Old Testament People and Themes

GenesisKey People: Adam and Eve – original human beingsNoah – builder of the arkAbraham and Sarah – the parents of a nation called God’s chosen peopleIsaac and Rebekah – the original members of a new nationJacob – father of the twelve tribes of IsraelJoseph – the preserver of his people and the nation of Egypt

Key Themes:Origins of the universe, the beginning of humans, the Fall into sin, redemption, judgment and nations. Most of the central teachings of Christianity have their roots in Genesis:God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, Sin, redemption, Covenant, Promise, Satan, Angels, Natural revelation, Special revelation.

ExodusKey People:Moses – Deliverer of Israel from Egypt and author of the PentateuchMiriam – Older sister of Moses and prophetessPharoah’s daughter – rescued the baby Moses from the water and adopted him.Jethro – father-in-law to MosesAaron – brother of Moses and first High PriestPharoah – unnamed Egyptian leader at the time of the ExodusJoshua – assistant to Moses and leader who led the Israel into the Promise Land

Key Themes:Beginning of the covenant promises to Abraham, rapid growth of Jacob’s descendants, the giving of the Law. The characteristics and nature of God are revealed in His sovereignty, majesty, holiness, goodness, grace and mercy. The Passover is a picture of redemption through Christ.

LeviticusKey People:Moses – leader of Israel and God’s chosen one to explain His law to IsraelAaron – Moses’ brotherNadab – son of Aaron who died because of disobedience to the Lord’s commandsAbihu – son of Aaron who suffered the same fate as his brotherEleazar – son of Aaron who succeeded him as High Priest of IsraelIthamar – son of Aaron who also became a priest

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Key Themes:The holy character of God and the will of God for Israel. God urges Israel to walk in holiness. His presence in the tabernacle is another major theme. Sacrifices and offerings were introduced: Burnt offering, Grain offering, peace offering, Sin offering, and Trespass offering.

NumbersKey People: Moses – leader of IsraelAaron – Moses’ brotherMiriam – sister to Moses and Aaron; stricken with leprosy because of jealousyJoshua – Moses’ successor as leader of IsraelCaleb – one of the men sent to scout CanaanEleazar – son of Aaron, High PriestKorah – Levite who assisted in the tabernacle; killed because of rebellion to the LordBalaam – prophet and sorcerer who half-heartedly obeyed God. Attempted to lead Israel Into idol worship

Key Themes:God would speak to Israel through Moses and Israel’s response was one of obedience or disobedience. The response is divided into three parts, obedience, disobedience and renewed obedience. The judgment of God and the faithfulness of God are key themes as well.

DeuteronomyKey People:Moses – leader of Israel. Not allowed to enter Promised LandJoshua – Moses’ successor; guided Israel into Promised Land

Key Themes:Moses called the second generation of Israel to trust the Lord and be obedient. Most important, He called Israel to take the land God had promised to their forefathers. This book is quoted more than any other in the New Testament. Obedience and the pursuit of holiness is always based on the character of God.

JoshuaKey People:Joshua – led Israel into the Promised LandRahab – Prostitute from Jericho; saved from death because of her obedience to God. Ancestor of David and JesusAchan – disobeyed God by stealing plunder of JerichoPhinehas – priest and son of Eleazar; acted as intermediary to prevent civil warEleazar – son of Aaron, helped Joshua lead Israel.

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Key Themes:God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise of giving the land to Abraham’s descendants is a key theme. Israel failed to press their conquest to every part of the land. God wanted His people to possess the land so as to keep His promise and to set the stage for later developments in His kingdom plan.

JudgesKey People:Othniel – first judge in Israel; brought forty years of peace to IsraelEhud – second judge of Israel. Eighty years of peace during his reignDeborah – prophet and Israel’s only female judgeGideon – Israel’s fifth judge; destroyed the Midianite armyAbimelech – Gideon’s evil son who declared himself king over IsraelJephthah – judge of Israel and warrior who conquered the AmmonitesSamson – dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth; sent to deliver judgment to the PhilistinesDelilah – Samson’s lover who betrayed him to the Philistines for money

Key Themes:Major theme is God’s power and covenant mercy in graciously delivering the Israelites from the consequences of their failures as a result of compromise and sin.

RuthKey People:Ruth – Naomi’s daughter-in-law; later married to Boaz; direct ancestor to JesusNaomi – widow of Elimelech and mother-in-law Orpah and RuthBoaz – prosperous farmer who married Ruth, the Moabite; direct ancestor of Jesus

Key Themes:Seven major themes appear in Ruth: God has a redemptive plan beyond the Jews, women also share in the salvation provided by God, a picture of the virtuous women appears through Ruth, God’s sovereign and providential care is extended to the least of people, Ruth is listed in the genealogy of Christ, Boaz, as a type of Christ, becomes a kinsman-redeemer, and King David’s lineage flows from the line of Boaz back to the time of Judah.

First and Second SamuelKey People:Eli – High priest and Israel’s judge for forty yearsHannah – mother of SamuelSamuel – priest, prophet and greatest judge of IsraelSaul – first king of Israel appointed by GodJonathan – son of Saul; befriended David and protected him against SaulDavid – greatest king of Israel; direct ancestor to Jesus ChristJoab – military commander of David’s armyBathsheba – committed adultery with David; mother of Solomon

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Nathan – prophet and advisor to King DavidAbsalom – son of David; attempted to overthrow the throne of Israel

Key Themes:Four major themes: Introduction of the Davidic Covenant which is a reference to the Messiah, the sovereignty of God over people, the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering men for specific tasks, and the personal and national effects of sin.

First KingsKey People: David – King of Israel appoints son Solomon to be the next KingSolomon – son of Bathsheba and David. Builder of the temple, wisest man ever born.Rehoboam – son of Solomon. His evil actions led to the division of Israel into 2 kingdoms.Jeroboam – evil king of the northern 10 tribes of Israel. Elijah – prophet of Israel, fought against prophets of Baal.Ahab – 8th and most evil king of Israel, committed more evil than any other kings.Jezebel – married Ahab and became Queen of Israel Eaten by dogs.

Key Themes:God’s judgment of apostate nations, fulfilled prophecies of God and God’s faithfulness to keep his covenant with David.

Second KingsKey People:Elijah – prophet of Israel; carried into heaven by chariot of fire.Elisha – prophet appointed to be Elijah’s successor. The woman from Shunam – woman who hosted Elijah in her home; Elijah brought her son back to life.Naaman – mighty Syrian warrior who suffered from leprosy; healed by Elijah.Jezebel – evil Queen of Israel.Jehu – anointed King of Israel, used by God to punish Ahab’s family.Joash – King of Judah; saved from death as a child; ultimately assassinated by his own officials.Hezekiah – 13th king of Judah who remained faithful to God.Sennacherib – king of Syria who threatened Judah.Isaiah – prophet who ministered to the ranks of 5 kings of Judah.Manasseh – son of Hezekiah, 14th king of Judah.Josiah – 16th king of Judah. Great grandson of Hezekiah; faithful to God.Jehoiakim – 18th king of Judah.Zedekiah – 20th king of Judah. Captured by the Babylonians as punishment for evil ways.Nebuchadnezzar – king of Babylon; allowed by God to conquer Jerusalem.

Key Themes:(same as in First Kings)

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First and Second ChroniclesKey People:David - king of Israel; man after God’s own heart. David’s mighty men – special group of warriors pledged to fight for King David.Nathan – prophet and advisor to David. Relayed God’s will for Solomon to build the temple.Solomon – King of Israel and builder of the temple.Queen of Sheba – visited Jerusalem to test Solomon about his success.Rehoboam – evil son of Solomon who became king.Asa – King of Judah; tried to accomplish God’s purposes through corrupt means.Jehoshaphat – succeeded his father, Asa, as king of Judah.Jehoram – wicked son of Jehoshaphat; became king of Judah; promoted idol worship.Uzziah – succeeded his father, Amaziah, as king of Judah.Ahaz – succeeded his father, Jotham, as king of Judah. Led the people in Baal worship and idolatry.Hezekiah – succeeded his father, Ahaz, as king of Judah; obeyed God and restored the temple.Manasseh – succeeded his father, Hezekiah, as king of Judah; did evil but repented at the end of his reign.Josiah – succeeded his father, Amon, as king of Judah; followed the Lord and discovered the Book of the Law while restoring the temple.

Key Themes:These 2 books assured returning Jews that in spite of their problem past and present plight, God will be true to His covenant promises. Another major theme is that obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings judgment.

EzraKey People:Ezra – scribe and teacher of God’s word who began religious reform among the people; Led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem..Cyrus – Persian King who conquered Babylon; allowed Jews to return to their homeland.Zerubbabel – led the first group of Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem; completed the building of the temple.Haggai – prophet who encouraged Zerubbabel to continue the rebuilding of the temple.Zechariah – (same as Haggai)Darius I – Persian King who supported the rebuilding of the temple.Artaxerxes – Persian King who allowed Ezra to return to Jerusalem.

Key Themes:Primary message of the book is that God orchestrated the captivity and would continue to work in a pagan king and his successors to give Judah hope for the future.

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NehemiahKey People:Nehemiah - Influential cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. Led the third group of exiles to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Ezra – worked with Nehemiah as Israel’s priest and scribe.Sanballat – Governor of Samaria who tried to discourage the people from rebuilding the wall.Tobiah – Ammonite official who mocked the rebuilding of the wall.

Key Themes:Careful attention to the reading of God’s word in order to perform God’s will.Obedience of individuals in spite of discouraging words. God’s people will always have enemies that try to discourage them from doing God’s will.

EstherKey People:Esther – Queen of Persia who saved the Jews from Haman’s evil plot.Mordecai – Adopted and raised Esther. Later replaced Haman as second in command under King Xerxes.King Xerxes I – King of Persia; married Esther and made her queen.Haman – second in command under King Xerxes; plotted to kill the Jews.

Key Theme:Although God’s enemies, inspired by Satan, tried to thwart His will, God’s covenant promises are never thwarted.

JobKey People:Job – servant of God; tested by God but did not sin by blaming God.Eliphaz the Temanite - a friend of Job; believed Job was suffering because of his sin.Bildad the Shuhite - another friend of Job; believed Job had not repented of his sin and therefore suffered.Zophar the Naamathite - third friend of Job; believed Job deserved to suffer for his sin.Elihu the Buzite – stood up against Job’s 3 friends; believed God was using suffering to mold Job’s character.

Key Theme:Even though a saint suffers, God proves that saving faith cannot be destroyed no matter how much trouble a saint suffers. Also, a major theme concerns proving the character of God to man.

PsalmsKey People:David – King of Israel.

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Key Theme:The basic theme of Psalms is living real life in the real world where two dimensions operate simultaneously: temporal reality and transcendent reality. ProverbsKey People:Solomon – King of Israel, granted wisdom from God.Agur – son of Jakeh , an unknown sage.Lemuel – king whose mother’s teachings are included (Proverbs 31)

Key Theme:Man’s relationship to God, man’s relationship to himself, man’s relationship to others, wisdom and folly.

EcclesiastesKey People:Solomon – King of Israel

Key Theme:A balance must be given to enjoyment of life with that of divine judgment. This book shows that if one perceives a day of existence as a gift from God and accepts whatever God gives, that person will have an abundant life.

Song of SolomonKey People:Solomon – the bridegroom called “beloved by his wife”. The Shulamite Woman – the new bride of King Solomon.The daughters of Jerusalem – unidentified virgins who encouraged the Shulamite Woman.

Key Theme:Solomon’s ancient love song exalts the purity of marital affection and romance. It portrays God’s plan for marriage including the beauty and sanctity of sexual intimacy between husband and wife.

IsaiahKey People:Isaiah – prophet who ministered through the reigns of 4 kings of Judah.Shear-Jashub – Isaiah’s son; name means “a remnant shall return”.Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz – Isaiah’s son; name means “hasting to the spoil, hurrying to the prey”.

Key Theme:The condemning of empty ritualism and idolatry. Another major theme was the prophetic announcement of the Messiah.

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JeremiahKey People:Jeremiah – priest and prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah.King Josiah – 16th king of the southern kingdom of Judah.King Jehoahaz – evil son of Josiah and 17th king of the southern kingdom of Judah.King Jehoiakim – evil son of Josiah and 18th king of the southern kingdom of Judah.King Jehoiachin – evil son of Jehoiakim and 19th kingKing Zedekiah – evil uncle of Jehoiachin and 20th kingBaruch – served as Jeremiah’s scribeEbed-Melech – Ethiopian palace official who helped JeremiahKing Nebuchadnezzar – greatest king of Babylon; led the people of Judah to captivity.Rechabites – obedient descendants of Jonadab; contrasted to the disobedient people of Israel.

Key Themes:Judgment upon Judah with restoration in the future Messianic kingdom. A secondary theme is God’s willingness to spare and bless the nation only if the people repent. Other themes include God’s longing for Israel to be tender to Him, suffering as in Jeremiah’s trials, the vital role that God’s word can play in life, the place of faith, and prayer for the coordination of God’s will with God’s action.

Lamentations Key People:Jeremiah – prophet of JudahPeople of Jerusalem – people judged by God because of their great sins.

Key Theme:The key theme is on God’s judgment in response to Judah’s sin.

EzekialKey People:Ezekial– prophet to the people of Israel in Babylonian captivity. Israel’s leaders – led the people of Israel into idolatry.Ezekial’s wife – unnamed woman whose death symbolized the future destruction of Israel’s beloved temple.Nebuchadezzar – King of Babylon used by God to conquer Judah.

Key Theme:God’s holiness and sovereignty that is closely related to His purpose of glorious triumph so that all may “know that I am the Lord”. Another theme is God’s angel carrying out His program behind the scenes. A third theme is the necessity of God’s wrath to deal with sin.

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DanielKey People:Daniel – Israelite captive who became a royal advisor.Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon; went temporarily insane for not acknowledging God’s sovereignty.Shadrach – exiled Jew placed in charge of the province of Babylon; saved from the fiery furnace.Meshach - (same as above)Abed-Nego – (same as above)Belshazzar – successor of Nebuchadnezzar as King of Babylon; used Daniel as an interpreter.Darius – Persian successor of Belshazzar; his advisor tricked him into sending Daniel into the lion’s den.

Key Theme:The prominent theme of Daniel is God’s sovereign control over the affairs of all rulers and nations and their final replacement with the True King. A second theme is the display of God’s power through miracles.

HoseaKey People:Hosea – prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel; his marriage reflected God’s relationship to Israel.Gomer – prostitute who became Hosea’s wife.Their children – Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi; the name of each child illustrated God’s relationship with Israel.

Key Theme:God’s loyal love for his covenant people, Israel, in spite of their idolatry. Special emphasis on forgiving love.

JoelKey People:Joel – prophet to Judah during the reign of JoashPeople of Judah – the southern kingdom punished for their sin by a locust plague

Key Theme:“The Day of the Lord”. The phrase emphasizes a general period of wrath and judgment uniquely belonging to the Lord. It unveils His character of might, power, and holiness thus terrifying His enemies. It also depicts a time after “The Day of the Lord” in terms of promise and hope.

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AmosKey People:Amos – Judean prophet who warned Israel of God’s judgmentAmaziah – king of the southern kingdom of JudahJereboam II – wicked King of Israel after his father, Jehoash

Key Themes:An absence of true worship and a lack of justice. However, God will not abandon Israel altogether but will bring future restoration.

ObadiahKey People:The Edomites – the nation originating from Esau, despised and judged by God.

Key Themes:The judgment of God on the nation of Edom and other nations.

JonahKey People:Jonah – reluctant preacher to the Ninevites; A fish tale!The captain and crew of Jonah’s getaway ship – threw Jonah overboard to stop the storm

Key Themes:God’s sovereign rule over all nations and God’s mercy towards all nations.

MicahKey People:The people of Israel –the northern kingdom was about to fall into Assyrian captivity.

Key Themes:The inevitability of divine judgment for sin coupled with God’s immutable commitment to His covenant promises.

NahumKey People:The people of Nineveh – Assyrians who returned to evil and were destined for destruction

Key Themes:The Sovereign God would bring judgment upon those who violated His law. This is a sequel to the book of Jonah

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HabakkukKey People:Habakkuk – the last prophet sent to Judah before the its fall into Babylonian captivityThe Chaldeans – Babylonians raised up by god to punish Judah

Key Themes:The nature of God’s judgment, proper worship of God and justification by faith.

ZephaniahKey People:Zephaniah – prophet who warned Judah of coming judgment and also future hopeThe people of Judah – led by King Josiah to repent but eventually fell into Babylonian captivity

Key Themes:The judgment of God, God’s grace in the midst of judgment and salvation for the believing remnant

HaggaiKey People:Haggai – prophet of Judah after the return from the Babylonian exile; urged people to rebuild the temple.Zerubbabel – led the Jews out of the Babylonian exileJeshua – High priest of JudahThe people of Judah – encouraged by Haggai to rebuild the temple

Key Themes:Rebuilding of the temple which represented the presence of the Lord

ZechariahKey People:Zechariah – prophet of Judah after the exile; encouraged the people to rebuild the templeZerubbabel – carried out the work of the templeJoshua – Israel’s high priest after the return of the exilesThe Jews rebuilding the temple – returned to Jerusalem to obey God

Key Themes:Encouragement to rebuild in view of the promised Messiah. This book is the most Messianic

MalachiKey People:Malachi – prophet of Judah; last of the Old Testament prophetsThe priests – revealed their unfaithfulness by marrying foreign wives and giving false interpretation of the LawThe people of Judah – married foreign wives and fell into idolatry

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Key Themes:God’s love and faithfulness through His covenant, the peoples unfaithfulness and the coming of the Lord.

New TestamentPeople and Themes

MatthewKey People:Jesus – The promised Messiah and King of the JewsMary – mother of JesusJoseph – husband of Mary and descendant of DavidThe twelve disciples – twelve men chosen by Jesus to aid His ministry on earthReligious leaders – comprised of Pharisees and SadduceesCaiaphas – high priest and leader of the Sadducees; held illegal trial that led to jesus’ deathPilate – Roman governor who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus in place of BarabbasMary Magdalene – devoted follower of Jesus; first person to see Jesus after His resurrection

Key Themes:Documentation of Christ’s credentials as Israel’s king, the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, and the rejection of Israel’s Messiah.

MarkKey People:Jesus – the Messiah, the ServantThe twelve disciples – twelve men chosen by Jesus to aid His ministryPilate – Roman governor who ordered the crucifixion of JesusThe Jewish religious leaders – comprised of Pharisees and Sadducees

Key Themes:Focus on the suffering Servant and the deeds of Jesus particularly on service and sacrifice.

LukeKey People:Jesus – the Messiah, the Son of ManElizabeth – godly wife of Zechariah and mother of John the BaptistZechariah – Jewish priest and father of John the BaptistMary – the virgin mother of JesusThe twelve disciples – (same as in Matthew and Mark)Herod the tetrarch – son of Herod the Great; had John the Baptist decapitatedPilate – Roman governor

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Mary Magdalene – devoted follower of Jesus

Key Themes:Common theme is compassion for Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others who were maligned by society.

JohnKey People:Jesus – The Word of God who came into the worldJohn the Baptist – prophet and forerunner of JesusThe disciples – Twelve men chosen by JesusMary – sister of Lazarus; believed and anointed Jesus before his deathMartha – sister of Lazarus; known for her hospitalityLazarus – friend of Jesus, raised from the deadMary - Jesus’ mother, demonstrated her servanthood to JesusPilate – roman governorMary Magdalene – devoted follower of Jesus

Key Themes:Central theme is on the person and work of Jesus Christ, salvation and the whether to accept of reject the gospel

ActsPeter – one of the twelve disciplesJohn – one of the twelve disciplesJames – one of the twelve disciples, first to die for his faithStephen – appointed as a manager of food distribution in the early church; martyred for his faithPhilip – one of the first missionaries to SamariaPaul – New Testament writer and missionaryBarnabas – traveled as a missionary with Paul and then with John MarkCornelius – Roman officer; one of the first Gentile ChristiansTimothy – Paul’s assistant; later became the pastor at EphesusLydia – believer and hostess to Paul and Silas; seller of purple clothSilas – served as a missionary and traveling companion with PaulApollos – Alexandrian preacher who ministered in Achaia; instructed Aquila and PriscillaFelix – Roman governor of Judea; kept Paul in prison for two yearsFestus – succeeded Felix as governorHerod Agrippa II – reviewed Paul’s case with Festus; responded to the gospel with sarcasmLuke – medical physician who traveled with Paul; author of the book of Acts

Key Themes:The initial response to the Great Commission, the work of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church

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RomansKey people:Paul – apostle and author of the Book of RomansPhoebe – deaconess of the church at Cenchrea; trusted by Paul to deliver his letter to the Roman believers

Key Themes:The righteousness that comes from God, the glorious truth that God justifies guilty, condemned sinners by grace alone through faith in Christ alone.

First CorinthiansKey People:Paul – author of the letters to the Corinthian churchTimothy – fellow missionary sent by Paul to assist the Corinthian churchMembers of Chloe’s household – informed Paul of the divisions among the Corinthian Christians

Key Themes:Correcting behavior, proper worship is determined by recognition of God’s holy character, the spiritual identity of the church and the pure partaking of the Lord’s Supper.Paul also includes God’s judgment of believers which if rightly understood will produce godly living.

Second CorinthiansKey People:Paul – author of the letters to CorinthiansTimothy – fellow missionary sent by Paul to assist the Corinthian ChurchTitus – Gentile man who helped collect money for the church in JerusalemFalse apostles – false teachers in the church who disguised themselves as believers

Key Themes:Portrays God as merciful comforter, the Creator, Jesus as the One who suffered, who fulfilled promises. It also portrays the holy Spirit as God and the guarantee of believer’s salvation. Second Corinthians gives the clearest summary of how sinners are reconciled to God through the substitutionary atonement of Christ.

GalatiansKey People:Paul – apostle of Jesus Christ; urged Galatians to remember their freedom in ChristPeter – leader of the church in Jerusalem; confronted by Paul for looking to the law for salvationBarnabas – traveled with Paul as a missionary; allowed Paul to correct his misguided beliefsTitus – Gentile believer and close friend to PaulAbraham – Paul used Abraham’s life to exemplify God’s salvation through faith alone

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False teachers – persuasive teachers who attempted to lure the people away from Paul’s teaching

Key Themes:Central theme is justification by faith. Other themes are inability of the law to justify, the believer’s deadness tot he law, the believer’s crucifixion with Christ, the law brings God’s wrath, the importance of walking in the spirit and the importance of believers bearing one another’s burdens.

EphesiansKey People:Paul – instructed the church at Ephesus about their position as the body of Christ and their relationship with GodTychicus- sent by Paul to encourage the believers at Ephesus

Key Themes:The mystery of the church, the church as Christ’s present spiritual, earthly body. Other themes include the riches and fullness of blessing to believers.

PhilippiansKey People:Paul – wrote to the Philippians about the joy and strength found in ChristTimothy – prepared by Paul to carry on his ministry in PhilippiEpaphroditus – faithful worker from Philippi; sent to Paul with supportive moneyEuodia – faithful worker rebuked by Paul for her unreconciled relationship with SyntycheSyntyche – faithful worker rebuked by Paul for unreconciled relationship with Euodia

Key Themes:Major theme is pursuing Christlikeness. Contains the most magnificent passage describing Christ’s humiliation and exaltation

Colossians Key People:Paul – Urged the church of Colosse to flee from false doctrine which denied Christ’s deity.Timothy - fellow missionary who traveled with PaulTychius - sent to the church at Colosse to bring letters and news from PaulOnesimus - faithfully served with Paul before returning to Colosse to reconcile withPhilemon, his former MasterAristarchus - Thessalonian who traveled with Paul on his third missionary journeyMark - cousin of Barnabas who accompanied Paul on his first missionary journeyEpaphras - founder of the Colossian church

Key Themes:The deity of Christ, reconciliation, redemption, forgiveness, and the nature of the church.

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First Thessalonians Key People:Paul - wrote to the church at Thessalonica to confirm the second coming of Christ andcommend them for their faithfulnessTimothy - attested to the faithfulness of the church at ThessalonicaSilas - traveled with Paul as a missionary

Key Themes:The believer's hope in Christ, particularly in His second coming. Also, a pastoral theme with the example of shepherding activities and attitudes, and a missionary theme with the emphasis on gospel proclamation and church planting.

Second Thessalonians Key People: Paul - (same as above) Silas - (same as above) Timothy - (same as above)

Key Themes:Future and end times with an emphasis on how to maintain a healthy church with aneffective testimony improper response to sound eschatology and obedience to the truth.

First Timothy Key People:Paul - encouraged Timothy in his ministry at EphesusTimothy - served s pastor of the church at Ephesus

Key Themes:Pastoral instruction with theological emphasis on the proper function of the law,salvation, the attributes of God, the Fall, the person of Christ and the second coming.

Second Timothy Key People:Paul - (same as above)Timothy - (same as above)Luke - Paul's travelling companion; only person to stay with Paul through hisimprisonmentMark - traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey

Key Themes:Encouragement to stay strong, stir up the gift within Timothy, not to weaken underpressure and preach the word.

Titus Key People:Paul - wrote to give Titus encouragement and counsel regarding his leadership position

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in the church.Titus - Greek believer sent by Paul to pastor the church on the island of Crete.

Key Themes:Major thrust is that of equipping the churches in Crete for effective evangelism. Thisrequired godly leaders who would shepherd and lead in the evangelization of their paganneighbors.

Philemon Key People:Paul - wrote to urge Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus as his brotherPhilemon - prominent member of the church at ColosseOnesimus - runaway slave of Philemon; became a Christian after meeting Paul in Rome.

Key Themes: Forgiveness and equality

Hebrews Key People:Old Testament people of faith - accomplished great deeds for god and also suffered greatpersecution.

Key Themes:The contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant and how all believers nowhave direct access to God under the New Covenant. Practical living is also a majortheme.

James Key People:The believers - persecuted Jewish believers dispersed throughout the Roman Empire

Key Themes:Wise living with an emphasis on godly behavior rather than theoretical knowledge. Also,calls for believers to be obedient to the Word.

First Peter Key People:Peter - one of Jesus' twelve disciples; wrote to encourage persecuted believersSilas - assisted Peter in writing his lettersMark - leader in the church; used Peter's testimony to write the gospel of Mark

Key Themes:To teach believers how to live victoriously in the midst of hostility without losing hope,without becoming bitter while trusting the Lord and looking for His second coming.

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Second Peter Key People:Peter - wrote his second letter to warn against false teachersPaul - great missionary whose writings were twisted by false teachers

Key Themes:Exposing, thwarting, and defeating the invasion of false teachers in the church. Also, thedevelopment of Christian character and knowledge of true doctrine.

First John Key People:John - wrote to reassure believers about the fundamental truth of the Christian faithJesus - Christ is the Word of Life who gives eternal life to all who believe.

Key themes:Back to the basics with emphasis on sound faith, obedience and love. As a result ofthese, the believer will experience happiness, holiness and security.

Second John Key People:John - writing to emphasize Christian fellowship and hospitalityThe elect lady - personal acquaintance of John and a believerThe lady's children - reference to the sons and daughters of the chosen lady

Key Themes:The basics of Christianity are again a major theme but an additional theme is Christianhospitality and guidelines for hospitality

Third John Key People:John - wrote to commend Gaius for his hospitalityGaius - sole recipient of John's letterDiotrephes - self-centered and domineering member of the churchDemetrius - faithful servant and role-model in the church

Key Themes:Commendation of the proper standards of Christian hospitality and the condemnation forfailure to follow those standards.

Jude Key People:Jude – half-brother of ChristJames – brother of Jude, author of the Book of James

Key Themes:Confronting apostasy and to continue to defend the faith

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Revelation Key People:John - apostle of Jesus who received the revelation of Jesus Christ from an angelJesus - the revealed Son of God who will come again and claim his people:Key themes:The revelation of Jesus, the church being warned about sin and encouragement towardsholiness, pictures of worship, angels and the doctrine of end times.

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