So which book is next? I’ve started off reading a Letter of Paul, so perhaps I should jump in by reading through all the letters of Paul. On the other hand, it seems odd to start exploring the letters without reading at least one of the Gospel accounts first.
I’m officially turning to my “Introduction to the New Testament” (of The New Oxford Annotated Bible – NRSV) for guidance.
Seems there are 4 types of books in the New Testament:
- Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John)
- Church History (Acts)
- Letters
- Apocalpse (Revelation)
Was it my mother or Martin Luther who said that Revelation should be paid attention in accordance with its placement in the Scripture, i.e. last (if one ever gets to it at all)? How absolutely hilarious that I do not know offhand.
In a way the Letters appeal to me – partially because they’re short, but also partially because they give advice for people about how to be Christians. But it seems out of place to read those letters without first reading the history of Acts and without at least touching base with one of the Gospels.
Hmm…
Ah, here’s a thought!
As I’m paging through the very text-heavy 7 pages of the “Introduction to the New Testament,” it seems to me that the best place to start would actually be by reading this introduction, such that I’m actually paying attention to what it says. I’m only skimming it right now, hoping to chance across the right useful information. And there’s a whole lot in here.
So next up in my Bible study is the “Introduction to the New Testament.”
