These are not merely historical records (though they are that); they are also four different portraits of Jesus Christ. They consist of eyewitness accounts of the events of Jesus’s life, His teachings and His death and resurrection. The gospels are different from one another in character because of the differences in nature, emphasis and aims of the writers. The first three books are known as “synoptic” gospels (synoptic = seeing together), because they are in many ways similar to each other, recording the same events and sayings of Jesus. Although the events of Jesus’s ministry are not strictly in chronological order, these 3 gospels read as a story with a natural progression.

The gospel of John is set out differently and includes some material which does not appear in the first 3 gospels. It also has a clear aim, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name.” (ch 20:31). It is designed to show the reader through “signs” (miracles) that Jesus is the Son of God who came to give men and women life “to the full” (ch10:10), and who is the only way to the Father (ch14:6).

“Gospel” means good news, and each writer presents Jesus as the Son of God who can forgive sin and bring healing, restoration and comfort to individuals who trust in Him.

The book of Acts (“The Acts of the Apostles” is its fuller title) covers the 30 years following the resurrection of Jesus, starting with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It tells of the founding of the church, the spread of the gospel and the beginnings of organised church life.

The first 12 chapters concern the development of the ministry of the Apostles, as they preached and taught the good news of Jesus in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. It includes the conversion of Saul, later to become Paul, and the early rapid growth of the church. The rest of the book consists of accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys, the establishment of churches farther afield and Paul’s defences when he was imprisoned.

Because the early church had “teething troubles”, the Apostle Paul and other church leaders wrote letters to churches, groups of churches or individuals. Although, in most cases, they were meant to correct certain wrong beliefs and practices, to refute accusations, or to encourage believers who were being persecuted, these letters contain much basic teaching about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and how to live as a Christian.

The letter to the Romans is concerned with God’s plan of salvation, and how men and women can be made right with God through faith in Jesus.

1 Corinthians deals with issues of Christian conduct within the church, whilst in 2 Corinthians, Paul defends both himself and the gospel against accusations from critics. In Galatians, Paul points out the error that had crept into the Galatian church, and explains with great clarity that it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that a person can get right with God. Ephesians does not address any particular error, but Paul wanted to help Christians understand more of God’s eternal purposes so that they could live effectively for God. Philippians is basically a thankyou letter, which also encourages Christians to live wholeheartedly for Christ.

Colossians addresses a heresy, and to do that Paul explains that Christ is the fullness of God in human form. The Thessalonian letters were written by Paul to encourage new believers in their trials, but there are many references to the Second Coming of Christ. The letters to Timothy and Titus are called the “Pastoral Epistles” because they were written to instruct Timothy and Titus concerning pastoral care within the churches.

Philemon is a personal letter to a slave owner concerning a runaway slave who is now returning as a Christian. The letter to the Hebrews, by an unknown writer, shows Jesus as the fulfilment of all the promises of God in the Old Testament, and His death and resurrection as the only way to gain access into God’s presence. It throws light on many Old Testament practices. The letter of James, Peter, John and Jude are often known as “General Letters” since they are not addressed to any particular church or individual (except for 3 John), but are general in application.

The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John whilst in exile on the Isle of Patmos. The first few chapters contain messages of warning and encouragement to the seven churches of Asia.

The main part of the book contains a prophetic vision in which the end-time battles between Satan and God are depicted. Many powerful and picturesque symbols of beasts, horses and riders, scrolls, trumpets, seals, numbers and other graphic imagery are used to describe the events leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgement, when Satan is destroyed and the glorious Kingdom of God is firmly established.