Churches of the New Testament

In Churches of the New Testament, Ethan Longhenry discusses the individual congregations that are mentioned in the Book of Acts and to whom the epistles were written. For anyone who desires to follow the pattern laid out for churches in the New Testament, this is a great book to go to (aside from the Bible).

For those who are curious about some of the background issues relating to each congregation, the history and geography sections provide that information. Mr. Longhenry then moves on to the beginning of the church and moves from its establishment through what we know of the church’s existence. At that point, the author focuses on some specific issues (i.e. support in Philippi, endurance in Thessalonica). It is with these issues that the author draws the application. The end of the book contains an overview / summary of what God does and does not approve in local churches. This is simply of grouping together of everything learned from each congregation.

If you are wanting and in depth study of the epistles, this is not the book you are looking for. But if you want a book that can be of a real benefit to your knowledge of what Christ wants in His local congregations, this is a book you should read. Each chapter is well organized and easy to read. It is not filled with church or academic language, but a clear and precise summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the churches mentioned in the New Testament.