Bible Outlines

[Zguy28]

I am studying through the New Testament right now at SEBTS and we have to memorize the outlines of the text. I find them very helpful and want to share for those interested.

Matthew

I. Prologue 1-2

II. The Gospel of the Kingdom (3-7)

A. Narrative 3-4
B. Discourse 1 – Sermon on the Mount 5-7​

III. The King’s credentials (8-10)

A. Narrative 8-9
B. Discourse 2 – Instruction to the Twelve 10​

IV. Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom (11-13)

A. Narrative 11-12
B. Discourse 3 – Parables of the Kingdom 13​

V. Progressive Polarization (13-18)

A. Narrative 13-17
B. Discourse 4 – “Life in the kingdom” (parables) 18​

VI. Opposition and Eschatology (19-25)

A. Narrative 19-23
B. Discourse – “The Olivet Discourse” 24-25​

VII. The Passion and Resurrection (26-28)

A. Narrative 26-28
B. Discourse – “The Great Commission” 28​

* The Key marker for Matthew’s outline is the phrase “And it happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things that…” (Mt. 7:28-29; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). This phrase occurs at the end of a discourse in a specific context.

Key Facts:
Author: Matthew the Apostle
Date: 50's or 60's AD
Provenance: Unknown
Purpose: To demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament

Major events by chapter
Temptation of Jesus – 4
Teaching on divorce – 5 & 19
Exorcism of the demoniacs – 8
Parable of the sower – 13
John the Baptist executed – 14
Feeding of the 5000 – 14
Walking on water 14
Feeding of the 4000 – 15
Transfiguration – 17
Church discipline – 18
Rich young man – 19
Triumphal entry – 21
Woes – 23
Olivet Discourse – 24-25
Arrest and trial 26
Crucifixion – 27
Resurrection and Great Commission – 28

 

[Zguy28]

Mark Outline

Mark

I. Preliminaries to the Ministry 1:1-15

II. First Phase of the Galilean Ministry 1:16-3:35

A. Calling of the Disciples – 1
B. Temptation of Jesus – 1​

III. Second Phase of the Galilean Ministry 4:1-6:6

A. Parable of the sower – 4​

IV. Concluding Phase of the Galilean Ministry 6:7-8:26

A. John the Baptist executed – 6
B. Feeding of the 5000 – 6
C. Walking on water 6
D. Feeding of the 4000 – 8​

V. The Way of Glory and Suffering 8:27-10:52

A. Peter’s Confession - 8
B. Transfiguration – 9
C. Teaching on Divorce - 10
D. Rich young man – 10​

VI. Final Ministry in Jerusalem 11:1-13:37

A. Triumphal entry – 11
B. Olivet Discourse – 13​

VII. The Passion and the Empty Tomb Narratives 14:1-16:8(20)

A. Arrest and trial 14
B. Crucifixion – 15
C. Resurrection and Great Commission – 16​

Key Facts:
Author: John Mark, "interpreter" of Peter the Apostle
Date: Mid- to late 50's AD
Provenance: Rome
Purpose: Apology for the cross, discipleship

Mark’s Presentation of Jesus:
• Son of God
• Deity
• Messiah, King, Son of David
• Servant of God
• Human

 

[Zguy28]

Luke Outline

Luke

I. Infancy 1-2

A. Annunciation – 1
B. Birth of Jesus – 2​

II. Introduction to Jesus Ministry 3-4

A. Geneology – 3
B. Temptation of Jesus – 4​

III. Jesus in Galilee 4-9

A. Sermon on the Plain – 6​

IV. Travel Narrative 9-19

A. Sending of the Seventy – 10
B. Teaching on Prayer and Lord’s Prayer – 11
C. Parables: Lost Sheep, Coin, Sons – 15
D. Lazarus and the Rich Man – 16
E. Cleansing of 10 Lepers – 17
F. Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector – 18
G. Zacchaeus – 19​

V. Jesus in Jerusalem 19-21

A. Triumphal entry – 19
B. Olivet Discourse – 21​

VI. The Passion and Resurrection 22-24

A. Arrest – 22
B. Crucifixion – 23
C. Resurrection and Ascension – 24​

Key Facts:
Author: Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul the Apostle
Date: c. 58-60 AD
Provenance: Rome, perhaps Achaia
Purpose: A defense of the Christian faith, useful for both evangelism and discipleship

Outline Markers

• Formal Intro 1:1-4
• Historical Marker – 3:1 (fast forward in time)
• Geographical Marker – 4:14 “returned to Galilee”
• Geographical Marker – 9:51 “set his face to go to Jerusalem”
• Geographical Marker – 19:28 “He went on to Jerusalem”
• Chronological Marker – 22:1 “Feast of Unleavened Bread”

 

[Zguy28]

John

John

I. Book of Signs 1-12

A. Water into Wine – 2
B. Cleansing of the temple – 2
C. Healing the official’s son – 4
D. Healing the Lame Man – 5
E. Feeding the multitude – 6
F. Healing the blind man – 9
G. Raising of Lazarus – 11​

II. Book of Glory 13-20

A. Farewell Discourse – 13-16
B. Passion Narrative – 17-19
C. Jesus’s Resurrection - 20​

III. Epilogue 21

Key Facts:
Author: John the Apostle
Date: Mid- or late 80s or early 90s AD
Provenance: Ephesus
Purpose: To demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah so that people would believe in Him and have eternal life (20:30-31)

The “I Am” sayings of Jesus:

• “Bread of Life” – 6
• Light of the world – 8,9
• Door – 10
• Good Shepherd – 10
• Resurrection and Life – 11
• Way, Truth, and Life – 14
• True Vine – 15

 

[Zguy28]

Acts of the Apostles

Acts of the Apostles

I. Foundation of the church – 1-2

A. Ascension of Christ – 1
B. Pentecost – Coming of the spirit – 2​

1. 1st mention of tongues - Gospel to the Jews​

II. The church in Jerusalem – 3-5

A. Healing of lame man by Peter – 3
B. Before the council – 4
C. Ananias & Sapphira – 5​

III. Judea and Samaria – 6-9

A. The 7 Deacons – 6
B. Stoning of Stephen – 7
C. Phillip with Simon and the Eunuch – 8
D. Conversion of Saul – 9​

IV. Uttermost parts of the earth – 10-20

A. Cornelius’ Conversion – 10​

1. Second mention of tongues - Gospel to the Gentiles​

B. Peter defends God’s grace – 11
C. First Missionary Journey – 12-14
D. Council of Jerusalem – 15
E. Second Missionary Journey – 16-18
F. Third Missionary Journey – 18-20​

Key Facts:
Author: Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul the Apostle
Date: early 60s AD
Provenance: Rome
Purpose: A defense of the Christian faith showing the expansion of the early church from a Jewish sect to a worldwide movement.

 

[Zguy28]

Paul - Galatians

Now I will post the outlines of the Pauline letters in most likely chronological order (that's the order we are studying them right now).

Galatians

I. Rebuke of the False Gospel

A. 1—2 Autobiography and defense of apostleship
B. 3—4 Theological defense of justification by faith​

II. Appeal to pursue life in the Spirit

A. 5—6 Practical results of justification by faith​

Key Facts:
Author: Paul the Apostle
Date: 48 or 49 AD
Provenance: Possibly Antioch, Jerusalem, or in between
Occasion: False teaching (Judaizing heresy)
Purpose:To defend the one true gospel

 

[cheezgrits]

Honest question here...seriously...

Why are you memorizing this?

Just curious.

 

[Zguy28]

Honest question here...seriously...

Why are you memorizing this?

Just curious.

Various reasons, but most of all I am required to write it from memory on the course exams.

Knowing it also helps me to keep it in mind while reading the text and to understand what and why the author is writing and how to easier apply it.

 

[StoneThrower]

Various reasons, but most of all I am required to write it from memory on the course exams.

Knowing it also helps me to keep it in mind while reading the text and to understand what and why the author is writing and how to easier apply it.

Z, I think he wanted you to tell him that its part of your course of study for your degree, and what that degree is.

 

[onel0126]

I am studying through the New Testament right now at SEBTS and we have to memorize the outlines of the text. I find them very helpful and want to share for those interested.

Matthew

I. Prologue 1-2

II. The Gospel of the Kingdom (3-7)

A. Narrative 3-4
B. Discourse 1 – Sermon on the Mount 5-7​

III. The King’s credentials (8-10)

A. Narrative 8-9
B. Discourse 2 – Instruction to the Twelve 10​

IV. Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom (11-13)

A. Narrative 11-12
B. Discourse 3 – Parables of the Kingdom 13​

V. Progressive Polarization (13-18)

A. Narrative 13-17
B. Discourse 4 – “Life in the kingdom” (parables) 18​

VI. Opposition and Eschatology (19-25)

A. Narrative 19-23
B. Discourse – “The Olivet Discourse” 24-25​

VII. The Passion and Resurrection (26-28)

A. Narrative 26-28
B. Discourse – “The Great Commission” 28​

* The Key marker for Matthew’s outline is the phrase “And it happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things that…” (Mt. 7:28-29; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). This phrase occurs at the end of a discourse in a specific context.

Major events by chapter
Temptation of Jesus – 4
Teaching on divorce – 5 & 19
Exorcism of the demoniacs – 8
Parable of the sower – 13
John the Baptist executed – 14
Feeding of the 5000 – 14
Walking on water 14
Feeding of the 4000 – 15
Transfiguration – 17
Church discipline – 18
Rich young man – 19
Triumphal entry – 21
Woes – 23
Olivet Discourse – 24-25
Arrest and trial 26
Crucifixion – 27
Resurrection and Great Commission – 28

Don't see any reference to Matt 16 and the whole institution of the Pope thingy

Good luck with your studies Z!

 

[Zguy28]

Z, I think he wanted you to tell him that its part of your course of study for your degree, and what that degree is.

The degree is not that important. I'm actually enjoying the learning!

 

[Zguy28]

Don't see any reference to Matt 16 and the whole institution of the Pope thingy

Good luck with your studies Z!

Because its not there! ZING!

In all seriousness, I may not believe in the Petrine supremacy with regards to the Roman See, but I do believe the rock referenced by Christ in that passage does indeed refer to Simon Peter in his early leadership role among the disciples (especially Pentecost).

I also realize I am in the minority amongst my brethren.

 

[cheezgrits]

The degree is not that important. I'm actually enjoying the learning!

Thanks for the answer. I was just wondering why, that answered it.

And good luck and best wishes on your degree if that's what you're pursuing.

ST, his degree won't impress me, I've got multiple...wanna compare?

 

[Zguy28]

1 & 2 Thessalonians

Outline: 1 Thessalonians

I. Introduction and Personal Expressions of Thanksgiving 1 – 3
II. Practical Instructions in Light of the Day of the Lord 4 – 5

Outline: 2 Thessalonians

I. Greeting and Commendation – 1
II. More teaching on the Day of the Lord – 2
III. Exhortations for Specific Problems in the Church – 3

Key Facts:
Author: Paul
Date: 50 AD
Provenance: Corinth
Occasion: Persecution of the Thessalonians and confusion regarding the end time.
Purpose: To encourage persecuted believers, defend Paul's integrity, and clarify Paul's eschatological teachings.

 

[Zguy28]

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians Outline - major topics
I. Division in the church 1 – 4
II. Disorder in the church 5 – 6
III. Remarriage 7
IV. Christian liberty, paganism, and worship 8 - 11
V. Spiritual gifts and Christian liberty 12-14
VI. Resurrection 15
VII. Collection for the poor, conclusion 16


Occasion
• Partisan groups 1:11
• Personal attacks against Paul 4:3, 15:9, 9:1-3
• Abuses of the Lord’s table 11:17-34
• Infamous immorality 5:1-5, 6:12-20
• Lawsuits among believers 6:1-8
• Abuse of spiritual gifts 12-14
• False Doctrine esp. Resurrection 15

Key Facts:
Author: Paul the Apostle
Date 53-54 (Third Missionary Journey)
Provenance: Ephesus

 

[Zguy28]

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians Outline

I. Greetings and Thanksgiving 1
II. Paul’s Apostolic Ministry 1 – 7
A. His Plans 1 – 2
B. The character of his ministry 3 – 7
III. The Collection for the Saints 8 – 9
IV. Paul Defends his Apostleship 10 – 13
V. Conclusion

Key Facts:
Author: Paul the Apostle
Date: 54-55 (Third Missionary Journey)
Provenance: Macedonia, possibly Philippi
Occasion: Titus's report on the condition of the church followed by additional information regarding the intrusion of false apostles.

Many believe it is actually two letters, but a more likely scenario is that Paul had penned 1-9 and then received additional news regarding the false apostles.

 

[Zguy28]

Romans

Romans Outline

I. Depravity of Man 1 – 3
II. Justification by Faith 3 – 5
III. Abiding Results of Salvation 6 – 8
IV. God’ Sovereignty: Israel, Election, and Salvation 9 – 11
V. Christian Living in Light of Salvation 12 – 15
VI. Conclusion 15 – 16

Central Theme: the Gospel is the power of God for salvation for both Jew and Gentile alike.

Key Facts:
Author: Paul the Apostle
Date: mid to late 50's
Provenance: Greece, probably Corinth
Purpose: to promote unity by focusing on the Gospel

 

[Zguy28]

Philippians

Philippians Outline

I. Paul’s present circumstances – 1
II. Three examples of unity (Jesus, Timothy, Epaphroditus) – 2
III. False Teachers (danger to unity) - 3
IV. The Philippians and Unity - 4

Key Facts
Author: Paul the Apostle
Provenance: Rome (1st of the Prison Epistles) during first Roman imprisonment. Some scholars believe it could also have been written in Caesarea or Ephesus.
Date: ~59 AD
Purpose: To promote Gospel-centered unity for the sake of the advancing of the Gospel.

Chapter 2 includes what is considered to be an early hymn to Christ.

Jesus provides the ultimate example of humility and selflessness, which is to also characterize his disciples.

 

[Zguy28]

Ephesians

Ephesians Outline

Theology
I. Election – 1
II. Justification by Faith - 2
III. The mystery of Christ - 3

Application
IV. Walk worthy of your calling - 4
V. Be imitators of God - 5
VI. Other Family Relationships – 6

Key Chapter Events
• Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians - 1
• Faith, not Works - 2
• Spiritual Gifts - 4
• Marriage - 5
• Armor of God - 6

Related Themes
• God’s Greatness 1:3
• The Exalted Christ 1:21-22
• The Present Aspects of Salvation 2:8-9
• The present position of believers 1:13-14, 2:5
• The Unity and maturity of believers 4:1
• The present walk of believers 5:1
• The present spiritual battle 6:10-20

Key Facts
Author: Paul the Apostle
Provenance: Rome (2nd Prison Epistle), during 1st Roman imprisonment.
Date: ~60 AD
Destination: Ephesus or circular*
Theme: summing up of all things in Christ.

*Some external evidence points to early manuscripts not containing "at Ephesus" in the greeting.