Reading the Bible 101

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Samuel Walden

The Bible is not a single book but a collection of 66 books, letters, and documents written over approximately 1,500 years. Its authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, chronicled history, law, poetry, and prophecy.

The Old Testament contains 39 books. It recounts the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the story of the Jewish people, detailing their covenant relationship with God. The books of the Old Testament consistently point toward the future arrival of a Messiah.

The New Testament is composed of 27 books. It focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of the early Christian church. It also contains guidance for applying Jesus’s principles and prophecies concerning the future.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament is divided into three main sections: Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom Books, and the Prophetic Books.

The first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or Pentateuch, are traditionally attributed to the prophet Moses. They lay the foundational history and laws of the Israelite people.

Historical Books

These books continue the story of the Israelite people, from their conquest of Canaan to the period of the kings, their exile, and eventual return.

The Torah: The First Five Books of the Bible

  • Genesis
    • Author: Moses (c. 1440-1400 BC)
    • Summary: Covers creation through the settlement of the Israelites in Egypt.
  • Exodus
    • Author: Moses (c. 1440-1400 BC)
    • Summary: Tells the story of how the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and journeyed through the wilderness.
  • Leviticus
    • Author: Moses (c. 1440-1400 BC)
    • Summary: A book of laws and rituals given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, focusing on holiness and proper worship.
  • Numbers
    • Author: Moses (c. 1440-1400 BC)
    • Summary: Chronicles the Israelites’ forty years of wandering in the desert, their various rebellions, and preparations to enter the Promised Land.
  • Deuteronomy
    • Author: Moses (c. 1440-1400 BC)
    • Summary: Moses’ final speeches to the new generation of Israelites, reviewing the law and preparing them for life in the Promised Land before his death.
  • Joshua
    • Author: Joshua (c. 1400-1370 BC)
    • Summary: Joshua, Moses’ successor, leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquers the land, and divides it among the twelve tribes.
  • Judges
    • Author: Samuel (c. 1050 BC)
    • Summary: A record of the period after Joshua’s death, detailing a cycle of rebellion, foreign oppression, and deliverance by various “judges” sent by God.
  • Ruth
    • Author: Samuel (c. 1050 BC)
    • Summary: A heartwarming story of a Moabite woman named Ruth, who shows great loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. She marries Boaz, becoming the great-grandmother of King David.
  • 1 & 2 Samuel
    • Author: Samuel, Nathan, and Gad (c. 1050-960 BC)
    • Summary: These books detail the transition of Israel from a nation ruled by judges to a monarchy. They cover the lives of Samuel, the last judge, King Saul, and the rise and reign of King David.
  • 1 & 2 Kings
    • Author: Jeremiah (c. 585 BC)
    • Summary: These books chronicle the life of King Solomon, the division of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South), and the histories of their various kings, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.
  • 1 & 2 Chronicles
    • Author: Ezra (c. 450-425 BC)
    • Summary: A retelling of Israel’s history from Adam to the Babylonian exile, with a strong emphasis on the reigns of David and Solomon and the importance of temple worship.
  • Ezra
    • Author: Ezra (c. 440-430 BC)
    • Summary: Focuses on the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Nehemiah
    • Author: Nehemiah (c. 430-400 BC)
    • Summary: Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the religious and social life of the people.
  • Esther
    • Author: Mordecai or Ezra (c. 400 BC)
    • Summary: The story of a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and courageously saves her people from a plot to exterminate them.

Poetry and Wisdom Books

This section contains books of poetry, songs, and reflections on life, wisdom, and suffering.

  • Job
    • Author: Unknown (c. 2000 BC)
    • Summary: An exploration of the nature of human suffering and God’s justice through the story of a righteous man, Job, who endures immense hardship.
  • Psalms
    • Author: David, Asaph, Solomon, and others (c. 1450-430 BC)
    • Summary: A collection of 150 songs, poems, and prayers expressing a wide range of human emotions, from praise and thanksgiving to lament and repentance.
  • Proverbs
    • Author: Solomon and others (c. 950-700 BC)
    • Summary: A collection of wise instructions for living a life of wisdom, morality, and justice.
  • Ecclesiastes
    • Author: Solomon (c. 935 BC)
    • Summary: A philosophical book that explores the meaning of life, concluding that apart from God, all is “vanity.”
  • Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs)
    • Author: Solomon (c. 965 BC)
    • Summary: A poetic and symbolic celebration of romantic love between a man and a woman.

Prophetic Books

These books contain the messages of God’s prophets, who warned Israel of impending judgment and offered messages of hope and future restoration. They are divided into “Major” and “Minor” prophets based on the length of the books, not their importance.

Major Prophets
  • Isaiah
    • Author: Isaiah (c. 700-681 BC)
    • Summary: Contains prophecies about judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, as well as extensive prophecies about the coming Messiah.
  • Jeremiah
    • Author: Jeremiah (c. 626-585 BC)
    • Summary: A series of warnings to the people of Judah about their impending doom at the hands of the Babylonians and a promise of a future new covenant.
  • Lamentations
    • Author: Jeremiah (c. 585 BC)
    • Summary: A collection of five mournful poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people during the Babylonian invasion.
  • Ezekiel
    • Author: Ezekiel (c. 593-571 BC)
    • Summary: Written from Babylon, Ezekiel delivers messages of judgment on Israel and other nations, alongside visions of a restored Israel and a new temple.
  • Daniel
    • Author: Daniel (c. 530 BC)
    • Summary: A blend of historical narratives about Daniel and his friends in Babylon, and apocalyptic visions concerning the future of Israel and the world.
Minor Prophets
  • Hosea (c. 755 BC): A prophet’s marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a metaphor for God’s relationship with an unfaithful Israel.
  • Joel (c. 800 BC): Warns of a coming day of judgment, using a locust plague as a metaphor.
  • Amos (c. 760 BC): A prophet who condemns the social injustice and corruption of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
  • Obadiah (c. 845 BC): A short prophecy focused entirely on the destruction of the nation of Edom.
  • Jonah (c. 780 BC): The story of a reluctant prophet sent by God to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh.
  • Micah (c. 725 BC): Foretells the destruction of Israel and Judah, while also prophesying that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem.
  • Nahum (c. 655 BC): Celebrates the impending downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Israel’s oppressor, Assyria.
  • Habakkuk (c. 620 BC): A prophet who questions God about the problem of evil and injustice, and receives answers about God’s plan.
  • Zephaniah (c. 625 BC): Warns of a coming “Day of the Lord” but also offers hope for the future restoration of Israel.
  • Haggai (c. 520 BC): Encourages the returning exiles to prioritize the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.
  • Zechariah (c. 520 BC): Visions and prophecies that encourage the rebuilding of the temple and offer extensive prophecies about the Messiah.
  • Malachi (c. 470 BC): The final book of the Old Testament, calling the people to return to God and wait for the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord.

The New Testament

The New Testament is divided into five main sections: The Gospels, Acts, Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, and Revelation.

The Gospels

These four books tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection from different perspectives.

  • Matthew
    • Author: Matthew (c. AD 50)
    • Summary: Written for a Jewish audience, Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the promised Messiah and King.
  • Mark
    • Author: John Mark (c. AD 52)
    • Summary: The shortest and most fast-paced Gospel, Mark emphasizes Jesus’ actions and miracles, presenting him as the servant of God.
  • Luke
    • Author: Luke (c. AD 55)
    • Summary: Written by a physician and companion of Paul, Luke focuses on Jesus’ compassion for the poor and outcasts, presenting him as the Savior for all people.
  • John
    • Author: John (c. AD 60)
    • Summary: A more theological and symbolic account, John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God, using seven “I Am” statements to reveal his identity.

The Book of Acts

  • Acts of the Apostles
    • Author: Luke (c. AD 62)
    • Summary: A historical narrative that serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. It details the birth of the Christian church, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the missionary journeys of the apostles, especially Peter and Paul.

Pauline Epistles

These are letters written by the Apostle Paul to various churches and individuals, offering theological instruction, encouragement, and correction. They are generally grouped into letters to churches and letters to individuals.

  • Romans (c. AD 57): Paul’s longest and most systematic theological letter, explaining the gospel and the doctrines of salvation.
  • 1 Corinthians (c. AD 55): Addresses problems and divisions in the Corinthian church, offering guidance on issues like immorality, worship, and the resurrection.
  • 2 Corinthians (c. AD 56): A highly personal letter in which Paul defends his apostleship and expresses his deep love for the Corinthians.
  • Galatians (c. AD 52): A strong defense of the doctrine that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by following the Law of Moses.
  • Ephesians (c. AD 61): A letter about the nature of the church as the body of Christ and the importance of living in unity and holiness.
  • Philippians (c. AD 61): A joyful letter written from prison, encouraging the Philippian church to stand firm in their faith and to live with humility like Christ.
  • Colossians (c. AD 61): Addresses false teachings in the Colossian church by emphasizing the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
  • 1 & 2 Thessalonians (c. AD 50-52): Early letters from Paul that encourage the church in Thessalonica and offer instruction on the second coming of Christ.
  • 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (c. AD 62-64): These are known as the “Pastoral Epistles.” They are letters from Paul to young church leaders, providing instruction on church leadership and organization.
  • Philemon (c. AD 62): A short, personal letter asking Philemon to forgive and welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ.

General Epistles

These letters are not addressed to a specific church but to a broader audience.

  • Hebrews
    • Author: Anonymous, traditionally attributed to Paul (c. AD 55)
    • Summary: A letter that argues for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament system of sacrifices and the Law.
  • James
    • Author: James, Jesus’ half-brother (c. AD 48)
    • Summary: A practical book of Christian wisdom, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated by good works.
  • 1 & 2 Peter
    • Author: The Apostle Peter (c. AD 62-64)
    • Summary: Peter encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith amid suffering and persecution, and warns against false teachers.
  • 1, 2, & 3 John
    • Author: The Apostle John (c. AD 85)
    • Summary: These letters emphasize the importance of walking in the light, loving one another, and holding to the truth about Jesus Christ.
  • Jude
    • Author: Jude, Jesus’ half-brother (c. AD 65)
    • Summary: A brief letter that warns against false teachers and urges believers to contend for the faith.

The Book of Revelation

  • Author: The Apostle John (c. AD 95)
    • Summary: The final book of the Bible, an apocalyptic vision given to John on the island of Patmos. It contains symbolic prophecies about the end times, the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the new heaven and new earth.

How the Bible is Organized

Each book of the Bible is divided into chapters and verses. A reference such as Genesis 1:2 indicates Genesis, chapter 1, verse 2. This consistent system allows readers to easily and precisely navigate the entire collection of biblical books.

Where to Begin Reading the Bible

For those new to the Bible, it’s often recommended to start with the Gospels in the New Testament. These four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each record the life, teachings, and purpose of Jesus Christ. While they cover many of the same events, each Gospel provides unique details and a distinct perspective on his ministry.

Books for Daily Wisdom and Assurance

  • Proverbs: This book was written primarily by King Solomon, whom God granted unparalleled wisdom. It offers practical advice for living a life of integrity, righteousness, and common sense. Reading a chapter each day can provide guidance for daily living.
  • 1 John: If you seek assurance of your faith, read the book of 1 John. It provides clear answers to the question, “How can I know I am saved?” and offers tests for authentic belief, such as loving others and obeying God’s commands.

The Importance of the Pauline Epistles

The letters written by the Apostle Paul (the Pauline Epistles) are crucial for understanding the principles of Christian living. These letters define how Christians should live, building on the foundation of Christ’s life and teachings. Paul clarifies that salvation is not earned by following the Jewish laws of the Old Testament. Instead, he emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works or adherence to religious traditions.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org