How To Study The Bible

When we hold the Bible in our hands, we hold the world's greatest Book. The Greek word biblos does not appear in the text of the Bible, but when translated, it means "The Book." Those who have faith in God and His word believe that of all the books ever made in the world, this is the BOOK of books. The Bible is called the Book, but in reality, it is the Book of many books.

Some of the books in the Bible are long, and others short, but when added together, there are a total of 66 books.

The question might be asked, "Who is the author of the books of the Bible?" There are two ways to look at the answer to this question. First of all, God is the supreme author of all these books. Paul sums up this truth in these words:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Therefore, every book of the Bible is "God breathed." However, we must also learn that as God breathed His word and will, He used approximately forty men to write these books. In the words of Peter:

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20,21).

Thus God, through these men, wrote the books of the Bible. We know the names of many of these authors, but whether known or unknown, God guided all of them to bring beautiful harmony to His word. Without a doubt, this is one of many proofs that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

The writing of the Bible spans a time that stretches over approximately 1500 years — 1400 B.C. through 100 A.D. And yet, God guided harmony and continuity in His Book.

Most of the Old Testament is written in the Hebrew language—a language that was spoken by the Israelites in the land of Canaan before they were carried away into Babylonian Captivity. However, after their return from captivity, a few passages appear in the Aramaic language. This was a language that was related to the Hebrew language. For examples of Aramaic passages, see (Ezra 4:7,8,18; 7:12-26; Jer. 10:11; Dan. 2:4-7,28).

The New Testament was written in the Greek language except for a few isolated words and sentences. Greek was the language used daily by the Hellenistic (Greek) world. Therefore, this was a language that could be used to preach the gospel to the world as Jesus commanded His apostles to do (Mt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15,16; Lk. 24:46,47).

With this brief background, let us now focus in on the divisions and books of the Bible. Before we can "rightly divide" (2 Tim. 2:15), these 66 books, we must have a general knowledge of God's divine library.

Example

One time there was a man who visited an attorney, and was completely impressed with the large collection of books in his office. He asked the attorney, "Have you read all of these books?"

The attorney answered, "No I haven't, but I know where to go to find what I need from these books."

Therefore we need to know God's library so well that we can find any subject that we need in our lives. Please take some time to learn about all these books. Please study carefully the library display of God's Library found on charts on this web page.

Obviously, the Bible has two major divisions that represent two important covenants from God. The Old Testament records the account of creation, history of sin, and a covenant made between God and Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). This covenant involved: (1) A nation from Abraham's seed, (2) A land on which they would dwell, and (3) A spiritual promise to bless all nations.

This first covenant was made ONLY with the seed of Abraham (later called the Jews), but it would affect (far into the future) all nations. Therefore, the Old Testament is a record about the development of this nation of Israelites in regard to their laws, their history, the promises of another covenant, the coming kingdom, the Messiah, and the many prophecies of their prophets.

The New Testament records the last years of the Old Testament, the appearance of God's Son, the ministry, promises, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. It also gives the beginning and history of Christ's church to the world.

As sinners responded in obedience to the gospel, they were added to the church that spread rapidly in the first century. The New Testament gives teaching and admonitions so that Christians can grow in faithfulness to God and His Son.

The theme that runs throughout the New Testament and culminates in the book of Revelation is that the faithful in Christ will win the victory and enjoy eternal life.

With these two general summations of both testaments, let us now learn their books and divisions.

(Note: Go to Charts on this web page to see a colorful Slide of God's Library)

The Old Testament contains 39 books, and these books are often divided into four major:

(1) LAW (5 books)

(2) HISTORY (12 books)

(3) POETRY (5 books)

(4) PROPHESY (17 books).

It is important to memorize these, and especially the New Testament books. The easiest way to learn them is to also sort them into categories.

Law (5 Books)

(1) Genesis

(2) Exodus

(3) Leviticus

(4) Numbers

(5) Deuteronomy

History (12)

(1) Joshua (4 - 5) 1 & 2 Samuel (10) Ezra

(2) Judges (6 - 7) 1 & 2 Kings (11) Nehemiah

(3) Ruth (8 - 9) 1 & 2 Chronicles (12) Esther

Poetry (5)

 (1) Job

    (2) Psalms

    (3) Proverbs

    (4) Ecclesiastes

    (5) Song of Solomon

Major Prophets (5)

  (1) Isaiah

       (2) Jeremiah

       (3) Lamentations

       (4) Ezekiel

       (5) Daniel

Minor Prophets (12)

(1) Hosea (5) Jonah (9) Zephaniah

  (2) Joel (6) Micah (10) Haggi

   (3) Amos (7) Nahum (11) Zechariah

   (4) Obadiah (8) Habakkuk (12) Malachi

Gospel (4)

(1) Matthew

(2) Mark

(3) Luke

(4) John

History (1)

(1) Acts

Special Letters (14)

(1) Romans (6) Philippians (12) Titus

     (2 - 3) 1 & 2 Cor.       (7) Colossians (13) Philemon

     (4) Galatians (8 - 9) 1 & 2 Thes. (14) Hebrews

(5) Ephesians (10 - 11) 1 & 2 Tim.

General Letters (7)

(1) James (2 - 3) 1 & 2 Peter (4 – 5 - 6) 1 & 2 & 3 John (7) Jude

Prophecy (1)

(1) Revelation

Books of the Bible Defined

Old Testament

Law (5) (Pentateuch)

(1) Genesis (Beginnings)

(2) Exodus (Going out)

(3) Leviticus (Spiritual laws)

(4) Numbers (Israel numbered twice)

(5) Deuteronomy (Second or repeated law)

History (12)

(1) Joshua - Conquest of Canaan

(2) Judges - Conquest of Canaan

(3) Ruth – A beautiful picture of the love of a young woman for her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. The young woman finding another husband.

(4 - 5) 1 & 2 Samuel – Birth and life of Samuel; The life and actions of King Saul. David's reign as king, personal life, and family.

(6 - 7) 1 & 2 Kings – David Chose Solomon to become next king; death of David; Solomon's reign; Built and dedicated temple; Queen Sheba's visit; Solomon turns from Lord; Solomon's death; Divided kingdom; Northern evil kings; Elijah's work; Judah's kings; Elijah is taken; Elisha continues good works; Naaman healed; details of various kings in Israel and Judah; captivates of Israel and Judah.

(8 - 9) 1 & 2 Chro. – Record of families; repeated records of many events found in 1 & 2 Kings; Levite divisions; temple details; repeated records of kings in Judea and Israel; Jerusalem falls

(10) Ezra - Restoration After Babylonian Captivities

(11) Nehemiah - Restoration After Babylonian Captivities

(12) Esther – How a beautiful woman becomes queen and saves her Jewish people.

Poetry (5)

(1) Job (Debate on human suffering)

&nbs