In serving as a guide, however, this book also includes instructive material to support and supplement your own independent study The book is neither a commentary nor a so-called introduction to the New Testament; yet it includes a little of the kind of material found in both of those resources The various guides and supporting materials contained in this book are described below A GUIDES The suggestions for survey study vary throughout the book, depending on which New Testament book is being studied The kinds of guides remain constant, however, from book to book Directions Speci c directions about such things as what to look for, and where, constitute the major part of your survey You will constantly be urged to record your observations, of whatever kind they are, on paper Your faithfulness in doing this may make the di erence between mediocre and excellent study As someone has well said, “The pencil is one of the best eyes.” Questions Answering questions is an e ective learning experience Whenever possible, write out your answers If you faithfully answer the questions and follow all the directions, you will subconsciously be establishing habits and methods of e ective Bible study Uncompleted charts Occasionally you will have the opportunity to record observations on an uncompleted chart that appears in the manual If you prefer to record these on paper instead, be sure to refer to the chart as you record Charts as visual aids are e ective in representing a panoramic view of Scripture, which is what survey is all about Applications Ways to apply the messages of the New Testament books are suggested at the end of each survey For example, biblical commands will be seen as de ning God’s timeless standards; history as furnishing “example … written for our instruction” (1 Cor 10:11); testimonies and prayers as inspiring and challenging; and prophecy as warning and comforting the reader Also, it is highly recommended that you spend time meditating over key words and phrases, which you underline in your Bible during the course of your survey This meditation is one of the best fruits of marking your Bible Further study Some readers using this study manual will want to look further into the subjects suggested at the end of each chapter The continuity of the book will not be jeopardized, however, if these optional studies are passed over B SUPPORTING MATERIALS Along with suggestions for your own survey of the New Testament books, various kinds of instructive material are given to support your study Background The background and setting of each New Testament book is given at the beginning of each study unit Much of this information (e.g., date written, authorship) is not always provided in the Bible text; thus its inclusion here The treatment can only be brief, because of limitations of space You might want to refer to supplementary sources for more extensive ... one of the best fruits of marking your Bible Further study Some readers using this study manual will want to look further into the subjects suggested at the end of each chapter The continuity of. .. panoramic view of Scripture, which is what survey is all about Applications Ways to apply the messages of the New Testament books are suggested at the end of each survey For example, biblical commands... various kinds of instructive material are given to support your study Background The background and setting of each New Testament book is given at the beginning of each study unit Much of this information