What is the Bible?

Genesis is the book of beginnings. God creates the world, then man disobeys bringing sin and death (the fall) into the world. Genesis then highlights the lives of several individuals God uses to fulfill His promise in Genesis 3:15, the ultimate destruction of Satan, which is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus. The individuals include:

• • Adam – Chapters 1-5
  • Noah – Chapters 6-10
  • Abraham – Chapters 11-25
  • Isaac Chapters 21-28
  • Jacob – Chapters 25-36
  • Joseph – Chapters 37-50

After the death of Joseph (Ex 1:6-8), Egypt enslaves the Hebrews. God chooses Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, and they head toward the promised land. God begins to give His laws to the people.

God’s specific laws are given for the priests, the sacrifices, and the people.

The people are numbered twice in a census, hence the name of the book. The first census is at the conclusion of the law given in Leviticus, numbering those in the generation who escaped Egypt. After almost 40 years in the wilderness nearly all the first generation has died. The second census numbers the generation who would soon enter the promised land.

The law is shared with the people who will soon enter the promised land. The entire generation who left Egypt died without entering the promised land, with Caleb and Joshua being the only exception.

The people first enter the land and proceed to drive out other nations. The land is divided up among the 12 tribes.

After the death of Joshua, the nation repeats a cycle of disobedience to God, judgment by God, crying out to God, deliverance by God, through one of the judges.

During the time of the Judges, a foreigner is brought/bought into the nation of Israel. Ruth becomes part of the lineage leading to Jesus.

Samuel, a prophet, priest, and judge leads as God’s chosen ruler until the people demand a king. Saul is chosen as the first king, but David is later anointed and serves under Saul. The book ends with Saul’s death, leading to David’s reign as king.

The reign of David as well as the expansion of Israel’s territory are recorded. Chapter 7 features the Davidic covenant when God reveals the eternal rule of David’s line, ultimately fulfilled by Jesus.

The reign of Solomon as king is documented in the first half of 1 Kings. The repercussions of his life choices are the focus of the second half of the book, seen through the reigns of his descendants. Israel divides itself into two nations known as Israel (northern tribes) and Judah (southern tribes). Elijah is a major prophet, continuing to call Israel to follow God, and forsake false gods.

The following kings are mostly rebellious toward God, the nations of Israel and Judah continue to fall away from God as well. Ultimately, both Israel (722BC) and Judah (586BC) are exiled from the land.

The same period of history as 1 Samuel – 1 Kings is recorded here, with a focus on the southern kingdom of Judah and David’s reign.

The history of Judah from Solomon’s reign to the exile is recorded. The final chapter includes the decree of Cyrus, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to the promised land.

Continuing where 2 Chronicles ends, the people return to the promised land in three waves. The first wave (538BC) rebuilds the temple, but by the time Ezra shows up with the second wave (458BC), the people fall back into sin. Ezra preaches and the people repent, turning back to God.

Nehemiah continues where Ezra ends, with Nehemiah accompanying the third wave of exiles returning to the promised land (445BC). They rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but again fall into sin. Ezra and Nehemiah teach from God’s word, and the people turn to God yet again.

The events of Esther occur during the time of the exile (480BC). Esther, a Jewish exile, becomes queen and is used by God to preserve her people. The Jewish celebration of Purim finds its origins in this book (Esth 9:20-28).

Job is a look into the life of a man who has lost everything, trying to reconcile his recent tragedy in light of his righteous lifestyle. His three friends try to find the cause of the tragedy, ultimately leading to Job questioning God. God responds by revealing His great power and understanding, reminding Job who is Creator is and who is creation.

Psalms is comprised of songs and prayers directed to God, causing some to liken it to the national prayer book of Israel. The inspiration for each Psalm varies from tragedy to triumph but is always centered on God.

A collection of wise sayings which provide practical wisdom to life. The main themes in Proverbs are wisdom vs. foolishness and righteous living vs. wickedness. Most are attributed to King Solomon.

Ecclesiastes is a book written from the perspective of one who tried all life had to offer to seek satisfaction, resulting in the frustrating belief that all is meaningless. The author concludes proclaiming, “fear God and keep His commands” – as a life without God is meaningless.

A collection of poems celebrating the love between a husband and wife. This marriage relationship is used as an illustration for God’s love of Israel, His bride, as well as between Christ and the church.

Isaiah was a prophet during the time Assyria was coming into power. He warned about the disaster soon to come, pleading with Israel to turn back to God. God’s promise to return Israel after their exile is prophesied here, as well as the salvation of man through a ‘man of sorrows.’

Known as the ‘weeping prophet,’ Jeremiah was active during the captivity of Israel and after Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC. Jeremiah warned of God’s coming judgment, the need for repentance, and the future hope of a time when ‘God’s law would be written on the heart.’

A collection of five poems, with the focus being the fall of Jerusalem. Though the depiction of Israel as a destroyed nation is grim, it is used to highlight the hope there still is in God who promises to restore His people.

Ezekiel prophesied from Babylon, during the time of exile. He spoke both before and after the fall of Jerusalem, warning of the coming destruction. After the fall, his focus is on the ability for God to restore His people.

The first half is a historical account following Daniel, a youth exiled to Babylon. God’s favor is on Daniel, revealing God’s glory to Babylon and the exiles, as he rises to great power in Babylon. The second have are a collection of visions of judgement as well as the coming of the Messiah.

The last prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel before their capture by Assyria. The adulterous wife of Hosea is used as an illustration to Israel of their behavior. The depth of God’s love for His people is highlighted.

Joel speaks of the day of the lord, comparing it to the plaque of locusts that decimated Israel. Joel makes it clear the judgement of God would not just be against Israel’s enemies, but on unfaithful Israel as well. The coming of the Holy Spirit seen in Acts 2 is prophesied here.

Amos was active prior to the exile. His warnings against idolatry, excess, and social injustice were given during a time when Israel was prosperous. A remnant of those faithful to God are promised.

The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah reflects on a time just after the fall of Jerusalem. Judgment concerns the nation of Edom, who aided in the capture of Israelite refugees. God’s sovereignty even in this situation is highlighted.

When Jonah is told to warn the people of Nineveh of their coming judgement, he goes the other direction. Jonah does not want the enemies of Israel to have the chance to repent, desiring their destruction instead. God reveal’s His heart toward all people, and Jonah is left angry with God.

Micah is a contemporary of Isaiah, during a time of prosperity. He warns against social injustice by the wealthy against the poor. Micah prophesies about a time when there will be peace among all people.

Nahum can be seen as a sequel to the reluctant prophecy of Jonah to Nineveh. Instead of repenting as they did in Jonah’s time, Nineveh choses to continue in their evil ways. This prophecy of judgement against one of Israel’s greatest enemies is received as good news by Judah.

Habakkuk prophecies during the time of Assyrian rule, just prior to Babylon taking over. In this book, the ability for God to use an evil nation to accomplish his purposes is emphasized.

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Judah’s final good king, Josiah. He speaks of the coming judgment as well as restoration of Judah. A major focus is the coming ‘day of the Lord.’

This prophet was active when the first wave of exiles returns to Jerusalem. They began to rebuild the temple but are quickly discouraged and quit. They receive judgement on their capability to acquire their own fine houses, while neglecting God’s house.

Zechariah was active after the return of exiles to Jerusalem. His encouragement is to true repentance, so the nation would be ready to worship God genuinely when the temple was restored. Messianic hope is seen thorough this book.

Malachi writes after Haggai and Zechariah, during the time the temple has been rebuilt. The nation was disappointed in not seeing fulfillment of the expected Messiah and was again turning their hearts away from God. Malachi prophesies the coming of John the Baptist and the Messiah.

The life and ministry of Jesus is presented from a Jewish perspective. Matthew presents Jesus as the prophesied Christ by using his own narration, through the words and actions of Jesus, and through the response of the people. Matthew weaves this distinct portrayal of Jesus not simply as the Christ, but as the prophesied Christ spoken of by the prophets Jeremiah, Isaiah, and others throughout his Gospel.

The life and ministry of Jesus is presented from a Roman perspective. Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God who establishes His kingdom, heals the sick, and dies in order to free sinners. The works of Christ, and what they mean about His purpose, are a focal point.

The life and ministry of Jesus is presented as part one of a two-part defense for Paul the Apostle, detailing how Christianity came to be. Luke presents Jesus as Son of Man, emphasizing the humanity of Christ in his care for the sick, poor, and outcast.

The life and ministry of Jesus is presented from a Gentile perspective. John presents Jesus as God in flesh, emphasizing His Deity. John provides the purpose of the writing saying, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, CSB)

Also called the Acts of the Apostles, this book is the history of the early church. It records about 30 years of history, from Jesus’ ascension to around 62AD. The ministry of Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles are detailed.

Paul’s longest letter is a systematic approach to explaining the Gospel by pointing out the need for, means of attaining, and results of salvation. The result of not accepting the Gospel is discussed, as is the practical outworking of the Gospel by those who believe.

Paul writes to the Corinthian church he planted (Acts 18), addressing several issues plaguing the young church such as spiritual gifts, sexual immorality, marriage, and the nature of the resurrection.

Paul addresses the Gentile believers of Galatia, who have been deceived into believing they must be circumcised, as well as practice other Jewish traditions, in order to be saved. This letter is a major resource when showing the just are saved through faith, not works.

Paul describes the riches believers have in their inheritance from Christ. Both Jew and Gentile are invited to receive eternal salvation by God’s Grace. The second half of the letter shows how to practically achieve unity in the body of Christ, and how to engage in spiritual warfare.

A letter written with great joy and thanksgiving; it may surprise some to find out it was written while Paul was imprisoned. Knowing how to have, and express, joy while in any situation is a focus of this epistle.

Paul warns the church of Colossae against following after false teachings requiring more than the Gospel in order to be saved. Focusing on the eternal, rather than the temporal is a theme of this epistle.

Paul again defends his apostleship, this time to the church in Thessalonica. Paul also touches on result of receiving God’s grace and encourages the believers to righteous living.

Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica as they are facing persecution. He reveals how they have been an example for others to live for God in times of difficulty. He also clears up false teachings regarding the return of Jesus, and the role of Christians in society.

Paul gives instructions and encouragement for his spiritual son, Timothy. Guidance on choosing elders, correcting false teachers, and Timothy’s personal conduct is given.

The last letter written by Paul before his execution is to encourage Timothy to remain steadfast in his calling. This epistle is a great reminder of keeping an eternal perspective in light of certain death.

Similar to the first epistle to Timothy, Paul instructs Titus in leading the church. Selecting elders, practical Christian life, and conduct toward those outside the church are discussed.

Paul writes a personal letter to Philemon regarding his runaway servant Onesimus. Onesimus has become a believer after meeting Paul and is coming back to ask forgiveness from Philemon. Paul urges Philemon to see Onesimus from an eternal perspective, as a brother in Christ.

This epistle is written to describe the superiority of Christ to the old Jewish traditions. Jesus is shown greater than the angles, sacrificial system, temple, and priesthood. Once established, believers are encouraged to live a life of faith, not neglecting our salvation.

James is referred to as the Proverbs of the New Testament, as it contains several practical exhortations to Christian living. Half of the verses in this short book are direct commands, leaving it as a handbook for Christian life.

Peter encourages those who are troubled by the persecution they are facing. Reminding them of the trials in the life of Jesus, Peter instructs believers to recognize suffering is a guarantee in the life of a believer, but so is deliverance.

Peter addresses false teaching which is slipping into the church. He focuses on the actual return of Christ, and the final judgement to come.

John teaches about Jesus coming in the flesh, responding to false teaching about Jesus’ divinity. Love is a great theme in this letter, as John discusses how the body should interact with one another.

John writes against false teaching and the practices of false prophets. Love is a focus of this letter.

John focuses on the need and nature of Christian hospitality. John warns against one who has refused to welcome believers, as he struggles with pride.

Jude writes to warn against false teachers and prophets within the church. He encourages believers to correct these teachings, in order to save those who have fallen victim to the deception.

This is the only major prophetic book in the New Testament. It records the revelation given to the Apostle John by Jesus. There is a major focus on eschatology, end-times events.