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The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept
The New Testament is the story of how all the promises made by God in the Old Testament were kept―and what that means for us today. The nation of Israel had many hope for a deliverer, hope for restored fellowship with God, and hope for the world to be put right. The New Testament explains how those promises were kept and how, if we are Christians, they are kept in us as well.
Mark Dever surveys the historical context, organization, and theology of each New Testament book, in light of God's Old Testament promises. His message is that of the New Testament itself, one of hope fulfilled.
Mark Dever surveys the historical context, organization, and theology of each New Testament book, in light of God's Old Testament promises. His message is that of the New Testament itself, one of hope fulfilled.
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2005
62 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dever
119 books320 followersMark E. Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Since his ordination to the ministry in 1985, Dr. Dever has served on the pastoral staffs of four churches, the second being a church he planted in Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Washington in 1994, Dr. Dever taught for the faculty of Divinity at Cambridge University while serving two years as an associate pastor of Eden Baptist Church.
In an effort to build biblically faithful churches in America, Dr. Dever serves as the executive director for 9Marks (formerly The Center for Church Reform, CCR) in Washington, D.C. 9Marks encourages pastors of local churches look to the Bible for instruction on how to organize and lead their churches. Dr. Dever also teaches periodically at various conferences, speaking everywhere from South Africa to Brazil to the United Kingdom to Alabama. Feeling a deep burden for student ministry, Dr. Dever often addresses student ministry groups at campuses throughout the country. He has also taught at a number of seminaries, including Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Dever’s scholarly interests include Puritanism and ecclesiology.
Dr. Dever currently serves as a trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; he also serves as a member of the board, vice-chairman, and chairman of the Forum for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. From 1995 until 2001, he served on the steering committee for Founders Ministries, a pastoral movement for biblical teaching and healthy church life within the Southern Baptist Convention. As Guest Senate Chaplain for two weeks in 1995, Dr. Dever opened the daily sessions of the United States Senate in prayer. He is a member of the American Society of Church History and the Tyndale Fellowship. He also held the J.B. Lightfoot Scholarship at Cambridge University from 1989 to 1991.
In an effort to build biblically faithful churches in America, Dr. Dever serves as the executive director for 9Marks (formerly The Center for Church Reform, CCR) in Washington, D.C. 9Marks encourages pastors of local churches look to the Bible for instruction on how to organize and lead their churches. Dr. Dever also teaches periodically at various conferences, speaking everywhere from South Africa to Brazil to the United Kingdom to Alabama. Feeling a deep burden for student ministry, Dr. Dever often addresses student ministry groups at campuses throughout the country. He has also taught at a number of seminaries, including Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Dever’s scholarly interests include Puritanism and ecclesiology.
Dr. Dever currently serves as a trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; he also serves as a member of the board, vice-chairman, and chairman of the Forum for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. From 1995 until 2001, he served on the steering committee for Founders Ministries, a pastoral movement for biblical teaching and healthy church life within the Southern Baptist Convention. As Guest Senate Chaplain for two weeks in 1995, Dr. Dever opened the daily sessions of the United States Senate in prayer. He is a member of the American Society of Church History and the Tyndale Fellowship. He also held the J.B. Lightfoot Scholarship at Cambridge University from 1989 to 1991.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 4, 2019
Great complementary volume for Scripture reading! I used this as a cursory study of main themes and ideas of each book in the NT before reading the Bible and was very helpful.
August 25, 2025
A collection of sermons from Dever that gives overviews to every book of the New Testament. I find Dever, despite some of our key disagreements, to be very effective in his preaching. I believe I was at Capitol Hill when one of these sermons was being preached. Worth your time.
November 29, 2011
Helpful birds-eye view intros to each NT book in sermon form. Of course, sermons are meant to be heard, not read, and that comes through a bit in this volume as some awkward conversationalish prose and illustrations that you'd had to have been there for. The content is solid and helpful at orienting the reader to the major themes of each book of the New Testament, and has some helpful application questions (though not all helpful) at the end of each chapter. Not thrilling, not ground-breaking, but solid stuff that could be very helpful introducing an adult convert to the basic messages and message of the NT.
November 26, 2020
An excellent overview of the whole New Testament, book by book, in sermonic form. Each New Testament book is the subject of one overview sermon, preached by Mark Dever, between May 1995 and January 2000, with the introductory sermon being preached in September 1996.
The author is precise and concise and I found the content of each sermon/chapter helpful, informative and spiritually uplifting. I used this book, and it's Old Testament companion, as part of my daily Scripture reading throughout the year. As I began to read a New Testament book in my Bible reading I read the corresponding chapter in this book. Irrespective of one's theological preferences you will find rich teaching in this book!
I also posted some of Dever's comments to social media as they were pithy and to the point!
A 5-star read!
The author is precise and concise and I found the content of each sermon/chapter helpful, informative and spiritually uplifting. I used this book, and it's Old Testament companion, as part of my daily Scripture reading throughout the year. As I began to read a New Testament book in my Bible reading I read the corresponding chapter in this book. Irrespective of one's theological preferences you will find rich teaching in this book!
I also posted some of Dever's comments to social media as they were pithy and to the point!
A 5-star read!
October 5, 2019
You have to admire a pastor who wants his church to know the Bible well and decides to preach a book a week! Dever's book represents a huge amount of study and exposition of the Word. This can offer a resource for preachers who need some insight into a book as a whole.
I found these messages hard to read because there were a lot of points and subpoints. I ended up finding the sermons online and benefited more from listening. They can all be found here.
https://www.cross-points.org/free-aud...
I found these messages hard to read because there were a lot of points and subpoints. I ended up finding the sermons online and benefited more from listening. They can all be found here.
https://www.cross-points.org/free-aud...
July 3, 2018
Fantastic book by book review of the entire New Testament, themes, ideas, topics to consider from Dr. Dever's engaging lectures...I got it for $2 on Kindle!...this is a massive book i think its work $50 hardback....what a great price..,perfect for early morning bible study..each review is roughly 30 minutes along with a Q&A and thoughtful reflection. He has an Old Testament study from his sermon series...that is next!
July 28, 2025
Personally felt like the Old Testmaent version was more thorough, helpful.... but thankful to have this NT version as well to survey and highlight through the main themes of each NT book/letter. Grateful to Dever for this helpful resources to further understand the bible better!
March 14, 2019
Wonderful high level overview of every book of the new testament.
November 11, 2019
Really like the book, great supplement to bible study but man why has it not been proofread?! The grammatical errors just make it hard to read at times
April 16, 2025
This was a very interesting commentary on the New Testament. It gave me a good overview on the books of the NT without going too in depth.
September 10, 2016
Notes
Chapter 4: The Message of John: Jesus, the Son of God
King George III wrote in his diary "Nothing of importance happened today" on July 4, 1776.
Introducing John:
Dever cites varied opinions of Jesus in John: John 7; 7:10-12
Structure: Prologue (1:1-18), first half of Jesus' ministry (1:19-12:10), final week in Jerusalem (12:12-20:31), Epilogue (21).
Purpose: John 20:30-21--The What, the Why, the Result.
I. What we should believe
Jesus is Christ, i.e. Messiah.
Who the Messiah is: strong opposition to Jesus in John's gospel--the opposition hates him, not just a casual disinterest. Dever lists all the different reactions to Jesus throughout the Gospel.
If you want to know who Jesus is, consider one indisputable clue: the strength of the opposition Jesus received when He talked about who He is. Cites this in opposition to John Meier, A Marginal Jew in Anchor Bible Ref. Lib. 1.350-352. The animosity He received appears to be centered around claim to be Son of God.
Jesus Sonship was utterly unique. One and only Son. Jews got this, that's why they crucified Him. You have the freedom to read 'son' in your own Enlightenment rationalist way, but it's not the way Jesus or His opposition understood it. Both He and they knew He was calling Himself God. See John 5:17-18; 10:30-33; 14:6-7; 14:8-9.
What Jesus came to do: (1) expose misunderstanding and disobedience--Jesus specifically chose Sabbath to do miracles. He came not to help anyone keep up the pretence of holiness and love; He came to bring the real thing. The irony of John 19:31--so concerned about the Sabbath that they quickly clean up their murder of the Lord of the Sabbath. (2) provide a sacrifice for the salvation of sinners: 12:47; 3:14-16; 1:29. (3) bring light into the world; (4) Be glorified by the Father: Jesus' time/hour (2:4; 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20). Hour comes in 12:23, 27-28, also 17:1. The time that had come was the time of his glorification, and his glorification, we learn, [ironically] happened at the cross! See 13:1--hour had come to show full extent of His love.
II. Why we should believe
What does pronoun, 'these', mean in 20:31? The miraculous signs of 20:30.
What the signs are:
What believing means: believing is a kind of receiving (1:11-13). Importance of Jesus' words (ch. 4; 5:38). Holding to Jesus' teaching, not a passive armchair speculation or religious gamble (8:31). Belief involves trust, reliance on Jesus. Belief entails love (16:27). Love entails obedience (14:21).
III. The Results of believing
Our present state--we are condemned: condemned already (3:18).
We can be saved: We are saved because Jesus didnt save Himself. We are given a choice--believe in his Word and let Him absorb God's judgment on our behalf; or reject his Word and absorb it ourselves.
We can have life:
We can have eternal life:
We can have full life:
We can have a life of love:
Conclusion: Dever speculates--Jesus questioned Peter 3x because Peter denied 3x. Jesus challenged Peter to give evidence of his belief in and love for Christ through loving Christ's people.
Chapter 9: The Message of Galatians: Faith
Dever gives examples of news stories that turned out to be untrue. The Church is fundamentally a news organization (211). Luther called Galatians "my own letter" because it was so formative for him.
Introducing Galatians:
Perhaps Galatians is earliest NT document. Chapter 1 is Paul's assertion that his news is divine. Chapter 2-4, Paul presents the news: we are justified by faith in Jesus. Chapter 4-6 is about how this news changes us.
I. The News is Divine:
We pick up story in medias res, Paul is responding to those who have questioned his teaching and authority, telling the Galatians that they had the 'true story.' Paul responds by asserting his apostleship to Gentiles was not a human idea, but from Christ (1:1).
The Christian message has a specific cognitive content. Bank tellers are trained to detect counterfeit currency not by learning about counterfeits, but by learning well the real thing. Paul is writing to a congregation--not a synod, not elders, but a church! Each member has the responsibility guard against false teaching.
II. The News is Justification through Faith in Christ
The big news is: Justification is not by the law but through faith in Jesus (218). The Galatians thought Jesus was divine. They were probably baptized. They had probably all made credible professions of faith. Yet, they held to a "Jesus And..." philosophy. Jesus + something = salvation. C.S. Lewis, Christianity And.
Circumcision is not our problem, what is? How do we lose the message today? Ask the question in a less religious way, what makes you feel good about yourself? A productive work day? spouse's care and affection? admiration of teachers or colleagues? consistent quiet times? ability to articulate theology?
III. The News is Vital
The Gospel is worth being divisive over. Gospel is to be cherished and contested for.
IV. The News Changes Us
Changes our relationship with God. Changes our relationships with each other.
Chapter 4: The Message of John: Jesus, the Son of God
King George III wrote in his diary "Nothing of importance happened today" on July 4, 1776.
Introducing John:
Dever cites varied opinions of Jesus in John: John 7; 7:10-12
Structure: Prologue (1:1-18), first half of Jesus' ministry (1:19-12:10), final week in Jerusalem (12:12-20:31), Epilogue (21).
Purpose: John 20:30-21--The What, the Why, the Result.
I. What we should believe
Jesus is Christ, i.e. Messiah.
Who the Messiah is: strong opposition to Jesus in John's gospel--the opposition hates him, not just a casual disinterest. Dever lists all the different reactions to Jesus throughout the Gospel.
If you want to know who Jesus is, consider one indisputable clue: the strength of the opposition Jesus received when He talked about who He is. Cites this in opposition to John Meier, A Marginal Jew in Anchor Bible Ref. Lib. 1.350-352. The animosity He received appears to be centered around claim to be Son of God.
Jesus Sonship was utterly unique. One and only Son. Jews got this, that's why they crucified Him. You have the freedom to read 'son' in your own Enlightenment rationalist way, but it's not the way Jesus or His opposition understood it. Both He and they knew He was calling Himself God. See John 5:17-18; 10:30-33; 14:6-7; 14:8-9.
What Jesus came to do: (1) expose misunderstanding and disobedience--Jesus specifically chose Sabbath to do miracles. He came not to help anyone keep up the pretence of holiness and love; He came to bring the real thing. The irony of John 19:31--so concerned about the Sabbath that they quickly clean up their murder of the Lord of the Sabbath. (2) provide a sacrifice for the salvation of sinners: 12:47; 3:14-16; 1:29. (3) bring light into the world; (4) Be glorified by the Father: Jesus' time/hour (2:4; 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20). Hour comes in 12:23, 27-28, also 17:1. The time that had come was the time of his glorification, and his glorification, we learn, [ironically] happened at the cross! See 13:1--hour had come to show full extent of His love.
II. Why we should believe
What does pronoun, 'these', mean in 20:31? The miraculous signs of 20:30.
What the signs are:
What believing means: believing is a kind of receiving (1:11-13). Importance of Jesus' words (ch. 4; 5:38). Holding to Jesus' teaching, not a passive armchair speculation or religious gamble (8:31). Belief involves trust, reliance on Jesus. Belief entails love (16:27). Love entails obedience (14:21).
III. The Results of believing
Our present state--we are condemned: condemned already (3:18).
We can be saved: We are saved because Jesus didnt save Himself. We are given a choice--believe in his Word and let Him absorb God's judgment on our behalf; or reject his Word and absorb it ourselves.
We can have life:
We can have eternal life:
We can have full life:
We can have a life of love:
Conclusion: Dever speculates--Jesus questioned Peter 3x because Peter denied 3x. Jesus challenged Peter to give evidence of his belief in and love for Christ through loving Christ's people.
Chapter 9: The Message of Galatians: Faith
Dever gives examples of news stories that turned out to be untrue. The Church is fundamentally a news organization (211). Luther called Galatians "my own letter" because it was so formative for him.
Introducing Galatians:
Perhaps Galatians is earliest NT document. Chapter 1 is Paul's assertion that his news is divine. Chapter 2-4, Paul presents the news: we are justified by faith in Jesus. Chapter 4-6 is about how this news changes us.
I. The News is Divine:
We pick up story in medias res, Paul is responding to those who have questioned his teaching and authority, telling the Galatians that they had the 'true story.' Paul responds by asserting his apostleship to Gentiles was not a human idea, but from Christ (1:1).
The Christian message has a specific cognitive content. Bank tellers are trained to detect counterfeit currency not by learning about counterfeits, but by learning well the real thing. Paul is writing to a congregation--not a synod, not elders, but a church! Each member has the responsibility guard against false teaching.
II. The News is Justification through Faith in Christ
The big news is: Justification is not by the law but through faith in Jesus (218). The Galatians thought Jesus was divine. They were probably baptized. They had probably all made credible professions of faith. Yet, they held to a "Jesus And..." philosophy. Jesus + something = salvation. C.S. Lewis, Christianity And.
Circumcision is not our problem, what is? How do we lose the message today? Ask the question in a less religious way, what makes you feel good about yourself? A productive work day? spouse's care and affection? admiration of teachers or colleagues? consistent quiet times? ability to articulate theology?
III. The News is Vital
The Gospel is worth being divisive over. Gospel is to be cherished and contested for.
IV. The News Changes Us
Changes our relationship with God. Changes our relationships with each other.
June 15, 2017
Nobody does exposition of long passages like Dever. These are simply the expositions of every book of the Bible. If you want to save money, though, just listen to them on the church website or the Gospel Coalition.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews