanksgiving: 1:3-8
C. Paul's prayer for Christians at Colosse: 1:9-14
1. Continual: 1:9
2. Desiring they might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding: 1:9
3. That they might walk worthy of the Lord: 1:10
4. That they might be fruitful in every good work: 1:10
5. That they might increase in the knowledge of God: 1:10
6. That they be strengthened with all might unto patience and long suffering with
joyfulness: 1:11
7. Those thanks be given to the Father: 1:12-13
a. For making us partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 1:12
b. For delivering us from the power of darkness: 1:13
c. For translating us into the Kingdom of His Son: 1:13

II. The person and work of Jesus: 1:15-23

A. Lord of creation: 1:15-17

1. In relation to its origin: 1:15-16

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 2. In relation to its continuity: 1:17
B. Lord of the church: 1:18-19
1. Head of the body: 1:18
2. The beginning: 1:18
3. The firstborn from the dead: 1:18
4. He is to have preeminence in all things: 1:18
5. In Him, all fullness dwells: 1:19
C. Reconciler: 1:20-23
1. He has made peace through the blood of His cross: 1:20
2. He has reconciled all things to Himself, both in earth and Heaven: 1:20
3. Those alienated by wicked works He has reconciled: 1:21
4. Through His death, we can be presented: 1:22
a. Holy.
b. Unblamable.
c. Unreproveable in His sight.
5. We are to continue in the faith: 1:23
a. Grounded: 1:23
b. Settled: 1:23
c. Not moved from the Gospel which was: 1:23
(1) Heard by them.
(2) Preached to every creature.
(3) Whereby Paul was made a minister.

III. Paul: God's minister of reconciliation: 1:24-2:7

A. Sufferings: 1:24
1. Physical.
2. With a spiritual purpose.
B. Minister of the mystery of Christ: 1:25-29
1. The circumstances of his ministry: 1:25
2. The message of his ministry: 1:26-27
a. Mystery of God: 1:26-27
b. Jesus Himself: 1:27
3. The methods of his ministry: 1:28
a. Preaching.
b. Warning.
c. Teaching.
4. The goal of his ministry: Presenting every man perfect in Jesus: 1:28
5. The power behind his ministry: Striving according to His working which worketh
mightily: 1:29
C. Desire for unity and stability in Christ: 2:1-7
1. His striving for the believers: 2:1
a. At Colosse.
b. At Laodicea.
c. For those he has not seen.

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 2. The persons for whom He strives: God the Father and Christ: 2:2
3. The purpose of the striving: 2:2-7
a. That their hearts might be comforted: 2:2
b. That they might be knit together in love: 2:2
c. Unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding: 2:2
d. That they might understand the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in
Christ: 2:3
e. To prevent them from being beguiled by enticing words: 2:4
f. That they might be steadfast in the faith: 2:5
g. That they might walk in Christ: 2:6
h. That they would be rooted in Him: 2:7
i. That they would be built up in Him: 2:7
j. That they would be established in the faith as they were taught: 2:7
k. That they would abound therein with thanksgiving: 2:7

IV. Christ's Lordship over false teaching: 2:8-3:4

A. Lord of every power: 2:8-10

1. Philosophy: 2:8
2. Vain deceit: 2:8
3. Tradition of men: 2:8
4. Rudiments of the world and not after Christ: 2:8
a. In Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily: 2:9
b. Ye are complete in Him: 2:10
c. He is the head of all principality and power: 2:10
B. The new life: 2:11-14
1. Circumcision of the heart: 2:11
2. Buried with Him in baptism: 2:12
3. Risen with Him through faith: 2:12
4. Quickened together with Him: 2:13
5. All trespasses forgiven: 2:13
6. Eliminating the ordinances against us: 2:14
C. Conqueror of principalities and power: 2:15
1. Spoiled them: 2:15
2. Made a show of them openly: 2:15
3. Triumphing over them: 2:15
D. Practices denying Christ's lordship: 2:16-3:4
1. Ritual: 2:16-17
a. Meat: 2:16
b. Drink: 2:16
c. Holy days: 2:16
d. New moon: 2:16
e. Sabbath days: 2:16
2. Angel worship: A person who practices this is: 2:18-19
a. Intruding into those things which he hath not seen: 2:18

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 b. Vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind: 2:18
c. Not holding Christ as the Head: 2:19
(1) From which the body has nourishment.
(2) By whom we are knit together in love.
(3) By whom we increase with the increase of God.
3. Subject to rudiments of the world: 2:20-23
a. We are not to be subject to them: 2:20
b. What they concern: 2:21
c. The commandments and doctrines of men: 2:22
d. They are an outward show: 2:23
(1) Of wisdom in will worship.
(2) Of humility.
(3) Of neglecting the body.
(4) Not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.
4. Worldly, temporal affections: 3:1-4
a. Seek those things above: 3:1
b. Set your affections on things above, not on this earth: 3:2
c. This is possible because of your union with Jesus: 3:3
(1) Past: Ye were raised with Christ: 3:3
(2) Present: Your life is hid with Christ in God: 3:3
(3) Future: When Christ shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him
in glory: 3:4

V. Christ's lordship and the Christian life: 3:5-4:6

A. We are responsible to mortify our fleshly desires: 3:5

B. The wrath of God comes on those who disobey and walk in these desires: 3:6
C. In times past, we walked in these sinful ways but now we are to put them off: 3:7-8
D. Old life to put off: 3:5-9
1. Fornication: 3:5
2. Uncleanness: 3:5
3. Inordinate affection: 3:5
4. Evil concupiscence: 3:5
5. Covetousness which is idolatry: 3:5-7
6. Anger: 3:8
7. Wrath: 3:8
8. Malice: 3:8
9. Blasphemy: 3:8
10. Filthy communication out of your mouth: 3:8
11. Lies: 3:9
E. New life to put on: 3:10-17
1. The new man: 3:10
a. Which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: 3:10
b. In whom there is no division: 3:11
2. Bowels of mercies: 3:12

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 3. Kindness: 3:12
4. Humbleness of mind: 3:12
5. Meekness: 3:12
6. Long suffering: 3:12
7. Forbearing: 3:13
8. Forgiveness: 3:13
9. Charity: 3:14
10. The peace of God: 3:15
11. Unity in the body: 3:15
12. Thankfulness: 3:15
13. God's Word dwelling in you richly: 3:16
a. In all wisdom.
b. Teaching.
c. Admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
14. Good works: 3:17
a. Both word and deed.
b. To be done in the name of Jesus.
c. Giving thanks to God.
F. Special situations: 3:18-4:6
1. Home: 3:18-21
a. Wives: 3:18
b. Husbands: 3:19
c. Children: 3:20
d. Fathers: 3:21
2. Work relationships: 3:22; 4:1
a. Obey your masters: 3:22
b. Serve as unto Christ: 3:22
c. Masters are to give servants that which is just and equal: 4:1
3. General guidelines: 3:23-25
a. Do all as unto the Lord and not unto men: 3:23
b. Recognize that you serve the Lord and from Him you will receive your reward:
3:24
c. Understand that those who do wrong will receive justice from God: 3:25

VI. Final instructions: 4:2-6

A. Duty of prayer: 4:2-4

1. Responsibility to continue in prayer: 4:2
2. To watch with thanksgiving: 4:2
3. To pray for open doors for those spreading the Gospel: 4:3-4
B. Duty of witness: 4:5-6
1. Proper walk in wisdom: 4:5
2. Proper use of time: 4:5
3. Proper speech: 4:6
a. With grace.

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 b. Seasoned with salt.
c. With knowledge of how to answer every man.

VII. Closing: 4:7-18

A. Personal greetings: 4:7-17

1. The bearers of the letter: 4:7-9
a. Tychicus: 4:7-8
b. Onesimus: 4:9
2. Greetings from his companions: 4:10-14
3. Salutations to the Laodiceans and command to have the epistle read there also: 4:15-
16
4. A special message to Archippus: 4:17
B. Salutation: 4:18
1. By the hand of Paul.
2. Request to remember his bonds.
3. Grace be with you.

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
1st AND 2nd THESSALONIANS

1st THESSALONIANS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Believers at Thessalonica
• PURPOSE: To confirm that the Lord is coming back: To commend and exhort for the faith and
correct false doctrine. Paul also answers false charges against his ministry.
• KEY VERSES: 1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall
rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort
one another with these words.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Comfort should focus on the glorious hope of the return of Jesus
Christ.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Silvanus, Timotheus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1

A. From: Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus.

B. To: Believers at Thessalonica.
C. Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:1

II. Looking back: 1:2-3:13

A. Exemplary conversion to Christ: 1:2-10

1. Power of the Gospel: 1:2-5
2. Examples of the Gospel: 1:5-6
a. The believers at Thessalonica followed the example of Paul: 1:5-6
b. They became examples to other believers: 1:7
3. Witnesses of the Gospel: 1:8-10
a. The faith of the Thessalonian believers was spread in every place: 1:8
b. Their testimony was witness to the truth of the Gospel: 1:9-10
B. Exemplary evangelism: 2:1-20
1. In motive: 2:1-6
a. Not in vanity: 2:1
b. In boldness: 2:2

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 c. Not in deceit, uncleanness, or guile: 2:3
d. To please God rather than men: 2:4
e. Without flattering words: 2:5
f. Without covetousness: 2:5
g. Not to seek glory of men: 2:6
2. In conduct: 2:7-11
a. Gentleness: 2:7
b. Dealing as a nurse with children: 2:7
c. In affection: 2:8
d. In labor and travail: 2:9
e. With proper behavior: 2:10
f. As a father with children: 2:11
3. In message: 2:12-13
a. That you walk worthy of God: 2:12
b. It was based on the Word of God: 2:13
4. In reception: 2:13-16
a. The nature of their reception of the Word: 2:13
b. The result of their reception of the Word: 2:14-16
(1) They became imitators of the Judean churches: 2:14
(2) They entered the fellowship of suffering for the Word: 2:14-16
C. Exemplary follow up care of converts: 3:1-13
1. Their concern: 3:1-5
a. Their motive: 3:1
b. The sending of Timothy: 3:2
c. Description of the one sent: 3:2
(1) Our brother.
(2) Minister.
(3) Fellow-laborer in the Gospel.
d. The purpose in sending Timothy: 3:2-4
(1) To establish you: 3:2
(2) To comfort you: 3:2
(3) To encourage stability despite afflictions: 3:3-4
(4) To guard from the tempter: 3:5
(5) To protect their labor: 3:5
2. The follow up process: 3:6-8
a. The contents of Timothy's report: 3:6
b. The reaction to Timothy's report: 3:7-10
(1) Comfort and encouragement: 3:7-8
(2) Thanksgiving and prayer: 3:9-13

III. Looking ahead: Conduct in light of the return of the Lord: 4:1-5:24

A. God-pleasing conduct: 4:1-2

B. Sanctification: 4:3-8
1. The basis for sanctification: It is God's will: 4:3

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 2. The application of sanctification: 4:3-8
a. To abstain from fornication: 4:3-5
b. To abstain from defrauding a brother: 4:6
C. Reasons for proper conduct: 4:6-8
1. Sin brings God's vengeance: 4:6
2. Proper conduct is in accord with the call of God: 4:7
3. Rejection of proper conduct is rejection of God: 4:8
D. Brotherly love: 4:9-10
1. Commendation of their love: 4:9
2. Exhortation to further love: 4:10
E. Exhortations to be industrious: 4:11-12
1. Study to be quiet: 4:11
2. Do your own business: 4:11
3. Work with your own hands: 4:11
4. Walk honestly toward unbelievers: 4:12
F. Instructions concerning the dead in Christ: 4:12-18
1. The need for proper instruction: 4:12-13
2. The relation of the dead to the returning Christ: 4:14-15
a. The dead in Christ will be brought with Him: 4:14
b. The living will not precede the dead in Christ: 4:15
3. The manner and results of Christ's coming: 4:16-17
a. The manner of His coming: 4:16
b. The results of His coming: 4:16-17
(1) The dead raised first: 4:16
(2) The living caught up: 4:17
(3) Believers forever with the Lord: 4:17
4. The comfort in these words to be utilized by believers: 4:18
G. Watchfulness in view of the Lord's coming: 5:1-11
1. Uncertainty in the time of His coming: 5:1-2
a. Their lack of need for instruction: 5:1
b. Their knowledge concerning the manner of His coming: 5:2
2. The result of this uncertainty for those who are unprepared: 5:3
3. The effect of this uncertainty upon believers: 5:4-11
a. Be prepared: 5:4
b. Walk in the light: 5:5
c. Do not sleep spiritually: 5:6
d. Watch: 5:6
e. Be sober: 5:6-8
f. Put on the breastplate of faith and love: 5:8
4. The assurance of the believer: 5:9-11
a. Appointed to salvation, not to wrath: 5:9-10
b. Comfort and edification because of this hope: 5:11
H. Church relationships: 5:12-15
1. Know those who labor among you and are over you: 5:12

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 2. Esteem them highly because of their labor on behalf of you: 5:13
3. Warn the unruly: 5:14
4. Comfort the feebleminded: 5:14
5. Support the weak: 5:14
6. Be patient towards all: 5:14
7. Do not return evil for evil: 5:15
8. Follow that which is good: 5:15
I. Personal conduct: 5:16-22
1. Rejoice evermore: 5:16
2. Pray without ceasing: 5:17
3. In everything give thanks: 5:18
4. Quench not the Spirit: 5:19
5. Despise not prophesying: 5:20
6. Prove all things: 5:21
7. Hold fast that which is good: 5:21
8. Abstain from the appearance of evil: 5:22

IV. Conclusion: 5:23-28

A. A blessing upon them: 5:23-24

B. Request for prayer: 5:25
C. Greetings: 5:26
D. The charge: 5:27
E. The wish for grace of the Lord: 5:28

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2nd THESSALONIANS
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Church at Thessalonica
• PURPOSE: To instruct believers waiting for the return of the Lord.
• KEY VERSE: 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 ”Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not
come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition;”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Since there will be a great falling away before the day of the
Lord, it is important to teach and live by sound doctrine.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-2

A. From Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus: 1:1

B. To the church of the Thessalonians: 1:1
C. Grace and peace from God and Jesus: 1:2

II. Comfort in the hope of Christ's return: 1:3-12

A. Thanksgiving for their Christian example: 1:3-4

1. The reasons for the thanksgiving: 1:3
a. Their faith groweth exceedingly: 1:3
b. They have charity towards each other: 1:3
2. The effect of their conduct upon the writers: 1:4
B. Comfort in the righteous judgment of God: 1:5-10
1. The indication of God's righteous judgment: 1:5
2. The revelation of God's righteous judgment: 1:6-8
a. The outcome of His judgment: 1:6-7
(1) God sends tribulation to them that trouble: 1:6
(2) Those who are troubled will find rest when the Lord returns: 1:7
b. The time of the judgment: When the Lord is revealed from Heaven with His
angels: 1:7
c. The subjects of the judgment: 1:8
(1) Those that know not God.
(2) Those that obey not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.
3. The consequences of God's righteous judgment: 1:9-10
a. Eternal punishment of the lost: 1:9
b. Glorification of the saints: 1:10
C. Prayer for the believers: 1:11-12
1. The content of the prayer: 1:11

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 a. That God would count you worthy of this calling: 1:11
b. That God will fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness: 1:11
c. That God will fulfill the work of faith with power: 1:11
2. The purpose of the prayer: That the name of Jesus may be glorified in you and you in
Him: 1:12

III. Caution regarding the time of Christ's return: 2:1-17

A. Paul's concern: 2:1-2

1. His concern is about the coming of the day of the Lord: 2:1
2. Attitudes prohibited: 2:2
a. Being shaken in mind.
b. Being troubled in spirit, word, or letter.
c. Believing that it has already happened.
B. Signs of the end: 2:3-12
1. A great falling away: 2:3
2. The man of sin (antichrist) is revealed: 2:3-6
a. He opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God: 2:4
b. He will sit as God in the temple: 2:4
c. He will claim to be God: 2:4
d. He will be revealed in his time: 2:5-6
3. He already is at work in the world, but will not be revealed until the Holy Spirit is
removed: 2:7-8
4. His destiny: 2:8
a. The Lord will consume him with the spirit of His mouth: 2:8
b. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming: 2:8
5. Signs by which to recognize the antichrist: 2:9-12
a. He will come after the working of Satan: 2:9
b. He will have power, signs, and lying wonders: 2:9
c. He will deceive with unrighteousness them that perish because they received
not the truth unto salvation: 2:10
d. He will cause strong delusions: 2:11
e. He will bring to damnation those who: 2:12
(1) Believed not the truth.
(2) Had pleasure in unrighteousness.
C. A prayer for the Thessalonian believers: 2:13-17
1. Thanksgiving because of God's choice of them: 2:13-14
a. He chose them to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of
the truth: 2:13
b. He called them by the Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of Jesus: 2:14
2. Exhortation to steadfastness: Hold fast that which you have been taught: 2:15
3. A prayer for their comfort and stability: 2:16-17
a. The ones to whom the prayer is directed: 2:16
b. Contents of the prayer: 2:17
(1) Comfort you.

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 (2) Stablish you in every good word and work.

IV. Commands in the light of Christ's return: 3:1-15

A. A command to pray: 3:1-2

1. For liberty to spread the Gospel: 3:1
2. For safety of the messengers: 3:2
a. From unreasonable men.
b. From wicked men.
c. From all who do not have the faith.
B. A command to grow spiritually: 3:3-5
1. Be established in the Lord: 3:3
2. Be kept from evil in the Lord: 3:3
3. Do the things commanded: 3:4
4. Direct your hearts into the love of God: 3:5
5. Wait patiently for the return of Christ: 3:5
C. Commands regarding conduct and relationships: 3:6-12
1. Withdraw from those who walk disorderly and not according to the Word: 3:6
2. Follow right examples of spiritual leadership: 3:7-10
3. Each believer is to be productive: 3:10-12
4. Do not be weary in well-doing: 3:13
5. Have no company with those who do not obey the Word: 3:14
6. Do not count the disorderly as enemies, but admonish them as brothers: 3:15

V. Conclusion: 3:16-18

A. The supplication: 3:16

1. The Lord give you peace.
2. The Lord be with you all.
B. The authentication: Signature by the hand of Paul: 1:17
C. The benediction: 1:18

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
1st AND 2nd = TIMOTHY

1st TIMOTHY
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Timothy PURPOSE: Paul wrote this letter to a co-laborer named Timothy who was
ministering as an interim pastor in the church at Ephesus. The book concerns some of the
problems and needs which existed in this church.
• KEY VERSE: 1st Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: We should live a life exemplary of the ministry to which we have
been called.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy, Hymenaeus, Alexander

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-3

A. From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus by the commandment of God and Jesus: 1:1
B. To: Timothy, a son in the faith: 1:2
C. Grace, mercy, and peace from God and Jesus: 1:2
D. Personal instructions to stay in Ephesus: 1:3

Part One: A Charge To Timothy Preserve Sound Doctrine 1:3-20

I. Preserve the purity of the Gospel: 1:3-11

A. The charge: 1:3-4

1. Teach no other doctrine: 1:3
2. Do not give heed to fables: 1:4
3. Do not give heed to genealogies: 1:4
B. The aim of the charge: Charity: 1:5
1. Out of a pure heart.
2. Of a good conscience.
3. Of faith unfeigned.
C. The reason for the charge: 1:6-11
1. Some have turned aside to vain jangling: 1:6

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 2. They desire to be teachers but have no understanding: 1:6
3. They use the law improperly: 1:8-11
a. The law is good if it is used properly: 1:8
b. The law was not made for the righteous: 1:9
c. The law was made for the lawless: 1:9-10
(1) The disobedient: 1:9
(2) Ungodly: 1:9
(3) Sinners: 1:9
(4) Unholy: 1:9
(5) Profane: 1:9
(6) Murderers: 1:9
(7) Whoremongers: 1:10
(8) Them that defile themselves with mankind: 1:10
(9) Men stealers: 1:10
(10) Liars: 1:10
(11) Perjured: 1:10
(12) Any others contrary to sound doctrine: 1:10
4. The law must be harmonized with the Gospel: 1:11

II. Paul's relation to the Gospel: 1:12-17

A. Thanksgiving for his call into God's service: 1:12

1. His call was from Jesus: 1:12
2. He was enabled by Jesus: 1:12
3. He was counted faithful: 1:12
4. He was put in the ministry: 1:12
B. The description of the one called: 1:13
1. He was a blasphemer: 1:13
2. He was a persecutor: 1:13
3. He was injurious: 1:13
4. But he obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief: 1:13
C. The explanation for his appointment: 1:13-26
1. Due to God's grace: 1:13-14
2. To make him an example to others: 1:15-16
D. Paul's praise for his relationship to the Gospel: 1:17

III. Review of the charge of Timothy: 1:18-20

A. The committing of the charge: 1:18

B. The work of Timothy: 1:18-19
1. War a good warfare: 1:18
2. Hold faith: 1:29
3. Have a good conscience: 1:29-20
a. Warning concerning certain men who have lost faith and conscience: 1:29
b. Hymenaeus and Alexander who have been delivered to Satan: 1:20

Part Two: Organization And Administration Of The Church 2:1-3:13

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I. Prayer: 2:1-8

A. The duty of prayer: 2:1

B. The nature of prayer: 2:1
1. Supplication.
2. Prayers.
3. Intercessions.
4. Giving of thanks.
C. The scope of prayer: 2:1-2
1. For all men: 2:1
2. For kings: 2:2
3. For all in authority: 2:2
D. The results of prayer: 2:2-3
1. A quiet, peaceable life in godliness and honesty: 2:2
2. Approval in God's sight: 2:3
E. The mediator of prayer: 2:5-7
1. Jesus Christ the Savior: 2:5-6
2. By this mediator Paul is ordained as a preacher, apostle, and teacher: 2:7
F. The universality of prayer: 2:8
1. All men everywhere are to pray: 2:8
2. They are to lift up holy hands: 2:8
3. They are to pray without wrath and doubting: 2:8

II. Women in the church: 2:9-15

A. Their appearance: 2:9-10

1. Modest apparel: 2:9
2. Emphasis on attitude and good works rather than appearance: 2:9-10
B. Their worship: 2:11-12
1. Learn with a humble attitude: 2:11
2. Do not teach in own authority ("usurp" is to take authority to yourself. We should all
teach with God's authority, not our own): 2:12
C. Their salvation: Although the woman was first deceived, it was through a woman
(childbearing) that the Messiah came: 2:13-15

III. Qualifications of bishops: 3:1-7

A. Without reproach (blameless): 3:2

B. Husband of one wife: 3:2
C. Vigilant: 3:2
D. Sober (serious minded): 3:2
E. Good behavior, respectable: 3:2
F. Given to hospitality: 3:2
G. Able to teach: 3:2
H. Not given to wine: 3:3
I. Not a striker: 3:3
J. Patient: 3:3

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 K. Not contentious (not a brawler): 3:3
L. Not a lover of money: 3:3
M. Not covetous: 3:3
N. Must rule his own house well: 3:4-5
O. Not a novice (new convert): 3:6
P. Must have a good reputation in the unsaved community: 3:7

IV. Qualifications of deacons: 3:8-13

A. Grave, men of dignity: 3:8

B. Not double-tongued: 3:8
C. Not given to wine: 3:8
D. Not a lover of money: 3:8
E. Sound doctrine with a pure conscience: 3:9
F. Not a novice (new convert): 3:10
G. Proven (tested) and found blameless: 3:10
H. If married, the husband of a godly wife: (Wives have come to be known as deaconesses.) They
are to be: 3:11
1. Grave.
2. Not slanderers.
3. Sober.
4. Faithful in all things
I. The husband of one wife: 3:12
J. Must rule his own house well: 3:12

V. Paul's reason for writing: Proper behavior in the church: 3:14-16

Part Three: The Minister And His Conduct 4:1-6:21

I. The minister and false teaching: 4:1-5

A. Some will depart from the faith in the last days: 4:1
B. Their errors: 4:1-5
1. Giving heed to seducing spirits: 4:1
2. Giving heed to doctrines of devils: 4:1
3. Speaking lies in hypocrisy: 4:2
4. Having their conscience seared: 4:2
5. Forbidding to marry: 4:3
6. Commanding to abstain from meat: 4:3-5

II. Miscellaneous instructions on being a good minister: 4:6-16

A. Instruct the brethren in sound doctrine: 4:6

B. Refuse fables: 4:6
C. Exercise thyself to godliness: 4:7-8
D. Accept faithful sayings: 4:9

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 E. Labor and suffer for God: 4:10
F. Command and teach sound doctrine: 4:11
G. Do not let your youth be despised, but be an example of believers: 4:12
1. In word.
2. In conversation.
3. In charity.
4. In spirit.
5. In faith.
6. In purity.
H. Give attention to: 4:13
1. Reading.
2. Exhortation.
3. Doctrine.
I. Neglect not the gift within thee: 4:14
J. Meditate and give yourself wholly to these things: 4:15
K. Take heed to yourself and doctrine: 4:16
1. Continue in sound doctrine.
2. You will save yourself.
3. You will save those who hear you.

III. The minister and his conduct towards various groups in the church: 5:1-6:10

A. Older and younger: 5:1-2

1. Treat an elder as a father: 5:1
2. Treat younger men as brothers: 5:1
3. Treat elderly women as mothers: 5:2
4. Treat younger women as sisters with purity: 5:2
B. Widows: 5:3-16
1. Honor those who are widows indeed: 5:3
2. Responsibilities of relatives of widows: 5:4
3. Definition of a "widow indeed": 5:5-6
a. Desolate: 5:5
b. Trusts in God: 5:5
c. Continues in supplication and prayer: 5:5
d. Does not live in worldly pleasure: 5:6
4. Responsibilities of relatives of widows continued: 5:7-8
5. Qualifications for "widows indeed": 5:9-13
a. A select number who are dedicating their lives to God: 5:9
b. Not under three score years old: 5:9
c. Wife of one man: 5:9
d. Well reported of for her good works: 5:9
(1) Raised her children.
(2) Lodged strangers.
(3) Washed the saint's feet.
(4) Relieved the afflicted.

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 (5) Diligently followed every good work.
6. Those not qualified: Younger widows: 5:11-15
a. They will marry again: 5:11
b. This would result in breaking their vow to be dedicated to God's service: 5:12
c. They would engage in improper conduct: 5:13
(1) Idleness.
(2) Wandering from house to house.
(3) Tattlers.
(4) Busybodies.
(5) Speaking things they should not.
7. Instructions to younger widows not in this group of dedicated older widows: 5:16-17
a. Marry: 5:16
b. Bear children: 5:16
c. Guide the house: 5:16
d. Live beyond reproach: 5:16
e. Warning that some have turned aside after Satan: 5:17
C. Elders: 5:17-25
1. Honor those who rule well: 5:17
2. Provide for those who labor full time in this position: 5:17-18
3. Those who have not ruled well: 5:19-20
a. Accusation must be by more than one witness: 5:19
b. They are to be rebuked before the assembly: 5:20
D. Miscellaneous: 5:21-25
1. Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands: 5:21
2. Do nothing by partiality: 5:21
3. Do not partake in the sins of others: 5:22
4. Keep yourself pure: 5:22-23
5. Recognize that judgment belongs to God: 5:24-25
a. Some sin is judged now, some later: 5:24
b. Some good works are apparent now, some later: 5:25
E. Servants: 6:1-8
1. Honor masters: 6:1
2. Do not take advantage of masters who are believers: 6:2
F. All men:
1. If they teach contrary to sound doctrine of Jesus they are (3):
a. Proud: 6:4.
b. Know nothing: 6:4
c. Dispute over questions and strife of words from which come: 6:4-5
(1) Envy: 6:4
(2) Strife: 6:4
(3) Railings: 6:4
(4) Evil surmising: 6:4
(5) Perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the
truth, supposing that gain is godliness: 6:5

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 2. Withdraw yourself from these type of men: 6:5
3. Godliness with contentment is great gain: 6:6-7
a. We came into the world without anything: 6:7
b. We can take nothing out of the world: 6:7
c. We should be content to have our basic needs met: 6:8
G. Rich: 6:9-19
1. The problems of the rich: 6:9
a. They fall into temptation.
b. They fall into snares.
c. They engage in foolish and hurtful lusts.
d. They drown in destruction and perdition.
2. The wrong motive of the rich: 6:10
a. The love of money.
b. Covetousness which results in erring from the faith and many sorrows.
3. Response of the minister towards riches: 6:11-19
a. Flee these things: 6:11
b. Follow after: 6:11
(1) Righteousness.
(2) Godliness.
(3) Faith.
(4) Love.
(5) Patience.
(6) Meekness.
c. Fight the good fight of faith: 6:12
d. Lay hold on eternal life: 6:12
(1) By which you are called.
(2) By which you have a good testimony before others.
e. Keep this commandment: 6:13-16
(1) Without spot: 6:14
(2) Unrebukeable: 6:14
(3) Until the appearing of Jesus: 6:14-16
f. Charge them that are rich in this world: 6:17-19
(1) That they be not high minded: 6:17
(2) Not to trust in uncertain riches but in God: 6:17
(3) Do good: 6:18
(4) Be rich in good works: 6:18
(5) Be ready to distribute to others: 6:18
(6) Be willing to communicate: 6:18
(7) Lay up an eternal foundation: 6:19
(8) Lay hold on eternal life: 6:19

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IV. Conclusion: 6:20-21

A. Keep that which is committed to your trust: 6:20

B. Avoid profane and vain babblings: 6:20
C. Avoid oppositions which are falsely called "science" through which some have erred: 6:21
D. Grace be with you: 6:21

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2nd TIMOTHY
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Timothy
• PURPOSE: Paul wrote this book from prison to challenge Timothy to assume responsibility for
the ministry which the apostle was handing over due to his forthcoming death. Paul knew he
would soon be executed for his faith.
• KEY VERSE: 2nd Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The divine pattern for multiplication of the Gospel message is
"each one teach one to reach one."
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy, Phygellus, Hermogenes, Onesiphorus, Hymenaeus, Philetus,
Demas, Titus, Luke, Mark, Tychicus, Alexander, Prisca, Aquila, Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus,
Pudens, Linus, Claudia, Jannes, Jambres, Moses.

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-2

A. From: Paul: 1:1

1. An apostle.
2. According to the promise of life which is in Jesus.
B. To: Timothy: 1:2
1. A son in the faith.
2. Grace, mercy, and peace from God and Jesus.

II. Thanksgiving: 1:3-5

A. Gratitude to God: 1:3

B. Reasons for his gratitude: 1:3-5
1. His memory of Timothy: 1:3
2. His longing for Timothy: 1:4
3. His memory of Timothy's steadfast faith: 1:5

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III. Exhortation to faithful ministry: 1:6-2:13

A. Use your spiritual gifts: 1:6

B. Have a courageous attitude: 1:7-8
1. Do not be fearful: 1:7
2. Have a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind: 1:7
3. Do not be ashamed of your testimony: 1:8
4. Be a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God: 1:8
C. Recognize your calling: 1:9-12
1. It is from God: 1:9
2. It is through salvation, not works: 1:9
3. It is to accomplish God's purpose: 1:9
4. It is through the grace of God: 1:9
5. It is based on Jesus Christ: 1:10-11
6. It will bring suffering: 1:12
7. It is based on eternal values: 1:12

IV. Exhortation to sound doctrine: 2:13-26

A. Hold it fast: 1:13-14

B. The reason for the exhortation: 1:15-18
1. The turning away from sound doctrine by those in Asia: Phygellus and Hermogenes:
1:15
2. The mercy of Onesiphrous: 1:16-18
C. The commission of sound doctrine to others: 2:1-2
1. To faithful men: 2:2
2. Who will be able to teach others: 2:2
D. The guarding of sound doctrine like a soldier: 2:3-4
1. Endure hardness: 2:3
2. Do not get entangled with the affairs of this life: 2:4
3. Please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier: 2:4
E. Striving for sound doctrine like an athlete: 2:5
F. Laboring for sound doctrine like a farmer: 2:6
G. The duty regarding sound doctrine: 2:7
H. Suffering for sound doctrine: 2:8-13
1. Based on the example of Jesus: 2:8
2. Suffering does not stop sound doctrine: 2:9
3. If we are dead with him, we will live with him: 2:10
4. If we suffer we will reign: 2:12
5. If we deny Him, He will deny us: 2:12
6. If we believe not, yet He abides faithful: 2:13
I. Do not strive over unimportant issues: 2:14
J. Study sound doctrine in order to: 2:15
1. Be approved by God.
2. Not be ashamed.
3. Rightly divide the word of truth.

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 K. Shun profane and vain babblings: 2:16-18
1. They increase to more ungodliness: 2:16
2. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples of this: 2:17-18
L. Establish yourself on the true foundation: 2:19
1. In Christ.
2. In righteousness.
M. Be a vessel of honor: 2:20-21
N. Flee youthful lusts: 2:22
O. Follow after: 2:22
1. Righteousness.
2. Faith.
3. Charity.
4. Peace.
5. Godly associates.
P. Avoid foolish and unlearned questions: 2:23-26
1. They gender strife: 2:23
2. The servant of God must not strive but must: 2:24-26
a. Be gentle to all men: 2:24
b. Able to teach: 2:24.
c. Patient: 2:24
d. Instructing in meekness to repentance: 2:25-26

V. Exhortation for the last days: 3:1-4:8

A. Announcement of coming perilous times: 3:1

B. Description of evil men of last days: 3:2-7
1. Lovers of their own selves: 3:2
2. Covetous: 3:2
3. Boasters: 3:2
4. Proud: 3:2
5. Blasphemers: 3:2
6. Disobedient to parents: 3:2
7. Unthankful: 3:2
8. Unholy: 3:2
9. Without natural affection: 3:3
10. Trucebreakers: 3:3
11. False accusers: 3:3
12. Incontinent: 3:3
13. Fierce: 3:3
14. Despisers of those that are good: 3:3
15. Traitors: 3:4
16. Heady: 3:4
17. High minded: 3:4
18. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God: 3:4
19. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: 3:5

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 20. Creep into houses and lead captive silly women: 3:6
21. Laden with sins: 3:6
22. Led away with lust: 3:6
23. Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth: 3:7
C. Jannes and Jambres as an example of such evil men: 3:8
1. Withstood Moses.
2. Resisted the truth.
3. Men of corrupt minds.
4. Reprobate concerning the faith.
D. The limitation on such evil men: 3:9
1. They will proceed no further.
2. Their folly will be made manifest to all.
E. Persecution in the last days: 3:10-12
1. Paul as an example of one who has borne persecution: 3:10-11
a. His doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, and
patience endured the persecution: 3:10
b. God delivered him from persecution in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra: 3:11 2.
All who live godly will suffer persecution: 3:12
F. Deteriorating conditions of the last days: 3:13
1. Evil men and seducers shall wax worse: 3:13
2. They will deceive others: 3:13
3. They will be deceived themselves: 3:14
G. The response of the minister to the conditions of the last days: 3:14-4:5
1. Continue in sound doctrine: 3:14-15
2. Be established in the Scriptures: 3:15-17
a. They will make you wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus: 3:15
b. They were given by inspiration of God: 3:16
c. They are profitable: 3:16
(1) For doctrine.
(2) For reproof.
(3) For correction.
(4) For instruction in righteousness.
d. The Word results in perfection: 3:17
e. The Word results in equipping for good works: 3:17
H. Hold the sacred charge: 4:1
I. Preach the Word: 4:2
J. Be ready in season and out: 4:2
K. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with long suffering and doctrine: 4:2-4
1. This is necessary because the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine: 4:3
2. They will want teachers who teach what they want to hear: 4:3
3. They will turn away from the truth: 4:4
4. They will be turned unto fables: 4:4
L. Watch in all things: 4:5

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 M. Endure affliction: 4:5
N. Do the work of an evangelist: 4:5
O. Make full proof of your ministry: 4:5

VI. Conclusion: 4:6-22

A. Paul's testimony: 4:6-8

1. He is ready and facing death: 4:6
2. He has fought a good fight: 4:7
3. He has finished the plan for his life: 4:7
4. He has kept the faith: 4:7
5. There is a reward laid up for him: 4:8
6. There is a reward laid up for those who follow his example: 4:8
B. A request for Timothy to come: 4:9-13
1. The request to come: 4:9
2. The reason: 4:10-12
3. Instructions for what to bring: 4:13

VII. Paul's trials: 4:14-18

A. The evil done by Alexander: 4:14-15

B. Paul had to stand alone at first: 4:16
C. But God stood with him through the trial: 4:17
D. God will stand with him in future trials: 4:18

VIII. Conclusion: 4:19-22

A. Salutations to Prisca, Aquila, and the household of Onesiphrous: 4:19

B. News regarding Paul's companions: 4:20
C. A final appeal for Timothy to come: 4:21
D. Special greetings: 4:21
E. Benediction: 4:22
F. Believers are compared to several things in the book of 2nd Timothy:
• A soldier (2:3),
• an athlete (2:5),
• a farmer (2:6),
• a student (2:15),
• a vessel (2:21),
• and a servant (2:24).

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
TITUS

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Titus, a Greek convert and fellow worker with Paul.
• PURPOSE: To correct problems and establish proper order in the churches located on the island
of Crete.
• KEY VERSE: Titus 1:5 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the
things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Founding a good work is not enough. That work must be
established and organized according to the principles of God's Word.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul and Titus. Others mentioned are Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas, and
Apollos.

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-4

A. From Paul: 1:1-3

1. Servant of God: 1:1
2. Apostle of Jesus Christ: 1:1-2
3. Minister under appointment: 1:3
B. To Titus: 1:4 154

II. Purpose: "For this cause left I thee in Crete": 1:5

A. To set things in order.

B. To establish church structure under Paul's direction.

III. Leaders in the church: 1:6-16

A. Their qualifications: 1:6-9:

1. Blameless: 1:6-7
2. The husband of one wife: 1:6
3. In control of his home with faithful, obedient children: 1:6
4. A good steward: 1:7
5. Not soon angry: 1:7
6. Not given to wine: 1:7
7. Not self-willed: 1:7
8. Not a striker: 1:7
9. Not given to filthy lucre (money gained by dishonest means): 1:7

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 10. A lover of hospitality: 1:8
11. A lover of good men: 1:8
12. Sober: 1:8
13. Just: 1:8
14. Holy: 1:8
15. Temperate: 1:8
16. Doctrinally sound: 1:9
17. Man of the Word: 1:9
B. The necessity for their qualifications: 1:9-16
1. To be able to reprove erring believers by sound doctrine: 1:9,13
2. These erring believers described: 1:10-16
a. Unruly: 1:10
b. Vain talkers: 1:10
c. Deceivers: 1:10
d. Subvert whole houses: 1:11
e. Teach things for money: 1:11
f. Liars: 1:12
g. Evil beasts: 1:12
h. Slow bellied: 1:12
i. Not sound doctrinally: 1:13
j. Heed commandments of men that turn from the truth: 1:14
k. Defiled in mind and conscience: 1:15
l. Unbelieving: 1:15
m. Profess to know God, but in works deny Him: 1:16
n. Abominable: 1:16
o. Disobedient: 1:16
p. Unto every good work reprobate (or void of judgment): 1:16

IV. Different classes in the church: 2:1-3:2 This is the teaching that should be given them (2:1,15)

A. Older men should be: 2:2

1. Sober.
2. Grave.
3. Temperate.
4. Sound in faith.
5. Charitable.
6. Patient.
B. Older women should be: 2:3-4
1. "Likewise": They should have qualities like those listed for the older men: 2:3
2. Holy behavior: 2:3
3. Not false accusers: 2:3
4. Not given to much wine: 2:3
5. Teachers of good things: 2:3
6. Teachers of the younger women: 2:4

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 C. Young women should be: 2:4-8
1. Sober: 2:4
2. Lovers of their husbands: 2:4
3. Lovers of their children: 2:4
4. Discreet: 2:5
5. Chaste: 2:5
6. Keepers at home: 2:5
7. Good: 2:5
8. Obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed: 2:5
D. Young men: 2:6
1. "Likewise": They should develop similar qualities as the young women: 2:6
2. Sober minded: 2:6
E. All classes of believers: 2:7-8
1. A pattern of good works: 2:7
2. Sound doctrine: 2:7
3. Grave: 2:7
4. Sincere: 2:7
5. Sound speech that cannot be condemned: 2:8
6. Beyond reproach: 2:8
F. Those in service to masters: 2:9-10
1. Obedient: 2:9
2. Please their masters: 2:9
3. Not talking back to them: 2:9
4. Not purloining (stealing): 2:10
5. Shewing good fidelity: 2:10
6. Example of doctrine: 2:10
G. All believers: 2:11-3:2
1. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: 2:12
2. Live soberly: 2:12
3. Live righteously: 2:12
4. Live godly: 2:12
5. Look for the return of Jesus: 2:13
6. Live a redeemed life: 2:14
7. Life a holy life: 2:14
8. Align himself with God's people: 2:14
9. Be zealous of good works: 2:14
10. Subject to authorities: 3:1
11. Ready to every good work: 3:1
12. Speak evil of no man: 3:2
13. Not to be brawlers: 3:2
14. Gentle: 3:2
15. Meek: 3:2

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V. Additional instructions for church order: 3:3-11

A. Deal with members on the basis of how God dealt with you: 3:3-7
1. In times past you were: 3:3
a. Foolish.
b. Disobedient.
c. Deceived.
d. Serving divers lusts and pleasures.
e. Living in malice and envy.
f. Hateful.
g. Hating one another.
2. But God loved you despite this and: 3:4-7
a. You were saved by His mercy: 3:5
b. You were washed clean: 3:5
c. You were regenerated: 3:5
d. You were renewed of the Holy Ghost: 3:5-6
e. You were justified by grace: 3:7
f. You were made heirs of eternal life: 3:7
B. Maintain good, profitable, and necessary works that are fruitful: 3:8,14
C. Avoid these things because they are unprofitable and vain: 3:9
1. Foolish questions.
2. Genealogies.
3. Contentions.
4. Striving about the law.
D. After the first and second admonition of a heretic: 3:10-11
1. Reject him: 3:10
2. Recognize that he is subverted: 3:11
3. Recognize his sin: 3:11
4. Know that he is condemned of himself: 3:11

VI. Conclusion: Personal instructions and greetings: 3:12-15

NOTE: The three tenses of salvation in 2:11-13:

• -Past: Brings salvation.

• -Present: Teaching us.
• -Future: Looking for the blessed hope.

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
PHILEMON

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Paul
• TO WHOM: Philemon, a Christian who lived at Colosse
• PURPOSE: To appeal for Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon who had become a believer.
The book also serves as a practical example of Christian principles applied to social relationships.
It also illustrates the principle of forgiveness, and the ministry of intercession.
• KEY VERSE: Philemon 1:10 “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my
bonds:”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Christian principles must be applied to social relationships.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Onesimus, Philemon. Minor characters mentioned are Apphia,
Archippus, Epaphras, Marcus, Demas, Lucas, Aristarchus

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-7

A. Greetings of grace and peace: 1:1-3

1. From Paul and Timothy: 1:1
B. To: 1:1-2
1. Philemon: 1:1
2. Apphia: 1:2
3. Archippus: 1:2
4. Church in Philemon's home: 1:2
C. Thanksgiving for: 1:4-7
1. Love: 1:5
2. Faith: 1:5
3. Communication of faith: 1:6
4. Refreshing of saints: 1:7

II. The request: 1:8-21

A. Paul's personal interest in Onesimus: 1:8-14

1. He was an unprofitable servant: 1:11
2. He is now a profitable believer: 1:11,13
B. Paul's plea for Onesimus: 1:15-18
1. Forgive him for your sake: 1:15
2. Forgive him for his sake: 1:16
3. Forgive him for my sake: 1:17-18

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 C. The basis of his request: 1:19-20
D. Confidence in an answer: 1:21

III. Conclusion: 1:22-25

A. Paul's proposed visit: 1:22

B. Greetings: 1:23-25

NOTE: Philemon was a friend:

• To Paul in Rome: 1:2

• To Christians in Colosse: 1:5,7
• He was a man of wealth since he had servants (1:15-16) and extra room for guests (1:22).
• He owed Paul his life: 1:19
• He had a church in his home: 1:2
• He was a fellow-laborer with Paul: 1:1
• He had positive Christian qualities shown by his: Love: 1:5 Faith: 1:5 Communicating of his faith:
1:6 Refreshing of the saints: 1:7 Obedience: 1:21 Prayerfulness: 1:22
• He apparently visited those in prison, as Paul asked him to salute Epaphras, fellow-prisoner in
bonds in his city: 1:23

Many thing are learned about Paul:

• -He was a prisoner: 1:1

• -He was a man of prayer: 1:4
• -He had joy in the midst of bad circumstances: 1:7
• -He did not take advantage of a relationship although he could have: 1:8-9,13-14,19
• -He was reproducing spiritually even in prison: 1:10
• -He was unselfish: 1:13-14
• -He was a man of love: 1:18-19
• -He was a man of faith: 1:22
• -He was a man who cherished relationships: Onesimus, Philemon, and others he salutes in the
chapter.

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
HEBREWS

INTRODUCTION
AUTHOR: Paul

TO WHOM: Jewish (Hebrew) believers

PURPOSE: To present Jesus Christ as superior over all.

KEY VERSE: Hebrews 8:6 “But now hath ne obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is
the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant established on better
promises.

MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Melchizedek.

OUTLINE
I. The superior exponent: Jesus is superior to the prophets: 1:1-4

A. God's revelation by the prophets to the fathers: 1:1

1. At various times.
2. In various manners.
B. God's revelation by His Son: 1:2-4
1. God now has spoken through Christ: 1:2
2. Universal dominion has been given the Son: 1:2
3. Christ's redemptive work is accomplished: 1:3-4

II. A superior mediator: 1:3-2:18

A. Jesus is superior over angels: 1:3-4

1. By inheritance.
2. By name.
B. Christ's superiority to angels is evident in the Old Testament: 1:5-14
1. Angels: 1:5-7
2. The Son, Jesus Christ: 1:8-12
3. Angels: 1:13-14
C. (First) Warning passage: 2:1-4
1. Exhortation: 2:1
2. Old Testament example: 2:2
3. Present obligation in view of this warning: 2:3-4

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 D. Christ's superiority to angels is not contradicted by His humanity: 2:5-8
1. Angels: 2:5
2. The Son: 2:6-8
E. Christ' superiority to angels is not contradicted by His suffering: 2:9-18
1. Suffering was necessary to complete His identification with humanity: 2:9-13
2. Suffering to death was necessary to destroy the Devil: 2:14
3. Suffering was necessary to deliver believing men: 2:15-16
4. Suffering was necessary to qualify Jesus as a merciful high priest: 2:17-18

III. A superior founder: Christ is superior to Moses: 3:1-4:13

A. Christ and Moses: A comparison: 3:1-6

1. Both Christ and Moses were faithful to God: 3:1-2
2. Christ is the builder of the house. Moses was a part of the house: 3:3-4
3. Christ is the Son over the house. Moses was only a servant in the house: 3:5-6
B. (Second) Warning passage: 3:7-4:13
1. Exhortation: 3:7-8
2. Israel's wilderness experience: 3:8-11
a. Attitude of Israel: 3:8-9
b. Response of God: 3:10-11
3. Warning against unbelief: 3:12-19
a. The warning: 3:12
b. Believer's response in view of the warning: 3:13
c. Motivation for the response: 3:14
d. Example of Israel: 3:15-19
4. Warning against missing God's rest: 4:1-13
a. The warning: 4:1-2
b. Rest: 4:3-5
c. Unrest: 4:6-8
d. The rest of God: 4:9-11
e. Confirmation of warning by God's Word and knowledge: 4:12-13

IV. A superior priesthood. Jesus is superior to Aaron: 4:14-7:28

A. Jesus is the great high priest: 4:14-16

B. The priesthood of Aaron: 5:1-4
C. The priesthood of Jesus: 5:5-10
D. (Third) Warning passage: 5:11-6:20
1. Rebuke for spiritual immaturity: 5:11-14
2. Encouragement toward spiritual maturity: 6:1-3
a. Progress beyond foundational principles: 6:1-2
(1) Repentance from dead works: 6:1
(2) Faith toward God: 6:1
(3) Doctrine of baptisms: 6:2
(4) Laying on of hands: 6:2
(5) Resurrection of the dead: 6:2

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 (6) Eternal judgment: 6:2
b. Go on to perfection: 6:1,3
3. Warning against the consequences of apostasy: 6:4-8
a. Apostasy explained: 6:4-6
b. The consequences of apostasy: 6:4,6
c. The reason for the consequences: 6:6
d. An illustration from nature: 6:7-8
4. Reminder of the certainty of God's promises: 6:9-20
a. The persuasion: 6:9
b. The faithfulness of God: 6:10
c. The response of believers: 6:11-12
d. An example of the certainty of God's promises: 6:13-20
(1) Abraham: 6:13-15
(2) The oath: 6:16-17
(3) Assurance of God's faithfulness to His Word: 6:18-20
E. The priesthood of Melchizedek: 7:1-28
1. General description: 7:1-3
2. Melchizedek and Abraham: 7:4-10
3. The Levitical priesthood: 7:11-13
4. The new priesthood: 7:14-17
5. Priesthood under the law: 7:18-21
6. Priesthood under the new covenant: 7:22-27
7. Summary of the teaching: 7:28

V. A superior ministry: The two covenants: 8:1-10:18

A. Introduction: 8:1-6
1. Summary of previous teaching: 8:1-2
2. Ministry of the high priest: 8:3-5
3. A more excellent ministry: 8:6
B. The two covenants: 8:7-13
1. The first (old) covenant: 8:7-8
2. The second (new) covenant: 8:8-12
a. Maker: 8:8
b. Covenant: 8:9-12
3. Contrast between the new and the old: 8:13
C. Operation of the first covenant: 9:1-10
1. The tabernacle: 9:1-5
2. The ministry of the high priest: 9:6-10
D. Operation of the new covenant: 9:11-10:18
1. General description: 9:11-12
a. The tabernacle: 9:11
b. The ministry of the high priest: 9:11-28
(1) In atonement for sin: 9:12-22
(2) In Heaven: 9:23-28

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 2. Contrasts between the old and new: 10:1-18

VI. Superior resources for faith: Practical exhortation: 10:19-13:17

A. Use the new access to God: 10:19-31

1. Draw near in faith: 10:19-22
a. With boldness: 10:19
b. Through the new and living way: 10:20
c. By the high priest (Jesus): 10:20-21
d. With a true heart: 10:22
e. In full assurance of faith: 10:22
f. With our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: 10:22
g. With our bodies washed with pure water: 10:22
2. Hold fast the faith: 10:23
3. Encourage one another in the faith: 10:24-25
a. Provoke unto love and to good works: 10:24
b. Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together: 10:25
c. Exhort one another: 10:25
B. (Fourth) Warning passage: 10:26-31
1. The warning: 10:26-27
2. The Old Testament example: 10:28
3. The present situation: 10:29-31
C. Remember former experiences: 10:32-34
D. Cast not away your confidence: 10:35
E. Be patient: 10:36-37
F. Live by faith: 10:38-11:40
1. The command to live by faith: 10:38-39
2. The definition of faith: 11:1
3. The function of faith: 11:2-3
4. Examples of faith: 11:4-38
a. Abel: 11:4
b. Enoch: 11:5-6
c. Noah: 11:7
d. Abraham and Sara: 11:8-19
e. Isaac: 11:20
f. Jacob: 11:21
g. Joseph: 11:22
h. Moses: 11:23-29
i. Joshua (Jericho): 11:30
j. Rahab: 11:31
k. Other examples of faith: 11:32-38
5. Recipients of the promise of faith in Jesus Christ: 11:39-40
G. Endure suffering and chastening: 12:1-29
1. Examples of suffering: 12:1-3
a. A multitude of those gone before us (witnesses): 12:1

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 b. Jesus: 12:2-3
2. The explanation of suffering: 12:4-11
a. Increased resistance against sin: 12:4
b. God loves those He chastens and is dealing with them as sons: 12:5-7
c. Only those who are not sons are not chastened: 12:8
d. The comparison to the example of earthly fathers: 12:9-10
e. Results of chastening: 12:11
(1) Immediate chastening is not pleasant.
(2) Afterwards it results in the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
3. The believer's response to suffering: 12:12-17
a. Lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees: 12:12
b. Make straight paths for your feet: 12:13
c. Let those suffering be healed: 12:14
d. Follow peace with all men: 12:14
e. Follow holiness with all men: 12:14
f. Watch diligently lest anyone fail of the grace of God: 12:15
g. Be careful lest any root of bitterness trouble and defile you: 12:15
h. Guard against fornicators and profane persons: 12:16-17
H. (Fifth) Warning passage: 12:18-29
1. The position of Israel at Mt. Sinai: 12:18-21
2. The position of believers at Mt. Sion: 12:22-24
3. The consequent response of believers: 12:25-29
I. An exhortation to fulfill Christian responsibilities: 13:1-17
1. Social duties: 13:1-6
a. Relationships: Let brotherly love continue: 13:1
b. Hospitality: 3:2
c. Remember them that are in bonds and those suffering: 13:3
d. Marriage: It is honorable, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge:
13:4
e. Conversation: Do not speak covetously: 13:5
f. Possessions: Be content with what you have: 13:5
g. Remember God is always with you to help you: 13:5-6
2. Religious duties: 13:7-17
a. Remember those who rule over you: 13:7
b. Remember Jesus never changes: 13:8
c. Do not be carried about with strange doctrines: 13:9
d. Do not be entangled in legalistic doctrines: 13:9-12
e. Bear the reproach of the Gospel: 13:13
f. Seek for the city which is to come: 13:14
g. Continually offer the sacrifice of praise: 13:15
h. Do good and communicate: 13:16
i. Obey them which rule over you and submit yourselves: 13:17

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VII. Personal instructions: 13:18-25

A. A request for prayer: 13:18-19

1. For a good conscience: 13:18
2. Willingness to live honestly: 13:18
3. For soon release: 13:19
B. A prayer for the readers: 13:20-21
1. The one addressed: 13:20
2. The request: 13:21
C. An exhortation to heed the epistle: 13:22
D. Timothy's proposed visit: 13:23
E. Closing greetings: 13:24
1. To: Those who have rule over you and all the saints.
2. From: They of Italy.
F. Benediction: 13:25

NOTE: Hebrews is sometimes called the fifth Gospel. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus on the work
of Jesus during His earthly ministry, His death, and resurrection. Hebrews describes His present work in
Heaven.

Key words in Hebrews: Better, perfect, eternal, forever, partakers, Heaven, priest, high priest.

Hebrews provides the most extended record of conversations between the Father and the Son, Jesus
Christ. (1:5-13; 2:12-13; 10:5-9.)

Hebrews chapters 7-10 explains the purpose of the Old Testament tabernacle.

Hebrews chapter 11 is the greatest chapter on faith in the Bible.

Hebrews 4:12 is one of the best descriptions of the Word of God contained in the Bible.

The following verses prove the superiority of the Messiah (Jesus) to angels: Psalms 2:7; 104:4; 45:7-8;
102:26-28; 110:1; 2nd Samuel 7:14; Deuteronomy 32:43

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
JAMES

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: James
• TO WHOM: Believers among the twelve tribes of Israel
• PURPOSE: To comfort believers undergoing trials for their faith.
• KEY VERSE: James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead
also.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Faith is the foundation of works.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: James, Abraham, Isaac, Rahab, Job, Elijah

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1

A. From: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: 1:1
B. To: The twelve tribes scattered abroad: 1:1

II. Faith in suffering: 1:1-18

A. Response to suffering: Joy: 1:2

B. Benefits of suffering: 1:3-4
1. Patience: 1:3
2. Perfection: 1:4
3. Entirety (completeness): 1:4
C. The proper response to suffering: 1:5
1. Wisdom from God: 1:5
a. The source of wisdom: God.
b. The availability of wisdom: Through prayer with faith.
c. The need for faith: By all men.
2. Stable faith: 1:6-7
a. He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea: 1:6
b. Such a man will receive nothing from the Lord: 1:7
3. Single minded: 1:8
4. Right response whether exalted or brought low: 1:9-11
a. The brother of low degree is to rejoice when exalted: 1:9
b. The brother of high degree is to rejoice that he is brought low: 1:10
c. Such levels of life are temporal. They are like grass and flowers which spring
up but wither when the sun rises: 1:10-11

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 D. The blessing of suffering: 1:12
1. If we endure temptation and trials, we will receive a crown of life promised by the
Lord to those who love Him.
E. The source of temptation: 1:13-18
1. Not God: 1:13
a. God cannot be tempted with evil: 1:13
b. God does not tempt man with evil: 1:13
2. We are tempted when: 1:14-15
a. We are drawn away of our lust and enticed: 1:14
b. Lust, conceived, brings forth sin: 1:15
c. Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death: 1:15
3. We are to understand that: 1:16-18
a. God sends only good and perfect gifts: 1:17
b. God: 1:17-18
(1) Is the Father of lights: 1:17
(2) In whom is no variableness: 1:17
(3) In whom there is no turning: 1:17
(4) Is the one who begot us with the Word of truth: 1:18
(5) Desires that we be a kind of first fruits of His creatures: 1:18

III. Faith at work: 1:19-4:12

A. Faith makes a change: 1:19-21

1. What we should be: 1:19-20
a. Swift to hear: 1:19
b. Slow to speak: 1:19
c. Slow to wrath: 1:19-20
2. What we should lay aside: 1:21
a. Filthiness.
b. Superfluity of naughtiness.
3. What we should incorporate in our lives: The Word: 1:21
B. Faith is in doing, not hearing only: 1:22-25
1. We deceive ourselves if we are hearers only: 1:22
2. The example of a man looking into a mirror: 1:23-25
a. The hearer listens and does nothing about it: 1:23-24
b. The doer responds to the Word: 1:25
C. Faith is evidenced by control of the tongue: 1:26-27
1. Even if we seem religious, if we do not control the tongue, we are deceiving ourselves
and our religion is vain: 1:26
2. Pure religion before God is: 1:27
a. To visit the fatherless.
b. Visit the widows.
c. Keep unspotted from the world.
D. Faith does not show respect of persons: 2:1-13
1. Respect to be shown equally for both rich and poor: 2:1-4

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 2. God chooses the poor of the world, rich in faith, as heirs of the Kingdom: 2:5
3. Respect of persons is a poor testimony before the world: 2:6-7
4. The royal law: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: 2:8
5. Respect of persons is sin: 2:9
6. Sin and the law: 2:10-13
E. The faith that saves: 2:14-26
1. Faith, without works, is dead: 2:14-17
2. The relation of faith and works: 2:18
3. Examples of faith and works: 2:20-25
a. Abraham: 2:21-24
b. Rahab: 2:25
4. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also: 2:26
F. Faith controls the tongue: 3:1-13
1. The tongue is the most difficult to control: 3:1-2
2. Examples of natural control: 3:3-4
a. Bits in horses' mouths: 3:3
b. Helms in ships: 3:4
3. The power of the tongue: 3:5-12
a. Although small, the tongue has great power: 3:5
b. The tongue is like a fire which ignites or defiles our whole body: 3:6
c. Every animal is tamed by mankind, but the tongue cannot be tamed by man:
5:7-8
d. The tongue can be used to either curse or bless: 3:9
e. Cursing and blessing should not proceed out of the same mouth: 5:10-12
f. Control of the tongue is evidence of faith and good works: 3:13
G. Faith and factions among believers: 3:14-4:12
1. Division among believers is not of God: 3:14
2. Wisdom of the world: 3:15-16
a. Its description: 3:15
(1) Earthly.
(2) Sensual.
(3) Devilish.
b. Its results: 3:16
(1) Envy.
(2) Strife.
(3) Confusion.
(4) Every evil work.
3. The wisdom from God is: 3:17
a. Pure.
b. Peaceable.
c. Gentle.
d. Easily entreated.
e. Full of mercy.
f. Full of good fruits.

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 g. Without partiality.
h. Without hypocrisy.
4. Faith brings righteousness and peace: 3:18
5. Divisions come from lust: 4:1-6
a. Such lust hinders prayer: 4:2-3
b. It hinders relationship with God: 4:5-6
6. Correcting divisions: 4:7-12
a. Submit to God: 4:7
b. Resist the Devil: 4:7
c. Draw nigh to God: 4:8
d. Cleanse and purify yourself: 4:8
e. Reflect true sorrow and repentance: 4:9
f. Humble yourselves: 4:10
g. Do not speak evil of others: 4:11
h. Do not judge others: 4:11-12

IV. Faith and the future: 4:13-5:12

A. We cannot be assured of the future: 4:13-14

B. Only God knows the future: 4:15
C. When we boast in the future, it is evil: 4:16-17
D. The future of the rich: 5:1-6
1. They will experience misery: 5:1
2. Riches will perish: 5:1-3
3. Their fraud is noted by God: 5:4
4. They have lived in evil: 5:5-6
a. In pleasure: 5:5
b. In the ways of their own heart: 5:5
c. Condemning and killing the just: 5:6
E. The believer's preparation for the future: 5:7-12
1. Wait patiently for the coming of the Lord: 5:7-8
2. Establish your hearts: 5:8
3. Do not hold grudges: 5:9
4. View the prophets as an example of the suffering you will experience: 5:10
5. Endure with joy, as did Job: 5:11
6. Do not swear, but mean what you say: 5:12

V. Faith and Christian relationships: 5:13-20

A. Response to the afflicted: 5:13

B. Response to the merry: 5:13
C. Response to the sick: 5:14-15
1. Call for the elders of the church: 5:14
2. Let them anoint and pray over the sick: 5:14
3. The prayer of faith will save the sick: 5:15
4. The Lord will raise him up: 5:15

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 5. If he has committed sins, they will be forgiven: 5:15
D. Response to faults in others: 5:16-18
1. Confess faults to each other: 5:16
2. Pray for one another, that you may be healed: 5:16
3. Elias as an example of such effectual prayer: 5:16-18

E. Response to the erring: 5:19-20

1. Convert him: 5:19

2. Save his soul from death: 5:20
3. Hide a multitude of sins: 5:21

NOTE: James is the only New Testament book addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel: 1:1

James uses several Old Testament characters to illustrate his message:

• Abraham: 2:21
• Rahab: 2:25
• Elijah: 5:17
• Isaac: 2:21 Job: 5:11

James uses several natural examples to illustrate his message:

• -Wind-tossed waves of the sea: 1:6

• -Withering grass and fading flowers: 1:10-11
• -Fire: 3:5
• -Fountains of water: 3:11
• -Figs and olives: 3:12
• -Sowing and harvesting: 3:18 –
• Early and latter rains: 5:7
• -Drought: 5:17

Note the repetitions: "Faith without works is dead" in 2:17,20,26. When the soul is separate from the
body, the body decays. In a similar way, faith without works is dead. Faith justifies the man. Works
justify the faith.

Of the 108 total verses in James, 60 of these are commands for practical Christian living.

The life of James, the half brother of Jesus, who was the author of this letter.:

• -Matthew 12:46-50
• -John 2:12; 7:1-9
• -Acts 1:14; 12:17; 15:13; 21:18-26
• -1st Corinthians 15:7 -Galatians 1:18-19; 2:1, 9-10

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
1st AND 2nd PETER

1st PETER
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Peter
• TO WHOM: Exiles being persecuted for their Christian faith
• PURPOSE: To warn of the danger of persecution from those outside of the Church.
• KEY VERSE: 1st Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Response to persecution should be based on Scriptural
principles.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Peter, Silvanus, Marcus

OUTLINE
I. Greeting: 1:1-2

A. From Peter, an apostle of Jesus: 1:1

B. To the elect scattered throughout: 1:1
1. Pontus.
2. Galatia.
3. Cappadocia.
4. Asia.
5. Bithynia.

II. Comfort and reassurance in suffering: 1:3-25

A. Reassurance in the facts of the Gospel: 1:3-12

1. The source of salvation: 1:3
a. Elected by God the Father.
b. Redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
c. Sanctified by the Spirit.
2. The description of salvation: 1:3-5
a. A lively hope: 1:3
b. An incorruptible inheritance: 1:4
c. Undefiled: 1:4
d. Fadeth not away (eternal): 1:4

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 e. Reserved in Heaven for those kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation: 1:5
B. Reassurance based on the benefits of suffering: 1:6-12
1. Joy in spite of temptations: 1:6
2. Praise, honor, and glory: 1:7
3. Joy based on relationship to Jesus, not on outward circumstances of life: 1:8
4. Assurance of the faith: Salvation of the soul: 1:9-12
a. Sought by the prophets: 1:9-10
b. Their source: Christ: 1:11
c. Their summary: 1:11-12
(1) They predicted His first coming and suffering: 1:11
(2) They predicted His second coming and the glory that should follow:
1:11
d. Sought by the angels: 1:12
C. Reassurance based on a proper response to suffering: 1:14-17
1. Gird up the loins of your mind: 1:13
2. Be sober: 1:13
3. Hope to the end for the grace at the revelation of Jesus Christ: 1:13
4. Respond as obedient children: 1:14
5. Do not fashion yourself according to former lusts: 1:14
6. Be holy, as He which hath called you is holy: 1:15-16
7. Lead respectful, productive lives: 1:17
D. Reassurance based on redemption: 1:18-25
1. We were not redeemed with corruptible things: 1:18
2. We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ: 1:19-20
3. Assurance in times of suffering is based on our redeemed relationship with Him: 1:21-
23
4. This assurance of redemption is based on His Word, which endures forever and is the
basis of the Gospel: 1:24-25

III. The Christian response to suffering: 2:1-3:13

A. Response to sin: 2:1

B. Response to the Word of God: 2:2
C. Response to the Son of God: 2:3-10
D. Response in ourselves: 2:11
E. Response to the unsaved: 2:12
F. Response to civil authorities: 2:13-17
G. Response to employers: 2:18-20
H. Response based on Christ's example: 2:21-25
I. Response to family: 3:1-12
1. The wife: 3:1-6
2. The husband: 3:7
3. The entire family: 3:8-12

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IV. The discipline of suffering: 3:13-4:19.

A. Suffering for righteousness brings joy and a good conscience: 3:13-17

B. Suffering justifies the sinner: 3:18-22
C. Suffering conforms you to the example of Jesus: 4:1-6
D. Suffering anticipates the second coming of Jesus: 4:7
E. Suffering develops spiritual qualities: 4:8-11
1. Love: 4:8
2. Forgiveness for sin: 4:8
3. Hospitality: 4:9
4. Good stewardship of gifts and ministries: 4:10-11
F. Suffering multiplies future rewards: 4:12-13
G. Suffering glorifies the Lord: 4:14-16
H. Suffering purifies the saints: 4:17-19.

V. Summary statement of the believer’s attitude towards suffering: 4:19.

VI. Continue to serve, despite suffering: 5:1-9

A. Serving as shepherd: The elders of the church: 5:1-4

1. Feed the flock of God: 5:2
2. Take oversight willingly, not by constraint: 5:2
3. Do not serve just for monetary reward: 5:2
4. Be of a ready mind: 5:2
5. Be examples, not lords over the flock: 5:3
6. The Chief Shepherd rewards: 5:4
B. Serving as servants: Both young and old: 5:5-7
1. Younger submit to elder: 5:5
2. Each be subject to other: 5:5
3. Be humble: 5:5-6
a. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble: 5:5
b. If we are humble, we will be exalted: 5:6
4. Cast all care on Him because He cares for you: 5:7
C. Serving as a soldier: 5:8-9
1. The Enemy: The Devil, as a roaring lion, who seeks to devour: 5:8
2. The soldier's attitudes: 5:8
a. We should be sober: 5:8
b. We should be vigilant: 5:8
3. Strategy against the enemy: 5:9
a. We should resist in the faith: 5:9
b. Recognize we are not alone: The same afflictions are common among
brethren in the world: 5:9

VII. Conclusion: 5:10-14

A. Benediction: 5:10-11
1. The benefits of suffering in Jesus. You will be: 5:10

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 a. Perfected.
b. Established.
c. Strengthened.
d. Settled.
2. To God be glory and dominion for ever: 5:11
B. Personal greetings: 5:12-14
1. Silvanus: 5:12
2. The church at Babylon: 5:13
3. Marcus, my son: 5:13
4. Greet one another with a kiss: 5:14
5. A final blessing of peace to those in Jesus: 5:14

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2nd PETER
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Peter
• TO WHOM: Christian exiles, probably the same group listed in 1st Peter.
• PURPOSE: To warn of danger from within: Apostacy and false teaching.
• KEY VERSES: 2nd Peter 3:1-2 “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I
stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. That ye may be mindful of the words which
were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the
Lord and Savoir.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The greatest two dangers from within the church are apostacy
and false teachers.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Peter, Paul

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-2

A. From Peter, a servant and apostle: 1:1

B. To them that have obtained like precious faith: 1:1
C. Grace and peace multiplied through the knowledge of God and Jesus: 1:2

II. Proclamation of the power of God in the face of apostacy and false teachers: 1:3

III. The promises of God: 1:4

A. Life.
B. Godliness.
C. Knowledge.
D. Glory.
E. Virtue.

IV. The principles of God: 1:5-9

A. To be developed with diligence: 1:5

B. The principles listed: 1:5-7
1. Faith: 1:5
2. Virtue: 1:5
3. Knowledge: 1:5
4. Temperance: 1:6
5. Patience: 1:6
6. Godliness: 1:6
7. Brotherly kindness: 1:7
8. Charity: 1:7
C. The value of these principles. They will make you: 1:8
1. Abound spiritually.

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 2. Fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus.
D. Problems without such principles: 1:9
1. No spiritual vision.
2. No spiritual memory.

V. The calling of God: 1:10-12

A. Give diligence to make it sure: 1:10

B. If you do these things, you will never fall: 1:10
C. You will be assured entrance into the everlasting Kingdom: 1:11
D. You will be established in truth: 1:12

VI. The revelation to the Apostle of God: He was to shortly put off this "earthly tabernacle": 1:13-15

VII. The Word of God: 1:16-21

A. Not based on fables, but on eyewitness accounts: 1:16

B. Based on the deity of Christ: 1:17
C. Based on a sure Word of prophecy: 1:19.
D. Not based on individual interpretation: 1:20
E. Based on the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: 1:21

VIII. Warning against false teachers: Deviation from these principles (points II through VII above) by the
enemies of God: 2:1-3:4

A. The identity of the enemies: 2:1-9

1. Present days: False teachers: 2:1-3
2. Former days: 2:1-9
a. False prophets: 2:1
b. The wicked angels: 2:4
c. Those living in Noah's day: 2:5
d. Those living in Lot's day: 2:6-9
B. Description of the enemies of God (false teachers): 2:1-3,10-19.
1. Bring in damnable heresies: 2:1
2. Deny the Lord: 2:1
3. Have pernicious ways: 2:2
4. Cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of: 2:2
5. Covetous: 2:3
6. Speak with feigned words: 2:3
7. Make merchandise of the people of God: 2:3
8. Walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness: 2:10
9. Despise government: 2:10
10. Presumptuous: 2:10
11. Self-willed: 2:10
12. Speak evil against dignities: 2:10-13
a. They ignore the fact that even angels do not do this: 2:11
b. They speak evil of things they do not understand: 2:12

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 c. For this, they will perish in their own corruption and receive the reward of
unrighteousness: 2:12-13
13. Spots and blemishes: 2:13
14. Deceptive members of the fellowship: 2:13
15. Eyes full of adultery: 2:14
16. Cannot cease from sin: 2:14
17. Beguile unstable souls: 2:14
18. Covetous: 2:14
19. Cursed children: 2:14
20. Forsake the right way to follow in the error of Balaam: 2:15-16
21. Wells without water: 2:17
22. Clouds carried by a tempest: 2:17
23. Eternal darkness is reserved for them: 2:17
24. Speak great swelling words of vanity: 2:18
25. The target of their lust and wantonness are those cleansed from error: 2:18
26. Promise liberty although they are in bondage themselves as servants of corruption:
2:19.
C. Destiny of the enemies: 2:20-22
1. Latter end worse than the beginning: 2:20
2. It had been better for them not to have known righteousness than to know and turn
from it: 2:21
3. They are like dogs returned to vomit and a sow to the mire: 2:22

IX. Warning against apostacy: 3:1-18

A. The definition of apostacy: 3:1-4

1. Predicted by the prophets: 3:1-2
2. Apostacy is scoffing at the promise of the coming of Jesus: 3:4
B. An answer to apostacy: God's dealings with the past, present, and future worlds: 3:5-13
1. The condemnation of the former world came to pass despite the scoffers: 3:5-6
2. The future annihilation of the present world will come to pass: 3:7-8,10
3. God has His own timetable for fulfilling His plan: 3:8
4. The most important factor in God's plan is the salvation of lost souls, not the timing of
future events: 3:9
5. The "day of the Lord" in which He fulfills His plan will come unexpectedly: 5:10
6. His plan will culminate with a new creation: 3:13
C. The believer's response in the face of apostacy: 3:14-18
1. Be found of Him in peace: 3:14
2. Without spot: 3:14
3. Blameless: 3:14
4. Recognize that the delay in the fulfillment of God's plan is due to His mercy on the
unsaved: 15-16
5. Beware lest you also be led into the error of the wicked and fall: 3:17
6. Grow in grace: 3:18
7. Grow in the knowledge of the Lord: 3:18

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X. Conclusion: 3:18

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 CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
1st, 2nd, AND 3rd JOHN
1st, 2nd, and 3rd John were written by John the son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21) who was an apostle of
Jesus (Matthew 10:2). John also wrote the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation. The books written
by John fit together in a developing plan of increasing revelation:

BOOKS WRITTEN BY JOHN

Gospel of John: Epistles of John: (1st, 2nd and 3rd John) Speaks of salvation Speak of sanctification Deals
with the past Deal with the present Presents Jesus as the prophet Present Jesus as our priest Concerns
the cross in the life of believers Concern the fellowship of believers Revelation Speaks of glorification
Deals with the future Presents Jesus as the King Concerns the crown awaiting believers.

Note: The books of 2nd and 3rd John have no chapter divisions in the Bible. Therefore, only the verses are
listed.

1st JOHN
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: John
• TO WHOM: Christians who were falling into Satanic deception which was breaking their
fellowship with God and other believers.
• PURPOSE: To explain the standards of true fellowship in Jesus Christ.
• KEY VERSE: 1st John 1:8-9 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: True fellowship with God and fellow believers is based on the
standards of God's Word and maintained by the principle of confession of sin.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: The author, John. No other people are mentioned by name.

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1:1-4

A. John is writing about that which he has seen with his eyes, looked upon, and handled of the
Word of life. He is writing from firsthand experience: 1:1
B. The fellowship of which he writes is the true fellowship of believers with God and one
another: 1:2-3
C. His purpose in writing on this subject is that their joy might be full by being established in this
fellowship: 1:4

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II. The conditions for true fellowship in Jesus: 1:5-10

A. Conformity to the standard of God's Word: 1:5-7

B. Confession of sin: 1:8-10

III. The proper conduct of those in the true fellowship of believers: 2:1-29

A. The character of proper conduct is imitation of the spiritual example set by Jesus: 2:1-11
1. The principle of imitation: 2:1-2
2. The pattern for imitation: 2:3-6
3. The proof of proper imitation: 2:7-11
B. The commandment upon which conduct is based is separation: 2:12-17
1. The believers to which the commandment is addressed includes all levels of spiritual
maturity: 2:12-14
2. The commandment is separation from worldliness: 2:15-17
C. The creed for our conduct: 2:18-29
1. The necessity for a creed: 2:18-21
2. The nature of the creed: 2:22-29

IV. The characteristics of true Christian fellowship: 3:1-24

A. Purity: 3:1-3
B. Righteousness and love: 3:4-18
C. Confidence: 3:19-21
D. Obedience: 3:22-24

V. Enemies of the true fellowship of believers: 4:1-21

A. False prophets: 4:1-6

1. How to recognize them: 4:2-3
2. How to overcome them: 4:4
3. They are of the world: 4:5
4. We are of God: 4:6
B. False profession of a loving spirit: 4:7-21
1. Perfect love described: 4:7-17
2. Perfect love contrasted with a false profession of a loving spirit: 4:18-21

VI. The reason for maintaining true fellowship: 5:1-21

A. Faith in Jesus is proven by the conduct we exhibit: 5:1-5

B. Faith in Jesus is proven by the credentials we exhibit: 5:6-12
1. The evidence of the credentials: 5:6-8
2. The effect of the credentials: 5:9-12
C. Faith in Jesus is proved by the confidence we exhibit: 5:13-15
D. Faith in Jesus is proved by conquering sin: 5:16-21

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2nd JOHN
INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: John
• TO WHOM: The "elect lady and her children," which means the Church and its members. (The
Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ.)
• PURPOSE: To admonish believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false
teachers.
• KEY VERSE: 2nd John 1:9 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,
hath not God. He that abideth n the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: We must guard against false teachers who cause us to lose the
spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil.
• MAIN CHARACTER: John

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: Greeting: 1-3

A. From: The elder, John: 1

B. To: The elect lady and her children who John loves in the truth: 1-2
C. He sends from God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ: 3
1. Grace.
2. Mercy.
3. Peace.

II. Exhortation to love: 4-6

A. Walk in truth: 4
B. Walk in love: 5
C. Walk in His commandments: 6

III. Warning against false doctrine and false teachers: 7-11

A. The confession of false teachers: 7

B. The consequences of believing false teachers: 8-9
1. Losing the spiritual things previously achieved in their lives: 8
2. Transgressing by not abiding in the doctrine of Christ: 9
3. Becoming a partaker of their evil deeds: 10-11

IV. Conclusion: 12-13

A. John has much to write to them but hopes to come to visit them instead: 12
B. John sends greetings from the members of a sister church: 13

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3rd JOHN
INTRODUCTION

• AUTHOR: John
• TO WHOM: The book is addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the
church with which he was connected. There is no way to identify who this man was, as the Bible
gives no further information on him. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers.
• PURPOSE: To commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the
unchristian behavior of Diotrephes.
• KEY VERSE: 3rd John 1:11 ”Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Our lives are examples of either good or evil to others around us.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius

OUTLINE
I. Introduction: 1-2

A. From: The elder, John: 1

B. To: The well beloved Gaius: 1
C. John's wish for him: That he may prosper and be in health even as his soul prospered: 2

II. The believer's relation to truth: 3-4

A. It should be in them: 3
B. They should walk in truth: 3
C. When we walk in truth it brings joy to our spiritual leaders: 4

III. The believer's relation to other fellow Christians: 5-8

A. They are to minister to brethren and strangers: 5

B. They should be known to the church for their charity: 6
C. They are to be fellow helpers to the truth: 8

IV. The believer's relation to good and evil: 9-12

A. Diotrephes as an example of evil: 9

1. Attempted to occupy the leading place.
2. Refused to receive John, God's appointed leader.
3. Slandered the apostles (leadership).
4. Discontented.
5. Excluded other brethren (cliques).
6. Attempted to excommunicate believers who did not want to accept the leadership
set in the church by God.

B. The proper response to such evil: 11

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 1. Follow not that which is evil, because he that does evil hath not seen God: 11
2. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good is of God: 11
C. Demetrius: An example of good: 12
1. Had a good testimony of all men.
2. Was aligned with the truth of God's Word.
3. Had a good reputation with the God-appointed leadership.

V. Conclusion: 13-14

A. John had many things to write, but he hoped to come to visit instead: 13-14
B. He sends: 14
1. Peace.
2. Salutations from his friends to Gaius and the church.
C. He asks Gaius to greet his friends by name: 14

A simple outline for the book of 1st John:

• -Chapters 1-2: God is light

• -Chapters 3-4: God is love
• -Chapter 5: God is life

Contrasts in 1st John:

• -Light versus darkness: 1:5-2:11

• -Father versus the world: 2:12-17
• -Christ versus the antichrist: 2:18-28
• -Good works versus evil: 2:29-3:24
• -Holy Spirit versus error: 4:1-6
• -Love versus pretense: 4:7-21
• -God-born versus others: 5:1-21

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 CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
JUDE

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: Jude (the brother of Jesus)
• TO WHOM: All Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches
in Palestine and/or Asia.
• sPURPOSE: To warn against false teachers
• KEY VERSE: Jude 1:3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: We must be alert for false teachers who creep in unawares and
divert believers from the truth of God's Word.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: Jude, Michael the archangel, Cain, Balaam, Core, Enoch

OUTLINE
Note: The book of Jude has no chapter divisions in the Bible. Therefore, only the verses are listed.

I. Introduction: Greeting: 1-2

A. From: Jude: 1
1. Brother of James.
2. Bondservant of Jesus Christ.
B. To those: 1
1. Sanctified by God.
2. Preserved in Christ.
3. Called.

II. Purpose: 3

A. Original purpose: Common salvation.

B. Revised purpose: Exhortation that they earnestly contend for the faith because of the type of
people creeping into the church.

III. Characteristics of "certain men" (false teachers): 4

A. Crept in unawares.
B. Ordained to condemnation.
C. Ungodly men.
D. Turning God's grace to lasciviousness.
E. Denying the Lord Jesus Christ.

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IV. Three historical records: 5-7

A. Israel: Once saved, afterward destroyed: 5 (Numbers 13-14 and 1st Corinthians 10:5-10)
B. Angels: Left first estate, reserved in chains: 6 (2nd Peter 2:4)
C. Sodom and Gomorrah: Lust and fornication resulted in punishment by fire: 7 (Genesis 18-19)

V. Description of false teachers: 8-10 (continued description from verse 4)

A. Filthy dreamers: 8
B. Defile the flesh: 8
C. Despise dominion: 8
D. Speak evil of dignities: 8-10
1. Michael the archangel didn't dare to speak evil against the devil: 9
2. These men speak evil of things they know not: 10
E. Corrupt natural things: 10

VI. Description of these evil men by example: 11

A. Gone: The way of Cain: Rejected the blood as necessary for remission of sin: (Genesis 4)
B. Ran: After the error of Balaam: Ministry for financial gain: (Numbers 22-24)
C. Perished: In the gainsaying of Core: Denying God's designated leadership: (Numbers 16)

VII. Description of these evil men by metaphor (comparison to natural examples): 12-13

A. Spots: Actually means "stones" in your feasts; stone in food: 12

B. Waterless Clouds: Promising much but delivering nothing; easily driven this way and that: 12
C. Dead Trees: Without fruit, no roots or stability; twice dead: First in sin and secondly in
hypocrisy: 12
D. Wild Waves: Boisterous, noisy, but accomplishing nothing: 13
E. Wandering Stars: Look bright, but reserved unto darkness: 13

VIII. Future judgment: 14-15 (Genesis 5:18-24)

A. The messenger: Enoch: 14 B. The message: 15

1. Judged by the Lord with 10,000 saints: 14
a. For all their ungodly deeds they committed: 15
b. For all their hard speeches spoken against Him: 15

IX. Description of evil men continued: 16

A. Murmurers.
B. Complainers.
C. Walking after their own lusts.
D. Mouth speaking swelling words (boasters).
E. Have respect of persons, thinking some better than others because of wealth, position, etc.

X. Remember: Jesus warned of these men: 17-19

A. Mockers would come in the last time: 18

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 B. They would walk after their own ungodly lusts: 18
C. They would separate themselves (groups, cliques): 19
D. They would be sensual: 19
E. They would not have the Spirit of God: 19

XI. Four point plan for avoiding the deception of these evil men: 20-21

A. Build up yourself in the faith: 20

B. Pray in the Holy Ghost: 20
C. Keep yourself in the love of God: 21
D. Look for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ: 21

XII. Our response to these evil men: 22-23

A. On some have compassion: 22

1. Make a difference between those who are weak and those who are willfully evil (see
verse 23).
B. Others save with fear: 23
1. Pull them out of the fire of sin/hell; Pull them out, do not join them in their sin.
2. Hate even the garments spotted by flesh.

XIV. Closing benediction: 24-25

A. What He does for us now: He is able to keep us from falling: 24

B. What He will do later: Present us faultless: 24
1. Before the presence of His glory.
2. With exceeding great joy.
C. To the only wise God our Savior, now and forever, be: 25
1. Glory.
2. Majesty.
3. Dominion.
4. Power.

Old Testament examples given in Jude:

• -Israel saved out of Egypt but later destroyed: Numbers 13-14; 1st Corinthians 10:5-10; Hebrews
3:17
• -The angels which kept not their first estate: 2nd Peter 2:4
• -Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 18:1-19:24
• -Cain: Genesis 4
• -Balaam: Numbers 22-24
• -Core (Korah): Numbers 16
• -Enoch (The seventh descendant from Adam): Genesis 5:18

The commands in Jude:

• -Earnestly contend for the faith: 3

• -Make a difference: 22

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 • -Remember the words of the apostles: 17
• -Have compassion on some: 22
• -Build yourself up in the faith: 20
• -Save others with fear: 23
• -Pray in the Holy Ghost: 20
• -Pull them out of the fire: 23
• -Look for the mercy of Jesus: 21
• -Hate even the flesh garments: 23
• -Keep yourselves in the love of God: 21

One of the key words in Jude is "ungodly." He uses it to describe men, lusts, deeds, committed, sinners,
speeches

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF PROPHECY

Revelation is the only prophetical book in the New Testament. It provides a glimpse into the future plan
of God, including the end of time as we now know it, the creation of the new heaven and earth, the
judgment, and the beginning of eternity.

CHAPTER SIXTY
REVELATION

INTRODUCTION
• AUTHOR: John
• TO WHOM: Seven churches in Asia and believers in general.
• PURPOSE: To reveal God's plan for the world.
• KEY VERSE: Revelation 1:19 “1st John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation,
and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the
word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
• LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: In the end, good is always victorious over evil. God always
accomplishes His established plan and purpose.
• MAIN CHARACTERS: John, antichrist, false prophet, Jesus Christ

OUTLINE
Part One: The Past: "Things which thou hast seen"

I. Introduction: 1:1-3

II. Salutation: 1:4-6

III. Theme of the Revelation: 1:7-8

IV. Author: John 1:9-10

V. John's vision of the Lord: 1:10-18

A. His Person: Alpha and Omega, the Lord: 1:11

B. His position: The midst of the churches (candlesticks): 1:12-13
C. His characteristics: 1:13-16

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 D. His message: 1:17-20

Part Two: The Present: "Things which are"

I. Messages to the churches: 2:1-3:22

A. Ephesus: 2:1-7
B. Smyrna: 2:8-11
C. Pergamos: 2:12-17
D. Thyatira: 2:18-29
E. Sardis: 3:1-6
F. Philadelphia: 3:7-13
G. Laodicea: 3:14-22

Part Three: The Future: "Things which shall be hereafter"

I. The control of events in the end time: 4:1-5:14

A. The Throne of God: 4:1-11

B. The Scroll: 5:1-5
C. The Lamb: 5:6-14

II. The wrath of the Lamb: 6:1-19:21

A. The seven seal judgments: 6:1-11:19

1. The first seal: 6:1-2
2. The second seal: 6:3-4
3. The third seal: 6:5-6
4. The fourth seal: 6:7-8
5. The fifth seal: 6:9-11
6. The sixth seal: 6:12-17
7. An interlude: 7:1-17
a. On earth: The sealing of the servants of God: 7:1-8
b. In Heaven: The singing of the servants of God: 7:9-17
8. The seventh seal: 8:1-11:19. This seal consists of seven trumpets:
a. First trumpet: 8:7
b. Second trumpet: 8:8-9
c. Third trumpet: 8:10-11
d. Fourth trumpet: 8:12-13
e. Fifth trumpet: 9:1-12
f. Sixth trumpet: 9:13-21
g. Interlude: 10:1-11:14. Seven events occur between the sixth and seventh
trumpets.
h. Seventh trumpet: 11:15-19

III. The reign of Satan on earth: 12:1-13:18

A. Satan and Israel: 12:1-17

B. Satan and the world: 13:1-18

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IV. The seven vial judgments: 14:1-16:21

A. Events preceding the vial judgments: 14:1-15:8

B. The vial judgments: 16:1-21
1. First vial judgment: 16:2
2. Second vial judgment: 16:3
3. Third vial judgment: 16:4-7
4. Fourth vial judgment: 16:8-9
5. Fifth vial judgment: 16:10-11
6. Sixth vial judgment: 16:12-16
7. Seventh vial judgment: 16:17-21

V. Destruction of the world's religious systems: 17:1-18

A. History: 17:1-6
B. Future: 17:7-18

VI. Destruction of the world's political and economic systems: 18:1-24

VII. Defeat of the enemies of God at Armageddon: 19:1-21

A. The celebration in Heaven: 19:1-10

B. The confrontation on earth: 19:11-21

VIII. The judgment of mankind: 20:4-15

A. Unto life: 20:4-10

B. Unto death: 20:11-15

IX. The new heaven and new earth: 21:1-22:5

A. Introductory overview: 21:1-8

B. The New Jerusalem in detail: 21:9-22:5

X. Closing exhortations: 22:6-21

There are seven blessings pronounced in the book of Revelation:

• -Blessed is he that reads this prophecy: 1:3

• -Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: 14:13
• -Blessed is he that watches (for the Lord's coming): 16:15
• -Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper: 19:9
• -Blessed is he that has part in the first resurrection: 20:6
• -Blessed is he that keeps the words of this book: 22:7
• -Blessed are they that wash their robes: 22:14

The Bible speaks of several different crowns to be given believers:

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 • -Incorruptible crown: 1st Corinthians 9:25
• -Crown of rejoicing: 1st Thessalonians 2:19-20
• -Crown of righteousness: 2nd Timothy 4:8
• -Crown of glory: 1st Peter 5

There are four ages mentioned in Revelation

• -Chapter 1-3 - church age - 7 years

• -Chapter 4-19 - tribulation age - 7 years
• -Chapter 20 - Kingdom age - 1000 years
• -Chapter 21-22 - eternal age - endless

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Br. Martin Greyford Phiri is a young vibrant youth who is passionate about the work of God in all
manner. He has written this book to help equip leaders for the great commission of teaching the Word
of God to every creature. I believe this book has helped you understand the contents of the Bible well as
outlined per book and chapter.

He is one of the Youth Pastors at Church Of God World Missions in Chilanga, Lusaka, Zambia. He has
written several articles and other books related to this book, among them is:

• Understanding Spiritual Giftings

• Significance of God’s Name and
• How to be a perfect couple.

Be blessed as you read this book.

MARTIN GREYFORD PHIRI

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