Kenneth Malenge

Intertestamental Period  Survey It bridges the Old and New Testaments. Author: Kenneth Malenge  BIBLE SURVEY – INTERTESTAMENTAL HISTORY (The 400 Silent Years: From Malachi to Matthew) 1. Introduction The Intertestamental Period refers to the roughly 400 years between the close of the Old Testament (Book of Malachi, c. 430 B.C.) and the opening of the New Testament (the birth of Christ, c. 4–6 B.C.). This period is often called “the Silent Years” because no inspired prophet arose during this time. However, God was actively preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah. 2. Political Developments 1. The Persian Period (c. 539–331 BC) Overview : The Jews had returned from Babylonian exile under Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1). Persia allowed them to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Political Features : Persia ruled through governors (e.g., Nehemiah in Neh. 2). Jews were granted local autonomy under high priests. Heavy taxation but relative peace. Impact : Restor...

Bible Survey Notes : Author: Kenneth Malenge  Section Chapters Main Focus Key Events Key Characters / Symbols Key Doctrinal Themes I. Prologue and Vision of Christ 1 Introduction & Christ’s Glory Vision of the risen Christ, command to write to the churches John, The Son of Man (Christ) Authority of Christ, Revelation as prophecy, Comfort for persecuted believers II. Letters to the Seven Churches 2–3 Christ’s Messages to Churches Commendations, rebukes, promises to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea Christ, Seven Churches Spiritual health of the Church, Call to repentance, Promise to overcomers III. Vision of Heaven & The Throne 4–5 Worship of God and the Lamb Heavenly throne room, 24 elders, 4 living creatures, The sealed scroll, The Lamb worthy...

THE GENERAL EPISTLES (Hebrews–Jude) . These letters are called “general” because they were not addressed to a single church or person (like Paul’s letters), but to broader Christian audiences. Author: Kenneth Malenge  PART IV – THE GENERAL EPISTLES 1. Hebrews Author: Unknown (traditionally Paul, but not certain). Date: c. A.D. 65–70 (before destruction of the Temple). Audience: Jewish Christians facing persecution and tempted to return to Judaism. Theme: The superiority of Christ and the New Covenant. Purpose: To encourage perseverance in faith by showing Christ as greater than the old covenant system. Outline: Christ is Superior to Prophets and Angels (1–2) Christ is Superior to Moses and Joshua (3–4) Christ is Superior Priest (5–10) Call to Faith and Perseverance (11–13) Key Verse: Heb. 12:2 Theological Emphasis: Christ as High Priest; once-for-all sacrifice; faith and endurance. Relevance: Assures believers of Christ’s finished work and warns agains...

THE PAULINE EPISTLES . Since Paul wrote 13 epistles (14 if we count Hebrews, though its authorship is debated), We’ll treat them in four groups: Foundational Epistles – Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians Prison Epistles – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Eschatological Epistles – 1 & 2 Thessalonians Pastoral Epistles – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus Author : Kenneth Malenge  1. Romans Author: Paul Date: A.D. 56–57 (from Corinth) Theme: The righteousness of God revealed in the gospel. Purpose: To explain salvation by faith, uniting Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Outline: Sin: The Need for Righteousness (1:18–3:20) Salvation: The Gift of Righteousness (3:21–5:21) Sanctification: The Power of Righteousness (6–8) Sovereignty: God’s Righteous Plan (9–11) Service: The Practice of Righteousness (12–16) Key Verse: Rom. 1:16–17 Relevance: Foundational for Christian doctrine; emphasizes justification by faith. 2. 1 Corinthians Date: A.D....

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES in the New Testament Survey notes. Author: Kenneth Malenge  Section Chapters Main Focus Key Events Key Characters Key Doctrinal Themes I. The Church in Jerusalem 1–7 Birth of the Church Ascension of Christ, Pentecost, Healing of the lame man, Apostolic preaching, Appointment of deacons, Stephen’s martyrdom Peter, John, Stephen, Apostles Promise of the Holy Spirit, Nature of the Church, Boldness in witness, Opposition and persecution II. The Church in Judea & Samaria 8–12 Expansion beyond Jerusalem Philip in Samaria, Ethiopian eunuch, Saul’s conversion, Peter and Cornelius, Herod’s persecution Philip, Saul (Paul), Peter, Cornelius, Barnabas, Herod Agrippa I Salvation to the Gentiles, Unity of Jews and Gentiles, Power of prayer, God’s sovereignty over rulers III. Paul’s First Mi...

New Testament Survey . Author: Kenneth Malenge  We’ll divide the New Testament into five main sections: The Gospels (Matthew–John) The Acts of the Apostles The Pauline Epistles (Romans–Philemon) The General Epistles (Hebrews–Jude) The Book of Revelation NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY PART I – THE GOSPELS Matthew Author: Matthew (Levi), one of the twelve apostles, formerly a tax collector. Date: c. A.D. 50–70 Audience: Primarily Jewish readers. Theme: Jesus Christ, the promised King and Messiah. Purpose: To prove Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and rightful King of the Jews. Outline: Birth and Early Years of the King (1–2) The King’s Ministry in Galilee (3–18) The King’s Journey to Jerusalem (19–25) The King’s Death and Resurrection (26–28) Key Verse: Matt. 5:17 Theological Emphasis: Jesus as Messiah; the Kingdom of Heaven; fulfillment of prophecy; the Sermon on the Mount. Relevance: Establishes Christ as King and calls believers to liv...

Prophetic Books Buble Survey Kenneth Malenge  Bible Survey – The Prophetic Books Major Prophets (Isaiah–Daniel) & Minor Prophets (Hosea–Malachi) Introduction to the Prophets The prophetic books contain the messages of God’s chosen spokesmen to Israel and the nations. Prophets were both: Forth-tellers – proclaiming God’s truth for their present generation. Foretellers – predicting future events, especially concerning Christ and God’s kingdom. Main responsibilities of prophets: Call people back to covenant faithfulness. Warn of God’s coming judgment. Announce God’s mercy and future hope through the Messiah. Divided into: Major Prophets (longer writings: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel). Minor Prophets (twelve shorter writings: Hosea–Malachi). 📖 PART ONE – The Major Prophets 1. Isaiah Author : Isaiah (ministered c. 740–680 B.C.). Theme : Salvation through the Holy One of Israel. Key Verse : Isaiah 53:5–6. Outline : Judgment an...

Poetical Books (Job–Song of Solomon) .  These are sometimes called the “Wisdom Books” because they focus on worship, suffering, wisdom, and the fear of God. Bible Survey Notes  Author: Kenneth Malenge  Bible Survey Notes – The Poetical Books 1. JOB Author: Unknown (possibly Job, Elihu, or Moses). Date: Possibly the time of the patriarchs (c. 2000 BC). Theme: The problem of suffering and God’s sovereignty. Name Meaning: “Persecuted” or “Hated.” Purpose To address why the righteous suffer. To show God’s wisdom and sovereignty over all things. Outline Prologue: Job’s Trials (1–2) Dialogues: Job and His Friends (3–31) Elihu’s Speech (32–37) God’s Answer (38–41) Epilogue: Job’s Restoration (42) Key Verse: Job 1:21 Theological Emphasis God’s sovereignty over suffering. Human limitation in understanding God’s ways. The need for faith in God amidst suffering. Relevance for Today Comfort for believers in trials. Encourages trust in God’s...