New Testament Survey

Union University Fall 2016

Stan May Ph.D., Instructor

Bonita Jackson November 05 2016

Benware, Paul N. A survey of the New Testament. Chicago: Moody, 2003.

The purpose of Paul N. Benware writing A Survey of the New Testament is to give the readers an

understanding of the time era with a brief background of the missing history in the bible that is not

recorded. The author needed the readers to know "In order to understand the content of the New

Testament, each of the twenty-seven books will be studied, nothing the themes and emphases found in

them"(12). Also, the author wants us to understand the terminology of the texts that is used in the new

testament. “It should be noted that the term new testament really means “new covenant.”” (12).

The introduction of the book first gave an understanding of how the different covenant chapters will

later help guide through the time era. “The time between the Old and New Testaments is often called

“Four Hundred Silent Years.”” (18). With the four hundred silent years given it gave the understanding of

God promise before Christ would come. With a description of the historical times, it was shared how

the men and women along with the custom background the court systems were very strict.

The Gospel written by four of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus Christ and “the term gospel means

“good news’”” (40). Through the understanding of the gospel, you had to know a little about the people

that lived in Palestine which was the Gentiles, the Samaritans, and the Jews. “Our understanding of the

life and the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is greatly enhanced when we grasp something of the

pattern and sequence of events that are found in the four gospels.” (48). When given the four disciples

in the gospels there is a notice that none of the men are perfect and each one came from different
backgrounds. And, even though each man had given the same similarities of their travels with Jesus

Christ, they all had at least one or two stories that made their travels unique.

In the introduction of Acts, Jesus asked the disciples not to leave Jerusalem which they would later be

filled with the gift of tongues. Benware gave valuable background information regarding the many

missionary journeys the disciples accomplished. Paul chronology was given to better understand why

Jesus the Christ used him. “It would be safe to say that no human being has impacted the Christian

church as forcefully as the apostle Paul.” (144).

With the thirteen epistles written by the apostles, the author explains every aspect the apostle

encountered. The epistle wrote to encourage believers, undergo faith and bring hope to the new

followers. “Several errors were finding acceptance among believers. One encouraged moral laxity and

the other was an error concerning the Person and work of Christ.” (261). With the error among the

believers, it was good to show that everyone is not perfect and that Christ accepted all.

With John being exiled on the island of Patmos the Lord spoke to him about the last days in the

Revelation. “For many, the book of Revelation is a confusing, unintelligible series of symbols. It must be

remembered that this book was given to be an unveiling of truth and therefore can be understood and

appreciated (1:1-3; 22:10).” (273). Although the book of revelation can be confusing of the different

signs that will happen before Christ returns. We all understand that God will create a new heaven.

Benware strength was starting the book with explaining how the time scenery was and giving an

understanding of the different laws. By providing many photographs of the areas that Jesus the Christ

and apostles it was great with putting an idea of how the times looked. There was no weakness from the

author for he explained each New Testament background well and diligently explained the epistles. The

Revelation was greatly detailed of the judgment series. The Survey of the New Testament was a useful
tool to help understand and give guidance through the Bible. By using the book with the Bible you were

able to get a brief dialog about each apostle chronology.