New Testament

The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian Bible and consists of 27 books written in Koine Greek in the first century CE and early second century CE.

The New Testament is the second major division of the Christian Bible, consisting of 27 books written in Koine Greek in the first and early second centuries CE. It includes the Gospels, Acts, letters, and Revelation, and is central to Christian belief and practice. In Canada, it is foundational for many Christian communities including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox.

Contents

The New Testament is commonly grouped into the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. These writings vary in genre, including narrative, letters, and apocalyptic literature.

Canonical development

The 27-book canon emerged over several centuries through communal use, debate, and recognition of authoritative writings. By late antiquity, this collection had become widely accepted across Christian traditions.

Themes and significance

Christians understand the New Testament as witnessing to the fulfillment of the promises of the Hebrew Bible and the new covenant in Jesus Christ. It is the foundational scripture for Christian theology, worship, and ethics.

Historical context

The texts reflect the beliefs and communities of the earliest Christians in the eastern Mediterranean world. They were written in Greek for audiences in the first and early second centuries CE.