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OTS overview

The Old Testament is divided into four sections: The Law, also known as The Pentateuch, The Historical Books, The Poetical Books, and The Major & Minor Prophets.

The Old Testament was written from approximately 1400 B.C. to approximately 400 B.C. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few small sections written in Aramaic (essentially a variation of Hebrew).

The Old Testament deals primarily with the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The Pentateuch deals with the creation of Israel and God establishing a covenant relationship with Israel. The Historical books record Israel's history, its victories and successes along with its defeats and failures. The Poetical books give us a more intimate look at God’s relationship with Israel and His passion for Israel to worship and obey Him. The Major & Minor Prophets or Prophetic Books are God’s call to Israel to repent from its idolatry and unfaithfulness and to return to a relationship of obedience and spiritual fidelity.

Perhaps a better title would be the First Testament. The word "old" tends to give the idea of "outdated" or "not-relevant." However, that could not be further from the truth. A survey of the Old Testament is a worthwhile and spiritually-enriching endeavor.

Below are links to articles / commentaries that compliment this first section of the RLS academics, however, all of your answers are found within the pages of each section of the Old Testament Survey text book.

These additional articles / commentaries are to help further your understanding of the Old Testament. These are not mandatory, however we believe they will be beneficial.

OTS COURSE MATERIALS

NTS overview

The New Testament is divided into five sections: the Gospels (Matthew through John), history (the book of Acts), the Pauline Epistles (Romans through Philemon), the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude), and prophecy (the book of Revelation). The New Testament was written from approximately A.D. 45 to approximately A.D. 95. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek (common Greek, the everyday form of the Greek language in the first century A.D.)

The Gospels give us four different, yet not conflicting, accounts of the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels demonstrate how Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament and lay the foundation for the teaching of the rest of the New Testament. The book of Acts records the deeds of Jesus' apostles, the men Jesus sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. Acts tells us of the beginning of the church and its rapid growth in the first century A.D. The Pauline Epistles, written by the Apostle Paul, are letters to specific churches - giving official Christian doctrine and the practice that should follow that doctrine. The General Epistles compliment the Pauline Epistles with additional teaching and application. The book of Revelation prophesies the events that will occur in the end times.

A survey of the New Testament is a powerful and rewarding study. The New Testament tells us of Jesus' death on the cross on our behalf - and what our response should be to His death. The New Testament focuses on giving solid Christian teaching along with the practical results that should follow that teaching. Below are links to summaries of the various books of the New Testament. We sincerely hope you find our New Testament Survey beneficial in your walk with Christ.

NTS COURSE MATERIALS

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OTS overview

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NTS overview

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