The Bible A General Overview

The Bible Bible (books) “ ta biblia ” (Latin) Byblos – Greek city (Lebanon) – papyrus – for messages & documents. Jerome – Bible – Vulgate (Latin) “ common ” also – Scriptures (Latin) also – Testament – witness, testimony, covenant Inspired by God – divine origin & revelation Written by human authors – royalty, priests, prophets, shepherds, fishermen, tax collector, etc.

The Bible Interpreting the Bible – know the type of literature and literary forms in which to properly interpret the Bible. Every word – literal in a sense & meaning, but the words may also be used symbolically. “ salt of the earth ” Jesus “ I am the Bread of life ” “ struck on one cheek,turn the other cheek = forgiveness “ remove plank in your eye before removing speck in another ’ s eye ” (humor)

The Bible While the Bible is not a history book per se, it is historical. Bible developed from spoken (non written) traditions, such as stories with facts & meanings, to the written record of such traditions. Possible earliest date for Writings in the Torah or Pentateuch (OT) – 1250 BC to Book of Revelation (NT) 98 – 100 AD Chapters arranged in 1227; Verses in Canon (list) authoritative writings of OT & NT.

The Bible Inspiration – God ’ s influence & direction upon/thro individual author ’ s personality. Inerrancy – without error in meaning and content, as it pertains to the original manuscripts. Interpretation - faithful rendering of the literary and theological meaning of the Scriptures (RC) & (GO) literal interpretation of the Eucharist take/eat – blood and body of Christ (P) – a symbolic interpretation of the Lord ’ s Supper Versions of the Bible – KJV, NIV, RSV, Jerusalem, etc.

Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Books Pentateuch (Torah, Law) Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Major Themes – Creation, Calling of Israel as God ’ s people (ambassadors) to the world, its early history, involving Exodus from Egypt The giving of the Law to Moses and its implications for the Israelites

Books of the Old Testament Historical Books Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther Entry into Promised Land, judges, then kings ruling over Israel, Davidic monarchy, divided monarchy, conquest by foreign nations, exiles, then return from exile

Prophets Major Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah (Lamentations), Ezekiel and Daniel Minor Prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Arrangement – Historical order

Old Testament Writings Book of OT Writings Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon How to achieve wisdom (right knowledge) and how to live wisely.

New Testament Writings Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Life, ministry, message of Jesus Christ History of Early Christianity Acts (of the Apostles) Apostle Paul ’ s Writings Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon Focus on Christian truths & faithful lifestyle

New Testament Writings (cont.) General (catholic – universal) writings Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude - doctrine and lifestyle Apocalyptic writing Book of Revelation

Outline of Old Testament Books Pentateuch – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Historical Books Joshua, Judges, Ruth 1,2 Samuel; 1,2 Kings; 1,2 Chronicles Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Major Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah (Lamentations), Ezekiel, Daniel Minor Prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Zechariah, Haggai, Malachi Writings Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Outline of New Testament Writings Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John History Acts of the Apostles Apostle Paul ’ s Letters Romans; 1,2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians; 1,2 Thessalonians, 1,2 Timothy, Titus General Letters Hebrews, James, 1, 2 Peter, 1,2,3 John, Jude Apocalyptic Literature Book of Revelation