Summary

Notes on the New Testament - Book by Book

The entire Holy Bible is summarized with easy to read review notes and key points, useful for everyone and a resource for Bible study. Summary and key points of the Old and New Testament. - Book-by-Book.

The New Testament of the Bible was written around 70 to 110 A.D. The first four books of the New Testament (called the “Gospels”) tell the story of Jesus Christ - each different in its presentation and style of the writer.

It will not do to study the Bible only when we feel like it or have leisure time. We must have fixed principles and habits in this matter, if we are to study the Bible for the greatest profit. Nothing that we do will be more important than our Bible study, and it cannot give way to other less important things. What regularity in eating is to physical life, regularity in Bible study is to spiritual life. Fix upon some time, even if it is no more than fifteen minutes to start with, and hold to it until you are ready to set a longer period.

Mark:

The story of Jesus Christ begins with the birth of the "messenger," John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness, teaching that everyone should be baptized to publicly show their decision to change their lives. John the Baptist said that "I baptize you with water, but He (referring to Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:8) Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, when the Spirit descended on Jesus "like a dove" and heaven responded, "...You are My Son who I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11) After Jesus' baptism, he was tempted by Satan in the desert, then going to Galilee to preach the "good news." Jesus' healing the sick and destroying demons from the demon-possessed are presented as He went throughout Galilee, with the news spreading far and wide, and with large numbers of people coming to see Him. After King Herod had killed John the Baptist (with his head brought to Herodias' daughter on a tray), he thought that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. (Mark 6:14-29)

Capernaum Healing (Mark 2:1-12):
This story is of a paralyzed man being lowered through the roof on a stretcher, with Jesus' healing him, saying "...Son, your sins are forgiven!" (Mark 2:5) This upset many Jewish religious leaders, who thought of this as "blaspheming" (dishonoring God).
Asked why He would eat with and associate with people that were not well thought of (tax collectors and sinners), Jesus said, "...It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)
Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God:

1. "It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." (Mark 4:31-32)

Jesus had many statements regarding how to live; some important ones were:

1. Answering the question of what is the most important commandment, Jesus said, "The most important one ...is this: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'" (Mark
2. The second most important commandment: "...'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Mark 12:31)

Jesus had many story-illustrations (parables -- simple stories illustrating a moral or religious lesson) for people of his time.
An example:
Leased Vineyard (Mark 12:1-12): A man's vineyard was leased to tenant farmers. When the owner sent men to collect his share of the crop, they were all killed, including the owner's son. Jesus said that the owner would come and kill these farmers and lease the vineyard to others. The Jewish leaders knew He was pointing to them as the wicked farmers in this story.
Jesus performed many healings and miracles. Summaries include:

1. Disciples in a terrible storm with high waves -- winds quieted, calmed (Mark 4:35-41)
2. Woman with 12-year hemorrhage -- healed by touching His clothes (Mark 5:24-34)
3. Feeding 5000 men with five loaves and two fish, with 12 basketfuls left over (Mark 6:35­44)
4. Walking on the water, calming the wind and waves (Mark 6:46-52)
5. Demon-removal from the daughter of a Gentile (Mark 7:25-30)
6. Feeding 4000 people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, with 7 basketfuls left over (Mark 8:1-9)
7. Bartimaeus, blind beggar -- sight restored (Mark 10:46-52)

Jesus had many other main points, some including:

1. "...all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." (Mark 3:28­29)
2. "Whoever does God's will is My brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35)
3. On His home town (Nazareth): "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." (Mark 6:4)
4. On a rich person getting into heaven (Mark 10:17-27), Jesus said: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25) And yet, He also said, "...all things are possible with God." (Mark 10: 27)
5. “Watch out for the teachers of the law (i.e., of religion). They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues...for a show make lengthy prayers..." (Mark 12:38-40)

Jesus' disagreements with the Pharisees and Sadducees were further told:

1. Pharisees question not following the ritual washing ceremony before eating. Jesus answer: "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" (Mark 7:15-16) "All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" (Mark 7:23)
2. Pharisees question on divorce (Mark 10:2-12). Jesus answer: "...Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." (Mark 10:11-12)

Jesus' interactions with his disciples were described:

1. Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say I am?" They responded that some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah back to life. Jesus said, "Who do you say I am?" Peter (Simon Peter) responded, "You are the Christ (i.e., the Messiah; the Anointed One)." (Mark 8:27-30)
2. To His disciples and the crowds, He said, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life (or soul) will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:34-36)
3. To Peter, James, and John on a mountain top, Jesus transfigured to white, dazzling; and Elijah and Moses appeared along with a Voice saying "This is My Son, Whom I love. Listen to Him." (Mark 9:2-10)
4. In response to questions from them on Elijah needing to return before the Messiah, Jesus said that he had already come and had been abused (implied), possibly indicating that John the Baptist could have been Elijah. (Mark 9:11-13)


5. He said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." And, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me." (Mark 9:35-37)
6. 
   When the disciples told children to go away from Jesus, He said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these ...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:13-15)
7. James and John wanted to "sit at Your right and ...at Your left in Your glory." Jesus told them "These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared," and also said that whoever wants "to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." (Mark10:35-45)
8. On Temple offerings, Jesus watched a poor widow put in two small copper coins. Jesus said to the disciples, "...this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything -- all she had to live on." (Mark 12:41-44)
9. 
   Concerning signs of the "End of the Age," Jesus told the disciples, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." (Mark 13:10) And, "...following that distress (i.e., at the end times), 'the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'" (Mark 13:24-25) Then, the angels will be sent out "to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." (Mark 13:27) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." (Mark 13:31)

Jesus in Jerusalem (Mark 11):
Jesus rode a colt that had never been ridden and was praised by crowds of people as He rode into
Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" In Jerusalem, Jesus drove out the buyers, sellers, and moneychangers, saying "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations..."
Jesus’ Passover Supper (The Lord’s Supper) in Jerusalem (Mark 14):
With the twelve disciples, in a large upper room, Jesus said that one of His disciples would betray Him. Then, Jesus took bread, and said, "Take it -- this is My body." And, a cup of wine was passed to all of them, with Jesus saying, "This is My blood of the covenant (i.e., the new agreement of God and man), which is poured out for many..." (Mark 14:22-24). After the supper, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus told them that, after He was raised to life again, He would go to Galilee and meet them. Also, after the supper, Jesus said that Peter would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed the second time in the morning; Peter said that would not happen.
Jesus’ ’’Trial” (Mark 14:15):

In Gethsemane, at night, Jesus asked God, if possible, to "Take this cup from Me." In the morning, Judas greeted Jesus, and an armed crowd took Jesus to meet the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court). The high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ (or Messiah)...?" and Jesus answered, "I am..." They voted for the death sentence. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed the second time that morning. Jesus was carried to Pilate, the Roman governor, who asked Jesus, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "Yes, it is as you say." Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas (a murderer), with the crowd to decide. The crowd, urged by the Jewish priests, asked to free Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, dressed Him in a purple robe, gave Him a crown of thorns, beat Him, and then led Him to be crucified.

The Crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 15):
Jesus' cross was carried by Simon, a man from Cyrene, to Golgotha (meaning "The Place of the Skull"). Jesus was offered wine drugged with myrrh, which He refused. The crucifixion took place at "the third hour," with a written notice of His charge, reading "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Two robbers were crucified, with crosses on either side of His cross. After three hours on the cross, darkness occurred for three hours, at which point Jesus said "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?" (Aramaic, meaning "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"); then Jesus "breathed His last." The curtain in the Temple tore in two (this signifying access to God now by man).

Joseph, a man from Arimathea, asked Pilate for Jesus' body, took Jesus' body down from the cross, put it in a long linen cloth and laid it in a tomb cut out of rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16):

The next evening, Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and Salome bought spices to "anoint" the body of Jesus. The following morning, at sunrise, they went to the tomb and saw a young man in a white robe (i.e., the angel of the Lord), who told them that Jesus was not there, that He had "risen" (come back to life) and was going to Galilee. Mary Magdalene saw Him that Sunday morning, and she told His disciples, who did not believe her. Later, as Jesus appeared to the eleven remaining disciples, He said, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) And, Jesus said that believers could drive out demons, speak in new tongues (i.e., new languages), handle snakes, drink poison, and heal sick people. Then, Jesus was "...taken up into heaven, and He sat at the right hand of God." (Mark 16:19)

 

Luke:

This is stated to be an "orderly account" (i.e., summary) of "the things that have been fulfilled" (i.e., Jesus Christ’s story). It begins telling of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1) first appearing with "good news" to Zechariah telling him of his wife Elizabeth to have a son (to be called John -­John the Baptist) that will precede the coming of the Messiah. Then, the angel Gabriel goes, a month later, to Nazareth (a village in Galilee) to speak to the "Virgin Mary" (who was engaged to be married to Joseph -- a descendent of King David) -- telling her that she will give birth to a son to be called Jesus, who "will reign over the house of Jacob (i.e., Israel) forever; His kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:33) Mary was told that the "Holy Spirit" will let the baby be born "the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). Mary's relative (aunt) was Elizabeth, who was to be the mother of John the Baptist. The rest of the story of Jesus' birth is told, with Joseph going to Bethlehem to register for the census (decreed by Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor) when the Baby Jesus was born, wrapped in cloths, and placed in a manger, since there was no room in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Shepherds in a field saw an angel, telling them that "Today in the town of David (i.e., Bethlehem) a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ (or Messiah) the Lord." The shepherds went to the manger in Bethlehem and saw the Child. In Nazareth, Jesus "grew and became strong..."

Jesus at Twelve (Luke 2:41-52): Going to Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus stayed for three days after His parents left. They found Him in the Temple courts -- sitting among the teachers and amazing them. Jesus said to His parents, "Didn't you know I had to be in My Father's House?" (Luke 2:49)
The lineage of Joseph (Jesus' earthly "father") was traced all the way back to Adam (Luke 3:23­38). Jesus was stated to be "about thirty years old when He began His ministry." Jesus' baptism and temptation by the devil in the desert for forty days was followed by His preaching at Nazareth --where He was rejected. So He preached at Capernaum every Sabbath (Saturday) and at other synagogues throughout Judea.
Well-known stories of and by Jesus include:

1. Fish Netting: Jesus told Simon (Peter) to cast his net in a special place leading to an overflowing catch (Luke 5:1-9), after which Jesus said that from now on "you will catch men." (Luke 5:10)
2. Caring Woman: A prostitute poured perfume on Jesus' feet and wiped them off with her hair, whereas His Pharisee host did not offer courtesies. Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:36-50)
3. Good Samaritan A Jewish man attacked by bandits was not helped by a priest or a temple assistant, but a Samaritan (despised by Jews) aided and cared for the man (Luke 10:30-37) -- showing that one should "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)
4. 
   Lost Sheep: Even with 100 sheep, the shepherd will look for the one that is lost until it is found -- so "there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:3-7)
7. Prodigal Son: A man's son takes his inheritance, goes far away and loses it; then the son returns to a happy greeting from his father and resentment from his brother. The father's response: "...he was lost and is found!" (Luke 15:11-32)


8. Ten Lepers: Jesus healed ten lepers, and only one came back to thank Him -- a Samaritan. Jesus said, "...your faith has made you well." This showed that many do not appreciate great gifts. (Luke 17:11-19)
9. 
   Rich Man: A rich man had obeyed the laws, yet Jesus said he should give everything to the poor and follow Him. When the man left, Jesus said: "...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Then Jesus said that for anyone to be saved is only possible because "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:18-27)
10. 
    Zacchaeus: A despised tax collector, Zacchaeus (a very short man) climbed into a sycamore-fig tree to watch Jesus, who later went to Zacchaeus' house. Zacchaeus became changed. (Luke 19:1-10)

Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Kingdom of God:

1. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger...are you who weep ...because great is your reward in heaven..." (Luke 6:20-23)
2. "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves...in heaven ...where no thief comes near..." (Luke 12:33)
3. "It is like a mustard seed...grew and became a tree...like yeast ...mixed into a large amount of flour..." (Luke 13:19-21)
4. Responding to the Pharisees questioning when the kingdom of God will begin, Jesus said, "...because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

Jesus had many story-illustrations for people of his time. Examples:

1. FARMER SOWING GRAIN (Luke 8:5-15): Farmer sowed seed onto the poor and fertile soil. The seed (God's message) in poor soil (hard hearts) did not grow; in fertile soil (good people) the seed did grow (they believed and spread the Word).
2. 
   PERSISTENCE PAYS #1 (Luke 11:5-10): To borrow bread late at night, if you keep knocking, you will get it. Likewise, with prayer, "...Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
3. 
   RICH ON EARTH, NOT HEAVEN (Luke 12:16-21): Storing away crops for the earthly life fills barns...but then you die. So, one should not be concerned with riches on earth and not be "rich toward God."
5. 
   MANY INVITATIONS (Luke 14:16-24): A man had invited many to a great feast, and nobody showed up. Then, he invited anyone, and his house became full -- implying that Jews were invited first by Jesus, then everyone in the world.
7. 
   TEN COINS (Luke 15:8-10): Happiness occurs when one lost coin (out of ten) is found; angels rejoice similarly when a sinner repents.
8. 
   DISHONEST ACCOUNTANT (Luke 16:1-13): The accountant cleverly regains the admiration of his employer, yet his honesty was still in question. "You cannot serve both God and money."
9. 
   RICH MAN - BEGGAR MAN (Luke 16:19-31): A rich man would not aid a beggar. Both died, with the rich going to hell (or Hades) and then asking for help from the beggar, who was in heaven. There was no way for one to cross from heaven to hell.
10. 
    PERSISTENCE PAYS #2 (Luke 18:1-8): An evil judge was bothered by a woman who asked for justice until finally the judge helped her. God will also answer the persistent.
11. 
    PHARISEE - TAX COLLECTOR (Luke 18:9-14): A Pharisee and a (despised) tax collector both prayed, with only the tax collector being truly sincere, so the tax collector was forgiven. "For everyone who exalts (i.e. elevates; praises) himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
12. 
    NOBLEMAN'S INVESTMENTS (Luke 19:12-27): Ten men were given equal money to invest by the nobleman: those who earned the most were rewarded.
13. 
    LEASED VINEYARD (Luke 20:9-18): A man's vineyard was rented to farmers who refused to pay him his share of the crop and killed his messengers and his son. The owner, Jesus said, would kill them and rent the vineyard to others. Jesus then added, "The Stone the builders rejected has become the Capstone... " -- with all this implying that Jesus and His ministry were to be rejected by the Jews/Pharisees and thus would be passed on to others.

Jesus performed many healings and miracles, summarized here:

1. Man with advanced leprosy cured (Luke 5:12-14)
2. Paralyzed man on sleeping mat, lowered from the roof -- healed (Luke 5:18-25)
3. Cured deformed hand on Sabbath, enraging the Pharisees (Luke 6:6-11)
4. Cast out many demons; healed everyone who touched Him (Luke 6:18-19)
5. Slave of Roman captain (Gentile) -- healed (Luke 7:2-10)
6. The only son of widow -- brought back to life from funeral procession (Luke 7:11-15)
7. Storm threatening disciples and Jesus -- calmed (Luke8:22-25)
8. Demon-possessed man in cemetery -- demons sent to pigs that drowned (Luke 8:27-39)
9. Dead twelve-year-old daughter of Jewish synagogue leader -- life returned (Luke 8:41-56)
10. Woman with long-term bleeding -- healed by touching Jesus' clothes (Luke 8: 43-48)
11. Feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, with 12 basketfuls left over (Luke 8:12-17)
12. Only son with a demon -- healed (Luke 9:37-42)
13. The woman bent double for 18 years -- healed on Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)
14. A blind man near Jericho -- healed (Luke 18:35-43)

Jesus had many other main points, some including:

1. "But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell." (Luke 12:5)
2. "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man (i.e., Jesus) will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes (speaks profanely/irreverently) against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." (Luke 12:10)
3. "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." (Luke 12:40)
4. Referring to heaven: "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many...will try to enter and will not be able to ...Indeed there are those who are last (probably referring to the poor people on earth) who will be first (in heaven), and first (probably referring to the rich/important people) who will be last." (Luke 13:24-30)
5. "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:27)
6. "...any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33)
7. "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Luke 16:18)
8. "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (Luke 17:6)
9. "Beware of the teachers of the law (i.e., religious leaders)...in flowing robes...love... places of honor...and for a show make lengthy prayers..." (Luke 20:46-47)

Jesus' disagreements with the Pharisees and Sadducees were further told:

1. Pharisees question on why Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus answer: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." (Luke 5:31)
2. Pharisees question on Jesus' breaking the heads off wheat and eating grains (working) on the Sabbath (Jewish holy day, our Saturday). Jesus answer: "...David ...entered the house of God (i.e., the Temple), and taking the consecrated (i.e., sacred) bread ...ate." (Luke 6:2-4)
3. Pharisees question on why Jesus did not perform ceremonial washing before eating. Jesus answer: "...you Pharisees clean the outside... but inside you are full of greed and wickedness." (Luke 11:39)
4. Pharisees questioned: should Jews pay tax to Rome? Jesus answer: "...give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Luke 20:25)
5. 
   Sadducees (nonbelievers in resurrection) questioned about a woman married seven times on earth: whose wife is she in heaven? Jesus answer: "The people of this age (i.e., people on earth) marry...But...in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels..." (Luke 20:34-36). Since Jesus considered their real question about resurrection itself, Jesus continued that when Moses called the Lord "the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" it meant that those persons were alive, since God was their God: or, "to Him (i.e., God) all are alive." (Luke 20:37-38)

Jesus' interactions with his disciples were described:

1. .Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28)
2. "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also...Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:29;31)
3. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn (i.e., criticize), and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you..." (Luke 6:37-38)
4. To His disciples, He asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "The Christ (i.e., Messiah) of God!" He strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must...be killed and on the third day be raised to life." (Luke 9:20-22)
5. "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it." (Luke 9:24)
6. To Peter, James, and John on a mountain top, Jesus became changed in appearance, becoming "as bright as a flash of lightning." A Voice said, "This is My Son, Whom I have chosen; listen to Him." (Luke 9:28-35)
7. "Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For he who is least among you all -- he is the greatest." (Luke 9:48)
8. ".. .but he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." (Luke 10:16)
9. "All things have been committed to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him." (Luke 10:22)
10. "Let the little children come to Me ...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:17)

With implications for the future yet to come, Jesus talked about the events that would signal the "End of the Age” (or the world) and His return:

1. "For the Son of Man (i.e., Jesus) in His day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky ...But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation." (Luke 17:24-25)
2. "It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed." (Luke 17:30)
3. "...the time will come when not one stone will be left on another..." (Luke 21:6)
4. "When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away...When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near." (Luke 21:9-20)
5. "There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars...the heavenly bodies will be shaken...the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place...your redemption (i.e., rescue) is drawing near ...Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away...Be always on the watch..." (Luke 21:25-36)

Jesus in Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-48):
Jesus rode a colt, not yet broken for riding, into Jerusalem to shouts: "Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38) In Jerusalem, in the Temple, Jesus drove out those who were selling things.
Jesus’ Passover (The Last Supper) in Jerusalem (Luke 22):

With the twelve disciples, in a large upper room, Jesus observed the Passover supper. Jesus broke the bread, and gave it to them, saying "This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." And, the cup of wine was given to them, with Jesus saying, "This cup is the new covenant (i.e., new agreement) in My blood, which is poured out for you." Jesus said that one at the table would betray Him. Then, He told the disciples that "the greatest among you should be like... the one who serves..." and that they would "sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed that day (the next morning). Going to the Mount of Olives He prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Later, Judas came to kiss Him on the cheek and betrayed Him to a crowd who had come to take Him. Shortly thereafter, Simon Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times: then the rooster crowed that morning.

Jesus’ "Trial" (Luke 22:23):
Meeting the council of the chief priests and teachers, when they said, "Are You then the Son of God?," Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am." They carried Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, and Jesus responded to the question, "Are You the king of the Jews?" with "Yes, it is as you say." Pilate referred Jesus to King Herod, who controlled Galilee. Later, Jesus was taken back to Pilate, who wanted to release Him, but eventually sentenced Him to die and released Barabbas, a prisoner/murderer.

The Crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23):
Simon from Cyrene carried Jesus' cross to a place called the "Skull," where He was crucified with two criminals -- one on either side. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Soldiers gambled for His clothing, mocked Him, and offered Him wine vinegar. One criminal said "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong." Then, that criminal said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom," and Jesus replied, "...today you will be with Me in Paradise." Darkness occurred for three hours; the curtain of the Temple was torn in two (showing that God was then accessible to all), and then Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your Hands I commit My Spirit" and "breathed His last." Joseph, a Jewish Council (Supreme Court) member from Arimathea, asked Pilate for Jesus' body, took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in linen cloth, and (on Friday) placed it in a new tomb cut into rock. The Sabbath (Saturday, Jewish holy day), everyone rested.

The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24):
Early on Sunday, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary (mother of James) and other women took spices to the tomb, found the stone (entrance covering) rolled away, and saw two gleaming men (i.e., angels), who said "He is not here; He has risen!" The women told the disciples and others of this, and Peter ran to the tomb, seeing the strips of linen (wrappings). Jesus appeared to two followers that Sunday but they did not recognize Him at first; when they did recognize Him, He disappeared. Jesus then appeared to Peter, then to the eleven disciples -- showing them His hands and feet and body, saying that He was not a ghost. Jesus instructed them:
• "...repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations."
Then, in the vicinity of Bethany, Jesus rose up into the sky to heaven. (Luke 24:50)

John:

This book begins with: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."(John 1:1; from King James’ Version) God sent John the Baptist to witness Jesus Christ being the true "Light," yet among the Jews, He was not accepted. "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God -­children born not of natural descent (i.e., not a physical birth) ...but born of God." (John 1:12-13) And, Christ became a human, living on earth. John the Baptist said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) John the Baptist also said, "He Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit...is the Son of God" (John 1:33-34) and further said, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)
Well-known stories of and by Jesus include:

1. Miracle at Cana in Galilee (John 2): This was the first public demonstration of Jesus' heaven-sent power. The water in six 20-30 gallon pots was turned into wine -- at a wedding celebration, at the request of His mother Mary.
2. Nicodemus’ Discussion (John 3): A Pharisee, Nicodemus, discussed religion with Jesus and was told "...no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." In the further discussion is a most-quoted portion: John 3:16 -- (from King James’ Version) :

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The woman at the Well (John 4): A (despised) Samaritan woman at Jacob's well was approached by Jesus, who explained "living water" to her: "...the water I give...will become... a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14) The woman led many to Jesus.
1. 
   Bread of Life (John 6:25-59): In Capernaum, Jesus explained, "...I am the Bread of Life." (John 6:35;6:48) And, He explained that the Bread from heaven gives eternal life to everyone who eats it. (John 6:48-51).
2. Born Blind (John 9): Asked if a man blind from birth was that way because of his or his parents' sins, Jesus said that it was neither. Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. The man said, "...I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25) Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind (i.e., the spiritually ignorant) will see and those who see (i.e., those who think they have spiritual knowledge) will become blind (i.e., will not recognize Jesus)." (John 9:39)
3. 
   Lazarus Raised from Dead (John 11): Lazarus, dead for four days, was buried in a cave with a heavy stone rolled across its door. Jesus told his sister Martha, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die..." (John 11:25) At the tomb, the heavy stone was rolled aside and Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And, Lazarus came. (John 11:43-44)
   
   Jesus had many story-illustrations for people of his time. An example: Gate for the Sheep (John 10:1-16): Shepherd, gatekeeper, and sheep were used as an illustration, after which Jesus explained: "...I am the Gate for the sheep ...whoever enters through Me will be saved...will go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9) Then Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd...lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Further, Jesus said, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish..." (John 10:27-28)
   Jesus performed many healings and miracles, other than those mentioned above -­summarized here:

1. Jesus' second miracle in Galilee (first was wine from water in Cana): Royal official's son, near death -- healed (John 4:46-54)
2. In Jerusalem, at the pool, man sick for 38 years -- healed on Sabbath (John 5:1-15)
3. Feeding of 5000 people with five barley loaves and a couple of fish, with 12 baskets of food left over (John 6:1-13)
4. Disciples on rough seas -- Jesus walked on the water to the boat and made it arrive safely (John 6:16-21)

Jesus had many other main points, some including:

1. "...whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
2. "...the very work that the Father has given Me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent Me." (John 5:36)
3. "Whoever believes in Me ...streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)
4. "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)
5. "...You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be (i.e., the Messiah), you will indeed die in your sins." (John 8:23-24)
6. "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free ." (John 8:31-32)
7. "...everyone who sins is a slave to sin...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
8. "...if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death." (John 8:51)
9. "...before Abraham was born, I am! (i.e., was existing)" (John 8:58)
10. "...believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father." (John 10:38)
11. "I have come into the world as a Light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness ...There is a judge for the one who rejects Me...that very Word which I spoke will condemn (i.e., doom) him at the last day (i.e., Judgment Day)." (John 12:46;48)

Another disagreement with the Pharisees was told:
• Cast the First Stone:
o Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, saying Moses' law said to kill her by throwing stones at her: what do You say? Jesus answer: "...If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) And, the woman was not harmed.
Jesus' interactions with his disciples at the Last Supper were described:

1. "...I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6, from King James' Version)
2. "...Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father ...I am in the Father and... the Father is in Me ...words I say are not just My own...it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work." (John 14:9-10)
3. "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it." (John 14:13-14)
4. "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. I am the Vine; you are the branches..." (John 15:4-5)
5. "This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13, from King James' Version)
6. "...the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name." (John 15:16)
7. "When the Counselor (i.e., the Holy Spirit) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father ...Truth... He will testify about Me." (John 15:26)
8. "...in regard to sin, because men do not believe in Me..." (John 16:9)
9. "...in My Name...Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)
10. "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

With implications for the future yet to come, Jesus talked about the events that would signal the "end of the age" (or the world) and His return:
•     "...a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out -­
those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." (John 5:28-29)

Jesus’ Passover (Last) Supper and Capture in Jerusalem (John 13): Jesus individually washed the disciples' feet and said, "...do as I have done for you...no servant is greater than his master..." (John 13: 15-16) Jesus further said, "...whoever accepts Me accepts the One who sent Me." (John 13:20) Jesus told Simon Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster would crow the next morning.
After the supper, at the olive grove, Judas arrived with officials and soldiers. Simon Peter slashed off the ear of a servant of the high priest. Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times, and then the rooster crowed that morning.

Jesus’ "Trial" and Crucifixion (John 18,19):
Meeting with Pilate, the Roman governor, Jesus said that He was not an earthly king and that He came to bring "the truth" to the world. Pilate said that he had no basis to charge Jesus and tried to release Jesus but eventually gave Jesus to the Jews to be crucified at Golgotha (meaning the place of the "Skull").
Jesus was crucified with two others, one on each side. A sign was posted over Jesus: "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS" in Aramaic (Hebrew), Latin, and Greek. When Jesus said, "I'm thirsty," a sponge with wine vinegar was lifted to Him. Later a soldier pierced His side with a spear, with blood/water flowing out. Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus, took Jesus' body down and wrapped it in strips of linen with myrrh and aloes as spices. Jesus' body was placed in a new tomb (at a garden at the place where Jesus was crucified) just before the Sabbath (Saturday, Jewish holy day).

The Resurrection of Jesus (John 20):
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene found the stone covering removed from the entrance to the tomb. She ran and told Simon Peter and another disciple. Returning to the tomb, they saw only the strips of linen and the cloth that had been around Jesus' head. Mary returned again to the tomb and saw two angels and also Jesus, who first appeared as a Gardener to her before she recognized Him. Jesus, that evening, appeared to the disciples. The disciple Thomas was not with the others and, when he heard of Jesus' appearance, Thomas said, "...Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25, from King James’ Version). A week later, Jesus appeared while Thomas was there and said to Thomas, "...Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20:27, from King James’ Version). Thomas said, "...My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) Jesus told Thomas: "...Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29, from King James’ Version)
Thomas has been labeled ever since as "Doubting Thomas.
Jesus appeared to the disciples on the Sea of Tiberias (or Sea of Galilee) and told them where to cast the nets, allowing them to get a full catch (153 large fish). Then, Jesus instructed Peter (Simon Peter) to "...Take care of My sheep." (John 21:16).

Acts:

This book, by the same writer as the book of Luke, tells what happened after Jesus' crucifixion -­Jesus appearances to the apostles (disciples) for forty days after the crucifixion. Then, Jesus rose into the sky into a cloud.

Another disciple, Matthias, was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Jesus and then killed himself), so that the disciples/apostles were again twelve.

In Acts, there was mention of a soul (i.e., Jesus) being in hell until the resurrection (Acts 2:27-31, from King James’ Version). The disciple, Simon Peter (or, just Peter) healed a crippled beggar. The Sadducees (who disbelieved in resurrection of the dead) were upset over the disciples Peter and John telling of Jesus' rising from the dead. The disciples kept speaking of Jesus as the Messiah and as the "the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone," saying further that "Salvation is found in no one else..." (Acts 4:11-12) The disciples/apostles were arrested and put in jail often, yet they preached on -- once released from jail by an angel (Acts 5:19).
Administrators (i.e., deacons) were picked for handling many of the duties of the church, so that the disciples could spend their time preaching.

Stephen Stoned to Death (Acts 7):
Stephen, a believer in Jesus, was brought to the high priest and spoke to the Jewish leaders, saying that "...I see...the Son of Man (i.e., Jesus the Messiah) standing at the right hand of God." Stephen was stoned to death and martyred (died, arousing sympathy to his beliefs).
As Peter and John preached, a Roman citizen and Jew named Saul (or Paul) of Tarsus was persecuting all believers in Jesus, until near Damascus, when the voice of Jesus spoke to Paul and blinded him for three days, after which Ananias (a Damascus believer in Jesus instructed to heal Paul) touched Paul to give him his sight back. Paul then became a believer in Jesus, was baptized and preached that Jesus was the Christ (i.e., the Messiah; Son of God). (Acts 9)

Peter healed a man bedridden for 8 years and then brought a dead woman (Dorcas) back to life (Acts 9:32-42). Then Peter had a vision that showed him that people other than Jews are valued by God. (Acts 10:9-15; 34-35) So, the early church then came to the thought, "...God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18)

Barnabas and Paul at Tarsus (at Antioch) preached to the people -- there first called "Christians." (Acts 11:26) The apostle James was killed; Peter was arrested but rescued by an angel, who unchained him. (Acts 12:6-10)
Paul and Barnabas preached to many that both Jews and Gentiles could accept Jesus. In Jerusalem, Peter said that Gentiles were welcome and that they did not have to obey Jewish laws (circumcision was not required), except that they should abstain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, from eating unbled meat from strangled animals, and from fornication (having sex outside of marriage). (Acts 15) Paul then preached with Silas, Timothy, and others in many places, often in Greece -- at Corinth.

There were many riots and attacks on Paul by jealous Jewish leaders wherever he went. At Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed, then released from prison by an earthquake that caused their chains to fall off, after which the jailer was baptized. (Acts 16:22-33) Paul healed a young man after a fatal fall during a sermon in Troas (in Turkey) (Acts 20:7-12). Paul went back to Jerusalem and told the people again of his experience on the road nearing Damascus (Acts 22:6­16). Paul was arrested and was charged by Ananias (the Jerusalem High Priest) as worthy of execution. (Acts 21-28) Paul would have been set free (Acts 26:32), but he "appealed to Caesar" (being a Roman citizen) -- requiring that he be sent to Rome for trial. Paul's trip to Rome was detailed, with an account of his being bitten by a poisonous snake without effect. (Acts 28:3-6)

1. 
   

   First Peter:

2. This book was written as a letter to Jewish Christians, telling them that sufferings are only to test your faith. Important points:

   1. "...In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." (1 Peter 1:3)
   2. "...'All men are like grass...withers...but the Word of the Lord stands forever...'" (1 Peter 1:24)
   3. "...you are a chosen people ...called out of darkness into His wonderful Light." (1 Peter 2:9)
   4. Indicating where Christ was in the interval between His death and His resurrection, "...Christ...put to death in the flesh...went and preached unto the spirits in prison..." (1 Peter 3:18-19) And, further, "...for this cause was the Gospel preached also to them who are dead..." (1 Peter 4:6, from King James’ Version)
   5. "...'If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?'" (1 Peter 4:18)
   6. "...'God opposes the proud (i.e., arrogant) but gives grace (i.e., favor and mercy) to the humble (i.e., not showy or vain).'" (1 Peter 5:5)

   Stating that the world end was coming soon, other advice was to pray; show respect and love; fear God; honor government; find inner beauty; control your tongue.

   
   

   Second Peter:

3. This book, written as a letter to Christians by Simon Peter, tells them to enjoy other people and grow to love them; to beware of false prophets; to not be a slave to sin. There is a warning to not return to sin after becoming Christian, saying that such a person would be worse off than before (2 Peter 2:20), and warning of the old saying that a "dog returns to its vomit," and a "sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." (2 Peter 2:22)
   The judgment day is described:

   1. ".. .the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But...With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." (2 Peter 3:7-8)
   2. "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare (i.e., burned up)." (2 Peter 3:10)
   3. "...the day of God... will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat." (2 Peter 3:12).
   
   

   First John:

4. This book begins by stating that Christ was "from the beginning" and further states that "God is Light; in Him there is no darkness at all." Important points include:

   1. "...the blood of Jesus ...purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
   2. "If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives." (1 John 1:10)
   3. "...if anybody does sin...One who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ...is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and...for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2)
   4. "...your sins have been forgiven on account of His name (i.e., Jesus)." (1 John 2:12)
   5. "No one who is born of God (i.e., Christian) will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:9)
   6. "And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another ..." (1 John 3:23)
   7. "He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:8,9; from King James’ Version)
   8. "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God." (1 John 4:15; from King James’ Version)
   9. "We love Him, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19; from King James’ Version)
   10. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:11,12; from King James’ Version)

   Other advice: love your fellow man; beware of false teachers like the "antichrist" that will come near the world end.

5. 
   Second John:

6. This book is a letter to a "chosen lady and her children." It advises that Christians should love one another and watch out for false teachers (such as those who don't believe that Jesus Christ was a human being with a real body).

   
   

   Third John:

7. This book is a letter to Gaius, a friend, advising him to do good, since "...Anyone who does what is good is from God" and "Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." (3 John 1:11)

   
   

   Jude:

8. This book is a letter from Jude to Christians, warning them that, after becoming Christian, one cannot have a "license for immorality" (i.e., do whatever we want and have no fear of any punishment from God). Other advice:

   1. "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life." (Jude 1:21)
   2. "Be merciful to those who doubt ...hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (Jude 1:23)
   
   
   
   

   The Revelation:

9. This book presents the vision of John regarding future events around his time (or even possibly yet to come now) of the "last days." The book is presented as a letter from "John" to the seven churches in what-is-today Turkey. John tells of a voice speaking to him while he was on the island of Patmos and worshipping on the "Lord's Day." John was told to write to each of the seven churches, and the letters are presented in this book -- each one evaluating the churches and telling them to become interested and excited about the church. (The Revelation 3:19) An "hour of trial...to test those who live on the earth" was indicated to be coming in the future. (The Revelation 3:10)

10. John then describes seeing a door to heaven open to allow him to see "what must take place after this (i.e., in the future)." (The Revelation 4:1) The "throne" of God is described (The Revelation 4) as:

    1. "A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne."
    2. "Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty- four Elders."
    3. "From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder."
    4. "In the center, around the throne, were four Four Living Creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first Living Creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the Four Living Creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under His wings."
    
    
    5. A scroll in God's right hand was sealed with seven seals. The Lamb was apparently Jesus Christ, but with "seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God" (The Revelation 5:6). The seals were broken by the Lamb, with the results (The Revelation 6-8):
    1. First seal: a rider of a WHITE horse was carrying a bow, was crowned, and rode out to war.
    2. Second seal: a rider of a RED horse was given a long sword to end peace and bring war to the earth.
    3. Third seal: a rider of a BLACK horse had a pair of scales in his hand.
    4. Fourth seal: a rider named DEATH was on a PALE horse and was followed by another horse with a rider named HADES (or hell): these riders were to kill a fourth of the earth.
    5. Fifth seal: an altar had (underneath it) the souls of those that had been killed because of the Word of God (i.e., martyrs, killed for preaching the Word of God). These souls were told to wait.
    6. Sixth seal: a great earthquake occurred; the sun turned black; the moon, blood red; stars appeared to fall to earth. People were afraid and wished to hide. The "seal on the foreheads" (i.e., the Seal of God) was placed on 144,000 -- on 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Also there was a multitude of people, in white robes, that came out of the "great tribulation" and "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (i.e., were believers in Jesus Christ).
    7. Seventh seal: seven angels were given seven trumpets to blow.

    
    The trumpets blowing had the following results, in sequence (The Revelation 8-10):

    1. First angel trumpet blow: hail and fire mixed with blood hurled upon the earth with one-third of the earth burned up.
    2. Second angel trumpet blow: huge burning mountain thrown into the sea with one-third of ships and sea-life destroyed and one-third of the sea turning to blood.
    3. Third angel trumpet blow: great blazing star fell from the sky onto a third of the rivers and springs, polluting one-third of the water on earth.
    4. Fourth angel trumpet blow: a third of the sun and moon and stars were darkened.
    5. Fifth angel trumpet blow: key to the "Abyss" (i.e., hell; bottomless pit) opened it: sun and sky were darkened; locusts with strange looks and scorpion's tails tortured people without the seal of God on their foreheads. The king of the locusts was the "angel of the Abyss" -­named Abaddon (or Apollyon or Destroyer).
    6. Sixth angel trumpet blow: four angels (or possibly demons) with a large army and deadly horses (with their tails having heads like snakes) were released, killing one- third of mankind.
    7. Seventh angel trumpet blow: the world then belongs to the Lord and Christ forever.
    
    
    8. Before the seventh angel blew his trumpet, John was asked by a mighty angel (with right foot on the sea and left foot on the land) to eat the scroll telling of the things to happen (first tasting like honey, then souring his stomach) and yet to continue to prophesy further. John was told that the "holy city" (Jerusalem) would be trampled for "42 months," during which two prophets/witnesses would tell about God, then would be killed, and would rise to heaven after 3 1/2 days -- with an earthquake collapsing a tenth of the city. (The Revelation 11)
       
       Jesus birth; threats by the "Red Dragon ...with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads " against Jesus; war in heaven with Michael and the angels fighting the Dragon (called the devil or Satan) and the Dragon being hurled onto the earth with his army; God's salvation and the authority of Christ. These things appear to be looking back, seeing that "They (meaning Christians or Christian martyrs) overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (i.e., Jesus Christ's dying on the cross) and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (The Revelation 12)
       John describes the vision of a "Beast coming out of the sea" (or Creature from the sea), with seven heads and ten horns, and ten crowns upon its horns: the Beast was given control of the earth for forty-two months, where all mankind (other than those written in the Lamb's Book of Life) worshipped him. Even another strange animal, with two lamb-like horns, came out of the earth (i.e., False Prophet) -- was described as doing unbelievable miracles and requiring all to have a "mark" on the right hand or on the forehead -- the name of the Beast or the number of his name -­666. (The Revelation 13)
       John then saw the Lamb on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem with the 144,000. One angel had the Gospel to proclaim to all those on earth; another said that Babylon (referring probably to Rome) is fallen; another said that worshippers of the Beast "will be tormented with burning sulfur...for ever and ever..." (The Revelation 14:10-11) Then, someone looking like Jesus with a sharp sickle began to "reap." The clusters of grapes that were ripe (apparently the ungodly -- ripe for judgment) were placed in a great winepress yielding a river of blood 180 miles long and high as a horse's bridle.
       Then, John saw the "seven last plagues" that were assigned to seven angels to finish God's anger (The Revelation 15-16):
    1. First angel: ugly, painful sores were given to all with the mark of the Beast.
    2. Second angel: the seas turned to blood and died.
    3. Third angel: rivers and springs turned to blood.
    4. Fourth angel: the sun scorched people with its fire.
    5. Fifth angel: the kingdom of the Beast from the sea was made dark.
    6. Sixth angel: River Euphrates was dried up; and three evil spirits looking like frogs (Dragon, Beast, False Prophet) readied for battle on the "Judgment Day" at Armageddon (the mountain of Megiddo).
    7. Seventh angel: greatest of all earthquakes occurred; islands vanished; mountains flattened; 100-pound hailstones fell.
    
    
    8. John was introduced to the "Great Prostitute" with "Babylon the Great" written on her forehead, representing the great city (probably meaning Rome) that rules over the kings of the earth. She was said to be destined for consumption by fire, thrown totally away. (The Revelation 17-18)
       
       Then John saw heaven again, where an angel said, "...Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy ." (The Revelation 19:10) The armies of heaven prepared to meet the armies of the "Beast." The Beast and False Prophet were captured and thrown into the "fiery lake of burning sulfur." Their entire army was killed. The Dragon ("that ancient Serpent, who is the devil, or Satan") was bound and thrown into the Abyss for 1000 years, during which the "souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus..." came to life again and reigned with Christ -- the First Resurrection. After that 1000 years, Satan was free and gathered again ("with Gog and Magog") for battle, surrounding Jerusalem until fire from heaven devoured them. Once again, the devil (or Dragon) was thrown again into the lake of burning sulfur, where the Beast and False Prophet had been thrown also -- to be tormented forever. At that time (Second Resurrection), all dead people were judged: those whose names were NOT recorded in the Book of Life were thrown into the Lake of Fire, along with "Death and Hades (i.e., hell)."
       
       This gave rise to "a new heaven and a new earth" (with no seas!), then "the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God..." (The Revelation 21:1,2) And, "...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (The Revelation 21:3,4; from King James’ Version) Further,
       God said:
    1. "...It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the Water of Life." (The Revelation 21:6)
    2. "But ... cowardly ...unbelieving ...vile ...murderers ...sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts ...idolaters ...liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (The Revelation 21:8)
    
    
    3. John was shown the holy New Jerusalem, with 12 gates (names of the 12 tribes of Israel written on them) guarded with 12 angels ; with 12 foundations with Jesus Christ's 12 apostles' names on them. The city was a cube, 1400 miles per side and high, with 200 ft. thick walls -- with the city itself described as "pure gold, as pure as glass" and having precious stones everywhere. The great (i.e., main) street was also "pure gold, like transparent glass." There was NO TEMPLE, since the Lord and Lamb are the Temple; no sun or moon since the Light is from God and the Lamb; gates never closing, and no night. Nothing impure can enter: those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life are the only ones present. The River of the Water of Life and Trees of Life (with fruit each month) were described. There everyone worships God, with His name on their foreheads: they see His face. Everyone is repaid according to what he has done.
       John is told that, until the new earth comes, "...Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes let him take the free gift of the Water of Life." (The Revelation 22:17)

Summary of the Old Testament
Summary of the New Testament
Key points of the Old Testament
Key points of the New Testament
Old Testament Notes - Book-by-Book

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