Summarized Story of the New Testament to assist with Biblical Trivia

Here is the full combined chronological narrative, carefully merging all 7 Trivia sections into one continuous story, to help you with the trivia questions


THE BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS

The New Testament opens with four Gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, wrote the Gospel of Matthew. Mark’s Gospel is believed to be the earliest written. Luke, a physician and close companion of Paul, wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. John’s Gospel begins with the powerful words, “In the beginning was the Word,” emphasizing Jesus’ divine nature. An angel named Gabriel appeared to a young woman named Mary and announced that she would give birth to the Son of God. Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. Shepherds and later the Magi visited Him. Jesus grew up in Nazareth until the time came for His public ministry.

THE BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY

John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Immediately after His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness where He fasted for forty days. During this time, Satan tempted Him, first asking Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus resisted every temptation. Jesus then began preaching about the Kingdom of God. He called His first disciples, Peter and Andrew. He taught crowds from a hillside in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. During this sermon, Jesus taught the Beatitudes, eight of which are recorded in Matthew. He also taught His disciples how to pray by giving them the Lord’s Prayer, known as the Our Father.

MIRACLES AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS

Jesus performed many miracles. At a wedding in Cana, He turned water into wine. He healed the sick, cast out demons, fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread, and had twelve baskets left over. One night, Jesus walked on water toward His disciples’ boat. Peter asked to join Him and walked on water briefly before sinking when he doubted. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany after he had been buried for four days. Jesus taught through parables. He told the Parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” He shared the Parable of the Prodigal Son, showing the Father’s mercy. He taught the Parable of the Sower, explaining how people receive God’s Word. He compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.

THE FINAL WEEK, CRUCIFIXION, AND BURIAL

In Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Judas criticized her. During Passover week, Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Peter later denied Jesus three times. Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands of responsibility. Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross. Jesus was crucified at Golgotha with a sign over Him reading “King of the Jews.” After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea courageously asked Pilate for His body. Nicodemus helped prepare Him for burial. Jesus was placed in a new tomb.

THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION

On the third day, Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb and became the first person to see the risen Jesus. Jesus later appeared to His disciples. Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus for himself. For forty days after Easter, Jesus continued teaching His followers. He then ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives.

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH

Ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. Tongues of fire appeared above the disciples’ heads. They began speaking in many languages so people from all nations could understand. Peter preached boldly, and three thousand people were baptized that day. The early believers shared their possessions and lived in unity. Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate. Religious leaders arrested them, but an angel freed them from prison. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira lied about money they donated and died suddenly. Peter rebuked them for lying to God.

THE FIRST PERSECUTIONS

Seven deacons were chosen to help serve the Church. One of them was Philip, who later preached in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian official. Another deacon, Stephen, boldly preached about Christ and was stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. Saul witnessed Stephen’s death and approved of the persecution.

PAUL’S CONVERSION

Saul of Tarsus was a fierce persecutor of Christians. While traveling on the road to Damascus, a bright light surrounded him and Jesus spoke to him. Saul was struck blind. A disciple named Ananias restored his sight. Saul became Paul and immediately began preaching about Jesus. Believers later lowered Paul in a basket to help him escape danger. Barnabas defended him and introduced him to the apostles.

THE GENTILES RECEIVE THE GOSPEL

A Roman centurion named Cornelius received a vision from an angel. Peter also had a vision showing that God accepts Gentiles. Peter traveled to Cornelius’ house and preached. The Holy Spirit fell on everyone listening. Peter baptized Cornelius and his entire household. Some Jewish believers criticized Peter, but he explained God’s will. Believers were first called Christians in Antioch. Barnabas became a leader there. Prophets and teachers fasted and prayed. The Holy Spirit led the church to send out Paul and Barnabas as missionaries.

PAUL’S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

Paul preached in Pisidian Antioch and was rejected. In Lystra, he was stoned but survived. Timothy later joined Paul. To avoid offense, Paul circumcised Timothy. Paul received a vision of a Macedonian man calling for help.

PHILIPPI AND THE JAILER

In Philippi, God opened Lydia’s heart. She and her household were baptized. Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl. Her owners had Paul arrested. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. They sang hymns at night. An earthquake opened the prison doors. The jailer almost killed himself, but Paul stopped him. The jailer asked how to be saved and was baptized with his family.


BEREA, ATHENS, AND EPHESUS

Paul fled Thessalonica and went to Berea. The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily. Paul traveled to Athens and preached about the “unknown god.” Dionysius believed. In Ephesus, Demetrius the silversmith started a riot because idol sales dropped. A town clerk calmed the crowd.

TROAS AND WARNINGS

Paul preached all night in Troas. A young man named Eutychus fell from a window and died. Paul raised him to life. Later, the prophet Agabus warned Paul about chains and imprisonment.

PAUL’S ARREST AND TRIALS

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem. He was tried before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. Agrippa said, “Almost you persuade me.” Paul appealed to Caesar.

THE JOURNEY TO ROME

Paul was sent to Rome under guard. A violent storm struck the ship. They were shipwrecked on Malta. Paul was bitten by a snake but was unharmed. Publius, the chief official, welcomed them.

PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT

Paul was placed under house arrest in Rome. Luke and Timothy visited him. Paul wrote letters to churches, including Philippians about joy, Ephesians about unity, and Colossians about Christ’s supremacy. Onesimus, a runaway slave, was reconciled to his master Philemon. Tychicus carried the letter.

Paul wrote to Timothy about church leadership and to Titus, who served in Crete.

THE APOSTOLIC LETTERS

Paul compared the Christian life to running a race. He taught about the fruit of the Spirit, beginning with love, then joy and peace. The author of Hebrews explained Jesus as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, whose sacrifice replaced the old covenant. James taught that faith must be shown through works. Peter encouraged suffering believers. John wrote about love. Jude warned against false teachers.

THE REVELATION

John was exiled on the island of Patmos when he received a vision from Jesus. An angel revealed future events. Jesus sent messages to seven churches. John saw seven seals, four horsemen, seven trumpets, and great judgments. A woman clothed with the sun appeared, opposed by a dragon. Two beasts rose up, marked by the number 666. 144,000 faithful stood with Jesus.

Babylon fell. Jesus returned on a white horse as King of Kings. The beast and false prophet were thrown into the lake of fire. Satan was bound for one thousand years, released briefly, then defeated and cast into the lake of fire.

John saw the final judgment at the great white throne. The Book of Life was opened. God created a new heaven and new earth. God dwelled with His people. Tears were wiped away. There was no more death or pain.

The New Jerusalem descended from heaven. It had twelve pearl gates and shone with God’s glory. A river of life flowed from God’s throne. The tree of life brought healing. Jesus warned not to add or subtract from this prophecy. He promised, “I am coming soon.” The Church replied, “Come, Lord Jesus.” The Bible ends with “Amen.”