Introduction to the Bible

The Bible is the word of God

The Scriptures were written by approximately 40 different men.

These men lived in several different countries and cultures.

They lived in different eras. (1400 B.C. through A.D. 90)

They wrote in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.

Despite these differences, God moved the writers to focus on His glory in man’s redemption through one central figure- Jesus Christ, the son of God.

1. The Old Testament (39 Books)

A. The Pentateuch (5 Books)

The first five books of the Old Testament were written by Moses around 1400 B.C. They often are referred to as the “Five Books of Moses” or the “Pentateuch”.

Genesis- The book of beginnings: Creation, man, sin, redemption, God’s nation.

Exodus- God delivers His people from Egypt.

Leviticus- Atonement, holiness, and worship through sacrifice and purification.

Numbers- God’s people continually disobey and wander in the wilderness for 40 years.

Deuteronomy- Moses’ great discourse to prepare Israel to enter the Promised Land.

B. History (12 Books)

The historical books were written between 1400 and 450 B.C. and describe God’s dealing with His chosen people. Isreal, the Hebrew nation.

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

C. Poetry (5 Books)

These books are poetic, describing in poetry and song God’s greatness and His dealings with men.

Job- The suffering and loyal trust of a man who loved God.

Psalms- Songs of praise and instruction.

Proverbs- God’s practical wisdom for daily life.

Ecclesiastes- The emptiness of an earthly life without God.

Song of Solomon- A celebration of marital joy.

D. Major Prophets (5 Books)

A prophet was a person commissioned by God to deliver His message to men. These books are called “Major Prophets” because they generally are longer than the writings of the “Minor Prophets”. The Major Prophets were written approximately between 750 and 550 B.C.

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

E. Minor Prophets (12 Books)

The last 12 books of the Old Testament were written approximately between 840 and 400 B.C. These books are also shorter than the Major Prophets but are just was important in what they have to say.

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Hadakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

2.) The New Testament (27 Books)

The New Testament, or New Covenant, reveals Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of men. In it we find:

The life of Christ

The way of salvation

The beginning of Christianity

Instruction for Christian living

God’s plan for the future

A. History ( 5 books)

The Gospels ( 4 Books)

Matthew- The life of Christ, written especially for the Jews, revealing Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Messiah

Mark- The life of Christ, revealing Jesus as the obedient Servant of God; written especially to the Roman world.

Luke- The life of Christ, revealing Jesus as the perfect man, emphasizing His humanity; written by Luke , a Greek, to the Greek world.

John- The life of Christ, revealing Jesus as the Son of God, stressing His deity; very evangelistic.

The History of the Early Church ( 1 Book)

Acts- The beginning and the spread of the Christian church; it could be called the “Acts of the Holy Spirit”, and was written as an evangelistic tool.

B. Letters or Epistles (21 Books)

These books were written to individuals, to churches, or to believers in general. The letters deal with every aspect of Christian faith and responsibility.

Pauls letters (13 Books)

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

General Letters (8 Books)

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Prophecy (1 Book)

The Last book of the New Testament tells of future events.

Return of Christ

Reign of Jesus Christ

Glory of Jesus Christ

Future state of believers and unbelievers

This book is called Revelation.

3.) Christ In The Bible

A. The Old Testament and the New Testament should be seen together, as both portray Jesus Christ as the central figure.

We see this in 2 specific verses:

1.) Luke 24:27

Luke 24:27 ESV

27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

2.) John 5:39

John 5:39 ESV

39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

B.) The Key to understanding Scripture is Jesus.

Old Testament:

5 Books of the Law: Promises of Christ

12 Books of History: Anticipation of Christ: Types, Experiences, and Prophecies.

5 Books of Poetry: “ ”

17 Books of Prophecy: Prophecies and foreshadows of Christ.

New Testament:

4 Gospels: Manifestation of Christ, Christ in flesh.

1 Book of History: The Church of Christ.

21 Letters: The Church of Christ.

1 Book of Prophecy: Coronation of Christ.

4.) Why is the Bible important?

When tempted by Satan, Jesus alluded to Deuteronomy 8:3

Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV

3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Matthew 4:4 ESV

4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

A. What does 2 Timothy 3:16 say about the Bible:

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

The entire Bible is inspired by God.

B. How do the following verses show the importance of Gods Word?

2 Timothy 3:15 ESV

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The scriptures are able to give wisdom that leads to salvation.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Scripture is the eternal constant that all are judged by.

C. What four things does God’s Word do?

Restores the Soul: Psalm 19:7a

Makes wise the simple: Psalm 19:7b

Gives joy to the heart: Psalm 19:8a

4. Gives light to the Eyes: Psalm 19:b

Fundamentals of the Faith Teacher’s Guide: 13 Lessons to Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ V. Application > Lesson 1: Introduction to the Bible

HOW THE BIBLE BECAME OURS

Original Manuscripts

around 1500 B.C. through A.D. 100

Sixty-six distinct works. Some writers unknown.

Manuscripts in original language

Translations into other languages and quotations

A.D. 385–404: The Vulgate, Jerome’s Latin translation

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700–1000: Various Anglo-Saxon partial translations

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1382: Complete translations by John Wycliffe and followers

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1525–1535: First printed translation by William Tyndale

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1535: Coverdale’s translation; 1537: Matthew’s; 1539: Taverner’s and Great Bible translation; 1560: Geneva Bible; 1568: Bishop’s; 1610: Rheim’s-Douai

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1611: The King James Version

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1885: English Revised Version

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1901: American Standard Version

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More Discoveries→ 1947: Dead Sea Scrolls

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1952: Revised Standard Version; 1960: New American Standard Version;

1973: New International Bible

1995: New American Standard Update; 2001: English Standard Version