Mommas, though I’m sure you’re busy chasing toddlers and keeping up with laundry today, let’s go back to high school for a little bit. Remember the days when our worries were school dances, pep rallies, and grades? In the midst of those days, we sat in English classes and learned about genres. In my previous article and podcast episode, “Understanding the Importance of Genre in the Old Testament,” we learn that genre matters, especially in studying Scripture. Knowing the genre of a book of the Bible enables us to interpret and apply it correctly. Today, let’s focus on genres in the New Testament, which are typically a little more familiar to us. However, there are still helpful things to consider when studying each different genre.
The New Testament consists of four different genres:
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Acts
Letters/Epistles (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude)
Revelation
Momma Theologians Practical Takeaways
- Choose a New Testament book you’ve never studied or haven’t studied recently. Study it using these considerations given about that genre.
- Pray before, during, and after your study, asking the Spirit to illuminate His Word to you and help you rightly apply it.
- Alternate between reading an Old Testament book and New Testament book. I heard this tip from Kelly Needham, and it’s really helpful to continue reading books that can be more difficult, instead of getting “stuck” in them.
We are so thankful you found us here!
Momma Theologians is a new motherhood ministry podcast and our mission is to revive spiritual growth in the midst of motherhood.
We offer resources, articles, essays, a monthly devotional newsletter and more at www.mommatheologians.com
Be sure to follow us on social media @mommatheologians
____________________
Momma Theologians Contributor
Cassie Pattillo
Cassie is a student pastor’s wife, mom to two energetic boys, and hopeful adoptive mom to their daughter, growing in their hearts from India. She’s passionate about biblical literacy, and writing and teaching about Scripture. Currently, she’s pursuing an M.A. in Ministry to Women from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to better equip her to teach God’s Word. Cassie loves slow mornings with a cup of coffee, a good book on the beach, and Gamecock football. She loves giving Gospel-centered encouragement through writing, which you can find on her blog, Diaries of a Daughter.
TAGS*
Christian Motherhood, Momma Theologian, Bible, Jesus, Women in the Word, Women of the Word, Bible Study, Woman Bible Study, Risen Motherhood, Journeywoman, Mothering in faith, Motherhood, Christian Motherhood, Christian Mom Ministry, Children's Bible Study, Raising Christian Children, Praying Mom, Help Me Teach the Bible, Metanarrative, Calling of Motherhood, God's Grace in Motherhood, Motherhood Encouragement, Bible Study, Bible Genres