#Zephaniah#

Prophetic warnings against Judah, and the Baal and Moloch worship, ending with reproofs to Jerusalem, and promise of final restoration.

#Haggai#

An arous.e.m.e.nt of the people to support Zerubbabel and Joshua (the high priest) in building the Temple.

#Zechariah#

Encourages the Jews to push on in building the Temple; foreshadows national history and the coming of the Messiah.

#Malachi#

Reproves the profanation of the priests in the New Temple, and foretells the appearance of the Messiah to purify the Temple.

The New Testament--Historical Books

#Matthew#

The nature of the Kingdom of Heaven; the miracles to ill.u.s.trate Jesus' teachings; the opposition of Pharisees; Jesus as the kingly Messiah.

#Mark#

Emphasizes the deeds of Christ, the mighty Saviour.

#Luke#

Sets forth the redemptive character of Christ.

#John#

Emphasizes the deity of Christ.

#Acts#

The history of the founding and extending of the Christian Church--under Peter and Paul.

The Epistles--Pauline

#Romans#

The summary of G.o.d's dealings with mankind, from first adoption to sonship, showing sinfulness of human race; the way of salvation; the Christian's duty and privileges; the development of truth; personal messages.

#1 and 2 Corinthians#

(1) The church as it was at that time; reproof of the factional spirit; intercourse with heathen; words about the Lord's supper; resurrection of the dead. (2) The model pastor; thankfulness for the removal of evils against which Paul had written in the first letter; indignation at the arrogance of his opponents.

#Galatians#

The "magna charta of Christian liberty." Contains details of Paul's life. Salvation impossible through works of the law.

Brief outline of plan of salvation as given in Romans. Its argument makes Christianity not a Jewish sect but a world religion.

#Ephesians#

On the Ideal Church. Written to strengthen those who had left heathenism, contrasting their present higher life with the former degradation.

#Philippians#

On the Ideal Christian. Written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome--a letter of grateful affection, of joy over the Philippian Christians, and comment upon his imprisonment and prospects.

#Colossians#

On the Ideal Saviour. The supremacy of Christ as the source of all spiritual blessings; the stimulus of Paul's own example in pressing on to the truth; a warning against false teachings; the effect of sharing in Christ's resurrection.

#1 and 2 Thessalonians#

(1) Grat.i.tude for their acceptance of the Gospel; the glories of resurrection and of the transformed body; (2) To correct an impression that the resurrection was near at hand; exhortations to perseverance, and appeals for the prayers of the Thessalonians.

#1 and 2 Timothy#

To counteract the Judaizing influence at work against Paul's views of Christianity, and to encourage Timothy in his duties, with directions as to public worship, and friendly counsel to Timothy.

#t.i.tus#

Advice as to the course to pursue in helping the church in Crete to overcome degenerate state; church organization, qualification of elders, suppression of false teachers; personal words to t.i.tus; the importance of good works.

#Philemon#

A letter of reconciliation on behalf of Philemon's converted slave Onesimus, by whom the letter was taken to Philemon.

#Hebrews#

Showing the superiority of the Christian over the Jewish dispensation, because its Author is superior to Moses; because the Old Covenant was incomplete; and warnings against relapses into Judaism.

The Epistles--General

#James#

An Epistle of Faith. Addressed to Jewish Christians, on sincerity and patience; against hypocrisy, self-deceit, adulation of the rich, and contempt of the poor; on ruling the tongue; on false charity; and warning against trying to serve G.o.d and Mammon.

#1 Peter#

The first of two Epistles of Hope. As to earthly trials; a holy life; duty as citizens, slaves, husbands, wives; pastors and their duties.

#2 Peter#