The Books of the Bible

PENTATEUCH (THE LAW) The Pentateuch includes the first five books of the Bible Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy These books are often called “the Law,” but in addition to legal materials they include poems, songs, and epic narratives about the people of God. The Hebrew term used for these books is “Torah,” which means “instruction.” These books have sometimes been called the five books of Moses, although most modern scholars think that the Pentateuch includes materials that were written down by various people over a period of centuries. The Pentateuch tells a story that extends from the Creation (Genesis 1) to the time when the people of Israel are encamped on the edge of the promised land (Deuteronomy 34)

GENESIS Stories of the creation, sin's entry into the world, and God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. “In the beginning God created Heavens and Earth “ Genesis 1:1 

EXODUS Recounts the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai, and the building of the tabernacle. “The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still “ (Exodus 14:14)

LEVITICUS A book of law codes primarily concerned with priestly practices, including instructions for sacrifices and distinguishing between clean and unclean “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” - Leviticus 26:12

NUMBERS Tells the story of Israel's wilderness wandering, including Korah's rebellion, Balaam's blessing, and the encampment at the edge of Canaan Numbers 6:22-26New International Version (NIV) The Priestly Blessing 22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

DEUTERONOMY Deuteronomy is set at the end of Israel's wandering through the desert.  As the Israelites encamp east of the Jordan River, Moses gives them instructions concerning life in the land that they are about to enter “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” Deuteronomy 6:5

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS

JOSHUA

JUDGES

RUTH

SAMUEL 1

SAMUEL 2

KINGS 1

KINGS 2

CHRONICLES 1

CHRONICLES 2

EZRA

NEHEMIAH

ESTHER

Psalms & Writings

JOB

PSALMS

PROVERBS

ECCLESIASTES

SONG OF SOLOMON

PROPHETS (MAJOR)

ISAIAH

JEREMIAH

LAMENTATIONS

EZEKIEL

DANIEL

PROPHETS (MINOR)

HOSEA

JOEL

AMOS

OBADIAH

JONAH

MICAH

NAHUM

HABAKKUK

ZEPHANIAH

HAGGAI

ZECHARIAH

MALACHI

GOSPELS The first four books of the New Testament, which narrate the story of Jesus The four gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word “gospel” (euangelion in Greek) means “good news.”  The New Testament gospels tell the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and proclaim the good news of God's victory over the powers of sin and death. Although the four gospels all tell the story of Jesus, each does so in a distinctive way, emphasizing particular aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the “synoptic” gospels. The term “synoptic” is based on a Greek word meaning “common view.” These three gospels recount many of the same miracles and similar sayings and parables. The gospel of John relates many miracles and encounters that are not found in the other gospels, and instead of parables it contains long discourses about Jesus’ identity.

MATTHEW

MARK

LUKE

JOHN

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH The book of Acts narrates the story of the early church. The book of Acts is a unique book in the New Testament. It is the second volume written by the author of Luke’s gospel, and it shows how the work of Jesus continues in the activities of early Christians. Like the historical narratives in the Old Testament, the book of Acts recounts the story of God’s people with an eye to its theological implications

ACTS

LETTERS The thirteen letters attributed to the apostle Paul (Romans - Philemon)   Paul was one of the most important early Christian missionaries. The story of his work and travels is told in the book of Acts. During his travels Paul wrote letters or “epistles” to various congregations and individuals. These letters are the oldest extant Christian writings. Thirteen letters are attributed to Paul: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. The epistles are similar in form. They regularly begin by identifying the sender and recipients, and extending greetings. This is often followed by a thanksgiving and prayer. The body of each letter deals with specific issues that confront the congregation or person to whom Paul is writing. Personal remarks and greetings appear at the conclusion of the letters. Although all of these works bear Paul’s name, some question whether Paul wrote Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians and the three “Pastoral Epistles” 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.

ROMANS

1 CORINTHIANS

2 CORINTHIANS

GALATIANS

EPHESIANS

PHILIPPIANS

COLOSSIANS

1 THESSALONIANS

2 THESSALONIANS

1 TIMOTHY

2 TIMOTHY

TITUS

PHILEMON

General Epistles & Revelation The letters that appear after the Pauline epistles in the New Testament were written by different people in differing styles. Hebrews is an early Christian sermon whose author is unknown. The books of James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude are sometimes called the “General” or “Catholic Epistles” since some of them are addressed to a broad readership rather than to specific congregations. The book of  Revelation is sometimes placed in a category by itself because of its distinctive writing style, but it is actually a letter that was addressed to seven congregations in Asia Minor.

HEBREWS

JAMES

1 PETER

2 PETER

1 JOHN

2 JOHN

3 JOHN

JUDE

REVELATION The book of Revelation is actually a letter. Written by a Christian leader named John who had been exiled to the island of Patmos, it was sent to seven congregations in Asia Minor (1). The book begins by describing conditions in each of the seven churches. Some were challenged by persecution, others by complacency, and still others by teachings that approved of eating meat offered to idols and practicing immorality. Then presents readers with a scene in which the heavenly hosts worship God on the throne and Christ the Lamb who was slain (4-5). The book does not provide a linear description of the end times, but presents several cycles of visions that warn about coming tribulations. The adversaries of God's people are depicted as a Beast and a Harolot, who are finally destroyed. At the end of each cycle the readers return to the heavenly throne room (7:9-17; 11:15-19; 15:2- 4; 19:1-8). The final chapters culminate in the new Jerusalem, the city of God (21:1-22:5). Through its warnings and promises the book seeks to bring readers to renewed faith in God and the Lamb, who are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (1:8; 22:13).