If you have ever held a Bible in your hands and felt overwhelmed by its size, you are not alone. Sixty-six books. Forty authors. Three languages. Fifteen hundred years of writing. Where do you even begin? The answer is simpler than you might expect, because the Bible has one central message, and once you see it, every page makes sense.
This is Part 1 of our series covering the basics of Christianity. It gives an overview and introduction to the Bible.
1. The Bible is God's Word, written by approximately forty men over fifteen hundred years and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
2. Its sixty-six books are divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament.
3. The Old Testament contains the Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy.
4. The New Testament contains the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation.
5. The central theme of every book, from Genesis to Revelation, is the person and work of Jesus Christ.
What Makes the Bible Different from Every Other Book
The Bible is God's Word. That claim sets it apart from every other book ever written. It did not originate in human wisdom. God moved the writers through the Holy Spirit to pen the words of Scripture. The original words are true and authoritative because they come from God Himself.
Paul wrote to Timothy:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Peter confirmed the same truth:
"Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20–21)
The sixty-six books of the Bible were written by approximately forty different men. These men lived in several different countries from 1400 BC to AD 90. The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Yet across all those centuries and cultures, it tells one unified story.
What Are the Four Sections of the Old Testament
The books of the Old Testament in our English Bibles are grouped under four main headings: law, history, poetry, and prophecy.
The Law (The Pentateuch)
The books of the Law are also known as the "Five Books of Moses" because Moses was the human author. The name Pentateuch comes from the Greek for "five-volumed." These books were written around 1400 BC.
The Law explains the origin of man and sin. It contains the history of Israel beginning with the Abrahamic Covenant and ending with the nation on the threshold of the Promised Land. It contains God's law given to Moses and the Israelites.
Genesis is the book of beginnings: creation, man, sin, redemption, and the nation of Israel. Exodus tells how God delivers His people from Egypt and gives His law at Sinai. Leviticus is a collection of priestly laws on holiness and worship through sacrifice and purification. Numbers records how God's people disobey and wander in the wilderness for forty years. Deuteronomy contains Moses' final discourses to prepare God's people to enter the Promised Land.
The Books of History
There are twelve books within this historical section, written from 1400 to 450 BC. This section describes Israel's entry into the Promised Land under Joshua and culminates in Judah's return from exile in Babylon.
Joshua records Israel entering and occupying the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Judges shows Israel repeatedly committing apostasy, yet God is faithful to deliver the nation. Ruth reveals God's goodness and sovereignty amidst difficulty, even to those outside the nation of Israel.
1 Samuel follows God guiding the nation through the prophet Samuel as it receives its first king, Saul. 2 Samuel shows the nation of Israel thriving and suffering under King David. 1 Kings summarizes Israel's history from King Solomon to the divided kingdom, written to the exiles. 2 Kings records the collapse of both Israel and Judah due to disobedience and unfaithfulness.
1 Chronicles is a history record written to repatriated exiles, opening from Adam to King David. 2 Chronicles continues from King Solomon to the return from Babylon, focusing on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Ezra tells how Israel, released from Babylonian captivity, is led by Ezra to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and keep the Mosaic law. Nehemiah records how Israel, also released from captivity, is led by Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and keep the Mosaic law. Esther shows God in His sovereignty using a Jewish girl who became a Persian queen to preserve His chosen people.
What Are the Old Testament Books of Poetry and Wisdom
These books are known as Poetry or the Wisdom Literature. They were given to teach Israel how to possess godly wisdom and how to suffer well. There are five books within this section.
Job teaches that God has a purpose when the righteous suffer. Psalms contains songs to be sung to God amidst all seasons of life. Proverbs offers godly wisdom to navigate a life that will honor God. Ecclesiastes declares that life has no meaning if it is not lived for God. Song of Solomon celebrates marital love as something to be enjoyed.
Who Are the Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament
This section is also known as the Prophetical Books. It is subdivided into the major and minor prophets based on the length of the books, not their importance.
Prophets were commissioned by God to deliver His message to men. These men prophesied before, during, and after the exile of Israel and Judah to Babylon. They ministered from approximately 760 BC until 460 BC, and some ministered to Israel or Judah at the same time.
The Major Prophets
The first five books are called "Major Prophets" because they are longer.
Isaiah declares that Israel will suffer because of its disobedience but will experience future glory. Jeremiah warns that God will bring inescapable judgment upon Israel through the Babylonian Captivity because of rebellion. Lamentations records Jeremiah weeping because his beloved city of Jerusalem has been destroyed. Ezekiel tells Israel that God is holy as the prophet vindicates God's reputation. Daniel reveals that God is sovereign over history and the empires of the world.
The Minor Prophets
Hosea shows that Israel's unfaithfulness cannot break God's redeeming love for the nation. Joel calls Israel to repent because the day of the Lord is coming. Amos warns that the judgment of God is certain on Israel and its enemies. Obadiah declares that Edom will be judged because of how it treated Israel.
Jonah reveals that God is not only gracious to Israel and a reluctant prophet but also compassionate to pagans. Micah teaches that disobedience to God brings His judgment, yet He will forgive. Nahum foretells that Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, will be destroyed. Habakkuk portrays triumphant faith amidst difficulty and misunderstanding.
Zephaniah warns that the day of the Lord is coming, in which God will judge the sinner and bless the obedient. Haggai urges God's people to be faithful in rebuilding the temple and to be assured of His presence with them in Jerusalem. Zechariah teaches that the work of rebuilding the temple is bound up with God's plan to bring the Messiah. Malachi calls Judah to repent from its dead worship and return to faithfulness to God.
After Malachi, there are four hundred years of silence before Jesus arrives.
What Does the New Testament Reveal About Jesus Christ
The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ. It reveals the life of Christ, the way of salvation, the beginning of Christianity, the instructions for Christian living, and God's plan for the future.
The Old Testament gives historical foundations, symbolic illustrations, and prophetic anticipations. The New Testament gives the peak of revelation.
The Four Gospels
These are the first four books of the New Testament. They tell the good news of Jesus Christ. They bear the name of the human authors. All four describe the life, birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is the center of God's plan of redemption, also known as the gospel. Each of the four Gospels presents Jesus in a unique light.
Matthew presents Jesus as the King of the Jews who was rejected by His own countrymen. Mark presents Jesus as the Servant of God who ministers to people's needs. Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man who is the Savior of all. John presents Jesus as the Son of God in whom we should believe for eternal life.
The Book of Acts
"The Acts of the Apostles," sometimes called "The Acts of the Holy Spirit," is Part II of the Gospel of Luke. Both share the same author, and both are addressed to a man of antiquity named Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Some group the book of Acts with the Gospels and call all five books "History."
The book can be divided into three parts. In Acts 1–7, the church witnesses to Jewish people in and around the city of Jerusalem. In Acts 8–12, the church witnesses to Samaritans in and around the provinces of Judea and Samaria. In Acts 13–28, the church witnesses to Gentiles throughout the known world.
What Did the Apostle Paul Write in the New Testament
Paul was converted to Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1ff), and God used him to author two-thirds of the content of the New Testament. Paul introduces himself as the human author of every one of these epistles, usually within the first few verses of the first chapter.
These letters can be subdivided into those written to churches (Romans through 2 Thessalonians) and those written to individuals (1 Timothy through Philemon).
Paul's Letters to Churches
Romans explains the theology of salvation in intricate detail from start to finish. 1 Corinthians urges the church to address internal divisions so that the gospel can go forth. 2 Corinthians explores the relationship between suffering and the power of God as seen in Paul's ministry. Galatians defends the heart of the gospel: faith in Christ alone for salvation.
Ephesians teaches that Christ unites people from all nations to Himself and one another in the church. Philippians shows that joy and encouragement mark those who know and serve Jesus Christ together. Colossians declares that Christ is Lord of all creation, including things seen and unseen. 1 Thessalonians calls believers to be ready for the return of Jesus when He will resurrect the just and condemn the unjust. 2 Thessalonians explains what it means for a healthy church to be faithful to the Lord as it awaits His return.
Paul's Letters to Individuals
1 Timothy teaches that the gospel will produce evidence in the lives of church leaders who must then maintain order in the church. 2 Timothy urges church leaders to persevere in gospel work despite difficulties. Titus shows that the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be used to correct false teaching and produce correct living. Philemon demonstrates that the gospel can change people and restore relationships.
What Are the General Epistles and the Book of Revelation
The General Epistles speak either to no specific audience (Hebrews, 2 Peter, 1 John, Jude) or to an audience whose exact identity is broad (James, 1 Peter) or vague (2 and 3 John). They include what some call the Johannine Epistles (1, 2, 3 John) and the Petrine Epistles (1, 2 Peter).
Hebrews declares that Christ is greater than all, and therefore we should keep holding onto Him by faith. James provides a list of evidences to test whether a person is a doer of the Word of God, which is the fruit of saving faith. 1 Peter calls believers to persevere by faith while suffering persecution because they already possess the promises of God. 2 Peter teaches that the grace of God in Christ transforms and enables believers to live rightly in the face of opposition.
1 John explains the basics of the Christian life: correct beliefs, correct living, and correct commitment. 2 John calls believers to live in the love of God in accordance with the truth of Jesus. 3 John urges believers to work together in love as they confront difficult people in the church. Jude insists that the church must contend for the Christian faith once for all delivered to the saints while resisting false teachers.
The Book of Revelation
The technical name of this last book is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." The book identifies itself as both apocalyptic literature ("revelation," 1:1) and prophecy (1:3).
This book reveals future events: the return of Jesus Christ, the reign of Jesus Christ, the glory of Jesus Christ, and the future state of believers and unbelievers.
Why Is Jesus Christ the Central Theme of the Bible
The central theme of the Bible is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament anticipates and foreshadows Christ. The New Testament more fully explains Christ. Every book, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Him.
Jesus Himself made this clear. After His resurrection, He opened the Scriptures for two disciples on the road to Emmaus:
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27)
He also said to the religious leaders who studied the Old Testament:
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me." (John 5:39)
The Bible is not sixty-six disconnected books. It is one book with one hero.
Why Is the Bible Important for Every Christian
The Bible matters because God gave it for a purpose. Here are four reasons every Christian should read and study God's Word.
First, the Bible is inspired by God and therefore useful. Paul told Timothy: "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. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:15–16).
Second, every word of the Bible is inspired and valuable. Moses told Israel: "Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Third, the Bible is uniquely powerful. The author of Hebrews wrote: "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" (Hebrews 4:12).
Fourth, the Bible promises spiritual blessing to its readers. The Psalmist declared: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psalm 19:7–8).
How Did We Get the Bible We Have Today
The journey from original manuscripts to the Bible in your hands spans thousands of years. Here is a brief overview.
From 1500 BC to AD 100, the original manuscripts of sixty-six distinct works were composed. Some of the writers are unknown. We have copied manuscripts in the original languages, translations into other languages, and quotations from early church writers.
From AD 385 to 404, Jerome produced the Vulgate, his Latin translation. Between AD 700 and 1000, various Anglo-Saxon partial translations appeared. In AD 1382, John Wycliffe and his followers produced the first complete English translations. In AD 1525 to 1535, William Tyndale produced the first printed English translation. In AD 1611, the King James Version was published.
More manuscript discoveries followed. In AD 1885 and 1901, the English Revised Version and the American Standard Version appeared. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. From 1952 to the present, modern English translations have been published, including the Revised Standard Version, the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, and the English Standard Version.
The Bible has been preserved, translated, and made accessible across centuries. God saw to it that His Word would endure, because He intended for His people to have it, to read it, and to build their lives upon it.
Further Resources on the Bible
- How to Understand the Bible? (Christian Basics)
- 9 Best Study Bibles for Evangelical Christians
- 7 Bible Study Tools to Get First for Christians
Explore More Bible Studies from BibleSumo
BibleSumo offers book-by-book Bible studies through the entire New Testament written for everyday Christians.
Gospels & Acts: Understanding Matthew · Understanding Mark · Understanding Luke · Understanding John · Understanding Acts
Pauline Epistles: Understanding Romans · Understanding 1 Corinthians · Understanding 2 Corinthians · Understanding Galatians · Understanding Ephesians · Understanding Philippians · Understanding Colossians · Understanding 1 Thessalonians · Understanding 2 Thessalonians · Understanding 1 Timothy · Understanding 2 Timothy · Understanding Titus
General Epistles & Revelation: Understanding 1 Peter · Understanding 2 Peter · Understanding 1 John · Understanding 2 John · Understanding 3 John · Understanding Jude · Understanding Revelation
Resources: Best Commentaries of the New Testament · Browse All Bible Studies
