AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

An Introduction
to the Bible

By Richard W. Greene

Revised June, 2017

 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

Purpose
This course will provide a brief overview of the Bible with a special emphasis on the revelation of the
Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Son of God, in each of the books of the Bible.

Introduction
The Holy Bible is God's inspired word. It was given to man by God the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 says,
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost." As such, the Bible is unlike any other book and must be read and studied
unlike any other book.1 "It [the Bible] is the word of the living God, and is -
1. Indestructible: Matthew 24:35
2. Incorruptible: 1 Peter 1:23-25
3. Indispensable: Deuteronomy 8:3; Job 23:12; Matthew 4:4
4. Infallible: Matthew 5:18
5. Inexhaustible: Psalm 92:5

Why is it called the Bible?

The word bible is the English form of the Greek name biblia, meaning “books.” This is the name
which in the fifth century began to be given to the entire collection of sacred books previously known as
the “Library of Divine Revelation.” The name Bible was first used by John Wycliffe, one of the first men
to translate the Bible into the language of the common man.

What is the Subject of the Bible?

The subject or theme of the Bible is God's great plan of redemption2 (Ephesians 1:3-14). This plan
was (1) purposed and planned by God, the Father (1 John 4:9-10); (2) accomplished by God, the Son
(Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4); and (3) revealed by God, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-9, 13-14).
Someone once said, "God thought it, Christ wrought it, the Holy Spirit brought it, the devil fought it, but I
got it!

What is the Purpose of the Bible?

The supreme purpose of the Bible is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:25-27; John 20:31;
Revelation 1:1). The Bible also was given:
1. To reveal God and His will (Hebrews 1:1-4).
2. To provide a foundation for our faith (Romans 10:17).
3. To make us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).
4. To teach us the ways of righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
5. To show us "things which must shortly come to pass" (Revelation 1:1).

What is the Method of the Bible?

The Bible was designed by God to accomplish its purpose in the following ways, by:
1. Testifying of Christ (John 5:39).
2. Searching the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
3. Illuminating the mind (Psalm 119:105,130).

1
Boyd's Bible Handbook by Robert T. Boyd, © 1983 by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR 97402, page 19.
2
Ibid, page 19

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

4. Being heard and applied (Luke 11:28; James 1:22).

5. Raising a godly seed (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
6. Producing saving faith (Romans 10:17; John 20:31).
7. Quickening the heart (Psalm 119:50,93; Hebrews 4:12).
8. Regenerating the soul (Psalm 19:7; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).
9. Cleansing the heart (Psalm 119:9; John 15:3).
10. Making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).
11. Promoting growth (Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2).
12. Building up faith (Acts 20:32; Jude 20).
13. Admonishing (Psalm 19:9-11; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16).
14. Producing obedience (Deuteronomy 17:19-20).
15. Keeping us from destructive ways (Psalm 17:4).
16. Giving life (Deuteronomy 8:3; Jeremiah 15:16).
17. Sanctifying the believer (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26).
18. Producing hope (Psalm 119:49; Romans 15:4).
19. Comforting (Psalm 119:82).
20. Rejoicing the heart (Psalm 19:8; 119:111).
21. Being studied daily and meditated on (Psalm 1; 2 Timothy 2:15).
22. Being profitable for doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).
23. Keeping the believer from sinning (Psalm 119:11; 1 John 2:1).
24. Being used to judge the counsel of others (Is 8:19-20; Acts 17:11).
25. Winning souls (Psalm 19:7; 126:6; Luke 8:11-15).
26. Bearing fruit (John 15:3,5,7).
27. Perfecting the man of God (2 Timothy 3:17; Colossians 3:16).
28. Judging those that reject Christ (John 12:48).
29. Giving assurance of eternal life (John 14:1-3).
30. Enduring forever (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25).
31. Giving victory over Satan (Matthew 4:1-10; Ephesians 6:11-17).
32. Accomplishing God’s purposes (Isaiah 55:11).

To Whom was the Bible Written?

The Bible was written to three groups of people:
1. To the Jews (Romans 3:1-2; 9:4-5).
2. To the Church (1 Corinthians 10:11).
3. To the Unbeliever (John 12:48).

Inspiration of the Bible

One of the most important beliefs of the Christian faith is that “the Bible, both Old and New
Testaments, is verbally inspired by God and inerrant in its original writings.”
1. What does “inspiration” mean? Inspiration means that the Holy Spirit guided the writers of the
Scriptures, making use of their own unique personalities and experiences, so that they wrote all that He
wanted them to write, without excess or error.
2. Learning some key terms:
a. Revelation is the uncovering of truth.
b. Inspiration is the recording of truth.

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

c. Inerrancy is the accuracy of truth.

d. Illumination is the effect of truth.
e. Authority is the power of truth.
3. How can we know that the Bible is the Word of God, verbally inspired and without error?
a. The character of God tells us that He would reveal Himself in such a detailed fashion as we find
in the Bible.
b. The character and claims of the Bible itself show us that it comes from God. It establishes the
highest ethical standards, demands the most absolute obedience, denounces every form of sin, and shows
the way of salvation.
c. The unity of the text also proves that it could not have come from man but from God. The Bible is
66 books written by 40 (or more) different authors, over a period of 1600 years, in a geographical area
separated by over 1500 miles. Portions were written in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel, Babylon,
Rome, Asia Minor, in prisons, on ships, in palaces, and even in the wilderness. Despite its scope, the
Bible is ONE book, bearing witness to ONE God, in ONE continuous story, ONE progressing revelation
of truth, with ONE theme, being ONE redemption through ONE savior, Jesus Christ.
d. The integrity of the manuscript copies supports a divine origin. The Bible is the most historically
verified ancient document in existence. We have no original ancient documents. What we have are
“manuscript copies” of ancient documents. For example, we do not have the original Iliad written by the
Greek
Homer. We have only copies of it which were made from other earlier copies of it. Two key factors
help determine the validity and integrity of a historic document:
(1) How long after the original was the copy made, and (2) how many other copies do we have of the
same document with which we can compare it for accuracy? Some examples:
• The Histories of Tacitus - two copies (1,000 years after)
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars - 10 copies
• Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War - 8 copies
• Livy’s History of Rome - 20 partial copies
• The New Testament - over 5,000 copies, which were made less than 50 years after it was written!
The impact of this historical proof is that the reader can be confident that when he reads the Gospels,
he is reading a relatively accurate copy of what the Gospel writers wrote.
e. The scientific accuracy of the text also proves it is the Word of God. The Bible is not a science
book, but there are no scientific facts which dispute the Bible text. One must be careful to distinguish
between scientific fact and theory. A theory (such as evolution) is an unproved idea or concept. A
scientific fact is an observable, verifiable, and repeatable event. The following are some scientific facts
found in the Bible:
• Earth rotating on its axis (Gen. 1:5)
• Oceans from one massive ocean (Gen. 1:9-10)
• Man formed from dust (Gen. 2:7; 3:19)
• Great underground springs (Gen. 7:11)
• Need for pure food (Deuteronomy 14:21)
• Circumcision on 8th day (Leviticus 12:2-3)
• Preventing the spread of germs by facial mask (Lev. 13:45)
• Quarantining contagious diseases (Leviticus 13:45-46)
• Body cleanliness (Leviticus 15)
• Proper disposal of sewage (Deuteronomy 23:13)

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

• Circulation of blood (Leviticus 17:11,14)

• Bone marrow (Job 21:23-24)
• Earth hanging in space (Job 26:7)
• Earth revolving around the sun (Job 38:12-14)
• Air pressure (or weight) (Job 28:25)
• Moon not shining its own light (Job 25:5)
• Earth round (Proverbs 8:27; Isaiah 40:22)
• Ocean currents (Psalm 107:25)
• Embryonic development and life (Psalm 139:13-16)
f. The work of archeologists has also strengthened the belief that the Bible is the Word of God.
Israel has been subject to many famous archeological expeditions that have repeatedly verified the
veracity (or truth) of the Bible accounts.

The Names of the Bible

The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word Biblia, which means book. Jesus and His disciples
referred to the Old Testament writings as “the Scriptures,” (Matthew 21:42; Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Acts
18:24; Romans 15:4). Christ also used the terms “the law and the prophets” and “those things which
were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in Psalms” (Luke 24:44-45). Paul called the
Bible “the holy Scriptures” (Romans 1:2) and “the oracles of God” (Romans 3:2). The Jews use the
designation “the Law and the Prophets” to refer to the Old Testament writings. They are also called “the
Tanakh.” The popular Jewish designation for the first five books of the Bible is “the Torah.”

Seven Editions of Divine Law3

The fundamental truths of the Bible (called Divine Law) were revealed gradually and
progressively over a period of time and in different ways. The following chart illustrates this:

1st Edition Written in Nature Psalm 19:1

2nd Edition Written on the Romans 2:15
conscience
3rd Edition Written on Tables of Exodus 24:12
Stone
4th Edition The Entire Scriptures Romans 15:4
5th Edition Christ the Living Word John 1:1,14
6th Edition Written on the Heart Hebrews 8:10
7th Edition Living Epistles 2 Corinthians
3:2-3

The Key to the Bible

The Ethiopian treasurer said to Philip in Acts 8:31, "How can I [understand the Scriptures],
except some man should guide me." The study of correct Bible interpretation is called hermeneutics. The
key to understanding the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the theme of the entire canon of the Bible,
both Old and New Testaments. Jesus Himself claimed five times that He is the theme of the Old

3
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, © 1988 by the B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., Indianapolis, IN USA

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

Testament scriptures (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27; 24:44; John 5:39; Hebrews 10:7). Therefore, the Bible
must be interpreted Christo-centrically (Christ centered) to be understood and interpreted properly. To do
that, we must recognize that every book in the Bible is about Jesus. Consider the following:
• In Genesis, He is the Promised Seed that is going to come and bruise the head of the serpent.
• In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
• In Leviticus, He is the Scapegoat for our sins.
• In Numbers, He is the brazen serpent lifted up to heal the people.
• In Deuteronomy, He is the Great Lawgiver.
• In Joshua, He is the Lord of Hosts.
• In Judges, He is the Deliverer.
• In Ruth, He is our Kinsman-Redeemer.
• In 1&2 1Samuel, He is the Prophet, Priest, and King.
• In 1&2 Kings, He is the Judge of Israel.
• In 1&2 Chronicles, He is the Ark of the Covenant.
• In Ezra, He is the Lord, God of Heaven.
• In Nehemiah, He is the Re-builder of the Temple.
• In Esther, he is the Saviour of the Jews.
• In Job, He is the Sovereign Lord of all the earth.
• In the Psalms, He is our Shepherd, and the Song of the ages.
• In Proverbs, He is Wisdom.
• In Ecclesiastes, He is the Preacher.
• In the Song of Solomon, He is the Bridegroom.
• In Isaiah, He is Wonderful, Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Suffering Servant.
• In Jeremiah, He is the Lord our Righteousness.
• In Lamentations, He is the Comforter of my soul.
• In Ezekiel, He is the Lord our Holiness.
• In Daniel, He is the Son of God in the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
• In Hosea, He is Redeeming love.
• In Joel, He is the Day of the Lord, and Giver of the Holy Spirit.
• In Amos, He is the Raiser again of the Tabernacle of David.
• In Obadiah, He is our Deliverer upon Mount Zion.
• In Jonah, He is the Saviour of the Gentiles.
• In Micah, He is One that comes forth from Bethlehem to be Ruler in Israel.
• In Nahum, He is our Stronghold in the day of trouble.
• In Habakkuk, He is the God of my salvation, who makes my feet like hind’s feet walking in high
places.
• In Zephaniah, He is the Lord thy God in the midst of thee, mighty.
• In Haggai, He is the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts.
• In Zechariah, He is a fountain to the house of David, the One whom they have pierced, whose
feet shall split the Mount of Olives.
• In Malachi, He is the God of Israel.
• In Matthew, He is the King of the Jews.

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

• In Mark, He is the Suffering Servant.

• In Luke, He is the Son of Man.
• In John, He is the Son of God, the Bread of Life, the Resurrection and the Life.
• In Acts, He is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit.
• In Romans, He is the Seed of David, declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the
spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, and the love of God from which nothing can separate
us.
• In 1 Corinthians, He is the one who has been raised from the dead, the First Fruits of those who
are asleep.
• In 2 Corinthians, He is God’s Treasure in earthen vessels.
• In Galatians, He is the Seed of Abraham.
• In Ephesians, He is the Head of the Church, the breadth and length, and depth, and height of the
love of God which passes knowledge.
• In Philippians, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Peace of God, which passes all
understanding.
• In Colossians, He is the image of the invisible God, who blotted out the handwriting of
ordinances against us and spoiled principalities and powers.
• In 1 Thessalonians, He is our Coming King.
• In 2 Thessalonians, He is the Avenging Lord.
• In 1 Timothy, He is the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, worthy to be given
honor and glory forever and ever.
• In 2 Timothy, He is the Promise of Life.
• In Titus, He is our Blessed Hope.
• In Philemon, He is Love Exemplified.
• In Hebrews, He is the brightness of God’s glory, the express image of His Person, our High
Priest, and the Author and Finisher of our faith.
• In James, he is the Father of Lights.
• In 1 Peter, He is the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
• In 2 Peter, He is the grace and peace of God.
• In 1 John, He is that which we have seen and heard and handled of the Word of Life, and the One
we shall be like when we see Him.
• In 2 John, He is the Son of the Father in truth and love.
• In 3 John, He is the Name of God.
• In Jude, He is the only wise God, our Saviour.
• In Revelation, He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the
Root of David, the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world, and who has redeemed us to
God by His blood from every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, whose name is Faithful and
True, the Light of the New Jerusalem, the King of all the Universe!

Bible Background Information

The Bible is sixty-six books written in four languages over a period of 1600 years. The writers of the
Bible were of very different social rank – statesmen, peasants, kings, herdsmen, fishermen, priests, tax-
gatherers, tentmakers, educated and uneducated, Jews and Gentiles. Most of them were unknown to each

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other, and were separated by time, distance, language, education, and social class. Yet they wrote with a
perfect unity, dealing with only one subject - God’s redeeming love.

Divisions of the Bible

The Bible is divided into the Old Testament, containing thirty-nine books, and the New Testament,
containing twenty-seven books.
The Old Testament is divided into five parts:
1. The Law (Torah), consisting of the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses - Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
2. The Historical Books, consisting of 12 books - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the two books of Samuel,
Kings, and Chronicles, and the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
3. The Poetic Books, consisting of 5 books – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of
Solomon (also often called Canticles).
4. The Major Prophets, consisting of 5 books – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
5. The Minor Prophets, consisting of 12 books – Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,
Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
The New Testament is also divided into five parts:
1. The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
2. The Historical Writings – the Acts of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Pauline Epistles, consisting of 14 books – Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians,
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and
4
Hebrews.
4. The General Epistles, consisting of 7 books -James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2, and 3 John, and Jude.
5. The Prophetic Writings – the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jewish scholars divide the Bible into three parts:
1. The Law (or Torah), consisting of the five books of Moses (called the Pentateuch).
2. The Prophets, consisting of Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, and the two books of
Kings, the greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.
3. The Hagiographa, or holy writings, including the rest of the books. These were ranked in three
divisions:
(1) The Psalms, Proverbs, and Job, distinguished by the Hebrew name, a word formed of the initial
letters of these books, emeth, meaning truth.
(2) Song of Solomon (Canticles), Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, called the five rolls,
as being written for the synagogue use on five separate rolls.
(3) Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 and 2 Chronicles.

The Old Testament in the New Testament

The most important verification of the Scriptural authenticity of the Old Testament is the many
references to it in the New Testament, especially by the Lord Jesus Christ who taught that the Old
Testament writings were the Word of God. The names given to the Old Testament in the writings of the
New Testament are:
• “the scriptures” (Matthew 21:42),

4
The Epistle to the Hebrews is often listed as one of the General Epistles because its exact authorship is unknown.
It has been most often attributed to Paul.

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• “scripture” (2 Peter 1:20),

• “the holy scriptures” (Romans 1:2),
• “the law” (John 12:34),
• “the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms” (Luke 24:44),
• “the law and the prophets” (Matthew 5:17), and
• “the old covenant” (2 Cor. 3:14).

Between the Testaments

There is a break of 400 years between the Old Testament and the New. The last book of the Old
Testament, Malachi was written around 400 years before the birth of Christ. Between the Old and the
New Testament no addition was made to the revelation God had already given. The period of New
Testament revelation, extending over a century, began with the appearance of John the Baptist.

Chapters and Verses

The Scriptures were not originally written with chapters and verses. These were added later as a
reference tool. The ancient Jews divided the Old Testament into certain sections for use in the synagogue
service and then at a later period, in the ninth century AD, into verses.
Our modern system of chapters for all the books of the Bible was introduced by Cardinal Hugo about
the middle of the thirteenth century (he died in 1263). The system of verses for the New Testament was
introduced by Stephens in 1551, and generally adopted. While this division is not inspired, and often
somewhat misplaced, it is very useful.

General Facts About the Bible

THE OLD TESTAMENT HAS
39 BOOKS,
929 CHAPTERS,
23,214 VERSES,
592,493 WORDS, AND
2,728,100 LETTERS.

THE NEW TESTAMENT HAS

27 BOOKS,
260 CHAPTERS,
7,959 VERSES,
181,253 WORDS,
838,380 LETTERS.

LONGEST CHAPTER – PSALM 119

SHORTEST CHAPTER – PSALM 117
LONGEST VERSE – ESTHER 8:9
SHORTEST VERSE – JOHN 11:35
MIDDLE VERSE – PSALM 118:8

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THE OLD TESTAMENT

Genesis
Author: Moses
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 51450-1410 BC
Theme: The beginning of all things
Scope: First 2,000 years
Chapters: 50
Major Events: Creation (1-2), the Fall of Man (3), the Flood (6-8), the scattering of the nations (10-11),
the Abrahamic Covenant (12, 17), the war of the kings (14), the birth of Ishmael (16), the destruction of
Sodom and Gomorrah (19), the birth of Isaac (21), the sacrifice of Isaac (22), the death of Sarah (23), the
marriage of Isaac and Rebekah (24), the death of Abraham (25), the life of Jacob (27-50), the life of
Joseph (37-50), Israel’s settlement in Egypt (43-50), the prophetic blessings on the 12 Tribes (48-49), the
death of Israel (50), and the death of Joseph (50).
Major Characters: Adam, Eve, Abel, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Ishmael, Isaac, Rebekah, Esau,
Jacob, Laban, Leah, Rachel, Joseph, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Judah.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the promised seed of the woman, sent to crush the head of the
serpent (3:15), the lamb of God sacrificed to take away the sin of the world (4:4), the ark of deliverance
(6-8), the seed of Abraham (12), the sacrificed Son and the substituted ram (22), the waiting Bridegroom
(24), the Rejected Brother (37) and the Lion of the tribe of Judah (49:10-11).

Exodus
Author: Moses
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1450-1410 BC
Theme: Israel’s deliverance from Egypt
Scope: 145 years
Chapters: 40
Major Events: Israel’s enslavement in Egypt (1-2); the call of Moses (3), God’s judgment on Pharaoh (5-
12), the Passover (12), crossing the Red Sea (14), the giving of the Law (19-24), the fall and restoration of
Israel (32-34), the building of the Tabernacle (25-40).
Major Characters: Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron
Christological Significance: Jesus is the “I AM” (3), the Passover (12), the Manna (16), the rock at
Mount Horeb (17), and the Tabernacle and its furnishings (25-40).

Leviticus
Author: Moses
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1450-1410 BC
Theme: Holiness (mentioned 80 times)
Scope: 145 years
Chapters: 27

5
The dates provided are approximate.

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Major Events: Instructions in the offerings (1-7); consecration and ministry of the priests (8-9); death of
Aaron’s sons (10); instructions in the laws of purity and the Day of Atonement (11-16); instructions in the
laws of holiness (17-24); the Sabbatical year and the year of Jubilee (25); laws of obedience and tithing
(26-27).
Major Characters: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu
Christological Significance: Jesus is the five offerings (1-7); the High Priest (8); the ram of consecration
(8); the two birds (14); and the scapegoat (16).

Numbers
Author: Moses
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1450-1410 BC
Theme: Israel in the wilderness
Scope: 40 years
Chapters: 36
Major Events: Israel at Sinai and the numbering of the people (1-10); the manna (11); the seventy elders
appointed (11); the quails sent (11); the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron (12); the spies sent into the land
(13-14); Korah leads a rebellion against Moses (16); Aaron’s rod buds (17); the death of Miriam (20);
Moses smites the rock twice (20); the death of Aaron (20); the bronze serpent (21); Balaam hired (22-25);
Joshua appointed to succeed Moses (27); preparation to enter the land ( 27-36).
Major Characters: Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb, Korah, Balaam.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the rock (20), the Star (24:17), and the Scepter (24:17).

Deuteronomy
Author: Moses
To Whom Written: Israel’s new generation
Date: 1450-1410 BC
Theme: Re-telling the Law
Scope: 40 years
Chapters: 34
Major Events: Moses re-tells the Law (1-26); the blessings and curses read (27-28); the death of Moses
(34).
Major Characters: Moses
Christological Significance: Jesus is the promised Prophet (18).

Joshua
Author: Joshua (and possibly scribes after the Babylonian captivity)
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1400–1385 BC
Theme: Israel conquers Canaan
Scope: 25 years
Chapters: 24
Major Events: Rahab and the spies (2); Israel crosses the Jordan (3); the conquest of Jericho (6);
Achan’s sin (7); the blessings and curses read (8); the deception by the Gibeonites (9-10); Caleb’s request

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granted (14); the land is apportioned to the tribes (15-23); the death of Joshua (24); the death of Eleazar
(24); Joseph’s bones are buried in Schechem (24).
Major Characters: Joshua, Rahab, Achan, Caleb
Christological Significance: Jesus is Rahab’s scarlet thread (2) and the Captain of the Lord’s Host (5).

Judges
Author: Unknown, possibly the prophet Samuel
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1350-1300 BC
Theme: Defeat and Deliverance
Scope: 350 years
Chapters: 21
Major Events: Israel’s failure after the death of Joshua (1-2); God raises up 5 deliverers (3-5); Gideon
defeats the Midianites (6-8); Jephthah’s fateful vow and rule (11-12); Samson’s life (13-16); the fall of
Dan and Benjamin (17-21).
Major Characters: the 12 Judges: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah,
Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson; as well as Jabin, Barak, and Sisera.
Christological Significance: Jesus is our Deliverer (3:9) and the Angel of the Lord (6:12).

Ruth
Author: Unknown, possibly the prophet Samuel
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1350-1300 BC
Theme: The Kinsman-Redeemer
Scope: 12 years
Chapters: 4
Major Events: Ruth decides to serve God (1); Ruth cares for Naomi (2); Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field (3);
Boaz redeems Ruth (4).
Major Characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz
Christological Significance: Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer (4).

First Samuel
Author: Unknown, possibly the prophet Samuel through chapter 24, perhaps the prophets Nathan or Gad
after that.
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1070-900 BC
Theme: Samuel, Saul, and David
Scope: 115 years from the birth of Samuel to the death of Saul
Chapters: 31
Major Events: The birth and call of Samuel (1-8); the reign of Saul (9-15); David is anointed king (16),
David and Goliath (17); Saul pursues David (18-31); the deaths of Saul and Jonathan (31).
Major Characters: Eli, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, David, and Goliath.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Seed of David.

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 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

Second Samuel
Author: Unknown, possibly the prophets Nathan or Gad.
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 1070-900 BC
Theme: David’s reign
Scope: 40 years
Chapters: 24
Major Events: David grieves over Saul and Jonathan (1); Judah anoints David as king (2); Civil war in
Israel (2); Joab murders Abner (3); David makes Jerusalem the capital of Israel (5); David becomes king
over all of Israel, fights the Philistines and brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (5-6); God
institutes the Davidic Covenant (7); David’s reign (8-24).
Major Characters: David, Joab, Abner, Absalom
Christological Significance: Jesus is typified in the life and reign of David. The Davidic Covenant
established that Messiah would sit on the throne of David.

First Kings
Author: Unknown, perhaps Jeremiah
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 561-540 BC (written before the destruction of the Temple)
Theme: Reign of Solomon, Division of the Kingdom
Scope: 120 years from the death of David to the reign of Jehoshaphat
Chapters: 25
Major Events: The death of David (1); Solomon becomes king (1-2); Solomon asks God for wisdom (3);
the building and dedication of the Temple (4-9); the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon (10); Solomon
forsakes God and dies (11); the kingdom is divided (12); Jeroboam’s sin (13); Pharaoh Shishak invades
Jerusalem (14); the prophet Elijah and the call of Elisha (17-19); Ahab and Jezebel overthrown (20-25).
Major Characters: David, Solomon, Queen of Sheba, Rhehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Elisha, Ahab,
Jezebel.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Second Kings
Author: Unknown, perhaps Jeremiah
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 6th century BC
Theme: A History of the Divided Kingdom
Scope: 293 years from the reign of King Ahaziah of Israel in 853 BC to the release of King Jehoiachin
from Babylon in 560BC.
Chapters: 25
Major Events: Elijah taken to Heaven (2); ministry of Elisha (2-8); the kings of Israel and Judah (8-17);
The fall of Samaria (17); Hezekiah rules Judah (18-20); Manasseh’s evil reign (21); Revival under King
Josiah (23); Judah falls to Babylon (24-25).
Major Characters: Elijah, Elisha, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar.

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First Chronicles
Author: Unknown, perhaps Ezra
To Whom Written: Returning exiles
Date: 5th century BC (after the Babylonian exile)
Theme: A History of Israel
Scope: 40 years from the death of Saul to the beginning of Solomon’s reign.
Chapters: 29
Major Events: Genealogies (1-9); the death of Saul (10); David becomes king over Judah (11); David
becomes king over all Israel (12); David brings the Ark to Jerusalem (13-16); the Davidic Covenant (18);
David numbers the people and is judged by God (21); David prepares for the Temple (22-29).
Major Characters: Saul, David
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Ark of the Covenant; the Seed of David.

Second Chronicles
Author: Unknown, perhaps Ezra
To Whom Written: Returning exiles
Date: 5th century BC
Theme: A History of Judah
Scope: 450 years from the ascension of Solomon to the Babylonian Captivity
Chapters: 36
Major Events: Solomon’s reign (1-9); the kingdom is divided, with the 10 tribes breaking away (10-12);
the kings of Judah (13-36); the deportation to Babylon (36).
Major Characters: Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Elijah, Jehoiada, Joash, Uzziah,
Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah, and Nebuchadnezzar.

Ezra
Author: Ezra
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 457-444 BC
Theme: The Remnant Returns
Scope: 75 years
Chapters: 10
Major Events: Return under Zerubbabel and the re-building of the Temple (1-6); the second return under
Ezra 50 years later (7-10).
Major Characters: King Cyrus, Zerubbabel, Haggai, Zechariah, Darius, and Ezra.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the rebuilder of the temple (Zerubbabel).

Nehemiah
Author: Nehemiah (or Ezra)
To Whom Written: Returning exiles
Date: 430-420 BC
Theme: Rebuilding the Walls
Scope: 12-15 years
Chapters: 13

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Major Events: Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and begins to rebuild the walls (1-3); there is much
opposition (4-6); the walls are finished (6); the genealogies of the remnant (7); revival under Ezra (8-13).
Major Characters: Nehemiah, Ezra, Artaxerxes, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Hananiah.
Christological Significance: Jesus is the rebuilder of the walls (Nehemiah).

Esther
Author: Unknown, perhaps Mordecai
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 450 BC
Theme: God’s Providential Care
Scope: 10-12 years (between 483-470 BC – between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra)
Chapters: 10
Major Events: Esther becomes Queen (1-2); Haman plots against the Jews (2-4); Mordecai and Esther
defeat Haman (5-8); the Jews defeat their enemies (8-10).
Major Characters: Queen Esther, Mordecai, Haman, and King Ahasuerus
Christological Significance: Jesus is our deliverer and our advocate.

Job
Author: Unknown, perhaps Job, Elihu, or Moses
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: Uncertain
Theme: Suffering
Scope: Uncertain
Chapters: 42
Major Events: Job’s circumstances (1); Satan’s two assaults on Job (1-2); Job’s friends arrive (2); the
three debates (3-26); Job defends himself (27); Elihu’s solution (32-37); God challenges Job (38-42); God
delivers Job (42).
Major Characters: Job, Job’s wife, Satan, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar
Christological Significance: Jesus is our protecting hedge (1:10).

Psalms
Authors: David, Moses (Psalm 90), Asaph (Psalms 50, 73-83), Solomon (Psalm 127), Ethan, Psalm 89),
the sons of Korah (Psalms 42-49, 84-85, 87, 88).
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: From the time of Moses (1450 BC) to Israel’s return from captivity (530 BC).
Theme: Devotion and Praise
Scope: non-historical in nature – poetic and prophetic
Chapters: 150
Major Events: non-historical
Major Characters: David, Jesus
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Son of God (Psalm 2), our Shield, Glory, and the Lifter of our
heads (Psalm 3), the resurrected One (Psalm 16), our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, God, Strength, Buckler,
Horn of our salvation, and High Tower (Psalm 18), the crucified Messiah (Psalm 22), our Shepherd
(Psalm 23), the King of Glory (Psalms 24, 47), our Light and Salvation (Psalm 27), our Strong Rock and
Refuge (Psalm 31), seated at the right hand of God (Psalm 110), a priest forever after the order of

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Melchizedek (Psalm 11), the rejected stone (Psalm 118), and the messianic subject of Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22,
45, 69, 89, 109, 110, and 118.

Proverbs
Author: Solomon, David, Agur, Lemuel, and others
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: Varies
Theme: Wisdom
Scope: non-historical
Chapters: 31
Major Events: non-historical
Major Characters: non-historical
Christological Significance: Jesus is wisdom (8:12, 22), and the Friend who sticks closer than a brother
(18:24).

Ecclesiastes
Author: Solomon
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 10th century BC
Theme: The Vanity of Man’s Reasoning
Scope: non-historical
Chapters: 12
Major Events: non-historical
Major Characters: The Preacher (Solomon)
Christological Significance: Jesus is Wisdom (9:14-16) and the Creator (12:1).

Song of Solomon
Author: Solomon
To Whom Written: Israel
Date: 10th century BC
Theme: Love
Scope: non-historical
Chapters: 8
Major Events: The courting and marriage of the bridegroom and the bride (1-8)
Major Characters: The Bridegroom (Solomon) and the Bride (Shulamite)
Christological Significance: Jesus is typified by the bridegroom loving his bride (the Church).

Isaiah
Author: Isaiah
To Whom Written: Judah
Date: 745-680 BC
Theme: Israel’s Messiah
Scope: 65 years
Chapters: 66
Major Events: Judgment on the northern and southern kingdoms (1-39); the return and restoration from
Babylon (40-55); the kingdom of the Messiah (56-66).

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Major Characters: Isaiah, Uzziah, and Hezekiah

Christological Significance: Jesus is born of a virgin (7), Israel’s Messiah and coming King (9), and the
Suffering Servant (53).

Jeremiah
Author: Jeremiah
To Whom Written: Judah
Date: 626-580 BC
Theme: Judgment
Scope: From the time of reformation under Josiah to the captivity in Babylon.
Chapters: 52
Major Events: Jeremiah is called (1-10); prophecies against Judah (11-28); the new covenant (29-38);
the fall of Jerusalem (39-52).
Major Characters: Jeremiah
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Balm of Gilead (8:22), the Righteous Branch (23:5), and our
Resting-place (50:6).
Lamentations
Author: Jeremiah
To Whom Written: Judah
Date: 586 BC
Theme: Mourning for Jerusalem
Scope: 3 months (between the capture of Jerusalem and Jeremiah’s kidnapped journey to Egypt)
Chapters: 5
Major Events: Jeremiah mourns for Jerusalem (1); God’s anger against the wicked (2); Jeremiah laments
God’s judgment against His people, but also declares His faithfulness to the righteous (3); the distress of
the siege of Jerusalem (4); Jeremiah’s prayer for mercy (5).
Major Characters: Jeremiah
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Smitten One (3:30).

Ezekiel
Author: Ezekiel
To Whom Written: The Remnant
Date: 592-570 BC
Theme: God’s Judgment and Glory
Scope: 22 years (seven years before to 22 years after the destruction of Jerusalem)
Chapters: 48
Major Events: The fall of Jerusalem (1-24); prophecies against the nations (25-39); the rebuilding of the
temple and Israel’s restoration (40-49).
Major Characters: Ezekiel
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Shepherd (34:23).

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Daniel
Author: Daniel,
To Whom Written: The Remnant
Date: 605-530 BC
Theme: The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms
Scope: 75 years during the time of Judah’s captivity
Chapters: 12
Major Events: Daniel in Babylon (1); Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2); Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
thrown into the fire (3); Nebuchadnezzar’s vision (4); Belteshazaar defiles the Temple vessels (5); Daniel
in the lion’s den (6); Daniels’ vision of world kingdoms (7-12).
Major Characters: Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Stone (2:35,45), the Son of God (3:25), the Ancient of Days
(7:9), the Son of man (7:13), the Prince of princes (8:25), the most Holy (9:24), and the Messiah 9:25).

Hosea
Author: Hosea
To Whom Written: northern kingdom of Israel
Date: 755-714 BC
Theme: God’s Redeeming Love
Scope: 40 years during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah
Chapters: 14
Major Events: Hosea’s faithless wife (1-3); Israel’s faithlessness to God (4-14).
Major Characters: Hosea and Gomer
Christological Significance: Jesus is seen as the Lord, God of Hosts (12:5).

Joel
Author: Joel
To Whom Written: the southern kingdom of Judah
Date: 835-796 BC
Theme: The Day of the Lord
Scope: 38 years
Chapters: 3
Major Events: The destruction and judgment of God like a plague of locusts (1); God calls His people to
repent and return to Him (2-3).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus our Hope (3:16).

Amos
Author: Amos
To Whom Written: the northern kingdom of Israel
Date: 764-755 BC
Theme: Judgment on Sin
Scope: 10 years
Chapters: 9

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Major Events: Judgment against the nations surrounding Israel (1-3); prophecies against Israel (4-8); the
restoration of Israel (9).
Major Characters: non-historical
Christological Significance: Jesus God of hosts (4:13).

Obadiah
Author: Obadiah
To Whom Written: Edom
Date: 586 BC
Theme: Judgment on Edom
Scope: Just after the fall of Jerusalem
Chapters: 1 (21 verses)
Major Events: The fall of Jerusalem (1)
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Lord of the kingdom (vs. 21).

Jonah
Author: Jonah
To Whom Written: Ninevah
Date: 784-722 BC
Theme: God’s Mercy to the Gentiles
Scope: about 50 days
Chapters: 4
Major Events: Jonah, called to Ninevah, flees from the Lord (1); Jonah is swallowed by a great fish (1-
2); Jonah repents and preaches (2-3); Ninevah repents (3); Jonah pouts (4).
Major Characters: Jonah, and the fish.
Christological Significance: Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is seen in the experience of Jonah
being swallowed by the fish.

Micah
Author: Micah
To Whom Written: Israel and Judah
Date: 740-698 BC
Theme: Judgment and Kingdom Hope
Scope: 42 years
Chapters: 7
Major Events: Judgment on the wicked nations (1-5); what God requires (6-7).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (5:2).

Nahum
Author: Nahum,
To Whom Written: Ninevah
Date: 648-620 BC
Theme: The Doom of Ninevah

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Scope: 28 years
Chapters: 3
Major Events: God’s mighty power (1); the destruction of Nineveh (2-3).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Stronghold (1:7).

Habakkuk
Author: Habakkuk
To Whom Written: the southern kingdom of Judah
Date: 625-610 BC
Theme: A Call to Faith
Scope: 15 years
Chapters: 3
Major Events: God uses the Chaldeans to punish Judah (1); God answers Habakkuk’s objections (2);
Habakkuk’s prayer (3).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is the One Who justifies by faith (2:4), and the Lord in His holy
temple (2:20).
Zephaniah
Author: Zephaniah
To Whom Written: the southern kingdom of Judah
Date: 634-625 BC
Theme: The fall of Jerusalem
Scope: 11 years
Chapters: 3
Major Events: The coming judgment on Judah (1); judgments against Judah’s enemies (2); woe and
hope for Israel (3).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is Israel’s king (3:15).

Haggai
Author: Haggai
To Whom Written: The Remnant
Date: 520 BC
Theme: Rebuilding the Temple
Scope: 4 months (between Ezra 4 and 5)
Chapters: 2
Major Events: The temple is rebuilt (1); Haggai encourages the builders (2).
Major Characters: Haggai, Zerubbabel
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Desire of all nations (2:7).

Zechariah
Author: Zechariah
To Whom Written: The Remnant
Date: 520-518 BC

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Theme: Messiah
Scope: 2 years (between Ezra 4 and 5)
Chapters: 14
Major Events: A series of eight visions (1-8); messianic prophecies (9-14).
Major Characters: Messiah
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Branch (3:8, 6:12), the Shepherd (13:7), King of all the earth
(14:9), and the King, the Lord of hosts (14:16).

Malachi
Author: Malachi
To Whom Written: The Remnant
Date: 450-400 BC
Theme: Rebuke for selfishness
Scope: the years after the temple was rebuilt
Chapters: 4
Major Events: God’s love for Jacob (1); discipline for the priests (2); prophecy of the coming of John
the Baptist and God’s judgment on the people because they have robbed God (3); and the coming of
Elijah before the day of the Lord (4).
Major Characters: none
Christological Significance: Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness (4:2).

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew
Author: Matthew (Levi)
To Whom Written: The Jews
Date: AD 50 or 60
Theme: Jesus, the King
Chapters: 28
Major Events: The birth, baptism, temptation, ministry, triumphal entry into Jerusalem, trial, death,
burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer, the call of
the twelve apostles, the parables of the kingdom, the death of John the Baptist, Peter’s confession of faith
in Christ, the Transfiguration, end times prophecies, and the Great Commission.

Mark
Author: Mark
To Whom Written: The Gentiles, Roman citizens
Date: AD 53 to 60
Theme: Jesus, the Servant
Chapters: 16
Major Events: The baptism, temptation, ministry, miracles, transfiguration, triumphal entry into
Jerusalem, trial, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Luke
Author: Luke
To Whom Written: The Greeks
Date: AD 63-68
Theme: Jesus, the Son of Man
Chapters: 24
Major Events: The birth, baptism, temptation, ministry, miracles, teachings, triumphal entry into
Jerusalem, trial, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the
Lord’s Prayer, the call of the twelve apostles, the parables of the kingdom, the birth, ministry, and death
of John the Baptist, Peter’s confession of faith in Christ, the Transfiguration, end times prophecies, and
the Great Commission.

John
Author: John
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 90-100
Theme: Jesus, the Son of God
Chapters: 21
Major Events: The pre-incarnate existence, baptism, temptation, ministry, miracles, trial, death, burial,
and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Last Supper discourse, the High Priestly Prayer of Christ,
the ministry of John the Baptist.
Acts
Author: Luke
To Whom Written: The Church, Theophilis
Date: AD 65
Theme: The Acts of the Holy Spirit
Chapters: 28
Major Events: The Holy Spirit is promised by Jesus, and Judas is replaced by Matthias (1). The Holy
Spirit is poured out on the day of Pentecost (2). The church grows and preaches Christ and the kingdom
of God in Jerusalem (3-4). Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit and are judged, and the apostles
are arrested and released (5). The number of the disciples multiplies (6). Stephen is arrested, presents his
defense, and is stoned (7). Saul leads a persecution against the church and the disciples scatter, and Philip
goes to Samaria and sees great fruit (8). Saul is converted (9). Peter preaches to Cornelius and the
Gentiles are saved (10-11). Herod persecutes the church (12). The Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas on
their first missionary journey (13-14). The elders and leaders meet to discuss the salvation of the Gentiles
(15). Paul continues his ministry in various areas and regions and then is arrested in Jerusalem (16-28).

Romans
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Rome
Date: AD 57
Theme: Justification
Chapters: 16
Summary: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the gospel is the power of God for salvation, and the wrath of
God is against all unrighteousness of men (1-2); all men are guilty before God and justified by faith apart

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from the law (3); Abraham believed God and is the father of all who believe (4); Christ died for the
ungodly (5); those who believe are dead to sin, united with Christ through baptism, and receive the free
gift of God, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (6); there is an on-going conflict between the
flesh and the spirit in those who believe (7); there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death; therefore
nothing can separate us from the love of God (8); the word of faith brings salvation; God has not cast
Israel away (9-11); instructions on how to live a kingdom life (12-16).

1 Corinthians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Corinth
Date: AD 55
Theme: Christian Conduct
Chapters: 16
Summary: Paul showed the wisdom of God in calling and using those who are weak and poor (1); he
describes his reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the work of the Spirit in revealing the truths of God (2); he
rebukes the Corinthians for their division (3-4); he rebukes their immorality (5-11); he gives instructions
for the use of the gifts (12-14); he promotes the importance of the resurrection of Christ (15-16).
2 Corinthians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Corinth
Date: AD 56
Theme: Christian Conduct
Chapters: 13
Summary: Paul defended his apostolic calling and work, especially by describing his suffering for the
sake of the gospel (1-7); he requested the Corinthians to take up an offering for the suffering saints in
Jerusalem and Judea (8-9); he continued to defend his apostolic authority and ministry, again describing
his personal suffering, the presence of a thorn in the flesh for the sake of the abundant revelations given to
him, and a warning that the Corinthians must examine themselves to see whether or not they are in the
faith (10-13).

Galatians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Galatia
Date: AD 55
Theme: Law and Grace
Chapters: 6
Summary: Paul began by sharing his own testimony as to how he received the gospel of the kingdom
which he preached to the Galatians, and delivered a severe and repeated warning that they are not to
receive any other gospel; he related the story of how he rebuked Peter for his hypocrisy concerning his
relationship with the Gentiles in the presence of visiting Jewish brothers (1-2); he then angrily rebuked
the Galatians for abandoning the way of the Spirit to embrace the rabbinic Judaism enforced on them by
misguided messianic disciples of Jesus, showing them the true place of the Law in God’s prophetic
purposes (3); he declared their sonship in Christ through the promise of the Spirit as the seed of Abraham,
and used the allegory of Sarah and Hagar to illustrate the dangers of attempting to embrace both (4); Paul

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then described the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, describing the fruit of the Spirit (5); he closed
with instructions on how to live in the Spirit (6).

Ephesians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Ephesus
Date: AD 61-62
Theme: The Church, Christ’s Body
Chapters: 6
Summary: Paul declared that we were predestined to the adoption of sons through Jesus Christ, having
been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, and that Jesus is above all things, the Head of the
church, which is His body (1); we who were once enemies of God, are saved by grace through faith, and
are no longer aliens but fellow citizens, being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (2); Paul
described his stewardship of the gospel, God’s manifold wisdom, and the expanse of His great love (3);
we are to walk in the unity of the Spirit, being equipped for the work of the ministry through gifted
leaders, putting on the likeness of God (4); we are to be imitators of God, especially in our marriages (5);
finally, we are to engage in spiritual warfare, being equipped with the whole armor of God (6).

Philippians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Philippi
Date: AD 62
Theme: Joy
Chapters: 4
Summary: The apostle, writing from prison, demonstrated joy and faith in the place of suffering (1); we
are to follow the example of Christ, who emptied Himself of all privilege to go to the cross, being exalted
and given a name which is above every name; therefore, we are to work out our own salvation with fear
and trembling (2); knowing all these things, we are to rejoice in the Lord, being partakers of His suffering
and the power of His resurrection, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus (3); again, we are to rejoice in the Lord always, making our requests known to God through
prayer, and thinking on those things that are good; in addition, we must learn to be content in every
situation and circumstance, knowing that our God will supply all our needs according to His riches in
Christ Jesus (4).

Colossians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Colosse
Date: AD 62
Theme: The Pre-eminence of Christ
Chapters: 4
Summary: After thanking the Colossians for their faith, Paul presents a powerful description of the
centrality of Jesus Christ (1); he then gave us instructions as to how we are to live based on Christ being
the supreme fulfillment of all God’s purposes (2) being raised together with Christ, we are to seek those
things above not the things on the earth, letting the word of Christ dwell richly in our hearts; this is to be

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reflected in our marriages, families, and employment (3); Paul closes with an admonishment that we are
to conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, and with some personal words of encouragement and
instruction (4).

First Thessalonians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Thessalonica
Date: AD 52
Theme: The Return of Christ
Chapters: 5
Summary: Paul greeted the Thessalonians with thankfulness for their faith and works, reminding them
that they had turned from idolatry to serve a living and true God (1); he then defended the integrity with
which he came to them to bring them the gospel, not seeking glory from men, but being gentle to them; as
a result, he called them to walk worthy of the God who called them into His kingdom (2); the apostle
informs the Thessalonians of Timothy’s good report concerning their faith and love (3); the Thessalonians
are to remain sexually pure, leading a quiet life, and working with their own hands; those who have died
in Christ will be raised from the dead (4); finally, he instructs them concerning the day of the Lord (5).

Second Thessalonians
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: The Church at Thessalonica
Date: AD 53
Theme: The Day of the Lord
Chapters: 3
Summary: After much discussion among the Thessalonians about the return of Christ, Paul gives them
some comforting words and signs to look for to remove their fear and doubt that the day of the Lord has
already occurred (1-2); he then gives them instructions in how to live in preparation for the coming of the
Lord, avoiding evil men, and not growing weary of doing good (3).

First Timothy
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: Timothy
Date: AD 64-67
Theme: Church Order
Chapters: 6
Summary: After greeting Timothy, Paul issued a severe warning against false teachers and doctrines,
encouraging Timothy to correct such things (1); Paul gave some details to Timothy about proper conduct
in the church, the role of women, and the leadership of elders and deacons (2-4); he then gave instructions
for relationships within the church, discipline, the care of widows, and admonished the wealthy to be
generous (5-6).

Second Timothy
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: Timothy
Date: AD 66-67

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Theme: Holding the Truth

Chapters: 4
Summary: Paul was no longer under house arrest but was incarcerated in a cold prison cell, awaiting
execution. Timothy must present himself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be
ashamed, being a vessel of honor (1-2); the last days will be difficult and dangerous times, with many
learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; Timothy must continue in the things he has
learned, being equipped for every good work through the word of God (3); Paul then gave Timothy some
final instructions and words (4).

Titus
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: Titus
Date: AD 64-66
Theme: Church Order
Chapters: 3
Summary: Paul gives Titus instructions about elders and deacons (1); he has further instructions for
those who are older and those who are younger (2); he concludes with various instructions about godly
living (3).
Philemon
Author: Paul
To Whom Written: Philemon
Date: AD 64-67
Theme: Love Exemplified
Chapters: 1
Summary: Onesimus was a disciple of Paul and an escaped slave. Paul wrote this letter to Onesimus’
master, Philemon to request mercy and forgiveness.

Hebrews
Author: Unknown, probably Paul or Barnabas
To Whom Written: Hebrew believers
Date: AD 66
Theme: The Better Priesthood of Christ
Chapters: 13
Summary: The book of Hebrews was written to show that Jesus Christ was not only the fulfillment of the
Law, but that He was superior to Judaism in every way. Jesus was pre-eminent over angels, Moses, the
Old Testament priesthood, the temple and the Old Testament sacrifices (1-9); in addition, faith is superior
to the Law and to the works of the Old Covenant; without faith it is impossible to please God; Jesus
Himself is the author and perfecter of our faith; Mount Zion (grace) is superior to Mount Sinai (law);
therefore, let us love one another (10-13).

James
Author: James
To Whom Written: Hebrew believers (the 12 tribes scattered, the Diaspora)
Date: AD 45
Theme: Practical Christian Living

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Chapters: 5
Summary: James was the half-brother of Jesus, and his epistle is believed to be the first of the New
Testament writings. James began his letter by encouraging those who were being persecuted for the faith
and others who were facing temptations; he pointed his audience to do works of righteousness, visiting
orphans and widows in distress, and remaining unspotted form the world (1); he addressed the sin of
partiality (favoring the rich over the poor), and showed the perfection of faith in works (2); teachers will
receive a greater judgment; no man can control his tongue; therefore, we must be careful what we speak;
wisdom from above is to be identified by its fruit of purity, peace, gentleness, reasonableness, and mercy;
the wisdom of the world is bitter, selfish, ambitious, sensual, and demonic (3); James gave various
instructions on how to live properly, avoiding the lusts of the flesh, speaking well of one another, and not
presuming on the future (4); he rebuked the misuse of riches with a call to justice and charity for the poor,
imploring believers to be patient in the Lord; if any is sick they should call for the elders of the church,
for the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much, as illustrated in the life of Elijah;
finally, he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a
multitude of sins (5).

First Peter
Author: Peter
To Whom Written: Those who reside as aliens in Asia (the Diaspora)
Date: AD 65
Theme: Suffering and Glory
Chapters: 5
Summary: Peter wrote to encourage his readers who were suffering and to call them to personal holiness.
We have a living hope and sure salvation in Jesus Christ; though we have not seen Him, we believe in
Him and rejoice; therefore, we must prepare our minds for action, having been born again of an
imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God (1); as new born babes, we are to desire
the milk of the word; we are also living stones being built up together as a spiritual house, a chosen race,
a royal priesthood, called according to this purpose - to suffer with Christ (2); Peter then gave instructions
as to the life we should live in our marriages, in the church, and in our communities (3); we must be
willing to suffer for righteousness sake, for the end of all things is near; it is time for judgment to begin
with the household of God (4); admonitions were then given for those who lead the church to do so with
integrity and gentleness (5).

Second Peter
Author: Peter
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 66-67
Theme: Last Days
Chapters: 3
Summary: Peter’s second epistle was written to warn the churches about false teachers who were
challenging the truth of the gospel. He began with the encouragement that through Jesus we have received
everything we need for life and godliness, and are partakers of the divine nature; therefore, we are to
diligently attend to our spiritual growth and maturity; the Scriptures are not of private interpretation, but
have been given by the Holy Spirit (1); false prophets, motivated by greed, have arisen within the church;
God’s judgment will come on them as it did on the angels who fell and those who died in the flood; but

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the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation and judgment (2); the last days will be marked
by mockers, but be aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief; therefore, let us be in holy
conduct, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God (3).

First John
Author: John
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 85-95
Theme: Fellowship
Chapters: 5
Summary: John wrote to combat the heresy of Gnosticism, which taught that Jesus did not have a human
body. He began by declaring that he saw the human body of the Lord Jesus, and that Jesus will forgive
those who confess their sins (1); these are the ways we can know if we are His children – obedience to
His commandments, not loving the world, not practicing sin, being hated by the world, loving one
another, and confessing that Jesus has come in the flesh and is the Son of God (2-5).
Second John
Author: John
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 85-95
Theme: Love and Truth
Chapters: 1
Summary: Again, John is writing to admonish the church to remain in the truths they have been taught,
loving one another, walking according to the commandments, and watching ourselves that we not lose
what we have accomplished.

Third John
Author: John
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 85-95
Theme: Christian Hospitality
Chapters: 1
Summary: John wrote this letter to praise two teachers, Gaius and Demetrius, for walking in the truth.
The churches must receive and support them. Let us not do evil, but good, for the one who does good is
of God.

Jude
Author: Jude
To Whom Written: The Church
Date: AD 67-68
Theme: Contending for the Faith
Chapters: 1
Summary: Jude was the brother of James and the half-brother of Jesus. He wrote this letter to warn the
churches against the dangers of false teachers, calling on them to contend earnestly for the faith. He cited
several who incurred the judgment of God, including the angels who fell, Cain, Balaam, and Korah; he

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also pointed to the faithfulness of Enoch, and warned believers to keep themselves in the love of God,
waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Revelation
Author: John
To Whom Written: Seven Churches of Asia Minor
Date: AD 90-95
Theme: Consummation of All Things
Chapters: 22
Summary: The final book of the Bible was written by the apostle John while he was imprisoned on the
island of Patmos. It was written at the command of the Lord Jesus and concerns the “things which must
soon take place.” John saw a vision of the Lord Jesus and received messages from Him for the seven
churches of Asia (1-3); John is then taken to heaven and sees the throne of God, Jesus as the Lamb slain,
and the judgments of God upon the earth, including the antichrist and false prophet, the fall of Babylon,
and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ with the armies of heaven (4-20); finally, John sees the
consummation of all things, the judgment of all people, the destruction of heaven and earth, and the New
Jerusalem (21-22).

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