The New Testament stands as a pivotal section in the Christian Bible, offering deep insights into God’s work through Jesus Christ and the establishment of the early church. It is where Christians find the story of salvation history unfold in vivid detail, from the birth of Jesus to the expansion of the church across the Roman world.
But where does the New Testament actually begin, and what does its opening signify for Christian readers today? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the start of the New Testament, its structure, key themes, and its profound significance for believers.
The New Testament Era: Where Does It Start?
The beginning of the New Testament is marked by the Gospel of Matthew, the first book in this section of the Bible. While the Old Testament ends with the prophecies in Malachi, signaling a period of silence before the coming of the Messiah, the New Testament opens with a dramatic shift in both time and theology.
Matthew 1:1 introduces the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to Abraham and David, two key figures in Jewish history. By doing this, Matthew immediately connects Jesus to the ancient promises of the Old Testament, showing that He is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.
The New Testament is about the New Covenant that God established through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God’s people followed the Law of Moses, but this law could not bring ultimate redemption. The New Covenant promised a deeper transformation.
In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God declared that He would make a new covenant, one that would be written on the hearts of His people, offering forgiveness and restoration through a relationship with Him. The New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus would bring salvation, not by works, but through faith, grace, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel of Matthew begins by establishing the context of Jesus’ birth, where the message of salvation begins to unfold. By showing Jesus’ genealogy and the arrival of the Magi, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is not only the King of the Jews but a figure of global significance, as the Magi come to worship Him, recognizing His authority. This opening, rich in prophecy fulfillment, sets the stage for the life and mission of Jesus.
Key Features of Matthew’s Gospel
The Gospel of Matthew is essential for understanding where the New Testament begins because it ties together the Old Testament and the life of Jesus in a profound way. Matthew highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, ensuring readers understand that the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus were not random but the result of divine planning throughout history.
The genealogy presented in Matthew 1:1-17 traces Jesus’ descent from Abraham and David, two monumental figures in Jewish history, establishing Jesus’ legitimacy as the promised Messiah.
Matthew also emphasizes Jesus’ Jewish identity, making the connection between the promises God made to the people of Israel and their fulfillment in Christ. Through the use of extensive Old Testament references, Matthew shows how Jesus is the Messiah foretold by the prophets.
For example, Matthew 2:5-6 refers to the prophecy in Micah 5:2 about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem, fulfilling what had been spoken long ago.
Additionally, Matthew’s Gospel gives us some of the clearest ethical teachings of Jesus, notably in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This collection of teachings lays the foundation for Christian ethics, calling believers to a radical love for God and for others. It presents the values of the Kingdom of God—a kingdom defined not by power or domination but by humility, mercy, and peace.
Composition and Significance: What Does the New Testament Cover?
The New Testament is composed of 27 books, each contributing a distinct perspective on the life of Jesus Christ and the early church. The structure of the New Testament includes the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Revelation of John. These books span the life of Jesus, the establishment of the church, and the theological development of Christian doctrine.
The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are the first and most crucial books in the New Testament. They provide accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection, each with its unique angle.
For example, while Mark’s Gospel is often seen as the most direct and urgent, focusing on the actions of Jesus, John’s Gospel is the most theological, focusing on the divinity of Christ and His role as the Word made flesh.
The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, serves as the bridge between the life of Jesus and the early church’s expansion. This book narrates how the Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Epistles are letters written by Paul and other apostles to churches and individuals, offering instruction, encouragement, and doctrinal clarification. Paul’s letters are particularly influential in shaping Christian doctrine on topics such as salvation, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
Finally, the Book of Revelation provides a prophetic vision of the end times, offering hope to believers as they anticipate the Kingdom of God being established in its fullness.
Structure and Content: How is the New Testament Organized?
The New Testament is arranged in a way that guides the reader through the unfolding story of redemption, from the life of Jesus to the growth of the early church. This structure begins with the Gospels, where the story of Jesus’ birth, life, and ministry is told in detail.
As the cornerstone of the New Testament, the Gospels shape the entire narrative and the theological framework for the rest of the New Testament.
The Acts of the Apostles follows, providing a historical record of the spread of Christianity. This book highlights the work of Peter and Paul, emphasizing the Great Commission and the early church’s struggles to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
After Acts, the Epistles give practical and theological teachings on living as Christians. These letters, especially those written by Paul, focus on how Christians should live according to the teachings of Jesus and what it means to be part of God’s redemptive plan through faith and grace.
The final book, Revelation, offers a vision of the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom and the return of Jesus Christ. It serves as both a warning and a source of hope for believers, affirming that no matter the trials of this world, God’s victory is assured.
Opening Chapters: What Can We Learn from the Start of the New Testament?
The opening chapters of the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 1-2, are rich with theological and historical significance. The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 connects Jesus to the great figures of Israel’s history, Abraham and David, reinforcing His role as the promised Messiah. This genealogy is essential because it anchors Jesus firmly in the history of God’s covenant with Israel.
The birth narrative in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20 emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception and the divine purpose behind His birth. Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s message (Matthew 1:24) underscores the importance of faith and submission to God’s plan.
The visit of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 is another key event. These wise men, coming from the East, recognize the King of the Jews and bring gifts fit for royalty. This highlights that Jesus is not just the Messiah for Israel but the Savior for all people, even Gentiles.
The holy family’s flight to Egypt and eventual return to Nazareth also carry significant meaning. These events fulfill prophecies in Hosea 11:1 and Jeremiah 31:15, showing that Jesus’ life was the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Old Testament.
Theological Significance: What Does the New Testament Teach Us About God
The New Testament is rich in theological meaning, particularly concerning the nature of God and His plan for salvation. One of the most important doctrines to emerge from the New Testament is the Trinity—the belief that God exists as three persons in one essence:
God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This doctrine is central to Christian theology and defines the relationship between the three persons of the Godhead.
Through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles, the New Testament explains how God’s salvation is offered not through adherence to the Law of Moses, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is central to this understanding of salvation.
Paul writes extensively about grace, particularly in letters like Romans and Ephesians, where he emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned by human effort.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the New Testament. The Spirit empowers believers to live according to God’s will and is the means by which the Kingdom of God is
Key Themes at the Start of the New Testament
At the beginning of the New Testament, several key theological and narrative themes are introduced that will unfold throughout the remaining books. One of the most significant themes is the fulfillment of prophecy. The Gospel of Matthew frequently highlights how Jesus’ life and ministry fulfill Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that His coming was the culmination of God’s promises to His people.
For instance, in Matthew 1:22-23, the birth of Jesus is shown to fulfill the prophecy of the virgin birth found in Isaiah 7:14. Similarly, the flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) fulfills Hosea 11:1, where Israel is called out of Egypt, and in this case, Jesus is portrayed as the true Israel.
Another key theme is the identity of Jesus Christ. The New Testament begins with a clear statement of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the King of the Jews. From the genealogical records in Matthew to the Magi’s worship (Matthew 2:1-12), the New Testament establishes that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish messianic hopes.
His arrival marks the beginning of God’s Kingdom on Earth, where salvation through Him becomes available to all who believe. This theme continues throughout the Gospels, with Jesus revealing His divine identity through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His resurrection.
The kingdom of God is another theme that runs throughout the New Testament. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus outlines the ethical demands of this kingdom—characterized by humility, mercy, peace, and love. His proclamation of the coming of God’s kingdom challenges the expectations of a political or military ruler and instead establishes a new way of living, grounded in Christian ethics and the teachings of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom Jesus describes is both present and future—present in the hearts of believers and future in the full realization of God’s reign in the New Jerusalem.
Additionally, themes of grace, faith, and salvation emerge as foundational principles in the New Testament. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the centrality of grace, as seen in His interactions with sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts. His parables, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), reveal the compassionate and forgiving nature of God.
Through Jesus, salvation is not earned by works but is offered as a free gift to all who have faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9). This radical concept reshapes the understanding of God’s relationship with humanity, emphasizing that salvation is available to all, not just to those who follow the Law of Moses or belong to the Jewish nation.
Transition from Old to New Testament
The New Testament marks a clear theological and historical transition from the Old Testament. The Old Testament reveals God’s promises and His covenant with Israel, but these promises find their ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The arrival of Jesus inaugurates the New Covenant—one of grace, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This shift is not a complete departure from the Old Testament, but a fulfillment and continuation of God’s plan for redemption.
Jesus Himself affirms this transition when He says in Matthew 5:17,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
In this way, Jesus bridges the gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament, showing that He is the fulfillment of all that was promised in the Law of Moses and the Prophets. His teachings and sacrifice on the cross make the Old Covenant obsolete, offering a better way to relate to God through faith in Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, the Book of Acts marks the early stages of the New Covenant being enacted, as the Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2), and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ spreads throughout the world.
The transition from Judaism to Christianity is a gradual one, as the early Christians, led by Peter and Paul, navigate the inclusion of Gentiles into the church. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addresses this shift, affirming that Gentile Christians do not need to follow the Law of Moses to be saved, but are included in the New Covenant through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Early Church and Beyond in the Start of the New Testament
The early church is introduced in the Book of Acts, where we learn about the Apostles and their role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Peter and Paul become central figures in this early movement, preaching to both Jews and Gentiles.
The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, sets the stage for the church’s mission to go and make disciples of all nations. The Holy Spirit empowers the Apostles to perform miracles, healings, and preach the gospel boldly.
One of the central events in the early church is the Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in tongues and witness to Jesus’ resurrection in the heart of Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of the church’s global mission.
As the church grows, it faces challenges such as persecution, division, and the question of whether Gentiles need to adopt Jewish customs. The Epistles, many of which are written by Paul, offer practical advice for Christian living, church leadership, and the theological understanding of salvation.
The spread of the gospel reaches far beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). As the church grows, it becomes clear that the message of Jesus is not limited to the Jewish people, but is for all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission and the promise that God’s salvation is open to everyone.
FAQs
Where should I start reading the New Testament?
For most readers, starting with the Gospels is an excellent choice, particularly the Book of John or the Book of Matthew. John emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus Christ, presenting Him as the eternal Word and Savior.
Matthew provides an overview of Jesus’ life, ministry, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, making it ideal for understanding His connection to Jewish heritage. After the Gospels, consider reading Acts to explore the growth of the early church and the Epistles for practical guidance on Christian living.
Where does the New Testament begin?
The New Testament begins with the Book of Matthew, the first of the four Gospels. It opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage to Abraham and David, establishing Him as the long-awaited Messiah and King of the Jews.
Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New, emphasizing Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s promises and introducing His ministry, teachings, and mission.
Where does a new Christian start reading the Bible?
A new Christian can start with the Gospels, particularly John or Matthew, to understand the core of the Christian faith—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John focuses on Jesus’ divine nature and mission, while Matthew highlights His role as the Messiah.
Following the Gospels, reading Acts offers insight into the early church and the work of the Holy Spirit, while Paul’s letters, such as Romans or Ephesians, provide foundational teachings on grace, faith, and salvation.
Which New Testament writing tells of the start of the Christian church?
The Book of Acts chronicles the beginning of the Christian church. Written by Luke, it starts with the ascension of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). This marks the birth of the church as the apostles begin preaching the gospel in Jerusalem, then expanding to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the Gentiles. Acts also highlights the missionary journeys of Paul, the spread of Christianity, and the challenges faced by early believers.
Conclusion
The beginning of the New Testament is a pivotal moment in the history of faith, theology, and human understanding of God’s redemptive plan. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we see the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament and the inauguration of a new era defined by grace, salvation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Book of Matthew, with its rich genealogy and profound theological themes, sets the stage for this transformative narrative, connecting the past with the present and offering hope for the future.
The themes of faith, salvation, and the kingdom of God unfold in these early chapters, offering believers guidance on how to live in alignment with the teachings of Christ.
The transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness and His desire for all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—to experience the fullness of His love and redemption.
As we reflect on the opening of the New Testament, we are invited to see the interconnectedness of Scripture, the unfolding of God’s plan, and the significance of Christ’s mission.
From the genealogy of Jesus to the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the story of the New Testament is one of transformation, fulfillment, and hope. It calls Christians to embrace their faith, live out the teachings of Jesus, and participate in advancing the kingdom of God, both in their own lives and in the world around them.
Admin at UrbanSinfinity.com, passionate about sharing inspiring Bible Quotes and spiritual insights to uplift and strengthen faith. Dedicated to spreading wisdom from Scripture for daily encouragement and growth.