Thought for 1m 16s

An Exhaustive Reformed Overview of the 66 Books of the Bible: Book by Book from a Conservative Perspective

Welcome to this comprehensive blog post, where we embark on an exhaustive journey through the 66 books of the Bible, viewed through the lens of conservative Reformed theology. The Bible, as God's inerrant and infallible Word, stands as the ultimate authority in faith and practice, a conviction deeply rooted in the Reformation. Martin Luther, the catalyst of the Protestant Reformation, emphasized sola scriptura—Scripture alone—as the foundation for theology, famously declaring in his commentary on Galatians that "the Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid." John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, articulated the Bible's divine inspiration and unity, viewing it as a coherent revelation of God's sovereign grace from Genesis to Revelation. Contemporary Reformed theologians like R.C. Sproul, in his expositional commentaries, underscore the Bible's role in revealing God's holiness and redemptive plan, while John MacArthur's MacArthur New Testament Commentary series stresses verse-by-verse exposition to guard against eisegesis. This overview adopts a conservative Reformed perspective, affirming the Bible's historical accuracy, covenantal structure, and emphasis on God's sovereignty, election, and the doctrines of grace (TULIP). We'll examine each book, highlighting key themes, historical context, and Reformed insights, drawing from Reformation figures like Luther and Calvin, as well as modern voices such as Sproul, MacArthur, and others like J.I. Packer and Joel Beeke. Note: The Bible contains 66 books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament); if "55" was intended, it may refer to a subset, but we'll cover all for completeness.

The Old Testament: Foundations of Covenant and Promise

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for God's redemptive plan, revealing His sovereignty in creation, the fall, and covenants with Israel. Calvin viewed it as preparatory for Christ, with types and shadows pointing to the Messiah. Sproul, in The Holiness of God, sees it as demonstrating God's justice and mercy.

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings

Genesis, the first book of the Pentateuch, narrates creation, the fall, and the patriarchal covenants. In chapters 1–11, God creates the world in six days, resting on the seventh, affirming ex nihilo creation and humanity's imago Dei. The fall in Genesis 3 introduces sin, with protoevangelium in verse 15 promising a Savior. Chapters 12–50 focus on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, emphasizing election and covenant promises (Genesis 12:1–3, 15:18). From a Reformed perspective, Calvin in his Commentary on Genesis highlights God's sovereign election of Abraham, not based on merit but grace, foreshadowing justification by faith. Luther, in his lectures on Genesis, stressed the doctrine of original sin from Adam's fall, influencing Reformed soteriology. MacArthur, in his sermons, views Genesis as literal history, countering theistic evolution, and emphasizes God's providence in Joseph's story (Genesis 50:20). Key themes: Creation, sin, redemption's promise.

Exodus: Redemption and Law

Exodus details Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the law at Sinai. Chapters 1–18 cover the plagues, Passover, and Red Sea crossing, symbolizing redemption. Chapters 19–40 include the Ten Commandments and tabernacle instructions. Reformed theology sees Exodus as illustrating salvation by grace, with the Passover lamb pointing to Christ (Exodus 12). Calvin's Commentary on Exodus underscores the law's role in revealing sin and driving sinners to grace, aligning with the three uses of the law (civil, pedagogical, normative). Luther viewed the Exodus as a type of liberation from sin's bondage. Sproul, in his Holiness of God, uses the burning bush (Exodus 3) to illustrate God's transcendence. MacArthur emphasizes the historical plagues as judgments on Egyptian gods, affirming God's sovereignty. Themes: Redemption, covenant, holiness.

Leviticus: Holiness and Sacrifice

Leviticus outlines sacrificial laws and holiness codes. Chapters 1–7 describe offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, guilt), chapters 8–10 priesthood, and 11–27 purity laws. Reformed thinkers see it as foreshadowing Christ's atonement. Calvin's commentary emphasizes the sacrifices as types of Christ's perfect offering, highlighting total depravity and substitutionary atonement. Luther saw the law's demands as impossible, pointing to justification by faith. Sproul notes the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) as a picture of propitiation. MacArthur views the dietary laws as setting Israel apart, fulfilled in Christ. Themes: Holiness, atonement, worship.

Numbers: Wilderness Wanderings

Numbers recounts Israel's census, wilderness journey, and rebellion. Chapters 1–10 prepare for departure, 11–21 wanderings, 22–36 Canaan preparation. Reformed perspective stresses God's faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Calvin's commentary highlights divine sovereignty in the Balaam narrative (Numbers 22–24). Luther used the bronze serpent (Numbers 21) to illustrate faith in Christ. Sproul sees the spy report (Numbers 13) as a failure of faith. MacArthur emphasizes census as God's ordering of His people. Themes: Faithfulness, judgment, providence.

Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal

Deuteronomy renews the covenant before entering Canaan. Chapters 1–4 recount history, 5–28 laws, 29–34 blessings/curses and Moses' death. Calvin's commentary views it as a gospel book, with the law driving to Christ. Luther saw the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–5) as central to faith. Sproul highlights covenant faithfulness. MacArthur notes the choice of life/death (Deuteronomy 30). Themes: Obedience, covenant, love for God.

Joshua: Conquest and Inheritance

Joshua narrates Israel's conquest of Canaan. Chapters 1–12 conquests, 13–22 land division, 23–24 covenant renewal. Reformed view sees God's sovereignty in fulfilling promises. Calvin's commentary emphasizes faith in battles like Jericho (Joshua 6). Luther used Rahab (Joshua 2) to illustrate faith. Sproul sees Achan's sin (Joshua 7) as a warning against covetousness. MacArthur affirms historical accuracy of conquest. Themes: Faith, obedience, inheritance.

Judges: Cycles of Apostasy

Judges depicts Israel's cycles of sin, oppression, deliverance. Key judges: Deborah, Gideon, Samson. Reformed perspective highlights human depravity and God's grace in raising deliverers. Calvin's commentary notes the need for a king, pointing to Christ. Luther saw Gideon as a type of faith. Sproul uses Samson's flaws to show God's use of weak vessels. MacArthur emphasizes moral decline (Judges 21:25). Themes: Apostasy, deliverance, depravity.

Ruth: Redemption and Providence

Ruth tells of Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's redemption. Reformed theology sees it as a picture of kinsman-redeemer Christ. Calvin's commentary highlights providence in Ruth's story. Luther praised Ruth's faith. Sproul sees God's sovereignty in the genealogy (Ruth 4:18–22) leading to David and Christ. MacArthur notes themes of grace to Gentiles. Themes: Redemption, providence, faithfulness.

1 Samuel: Monarchy's Rise

1 Samuel covers Samuel's birth, Saul's kingship, and David's rise. Reformed view sees God's sovereignty in rejecting Saul and choosing David. Calvin's commentary emphasizes obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Luther used David's anointing (1 Samuel 16) to illustrate election. Sproul highlights Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2) as praise for God's sovereignty. MacArthur notes the transition from judges to kings. Themes: Kingship, obedience, election.

2 Samuel: David's Reign

2 Samuel details David's kingship, triumphs, and sins. Reformed perspective underscores human sinfulness and God's grace. Calvin's commentary on David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) illustrates repentance. Luther saw David's life as a type of Christ's kingdom. Sproul uses the covenant with David (2 Samuel 7) to show God's faithfulness. MacArthur emphasizes God's judgment and mercy. Themes: Kingdom, sin, covenant.

1 Kings: Solomon and Division

1 Kings recounts Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and Israel's division. Reformed theology sees Solomon's fall as a warning against idolatry. Calvin's commentary praises the temple as a type of Christ's body. Luther used Elijah's miracles to illustrate faith. Sproul highlights the Shema's violation in idolatry. MacArthur notes the prophetic role in calling kings to account. Themes: Wisdom, division, prophecy.

2 Kings: Decline and Exile

2 Kings narrates the kingdoms' decline, prophets like Elisha, and exile. Reformed view emphasizes God's judgment on covenant unfaithfulness. Calvin's commentary on Hezekiah's reform (2 Kings 18) shows partial obedience's insufficiency. Luther saw the exile as a type of spiritual bondage. Sproul uses Josiah's revival (2 Kings 22) to illustrate reformation. MacArthur highlights God's sovereignty in history. Themes: Judgment, prophecy, exile.

1 Chronicles: Genealogical History

1 Chronicles provides genealogies and David's reign. Reformed perspective sees it as emphasizing covenant continuity. Calvin's commentary notes the genealogies as God's faithfulness to His people. Luther used David's praise (1 Chronicles 16) for worship. Sproul sees the temple preparations as pointing to Christ's church. MacArthur emphasizes historical accuracy. Themes: Genealogy, worship, kingdom.

2 Chronicles: Judah's Kings

2 Chronicles focuses on Judah's kings and temple. Reformed theology highlights God's faithfulness to David's line. Calvin's commentary on Solomon's prayer (2 Chronicles 6) underscores prayer's role in covenant. Luther saw the reforms as types of reformation. Sproul uses the exile as a warning against sin. MacArthur notes the prayer for forgiveness (2 Chronicles 7:14). Themes: Temple, reform, judgment.

Ezra: Return from Exile

Ezra describes the return and temple rebuilding. Reformed view sees God's providence in restoration. Calvin's commentary emphasizes the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1) as God's sovereignty over nations. Luther used Ezra's reforms for church purity. Sproul highlights the role of the word (Ezra 7). MacArthur notes the opposition as spiritual warfare. Themes: Restoration, reform, providence.

Nehemiah: Rebuilding Walls

Nehemiah narrates wall rebuilding and reforms. Reformed perspective stresses leadership and prayer. Calvin's commentary on Nehemiah's prayer (Nehemiah 1) illustrates confession. Luther saw the rebuilding as a type of church renewal. Sproul uses the opposition (Nehemiah 4) to show perseverance. MacArthur emphasizes communal work. Themes: Rebuilding, prayer, community.

Esther: Providence in Exile

Esther tells of Esther's role in saving Jews. Reformed theology sees God's hidden providence (no mention of God). Calvin's commentary highlights Mordecai's faith (Esther 4:14). Luther questioned its canonicity but accepted it. Sproul uses it to illustrate sovereignty in ordinary events. MacArthur notes the feast of Purim as remembrance. Themes: Providence, courage, deliverance.

Job: Suffering and Sovereignty

Job explores suffering's mystery. Reformed view affirms God's sovereignty in trials. Calvin's sermons on Job emphasize patience and trust. Luther saw Job as a type of Christ in suffering. Sproul uses Job to address theodicy. MacArthur notes Satan's limited power (Job 1–2). Themes: Suffering, sovereignty, faith.

Psalms: Worship and Prayer

Psalms is a hymnbook of praise, lament, and messianic prophecy. Reformed theology sees it as a model for prayer. Calvin's commentary views Psalms as the anatomy of the soul. Luther's love for Psalms influenced his hymns. Sproul highlights imprecatory psalms as cries for justice. MacArthur emphasizes messianic psalms (e.g., Psalm 22). Themes: Worship, lament, Messiah.

Proverbs: Wisdom for Living

Proverbs offers practical wisdom. Reformed perspective sees wisdom as fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Calvin's sermons on Proverbs stress godly living. Luther used it for ethics. Sproul sees it as covenantal wisdom. MacArthur notes the contrast between wise and fool. Themes: Wisdom, fear of God, ethics.

Ecclesiastes: Vanity and Meaning

Ecclesiastes reflects on life's vanity under the sun. Reformed view sees it as calling to enjoy life under God's sovereignty. Calvin's commentary emphasizes fearing God (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Luther saw it as a critique of worldly pursuits. Sproul uses it to address secularism. MacArthur notes the conclusion's call to obedience. Themes: Vanity, enjoyment, fear of God.

Song of Solomon: Love and Marriage

Song of Solomon celebrates marital love, allegorically Christ's love for the church. Reformed theology views it as both literal and typological. Calvin's commentary interprets it allegorically. Luther saw it as Christ's relationship with the soul. Sproul emphasizes covenantal love. MacArthur defends literal interpretation with Christ-church allegory. Themes: Love, marriage, Christ and church.

Isaiah: Prophecy and Messiah

Isaiah prophesies judgment and salvation. Reformed perspective sees messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ (Isaiah 53). Calvin's commentary on Isaiah emphasizes God's sovereignty. Luther used Isaiah 53 for atonement. Sproul highlights the servant songs. MacArthur notes historical prophecies. Themes: Judgment, salvation, Messiah.

Jeremiah: Warning and Lament

Jeremiah warns of judgment and promises new covenant (Jeremiah 31). Reformed view sees the new covenant as grace. Calvin's commentary stresses prophetic calling. Luther saw Jeremiah as a type of suffering servant. Sproul uses the new covenant for regeneration. MacArthur emphasizes personal responsibility. Themes: Judgment, new covenant, lament.

Lamentations: Mourning Destruction

Lamentations laments Jerusalem's fall. Reformed theology sees it as divine judgment on sin. Calvin's commentary highlights repentance. Luther used it for consolation in suffering. Sproul sees God's faithfulness amid judgment (Lamentations 3:22–23). MacArthur notes poetic structure. Themes: Lament, judgment, hope.

Ezekiel: Visions and Restoration

Ezekiel's visions include the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). Reformed perspective sees it as regeneration. Calvin's commentary on Ezekiel emphasizes God's glory. Luther saw the temple vision as spiritual. Sproul uses the heart of stone (Ezekiel 36) for new birth. MacArthur notes symbolic actions. Themes: Glory, judgment, restoration.

Daniel: Sovereignty in Exile

Daniel narrates visions and prophecies. Reformed view sees God's sovereignty over kingdoms. Calvin's commentary interprets the 70 weeks (Daniel 9) as messianic. Luther used Daniel for eschatology. Sproul highlights the son of man (Daniel 7). MacArthur affirms historical accuracy. Themes: Sovereignty, prophecy, faithfulness.

Hosea: Unfaithful Israel

Hosea portrays God's love for unfaithful Israel through marriage metaphor. Reformed theology sees it as covenantal faithfulness. Calvin's commentary emphasizes God's mercy. Luther saw Hosea's marriage as a type of Christ and church. Sproul uses it for election and grace. MacArthur notes symbolic names. Themes: Love, unfaithfulness, restoration.

Joel: Day of the Lord

Joel prophesies locust plague and day of the Lord. Reformed view sees Pentecost fulfillment (Joel 2:28–32). Calvin's commentary stresses repentance. Luther used it for end times. Sproul highlights outpouring of the Spirit. MacArthur notes agricultural imagery. Themes: Judgment, repentance, restoration.

Amos: Justice and Judgment

Amos condemns social injustice. Reformed perspective emphasizes God's justice. Calvin's commentary on Amos highlights prophetic calling. Luther saw it as a call to righteousness. Sproul uses the plumb line (Amos 7) for moral standard. MacArthur notes Israel's privilege and responsibility. Themes: Justice, judgment, restoration.

Obadiah: Edom's Judgment

Obadiah prophesies against Edom. Reformed view sees God's sovereignty over nations. Calvin's commentary stresses pride's fall. Luther used it for humility. Sproul sees it as a warning against gloating over enemies. MacArthur notes historical context. Themes: Judgment, brotherhood, kingdom.

Jonah: Mercy to Gentiles

Jonah's story illustrates God's mercy. Reformed theology sees it as election of Gentiles. Calvin's commentary on Jonah emphasizes obedience. Luther used it for repentance. Sproul highlights God's compassion on Nineveh. MacArthur defends historical miraculous elements. Themes: Mercy, obedience, mission.

Micah: Justice and Messiah

Micah prophesies judgment and messianic hope (Micah 5:2). Reformed view sees Bethlehem prophecy fulfilled in Christ. Calvin's commentary stresses social justice. Luther saw Micah 7 as confession of sin. Sproul uses it for covenant faithfulness. MacArthur notes the remnant theme. Themes: Justice, judgment, hope.

Nahum: Nineveh's Judgment

Nahum prophesies Nineveh's destruction. Reformed perspective contrasts with Jonah's mercy. Calvin's commentary emphasizes God's justice. Luther saw it as comfort for the oppressed. Sproul highlights God's jealousy (Nahum 1:2). MacArthur notes historical fulfillment. Themes: Judgment, vengeance, comfort.

Habakkuk: Faith Amid Judgment

Habakkuk questions God's justice. Reformed theology sees "the just shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) as justification. Calvin's commentary stresses trust in God. Luther's reformation was sparked by this verse. Sproul uses it for theodicy. MacArthur notes the woe oracles. Themes: Faith, justice, sovereignty.

Zephaniah: Day of the Lord

Zephaniah warns of judgment and restoration. Reformed view sees it as eschatological. Calvin's commentary emphasizes humility. Luther used it for end times. Sproul highlights the remnant (Zephaniah 3:12). MacArthur notes the universal judgment. Themes: Judgment, purification, restoration.

Haggai: Temple Rebuilding

Haggai urges temple rebuilding. Reformed perspective sees priorities in worship. Calvin's commentary stresses obedience. Luther saw it as a call to duty. Sproul uses it for post-exilic revival. MacArthur notes the glory promise (Haggai 2:9). Themes: Priorities, obedience, glory.

Zechariah: Messianic Visions

Zechariah's visions foretell Messiah. Reformed theology sees Christ as the branch (Zechariah 3:8). Calvin's commentary interprets visions allegorically. Luther used it for advent. Sproul highlights the king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). MacArthur notes post-exilic encouragement. Themes: Visions, Messiah, restoration.

Malachi: Covenant Faithfulness

Malachi rebukes Israel and promises Messiah. Reformed view sees the day of the Lord. Calvin's commentary emphasizes tithing as worship. Luther saw it as a call to purity. Sproul uses the messenger (Malachi 3:1) for John the Baptist. MacArthur notes the silent years before Christ. Themes: Faithfulness, judgment, hope.

The New Testament: Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament fulfills Old Testament promises in Christ. Calvin viewed it as the gospel's clear revelation. Luther's NT translation emphasized faith. Sproul sees it as the covenant of grace. MacArthur's NT commentary series stresses literal interpretation.

Matthew: Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew presents Jesus as Messiah-King. Reformed perspective sees the Sermon on the Mount as kingdom ethics. Calvin's commentary on Matthew emphasizes fulfillment of law. Luther used the genealogy for Christ's royalty. Sproul's commentary on Matthew highlights the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). MacArthur's Matthew series stresses Jewish context. Themes: Kingdom, fulfillment, discipleship.

Mark: Suffering Servant

Mark portrays Jesus as servant. Reformed view sees the immediate action as urgency of the gospel. Calvin's commentary notes Mark's brevity. Luther appreciated the focus on miracles. Sproul sees the transfiguration (Mark 9) as glory revelation. MacArthur's Mark commentary emphasizes historical reliability. Themes: Servanthood, miracles, cross.

Luke: Savior for All

Luke emphasizes Jesus' humanity and salvation for Gentiles. Reformed theology sees the parables as grace. Calvin's commentary highlights the birth narratives. Luther used the prodigal son for justification. Sproul's Luke commentary stresses the lost sheep (Luke 15). MacArthur's Luke series notes historical detail. Themes: Salvation, compassion, prayer.

John: Divine Son

John reveals Jesus' divinity. Reformed perspective emphasizes belief for eternal life (John 20:31). Calvin's John commentary stresses the Word made flesh (John 1). Luther's sermons on John highlight love. Sproul's John commentary explores the I Am statements. MacArthur's John series defends deity. Themes: Divinity, belief, love.

Acts: Church's Birth

Acts narrates the church's growth. Reformed view sees the Spirit's sovereignty in mission. Calvin's Acts commentary emphasizes providence. Luther saw Pentecost as faith's power. Sproul's Acts commentary highlights the gospel to Gentiles. MacArthur's Acts series stresses historical accuracy. Themes: Spirit, mission, church.

Romans: Justification by Faith

Romans expounds salvation. Reformed theology sees it as the gospel's heart. Calvin's Romans commentary articulates predestination. Luther's Romans preface sparked the Reformation. Sproul's Romans commentary emphasizes righteousness (Romans 1:17). MacArthur's Romans series defends sovereignty. Themes: Sin, justification, sanctification.

1 Corinthians: Church Unity

1 Corinthians addresses divisions and ethics. Reformed view sees the cross as wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18). Calvin's commentary stresses love (1 Corinthians 13). Luther used it for sacraments. Sproul highlights resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). MacArthur's 1 Corinthians series addresses immorality. Themes: Unity, wisdom, resurrection.

2 Corinthians: Ministry Defense

2 Corinthians defends Paul's apostleship. Reformed theology sees weakness as strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Calvin's commentary emphasizes reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:21). Luther used it for consolation. Sproul highlights new creation. MacArthur's 2 Corinthians series notes suffering for gospel. Themes: Ministry, weakness, reconciliation.

Galatians: Justification by Faith

Galatians combats legalism. Reformed perspective sees it as freedom in Christ. Calvin's Galatians commentary defends grace. Luther's Galatians commentary is his favorite, emphasizing faith. Sproul's Galatians commentary highlights adoption (Galatians 4). MacArthur's Galatians series warns against false gospel. Themes: Faith, freedom, law.

Ephesians: Church Unity

Ephesians expounds church mystery. Reformed theology sees predestination (Ephesians 1:4–5). Calvin's Ephesians commentary emphasizes unity. Luther used it for armor of God (Ephesians 6). Sproul's Ephesians commentary highlights grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). MacArthur's Ephesians series notes heavenly places. Themes: Election, unity, armor.

Philippians: Joy in Suffering

Philippians encourages joy. Reformed view sees Christ's humility (Philippians 2:5–11). Calvin's commentary stresses contentment. Luther used it for rejoicing. Sproul's Philippians commentary highlights citizenship in heaven. MacArthur's Philippians series notes partnership in gospel. Themes: Joy, humility, perseverance.

Colossians: Christ's Supremacy

Colossians affirms Christ's preeminence. Reformed theology sees it as guarding against heresy. Calvin's Colossians commentary emphasizes fullness in Christ. Luther used it for faith. Sproul's Colossians commentary highlights reconciliation (Colossians 1:21–22). MacArthur's Colossians series warns against philosophy. Themes: Supremacy, completeness, walk.

1 Thessalonians: Second Coming

1 Thessalonians encourages amid persecution. Reformed view sees the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18) as Christ's return. Calvin's commentary emphasizes holiness. Luther used it for comfort. Sproul's 1 & 2 Thessalonians commentary highlights hope. MacArthur's 1 Thessalonians series notes sanctification. Themes: Return, holiness, work.

2 Thessalonians: Day of the Lord

2 Thessalonians corrects eschatology misconceptions. Reformed theology sees the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2) as antichrist. Calvin's commentary stresses perseverance. Luther used it for end times. Sproul's commentary highlights God's justice. MacArthur's series notes work ethic. Themes: Perseverance, judgment, idleness.

1 Timothy: Church Order

1 Timothy instructs on church leadership. Reformed view sees qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3). Calvin's commentary emphasizes sound doctrine. Luther used it for good works. Sproul's 1 Timothy commentary highlights prayer. MacArthur's 1 Timothy series stresses women in ministry (1 Timothy 2). Themes: Leadership, doctrine, conduct.

2 Timothy: Faithful Ministry

2 Timothy encourages endurance. Reformed theology sees the Scripture's inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). Calvin's commentary stresses perseverance. Luther used it for faith. Sproul's 2 Timothy commentary highlights soldier metaphor. MacArthur's series notes false teachers. Themes: Endurance, Scripture, charge.

Titus: Church Order

Titus instructs on elder qualifications and sound doctrine. Reformed view sees it as church governance. Calvin's commentary emphasizes good works. Luther used it for grace. Sproul's Titus commentary highlights salvation (Titus 2:11). MacArthur's Titus series notes older/younger teaching. Themes: Leadership, doctrine, good works.

Philemon: Forgiveness

Philemon pleads for Onesimus. Reformed theology sees it as reconciliation in Christ. Calvin's commentary emphasizes brotherhood. Luther used it for grace. Sproul's Philemon commentary highlights transformation. MacArthur's Philemon series notes slavery context. Themes: Forgiveness, brotherhood, grace.

Hebrews: Christ's Superiority

Hebrews argues Christ's superiority. Reformed view sees the new covenant. Calvin's Hebrews commentary emphasizes faith (Hebrews 11). Luther questioned authorship but accepted it. Sproul's commentary highlights priesthood. MacArthur's Hebrews series notes warnings against apostasy. Themes: Superiority, faith, perseverance.

James: Faith and Works

James emphasizes living faith. Reformed theology sees works as faith's fruit. Calvin's commentary reconciles with Paul. Luther called it "strawy" but accepted it. Sproul highlights tongue control (James 3). MacArthur's James series stresses trials. Themes: Faith, works, wisdom.

1 Peter: Suffering and Hope

1 Peter encourages suffering Christians. Reformed view sees election (1 Peter 1:2). Calvin's commentary emphasizes hope. Luther used it for priesthood of believers. Sproul's 1 Peter commentary highlights living stones (1 Peter 2). MacArthur's 1 Peter series notes submission. Themes: Suffering, hope, holiness.

2 Peter: False Teachers

2 Peter warns against false teachers. Reformed theology sees Scripture's inspiration (2 Peter 1:21). Calvin's commentary stresses growth in grace. Luther accepted it despite doubts. Sproul's 2 Peter commentary highlights day of the Lord. MacArthur's 2 Peter series notes scoffers. Themes: Growth, false teaching, judgment.

1 John: Assurance and Love

1 John assures believers. Reformed view sees tests of faith (1 John 5:13). Calvin's commentary emphasizes fellowship. Luther used it for sin's confession (1 John 1:9). Sproul's 1 John commentary highlights love as evidence. MacArthur's 1 John series notes antichrist. Themes: Assurance, love, truth.

2 John: Truth and Love

2 John warns against false teachers. Reformed theology sees balance of truth and love. Calvin's commentary stresses hospitality. Luther used it for doctrine. Sproul highlights walking in truth. MacArthur notes the elect lady. Themes: Truth, love, hospitality.

3 John: Hospitality and Truth

3 John commends Gaius. Reformed view sees support for missionaries. Calvin's commentary emphasizes truth. Luther used it for good works. Sproul highlights hospitality. MacArthur notes Diotrephes' pride. Themes: Hospitality, truth, imitation.

Jude: Contending for Faith

Jude warns against apostates. Reformed theology sees the call to contend (Jude 3). Calvin's commentary emphasizes preservation. Luther accepted it. Sproul's Jude commentary highlights angels' fall. MacArthur's Jude series notes Michael the archangel. Themes: Apostasy, faith, judgment.

Revelation: Christ's Victory

Revelation reveals Christ's return. Reformed view sees it as symbolic encouragement for persecuted church. Calvin did not comment on it. Luther initially questioned but accepted it. Sproul's commentary interprets symbolically. MacArthur's Revelation series is pre-millennial. Themes: Victory, judgment, new heaven/earth.

Conclusion

This exhaustive overview reveals the Bible as a unified revelation of God's sovereign grace, from creation to consummation. Reformation theologians like Luther and Calvin laid the foundation for Reformed interpretation, emphasizing Scripture's sufficiency and Christ's centrality. Contemporary voices like Sproul and MacArthur continue this tradition, providing accessible expositions. The Bible calls us to faith, obedience, and worship, pointing to Christ as the fulfillment. For deeper study, consult Calvin's commentaries on CCEL or MacArthur's NT series. May this encourage your engagement with God's Word.