Introduction of the New Testament
Summary of introduction to the new testament
Louis Berkof by systematically addressing the origin of the Gospel and the Epistles of the New Testament, their content, characteristics, authorship, composition, and canonical significance,
Takes on the difficult undertaking of ensuring that the New Testament is accurately understood within what he perceives is the correct historical setting. Berkhof primarily intended this book for his students at Calvin Theological Seminary where he taught for nearly 30 years. Introduction to the New Testament incorporates the research and labors of many past scholars, and church Fathers, and presents it in such a way as to make “Introduction to the New Testament” a diverse …show more content…

After addressing those the would deny the inspiration of the Gospel Berkhof give six reasons to believe the Gospel is the word of God and thus divinely inspire. This list of reasons to believe are;
• The contents of the Gospels testify to their divine origin,
• It is filled with prophecy that awaits fulfillment
• At least two of our Gospels were written by apostles who in speaking to their contemporaries, were inspired by the Spirit of God.
• There are other scripture passages that point to the inspiration of the Gospel.
• The fact that the early Church from the very beginning accepted these Gospels as canonical.
• Finally the Holy Spirit testifies in the heart of every believer to the divine character of the Gospels, so that they feel assured that these writings contain the very Word of God.
The Canonical Significance of the Gospel
Berkhof speaks of the Gospel as a foundation for which the rest of the New Testament is built. The Gospel contains the methods and substance of all that Jesus Christ began to do and teach, the completion of which is found in the work of the apostles and all that believed on His name.

The Epistles in General
Berkhof begins his conversation on the epistles in general by eloquently apologizing the epistolary form