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The Books of the Bible: Part 7 – Church History And The Epistles

ByMission Save Ministry

Series Overview

We’ve been walking through the entire Bible in eight parts, gaining a full understanding of the flow of Scripture. This week we are in the Church History and the Epistles. From creation in Genesis to the new creation in Revelation, we’ve seen how the Bible tells one unified story—God’s plan to save sinners and restore all things through Jesus Christ.

Bible Breakdown: The 66 Books in 8 Sections

  1. The Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy)
  2. The History (Joshua – Esther)
  3. The Wisdom Books (Job – Song of Solomon)
  4. The Major Prophets (Isaiah – Daniel)
  5. The Minor Prophets (Hosea – Malachi)
  6. The Gospels (Matthew – John)
  7. The Church History and Epistles (Acts – Jude)
  8. Prophecy (Revelation)

Grand Overview: The Bible’s Unified Message

God’s Word reveals His character, His justice, His mercy, and His unshakable plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Every book builds on the last. From the Law that sets the stage, to the Gospels that present Christ, to the letters that show how to live for Him, it all works together to point us back to the cross and forward to His return.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Part 7: The Church History and Epistles (Acts – Jude)

This section covers the history of the early church and the letters written to encourage, instruct, and correct believers. These books teach us how to live out our faith in everyday life, rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Acts – The Church Begins

Acts, written by Luke, tells how the church was born after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, and the gospel begins spreading—first in Jerusalem, then to the ends of the earth.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” — Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Through Peter, Paul, and many others, we see the unstoppable power of the gospel in action.

The Pauline Epistles – Letters from a Missionary Pastor

Paul wrote 13 letters to churches and individuals, explaining theology and giving practical guidance for Christian living. Each letter addresses real problems with grace and truth.

Romans – The most thorough explanation of salvation by grace through faith.

“For all have sinned… Being justified freely by his grace…” — Romans 3:23–24 (KJV)

1 & 2 Corinthians – Letters of correction and encouragement to a struggling church.

“Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV)

Galatians – A passionate defense of salvation by grace, not works.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free…” — Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

Ephesians – A powerful reminder of who we are in Christ and how to walk worthy of our calling.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” — Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Philippians – A joyful letter written from prison.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4 (KJV)

Colossians – Exalting Christ as preeminent in all things.

“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” — Colossians 1:17 (KJV)

1 & 2 Thessalonians – Teaching about Christ’s return and how to live in light of it.

“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV)

1 & 2 Timothy, Titus – Personal letters to young pastors about leadership and sound doctrine.

“Preach the word… in season, out of season…” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

Philemon – A short, personal letter about forgiveness and reconciliation.

The General Epistles – Letters for the Whole Church

These epistles were written by other apostles and leaders and are addressed more broadly to the Christian community.

Hebrews – A powerful argument for the supremacy of Christ and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

James – Faith that works. A direct and practical call to live out what we believe.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22 (KJV)

1 & 2 Peter – Letters to Christians facing persecution, reminding them of hope and holiness.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy…” — 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)

1, 2 & 3 John – Emphasizing love, truth, and assurance of salvation.

“Beloved, let us love one another…” — 1 John 4:7 (KJV)

Jude – A short but urgent call to contend for the faith and avoid false teachers.

“Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (KJV)

Why This Matters to Us

This section of Scripture is incredibly practical. It teaches us how to follow Christ, how to live as His church, how to handle suffering, and how to hold fast to the truth. These letters were written to real people with real struggles—just like us.

They show us that being a Christian isn’t just about what we believe, but how we live. Faith in Christ leads to a transformed life, lived in love, purity, humility, and boldness.

What’s Next

In Part 8, we’ll finish our journey with the final book of the Bible: Revelation. This last section lifts our eyes to eternity, showing us the final victory of Christ and the hope of a new heaven and new earth.

Until then, let’s continue to live as the early church did—devoted to the Word, filled with the Spirit, and bold in faith.

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