Page VII

Study Guide & Reading Plan a twelve-week journey through the New Testament

A guided plan for reading the entire NT in twelve weeks, with focus questions for each block of texts, a tiered bibliography, and review questions for self-assessment. Each question comes with a source tag, the specific Bible passages to read, and links to relevant course pages.

✦
How to Use This Guide
Each focus question carries a source tag, scripture references, and (where relevant) links to course pages for background.
📖 Text
Answer comes from careful reading of the biblical text. The focus question is asking you to notice something in the passage itself.
📜 Course
Answer comes from this course site. Click the page links following the question. Mostly background, definitions, framework.
📖 + 📜 Both
Answer requires synthesis: read the biblical text first, then check the course page for the framework that organizes what you found.
🎓 Scholar
Answer goes beyond what the course covers — pick up a Tier I or II bibliography item below to go deeper.
The three-line metadata under each question: the colored tag shows where the answer lives (text / course / both / scholar). The 📖 Read line lists the specific NT passages to read, plus OT background where it directly illuminates the answer (marked with ⤳ OT bg). The 🔗 see line links to the relevant theme cards, glossary entries, or other course pages.

Twelve-Week Reading Plan

A pace of roughly 25–35 pages per week. Click any week to expand the focus questions and their suggested resources.

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Week I
The Gospels — Introduction & Matthew
Read Matthew 1–28; review the Gospels page (Canon)
▶
Focus Questions
  • Why does Matthew open with a genealogy? What is he claiming about Jesus?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matthew 1:1–17Genesis 12:1–3; 17:1–8; 2 Samuel 7:11–16
    Canon → Matthew
  • Identify Matthew's five discourses. Why might he have structured his Gospel this way?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matthew 5–7; 10; 13; 18; 24–25Deuteronomy 1–34 (the five-fold Torah pattern)
    Canon → Matthew
  • How does Matthew use OT prophecy? Track at least five 'fulfillment' citations.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matt 1:22–23; 2:15; 2:17–18; 2:23; 4:14–16; 8:17; 12:17–21; 13:35; 21:4–5; 27:9–10Isaiah 7:14; Hosea 11:1; Jeremiah 31:15; Isaiah 9:1–2; 53:4; 42:1–4
    Hermeneutics → NT use of OT
  • What does the Sermon on the Mount (chs 5–7) teach about the kingdom and its ethics?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matthew 5:1–7:29Exodus 19–20 (Sinai parallel); Psalm 1; Isaiah 61:1–3
    Themes → Kingdom
  • Why is the Great Commission (28:18–20) the natural conclusion to Matthew's particular Gospel?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matthew 28:16–20; 1:23 (inclusio with 'God with us')Daniel 7:13–14; Genesis 12:1–3
    Themes → Mission
How does Matthew present Jesus as the fulfillment of OT promise?
Week II
Mark — The Suffering Son of God
Read Mark 1–16
▶
Focus Questions
  • Track the word 'immediately' (euthys) through Mark. What rhetorical effect does this create?
    📖 Text
    Mark 1:10, 12, 18, 20, 21, 23, 28; etc. (40+ uses across all 16 chapters)
  • What is the 'messianic secret'? Why does Jesus repeatedly silence those who acclaim him?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Mark 1:34, 44; 3:11–12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9Isaiah 53 (the suffering pattern)
    Canon → Mark
  • Where is the structural turning point of the Gospel? (Hint: 8:27–9:1.)
    📖 Text
    Mark 8:27–9:1 (Caesarea Philippi); compare 1:1 and 15:39
  • How does the centurion's confession at the cross (15:39) function in Mark's overall purpose?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Mark 15:33–39; trace back to 1:1, 11; 9:7
    Canon → Mark
  • Read 13:1–37. How do you understand its blend of near (the temple's destruction) and far (the parousia)?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Mark 13:1–37Daniel 7:13–14; 9:24–27; 12:1–3
    Themes → Eschatology · Hermeneutics → Already/Not Yet
Why does Mark drive everything toward the cross? What does this tell us about who Jesus is?
Week III
Luke — The Universal Savior
Read Luke 1–24
▶
Focus Questions
  • Read Luke's prologue (1:1–4) carefully. What does Luke claim about his sources and method?
    📖 Text
    Luke 1:1–4; cf. Acts 1:1–2
  • Examine the canticles of chs 1–2 (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis). What OT theology saturates them?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Luke 1:46–55, 67–79; 2:29–321 Samuel 2:1–10 (Hannah's song); Psalm 89; 132; Isaiah 49:6; 52:10
    Timeline → Movement I (Incarnation)
  • Track the theme of mercy — to the poor, women, sinners, Gentiles, outcasts. Where does Luke distinctively emphasize it?
    📖 Text
    Luke 4:16–21; 7:36–50; 10:25–37; 15:1–32; 18:9–14; 19:1–10; 23:39–43
  • How does Luke 24 (the Emmaus road, the appearances) prepare for Acts?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Luke 24:13–53; Acts 1:1–11
    Hermeneutics → Christocentric reading
  • What is the role of the Holy Spirit in Luke? (Compare with Acts.)
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Luke 1:35; 3:21–22; 4:1, 14, 18; 10:21; 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1–4Joel 2:28–32; Isaiah 61:1
    Themes → Holy Spirit
How does Luke's portrait of Jesus differ in emphasis from Matthew's and Mark's?
Week IV
Acts — The Spirit-Empowered Mission
Read Acts 1–28
▶
Focus Questions
  • Identify the geographical movement of Acts (1:8 as the structuring verse). How does the gospel travel?
    📖 Text
    Acts 1:8 (program); 2 (Jerusalem); 8 (Judea/Samaria); 10–11 (Gentiles); 13–28 (ends of the earth)
  • Study Peter's Pentecost sermon (2:14–41). What is its OT exegetical method? What does this teach about apostolic preaching?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 2:14–41Joel 2:28–32; Psalm 16:8–11; Psalm 110:1; 2 Samuel 7:12–16
    Timeline → Movement IV · Hermeneutics → NT use of OT
  • Why is the conversion of Cornelius (ch 10–11) so theologically important?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 10:1–11:18; 15:7–11Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6
    Themes → Mission · Themes → Church
  • Read the Jerusalem Council (ch 15). What is at stake? How is it resolved? What does this teach about church decision-making?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 15:1–35; cf. Galatians 2:1–10Amos 9:11–12 (cited at 15:16–17)
    Timeline → Movement V
  • Track Paul's three missionary journeys. What patterns of evangelism emerge?
    📖 Text
    Journey 1: Acts 13–14 · Journey 2: Acts 15:36–18:22 · Journey 3: Acts 18:23–21:16
  • Why does Acts end with Paul preaching in Rome 'with all boldness and without hindrance' (28:31)?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 28:16–31; trace back to 1:8
    Canon → Luke-Acts
How does the Spirit drive the geographical and ethnic expansion of the gospel?
Week V
John — The Eternal Word
Read John 1–21
▶
Focus Questions
  • Study the Prologue (1:1–18). What major themes of the Gospel does it announce?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    John 1:1–18Genesis 1:1–5; Exodus 33:18–34:8; Proverbs 8:22–31; Isaiah 55:10–11
    Themes → Incarnation · Glossary → logos
  • Identify the seven signs. How does each function christologically?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    John 2:1–11; 4:46–54; 5:1–15; 6:1–15; 6:16–21; 9:1–41; 11:1–44
    Canon → John
  • Identify the seven I AM sayings (with predicates: bread, light, door, etc.). What is John doing with the divine name?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1; absolute 'I AM' at 8:58Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10–13; 51:12
    Canon → John
  • Read the Upper Room Discourse (chs 13–17). What does it teach about the Spirit, the church, and union with Christ?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    John 13–17; especially 14:15–31; 15:1–17; 16:5–15; 17:20–26Ezekiel 36:25–27; Jeremiah 31:31–34
    Themes → Spirit · Themes → Union with Christ
  • Compare John's account of the cross and resurrection with the Synoptics. What is distinctive?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    John 18–21; compare Matt 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22–24
    Hermeneutics → Synoptic criticism
  • Why does John conclude with the purpose statement of 20:30–31?
    📖 Text
    John 20:30–31; cf. 21:24–25
How does John's high Christology differ in presentation (not substance) from the Synoptics?
Week VI
Early Paul — Thessalonians & Galatians
Read 1–2 Thessalonians; Galatians
▶
Focus Questions
  • What occasion prompted 1 Thessalonians? What pastoral problems is Paul addressing?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Thessalonians 1–5; Acts 17:1–10 (founding visit)
    Canon → Pauline early letters
  • Study 1 Thess 4:13–5:11 carefully. What does Paul teach about the parousia and its consequences for Christian living?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Thess 4:13–5:11Daniel 12:1–3; Joel 2:1–11 (Day of the Lord)
    Themes → Eschatology · Glossary → parousia
  • How does 2 Thess 2 correct an opposite error to that addressed in 1 Thessalonians?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    2 Thess 2:1–17; compare 1 Thess 4:13–18Daniel 11:36–37 (the man of lawlessness background)
    Hermeneutics → Over/Under-Realized
  • Galatians is Paul's sharpest letter. Why? Identify the specific error Paul is fighting.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Galatians 1:6–9; 2:11–21; 3:1–5; 5:1–12; 6:11–17
    Canon → Galatians · Timeline → Movement V
  • Track Paul's argument in Galatians 3 — Abraham, the Law, the promise. How does he relate them?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Galatians 3:1–4:7Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–6; 17:1–14; Habakkuk 2:4; Deuteronomy 27:26
    Themes → Justification · Themes → Faith
  • What is the 'Israel of God' (Gal 6:16)? Different interpretations have major implications.
    🎓 Scholar
    Galatians 6:11–18; cf. Romans 9:6–8; Phil 3:3
    Scholars → Wright, Beale
How does Paul's earliest theology already exhibit the already / not yet structure?
Week VII
Corinthian Correspondence
Read 1–2 Corinthians
▶
Focus Questions
  • Read 1 Cor 1–4 on wisdom and foolishness. How does the cross subvert worldly categories?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16; 3:18–23; 4:8–13Isaiah 29:14 (cited 1:19); Jeremiah 9:23–24 (cited 1:31)
    Themes → Cross · Glossary → sophia
  • How does Paul handle pastoral problems — divisions, immorality, lawsuits, marriage, idolatry — in 1 Cor 5–10? What pattern emerges?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Corinthians 5–10 (esp. 5:1–13; 6:1–11; 7:1–40; 8:1–13; 10:14–33)
    Hermeneutics → Reading Paul as letters
  • Study the love chapter (1 Cor 13) in context. Why is it placed between chapters on spiritual gifts?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40
    Themes → Love · Glossary → agapē
  • 1 Cor 15 is a major theological treatment of resurrection. What does Paul argue, and against what objections?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Corinthians 15:1–58Genesis 2:7; Psalm 8:6; Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14
    Themes → Resurrection
  • 2 Cor is Paul's most personal letter. How does he defend his apostleship? What is the theology of weakness in 12:1–10?
    📖 Text
    2 Corinthians 1:3–11; 4:7–18; 6:1–13; 11:16–12:10
How does Paul's pastoral theology address the concrete situations of a divided church?
Week VIII
Romans — Paul's Magnum Opus
Read Romans 1–16 (slowly!)
▶
Focus Questions
  • Identify the structure of Romans. How do chs 1–11 build into chs 12–16?
    📖 Text
    Survey: Rom 1:1–17 (intro/thesis); 1:18–3:20; 3:21–5:21; 6–8; 9–11; 12–15:13; 15:14–16:27
  • Trace Paul's argument from 1:18 to 3:20 — the universal sinfulness of Jew and Gentile.
    📖 Text
    Romans 1:18–3:20Psalms 14:1–3; 53:1–3; 5:9; 140:3; 10:7; Isaiah 59:7–8 (catena at Rom 3:10–18)
  • Study 3:21–26 phrase by phrase. This is one of the most theologically dense passages in the NT.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 3:21–26Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement); Isaiah 53; Psalm 32:1–2
    Themes → Justification · Glossary → hilastērion, dikaiosynē
  • How does Paul use Abraham (ch 4) to establish justification by faith?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 4:1–25Genesis 15:6 (cited four times in Rom 4); 17:1–27; Psalm 32:1–2
    Hermeneutics → NT use of OT
  • Romans 6 connects justification and sanctification through union with Christ. How does this work?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 6:1–7:6
    Themes → Union with Christ
  • Romans 8 is the great Spirit-chapter. What does it teach about the Christian life?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 8:1–39Ezekiel 36:25–27; Genesis 3:17–19 (creation's curse, cf. Rom 8:19–22)
    Themes → Spirit · Glossary → arrabōn, aparchē
  • Read chs 9–11 carefully. What does Paul claim about Israel's place in God's plan?
    🎓 Scholar
    Romans 9:1–11:36Genesis 21; Exodus 33:19; Hosea 1–2; Isaiah 10:22–23; 28:16; Joel 2:32; Isaiah 65:1–2; Deuteronomy 32:21
    Hermeneutics → Occasional vs Systematic
  • How do the practical chapters (12–15) follow from the theological argument?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 12:1–15:13 (note 'therefore' at 12:1)
    Hermeneutics → Already/Not Yet (indicative-imperative)
How does the gospel justify, sanctify, and reconcile Jew and Gentile?
Week IX
Prison & Pastoral Letters
Read Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1–2 Timothy, Titus
▶
Focus Questions
  • Study Eph 2:1–22. How does Paul move from individual salvation to the corporate new humanity?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Ephesians 2:1–22; cf. 1:3–14; 3:1–13Isaiah 57:19 (cited Eph 2:17)
    Themes → Church
  • Memorize Phil 2:5–11. What does this hymn claim about Christ's pre-existence, incarnation, and exaltation?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Philippians 2:5–11Isaiah 45:23 (cited 2:10–11); Genesis 3 (Adam contrast)
    Themes → Incarnation · Glossary → kenōsis
  • What error is Colossians addressing? How does Paul's exalted Christology of 1:15–20 answer it?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Colossians 1:15–20; 2:6–23Proverbs 8:22–31; Genesis 1:1
    Canon → Prison Letters
  • Read Philemon as a single document. What gospel logic underlies Paul's request?
    📖 Text
    Philemon 1–25 (whole letter)
  • The Pastoral Epistles emphasize 'sound doctrine.' Why is this concern so central to the late Paul?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Tim 1:3–11; 4:1–16; 6:3–5, 20–21; 2 Tim 1:13–14; 2:14–18; 4:1–5; Titus 1:9; 2:1
    Timeline → Movement VI · Canon → Pastoral Letters
  • What qualifications does Paul list for elders/deacons (1 Tim 3, Titus 1)? What do they have in common?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9
    Glossary → presbyteros, episkopos, diakonos
  • 2 Tim is Paul's farewell. Read 4:1–8 with special attention. What is the apostle's last word?
    📖 Text
    2 Timothy 4:1–22 (whole final chapter)
How does Paul's later theology emphasize the church as the cosmic new humanity?
Week X
Hebrews — The Superior Covenant
Read Hebrews 1–13
▶
Focus Questions
  • Outline the argument: greater than angels, greater than Moses, greater than Aaron. Why does the author build this way?
    📖 Text
    Hebrews 1:5–2:18 (angels); 3:1–6 (Moses); 4:14–5:10 + 7:1–28 (Aaron)
  • Study Heb 4:14–5:10 on Christ's high priesthood. What does Melchizedek (Ps 110:4) contribute?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Hebrews 4:14–5:10; 6:13–7:28Genesis 14:17–20; Psalm 110:1–4
    Hermeneutics → NT use of OT (typology)
  • Read chs 8–10 on the new covenant and the once-for-all sacrifice. What is the relationship between the OT system and Christ's work?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Hebrews 8:1–10:18Jeremiah 31:31–34 (cited Heb 8:8–12; 10:16–17); Exodus 25–31; Leviticus 16
    Themes → Cross · Timeline → Movement VI
  • Why is Heb 11 called the 'roll-call of faith'? What is the author's working definition of faith?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Hebrews 11:1–40Genesis 4–6; 12; 22; Exodus 1–14; Joshua 2; 6; Judges; 1–2 Samuel; Daniel 3, 6 (the OT history surveyed)
    Themes → Faith
  • What are the warning passages (esp. 6:4–8; 10:26–31)? How should we understand them?
    🎓 Scholar
    Hebrews 2:1–4; 3:7–4:13; 6:4–8; 10:26–31; 12:25–29Numbers 14 (the wilderness rebellion, behind Heb 3–4)
    Scholars → Beale, Carson
  • Study 12:1–13 on perseverance. How does the author motivate endurance?
    📖 Text
    Hebrews 12:1–13Proverbs 3:11–12 (cited Heb 12:5–6)
How is Hebrews the supreme example of NT biblical theology — every OT institution fulfilled in Christ?
Week XI
General Epistles — James, Peter, John, Jude
Read James, 1–2 Peter, 1–2–3 John, Jude
▶
Focus Questions
  • James is built around practical wisdom. Identify the major topics he addresses (the tongue, wealth, trials, etc.).
    📖 Text
    James 1:2–18 (trials); 1:19–2:13 (the tongue, partiality); 3:1–18 (the tongue, wisdom); 4:1–5:6 (worldliness, wealth); 5:7–20 (patience, prayer)
  • Study Jas 2:14–26 carefully. How does this complement (not contradict) Paul on faith and works?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    James 2:14–26; compare Romans 4:1–25; Galatians 2:15–21Genesis 15:6 (cited both Jas 2:23 and Rom 4:3); Genesis 22:1–19
    Themes → Faith · Themes → Justification
  • 1 Peter speaks to suffering Christians. How does Peter use OT exile language to frame their identity (1:1; 2:9)?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 Peter 1:1, 17; 2:4–10, 11–12Exodus 19:5–6 (cited 1 Pet 2:9); Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; Hosea 1–2
    Timeline → Movement VI
  • Read 1 Pet 2:13–3:7 on submission. What is the gospel-rooted logic?
    📖 Text
    1 Peter 2:13–3:7 (note 2:21–25 as theological center)Isaiah 53 (echoed throughout 1 Pet 2:21–25)
  • 2 Peter 3 addresses the delay of the parousia. How does Peter respond to scoffers?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    2 Peter 3:1–18Psalm 90:4 (cited 2 Pet 3:8); Genesis 6–9 (the flood, cited 3:5–7); Isaiah 65:17; 66:22 (new heavens/earth)
    Themes → Eschatology
  • 1 John is built around three tests of genuine faith. Identify and explain them.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    1 John 1:5–2:11 (moral test); 2:18–27; 4:1–6 (doctrinal test); 3:11–24; 4:7–21 (love test); 5:1–5
    Canon → 1–3 John
  • Jude is a short but intense letter. What error is he confronting, and what biblical precedents does he invoke?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Jude 1–25 (whole letter); compare 2 Peter 2Numbers 14 (Israel destroyed); Genesis 6:1–4 (fallen angels); Genesis 19 (Sodom); Numbers 16 (Korah); Numbers 22–24 (Balaam)
    Canon → Jude
How does the second-generation church learn to live faithfully between the comings?
Week XII
Revelation — The Apocalyptic Consummation
Read Revelation 1–22; review the entire course
▶
Focus Questions
  • Study the seven letters (chs 2–3). What pattern do they share? What can we learn from each?
    📖 Text
    Revelation 2:1–3:22 (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea)
  • Read the throne-vision of chs 4–5 carefully. Why is the Lamb the only one worthy to open the scroll?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Revelation 4:1–5:14Ezekiel 1:4–28 (throne vision); Isaiah 6:1–4 (holy holy holy); Daniel 7:9–14 (Ancient of Days, Son of Man); Exodus 12 (Passover Lamb)
    Timeline → Movement VII
  • Identify the recursive structure — seals, trumpets, bowls. How do they relate?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Seven seals: Rev 6:1–8:1 · Seven trumpets: 8:2–11:19 · Seven bowls: 15:1–16:21Exodus 7–12 (the ten plagues — heavy parallel)
    Canon → Revelation
  • Who or what is the beast (ch 13)? Different interpretive traditions answer differently.
    🎓 Scholar
    Revelation 13:1–18; cf. 17:1–18Daniel 7:1–8 (the four beasts behind Rev 13)
    Scholars → Bauckham, Beale
  • Read chs 17–18 on Babylon. What does this represent in John's day, and what enduring referent might it have?
    🎓 Scholar
    Revelation 17:1–19:10Isaiah 13–14; 21; Jeremiah 50–51 (oracles against ancient Babylon); Ezekiel 26–28 (oracles against Tyre)
    Scholars → Bauckham
  • Study the new Jerusalem (chs 21–22). How many OT themes does this vision gather?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Revelation 21:1–22:5Genesis 2:8–14 (Eden, tree of life, river); Isaiah 65:17–25; 66:22; Ezekiel 40–48 (the new temple); Zechariah 14:6–11
    Themes → New Creation
  • Final reflection: How does the canon close, and how does this final word relate to the opening of Genesis?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Revelation 22:6–21Genesis 1–3 (compare opening and closing of the canon)
    Themes → New Creation · Glossary → maranatha
How does Revelation gather the entire biblical narrative into its final consummation?

Tiered Bibliography

Recommended secondary sources, sorted by depth. The 🎓 Scholar tags above point you here.

Tier I — Introductory
Strong foundations for the first-year student. Read at least three from this tier.
Carson, D. A. and Douglas Moo — An Introduction to the New Testament (2nd ed., Zondervan, 2005)
The standard evangelical introduction. Authorship, date, occasion, contents, theological themes for every NT book.
Ladd, George Eldon — A Theology of the New Testament (rev. by Donald Hagner, Eerdmans, 1993)
The classic evangelical NT theology textbook. Inaugurated eschatology as the organizing framework. Still widely used.
Fee, Gordon and Douglas Stuart — How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (4th ed., Zondervan, 2014)
Practical hermeneutics chapter by chapter through every NT genre. Excellent for developing reading skills.
Bauckham, Richard — The Theology of the Book of Revelation (Cambridge, 1993)
Short, brilliant, accessible. The best 200-page introduction to Revelation in print.
Wright, N. T. — Surprised by Hope (HarperOne, 2008)
Wright at his most accessible — recovering the NT vision of new creation against various Greek-philosophical distortions.
Stott, John — The Cross of Christ (IVP, 1986)
A classic evangelical treatment of the atonement. Pastoral, biblical, comprehensive.
Tier II — Intermediate
For the student ready to go deeper, especially in Pauline theology and biblical theology.
Beale, G. K. — A New Testament Biblical Theology (Baker, 2011)
Over 1000 pages of sustained Vosian biblical theology. Inaugurated new-creation kingdom traced across every NT corpus. Demanding but rewarding.
Schreiner, Thomas R. — New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ (Baker, 2008)
A robust evangelical NT theology focused on the doxological center — God's glory in Christ's saving work.
Wright, N. T. — The New Testament in Its World (with Michael Bird; SPCK, 2019)
Wright's substantial introduction to the NT. Updates the earlier NT and the People of God.
Ridderbos, Herman — Paul: An Outline of His Theology (Eerdmans, 1975)
A Vosian student's masterly treatment of Paul. The standard Reformed Pauline theology of the post-Vos generation.
Bauckham, Richard — Jesus and the Eyewitnesses (Eerdmans, 2006)
A landmark argument that the Gospels rest on named eyewitness testimony, not anonymous traditions.
Hays, Richard B. — Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul (Yale, 1989)
Foundational for understanding NT use of OT. Patient, learned, beautifully written.
Carson, D. A. — The Gospel According to John (Pillar, Eerdmans, 1991)
If you spend time in any NT commentary, let it be on John. Carson's is among the best evangelical options.
Tier III — Advanced
For the serious student. Many of these are technical. Take them slowly.
Vos, Geerhardus — The Pauline Eschatology (1930; reprint P&R, 1979)
The fountainhead. Dense, learned, decisive. Read alongside a Pauline lexicon and a strong cup of coffee.
Vos, Geerhardus — Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (Banner of Truth, 1948)
Vos's Princeton lectures. The classical statement of Reformed biblical-theological method.
Wright, N. T. — Paul and the Faithfulness of God (Fortress, 2013)
1700 pages. Wright's mature reading of Paul. Even those who disagree must engage.
Bauckham, Richard — Jesus and the God of Israel (Eerdmans, 2008)
Rigorous defense of NT high Christology. Argues Jesus is included in the unique divine identity of the God of Israel.
Beale, G. K. — The Book of Revelation (NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1999)
A thousand-page commentary. The benchmark evangelical commentary on Revelation. Patient, learned, comprehensive.
Carson, Beale, Schreiner, eds. — Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker, 2007)
Every NT quotation and significant allusion to the OT, catalogued and interpreted. Indispensable reference.
Gathercole, Simon — Where Is Boasting? (Eerdmans, 2002)
A tightly argued challenge to the New Perspective on Paul. Should be read alongside Dunn and Wright for balance.
Bauer, Walter, F.W. Danker, et al. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (BDAG) (3rd ed., Chicago, 2000)
The standard NT Greek lexicon. If you intend to do serious word-study, you need this. Acquire over time.

Review Questions

Self-test your grasp of the course. Each question is tagged with where to find the answer.

Section A
Short-Answer (one or two sentences each)
  1. Define the Greek phrase ho aiōn ho mellōn. Why is it central to NT theology?
    📜 Course
    Glossary → aiōn · Timeline → Already/Not Yet panel
  2. Name the seven movements of NT history covered in the timeline. Give the approximate dates of each.
    📜 Course
    Timeline
  3. What is the Two-Source Hypothesis, and what problem does it attempt to solve?
    📜 Course
    Canon → Synoptic Problem
  4. Distinguish charis and charisma. Where does each appear, and what does each mean?
    📜 Course
    Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4; Ephesians 2:8 (charis); 1 Pet 4:10 (charisma)
    Glossary → charis, charisma
  5. What do aparchē and arrabōn have in common as descriptions of the Spirit?
    📜 Course
    Rom 8:23 (aparchē); 2 Cor 1:22; 5:5; Eph 1:14 (arrabōn)
    Glossary → aparchē, arrabōn
  6. What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
    📜 Course
    Romans 5:1; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Thess 4:3; Heb 12:14
    Themes → Justification · Glossary → hagiasmos
  7. Identify the four canonical Gospels and one distinctive theological emphasis of each.
    📜 Course
    Canon → Four Portraits
  8. What does parousia mean? In what kinds of context did the word originally function in the Greco-Roman world?
    📜 Course
    1 Thess 4:15; 2 Thess 2:1, 8; 1 Cor 15:23; Jas 5:7–8; 2 Pet 3:4, 12
    Glossary → parousia
  9. What is typology, and how does it differ from allegory?
    📜 Course
    Romans 5:14; 1 Cor 10:1–11; Heb 9:23–24 (NT typology examples)
    Hermeneutics → NT use of OT
  10. Name three of Vos's signature theological categories.
    📜 Course
    Scholars → Vos · Timeline (Vos blocks)
  11. What does pistis Christou mean? Why is the genitive grammatically ambiguous?
    📜 Course
    Rom 3:22, 26; Gal 2:16, 20; 3:22; Phil 3:9
    Themes → Faith · Scholars → Hays
  12. Identify the four chronological phases of the Pauline corpus.
    📜 Course
    Canon → Pauline Phases
  13. What is the New Perspective on Paul, and who are its three best-known exponents?
    📜 Course
    Scholars → Dunn, Wright, Sanders · Themes → Justification
  14. Why is Hebrews the supreme example of NT biblical theology?
    📜 Course
    Canon → Hebrews · Timeline → Movement VI
  15. What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the church?
    📜 Course
    Themes → Kingdom · Themes → Church
Section B
Mid-Length Essay Prompts (300–500 words each)
  1. Explain how the already / not yet structure illuminates the Christian doctrine of salvation. Give specific NT examples for each side of the structure.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Eph 2:8 (already saved); 1 Cor 1:18 (being saved); Rom 5:9 (will be saved); Rom 6:1–11; Col 3:1–4
    Timeline → Already/Not Yet panel · Hermeneutics → Method I
  2. Trace the doctrine of the Holy Spirit through Acts. What does the narrative teach about the Spirit's relationship to the risen Christ and to the church?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 1:4–8; 2:1–47; 4:8, 31; 8:14–17; 10:44–48; 13:1–4; 19:1–7
    Themes → Spirit · Timeline → Movement IV
  3. Compare the four Gospels' presentations of Jesus' identity. What are the distinctive contributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matt 1:1, 23; 16:13–20; 28:18–20 · Mark 1:1; 8:27–30; 15:39 · Luke 1:1–4; 4:16–21; 24:44–49 · John 1:1–18; 20:30–31
    Canon → Four Portraits
  4. Explain Paul's argument in Romans 3:21–26. What theological claims does Paul make in these six verses?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Romans 3:21–26 (with surrounding 3:9–20 and 3:27–4:8)Leviticus 16; Isaiah 53
    Themes → Justification · Glossary → hilastērion, dikaiosynē, apolytrōsis
  5. What is the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in the church, according to the NT? Give attention to Acts 10–11, Acts 15, Galatians 2–3, and Ephesians 2–3.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Acts 10–11; 15; Galatians 2–3; Ephesians 2–3Genesis 12:1–3; Isaiah 49:6; 56:6–8
    Themes → Church · Themes → Mission
  6. Explain three different metaphors the NT uses for the cross. How do they each illuminate a different aspect of Christ's saving work?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Mark 10:45 (ransom); Rom 3:25 (propitiation); 2 Cor 5:18–21 (reconciliation); Col 2:13–15 (victory); 1 Pet 2:24 (substitution)Isaiah 53; Leviticus 16
    Themes → Cross · Glossary → hilastērion, apolytrōsis, katallagē
Section C
Major Essay Prompts (1000–1500 words each)
  1. 'For Vos, eschatology is not an appendix to NT theology but its organizing architecture.' Defend or critique this claim, drawing on at least three specific NT texts and at least two scholars.
    🎓 Scholar
    Suggested texts: Rom 8:18–25; 1 Cor 15:20–28; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 1:13–14; Heb 6:5
    Scholars → Vos, Ladd, Beale
  2. Explain the New Perspective on Paul. What does it claim, what evidence supports it, and what evangelical objections have been raised? Conclude with your own provisional assessment.
    🎓 Scholar
    Key texts: Rom 3:20, 28; 4:1–25; 9:30–10:13; Gal 2:11–21; 3:10–14; Phil 3:2–11
    Scholars → Dunn, Wright, Carson, Gathercole
  3. 'The NT is the fulfillment, not the replacement, of the Old.' Defend this claim with specific NT examples of OT fulfillment — typological, prophetic, and covenantal.
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Matt 5:17; Luke 24:44–47; Rom 1:1–4; 15:8–13; 2 Cor 1:20; Heb 8:6–13; 10:1–18Jeremiah 31:31–34 (new covenant); Genesis 12:1–3 (Abrahamic promise to nations)
    Hermeneutics → NT use of OT · Scholars → Hays, Beale
  4. Trace the theme of new creation through the NT. Begin with Jesus' miracles as signs, follow Paul's 'new creation' formula (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15), and conclude with Revelation 21–22. What is the unifying theological vision?
    📖 + 📜 Both
    Mark 4:35–41 (storm stilled); John 11:38–44 (Lazarus); 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Rom 8:18–25; Col 3:9–10; Eph 2:10, 15; 2 Pet 3:10–13; Rev 21:1–22:5Genesis 1–2; Isaiah 65:17–25; 66:22; Ezekiel 36:26–27
    Themes → New Creation
  5. What is union with Christ, and why has it been called the master-category of Pauline soteriology? Discuss with reference to specific Pauline texts and at least two recent scholarly treatments.
    🎓 Scholar
    Rom 6:1–11; 8:1, 38–39; 1 Cor 1:30; 15:22; 2 Cor 5:17, 21; Gal 2:20; 3:27–28; Eph 1:3–14; 2:5–10; Phil 3:9; Col 2:9–15; 3:1–4
    Themes → Union with Christ · Scholars → Vos, Ridderbos
A Final Word
The goal of NT theology is never merely intellectual. As Vos himself insisted, biblical theology serves doxology — the worship of the triune God whose redemptive acts these texts narrate. Read the NT carefully, but do not stop there. Read it prayerfully. Read it as one who is being read by it. The Word that became flesh still speaks through these apostolic witnesses, and the Spirit who first gave them is the same Spirit who illumines them today.