New Testament Writers
One Story, Many Voices
Although each writer had a unique personality and wrote to different audiences, they proclaimed the same gospel. Matthew wrote primarily to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Mark emphasized His faithful service. Luke carefully recorded the events of Jesus' life and the birth of the Church. John revealed Jesus as the eternal Son of God. Paul explained the gospel and encouraged churches throughout the Roman world. Peter, James, Jude, and the author of Hebrews strengthened believers to remain faithful, while Revelation lifted their eyes to Christ's final victory.
Together, these twenty-seven books tell one unified story—from the birth of Jesus Christ to His promised return and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth.
The Four Gospel Writers
Matthew
A former tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Matthew often shows how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and presents Him as the promised Messiah and King. (Matthew)
Mark
A close companion of Peter. His Gospel records the life and ministry of Jesus with vivid detail and emphasizes Jesus as the faithful Servant of God. (Mark)
Luke
A physician, careful historian, and companion of Paul. Luke wrote an orderly account so readers could know the certainty of what they had been taught. (Luke • Acts)
John
One of Jesus' closest disciples. John focuses on who Jesus is—the eternal Son of God—and encourages readers to believe and have life in His name. (John • 1 John • 2 John • 3 John • Revelation)
The Apostle to the Gentiles
Paul
Once a persecutor of the Church, Paul encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became the apostle to the Gentiles, planting churches throughout the Roman Empire and writing letters that explain the gospel and encourage believers to live faithfully.
(Romans • 1–2 Corinthians • Galatians • Ephesians • Philippians • Colossians • 1–2 Thessalonians • 1–2 Timothy • Titus • Philemon)
Jesus' Brothers
James
The half-brother of Jesus and a respected leader of the Jerusalem church. Although he grew up with Jesus, James humbly called himself "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." His letter emphasizes living faith. (James)
Jude
Also a half-brother of Jesus and the brother of James. Like James, Jude chose not to emphasize his family relationship to Jesus, calling himself "a servant of Jesus Christ." His letter encourages believers to remain faithful to the truth. (Jude)
The Apostle of Hope
Peter
A fisherman called by Jesus to become a "fisher of people." Though he denied Jesus before the crucifixion, Peter was restored by the risen Lord and became one of the Church's boldest leaders. His letters encourage believers to remain faithful through suffering and to stand firm in the truth. (1 Peter • 2 Peter)
The Unknown Author
Unknown
The human author of Hebrews is not identified within the letter itself. Throughout history, several individuals have been suggested—including Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and Luke—but no conclusion has been universally accepted. The early Church recognized Hebrews because of its faithful witness to Jesus Christ and its harmony with apostolic teaching. (Hebrews)
