I am going copy something that I posted previously on another forum. This will offer you a quick overview of the Bible and hopefully help you in some way to avoid some of the confusion when reading. Although it doesnt go into specifics it will at least give direction as to what is written to you as a member of the body of Christ and what is written for our learning
Please note when I speak of the Church I am not referencing a structure. The word Church {ekklēsia} simply means called of God or called out We
you me all those who are born again of God make up the church
we are the called of God, the Church of the body of Christ.
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**The basic topic from Genesis 3:15 to revelation 22:21 is Jesus Christ
The seven Church epistles Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and I & II Thessalonians are addressed directly to those of us in this age of Grace, the Church administration; those of us born again in the body of Christ
in other words
you.
{There are some portions as seen between Romans 9 and 12 that Paul (by revelation) is addressing Israel, and then the Gentiles in chapter 11; although it may seem confusing, its not, as long as you read what is written and to whom it is written.}
To break it down a bit Romans Ephesians and Thessalonians are doctrinal epistles for the walk of the believers in the Body of Christ the remaining church epistles are either reproof or correction epistles to get the believers back to the right believing of the doctrine. Thessalonians although doctrinal epistles somewhat stands alone as they deal primarily with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of the Church of the Body
I & II Timothy & Titus {I will include Philemon although there is some disagreement with this} are called the Pastoral Epistles, these are written to the Church but are directed towards leadership within of the Body of Christ.
Hebrews is not addressed to the church in the sense that we know the Church established on Pentecost. It is addressed to born again believers but those who have never walked in the freedom of the new birth, those who are still zealous for the law.
James Much like Hebrews was written to the Christian Jews of the dispersion, the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Those born again who seemed to want to put themselves under the law. I & II Peter, I II & III John and Jude closely align themselves to this category also.
The reason so much of this seems applicable to many of us is that we find ourselves not believing the doctrinal Epistles of Romans, Ephesians, and Thessalonians and desire to put ourselves under the law.
The four Gospels give the account of the life and walk of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from four different perspectives Matthew as the King Mark as the Servant Luke as the Man and John as the Son
Although the Gospels are vitally important in our understanding of what Jesus Christ accomplished by his walk, death, and resurrection it must be noted that Jesus Christ came to minister to Israel the Bride. Israel rejected him and killed their King, Jesus {the Bridegroom}. The church of the bride is at this time held in abeyance and picks up again in Revelation The Gospels are not addressed directly to us; they are for our learning as is all of the Old Testament. All of the Old Testament including the four Gospels is addressed to either the Jews or the Gentiles but the Epistles as noted above are specifically addressed to the Church of the Body.
Now this is an area that can get somewhat involved so at this time I wont go into any depth. But please note that there is a big difference between the two {both bride and body} that if not distinguished will cause you much confusion.
Acts is the fulcrum point between the Old and New Testament it shows the rise and expansion of the first century Church of the body
The Old Testament books are divided up into various categories or administrations depending on who you talk to, but I will not delve in to that at this time. Just keep in mind that The Epistles as I stated above are addressed directly to you as members of the Body of Christ.
One of the most important things in studying is not how much you read, but what you retain and understand from reading. As you continue to put on the Word in your life God will give the increase, both in knowledge and understanding. Your length of time as Christian is relatively insignificant as compared to your attitude. Your desire to learn, to grow, and to develop your relationship with God is an attitude of heart that will carry you further and faster then time ever can.
God Bless,
. I hope you find lots of answers to your questions here at CF. Please ask away!
