The New Testament in the Bible officially begins with the Book of Matthew , which is the first book in the New Testament section. Matthew opens with the genealogy and birth of Jesus Christ, establishing His lineage and fulfilling Old Testament promises (Matthew 1:1-18). This book serves as an introduction to the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are central to the New Testament message

. While some argue that the New Testament era-the new covenant with mankind- effectively starts with the Book of Acts, which records the formation of the early church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the canonical New Testament begins with Matthew. Acts is considered a transitional book that follows the Gospels and details the early church's growth and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

. In summary:

• The New Testament starts immediately after the Old Testament book of Malachi.
• The first book of the New Testament is Matthew, beginning with Jesus' genealogy and birth.
• Acts follows the Gospels and describes the early church and the new covenant era in practice.

This structure reflects the continuity and fulfillment of Old Testament promises through Jesus Christ and the inauguration of a new era in salvation history