Meaning: Philip Schaff, a renowned theologian, made a significant contribution to the study of Christian scriptures and their classification. In his quote, "To the first class belong the Gospels and Acts; to the second, the Epistles; to the third, the Revelation," Schaff categorizes the books of the New Testament into three distinct classes based on their content and purpose. His classification provides valuable insight into the organization and significance of these biblical texts, shedding light on their respective roles in shaping Christian doctrine and practice.

In the quote, Schaff identifies the Gospels and Acts as belonging to the first class. This classification underscores the unique nature of these books as they primarily focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early history of the Christian church. The Gospels, including Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, serve as foundational accounts of Jesus' ministry and provide essential insights into his teachings and the events surrounding his life. Acts, written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke, continues the narrative by chronicling the spread of Christianity and the activities of the apostles after Jesus' ascension. By grouping these texts together, Schaff highlights their central role in presenting the foundational aspects of the Christian faith and its historical development.

The second class, according to Schaff, includes the Epistles. This category encompasses the letters written by various apostles and early Christian leaders, such as Paul, Peter, James, and John, to specific churches or individuals within the early Christian communities. The Epistles address theological, ethical, and practical matters relevant to the believers of that time and provide guidance for living out the Christian faith. These letters also contribute to the doctrinal foundation of Christianity, addressing theological issues and offering practical instructions for Christian living and community life. By grouping the Epistles together in the second class, Schaff emphasizes their instructional and doctrinal significance in shaping the beliefs and practices of the early Christian communities.

Lastly, Schaff designates the Revelation as belonging to the third class. The Book of Revelation, attributed to the apostle John, stands out for its apocalyptic and prophetic nature, offering symbolic visions and messages concerning the culmination of history, the final judgment, and the ultimate victory of God. The Revelation represents a distinct genre within the New Testament, focusing on eschatological themes and providing a unique perspective on the ultimate destiny of humanity and the cosmos. By placing the Revelation in a separate class, Schaff highlights its distinctiveness and emphasizes its role in conveying prophetic and apocalyptic insights within the broader context of Christian scripture.

Overall, Philip Schaff's classification of the New Testament books into three classes provides a valuable framework for understanding the diverse nature and purposes of these biblical texts. By categorizing the Gospels and Acts as the first class, the Epistles as the second class, and the Revelation as the third class, Schaff illuminates the unique contributions and roles of these texts in presenting the foundational aspects of the Christian faith, providing doctrinal instruction, and conveying apocalyptic visions. This classification underscores the richness and diversity of the New Testament and invites further exploration of the distinct themes and messages contained within its various books.