MODULE 2 - THE DIVISIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
All people talk about the Bible, but very few know that in the construction of the Bible you can
see the conscious work of God. There is no random arrangement of books, but each individual
book of the Bible has its particular place and meaning. The Bible is only one book worldwide
that offers such a variety and is not comparable with any other book. You will now receive
amazing information about the structure of the Bible which every person on earth should know.
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the divisions of the Scriptures;
2. Differentiate the divisions of the Scriptures; and
3. Familiarize the parts of the Scriptures (verses and chapters).

Definition of Key Terms: (Meriam Webster Dictionary)

TERM: DEFINITION:
TESTAMENTS a. either of the two main the divisions of the
Bible;
b. a covenant between God and human race
VERSES one of the short divisions into which a chapter
of the Bible is traditionally divided
CHAPTER the several books of the Old and New
Testaments were from an early time divided
into chapters

Discussion:
Testament is an old English word that means, “covenant,” or “agreement between two parties.” It
was derived from the Latin testamentum. This term was used to translate the Greek and Hebrew words
for covenant; berit in Hebrew and diatheke in Greek. Hence the Old and New Covenants became the
Old and New Testaments. This is the ancient meaning of the term.

I. DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE

The Bible is sub divided into two major Sections known as the
Testaments;
The Old and the New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, the New is CONCEALED;

In the New Testament, the Old is REVEALED.

Of the 66 books that make up the Bible, the Old Testament consists of 39
while the New Testament consists of 27 books.

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 THE BIBLE

OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

TOTAL OF 66 BOOKS IN THE BIBLE

made up of 39 books made up of 27 books

written before Jesus written after Jesus

was born was born

SAQ # 1 :In a paragraph form, compare and contrast the two divisions of the Bible. (5 pts)

II. CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

Below is a simple classification of the Bible Books:

THE OLD TESTAMENT

Genesis Pentateuch These are the Books of the
Exodus Law, also known as The
Leviticus Pentateuch. They are the
Numbers first five books of the Bible
Deuteronomy and of the Old Testament
popularly referred to as the
Books of Moses.
Joshua Historical Books These are the books
Judges containing a detailed History
Ruth of Israel
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

Job. Poetry Books These are also known as the

Psalms Books of Everyday Wisdom
Proverbs or The Writings.
Ecclesiastes

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 Songs of Solomon

Isaiah Books of the Prophets: These books are written by

Jeremiah Major Prophets prophets and are subdivided
Lamentations into two.
Ezekiel
Daniel

Hosea Books of the Prophets:

Joel Minor Prophets
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi

SAQ # 2: Enumerate the different sub-divisions of the Bible in the OLD TESTAMENT. (5 pts)

THE NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew The Gospel Consisting of four books,
Mark named after the writers who
Luke had been with Jesus.
John

Acts Historical Book History of the Christian (New

Testament) Church, also
known as the Acts of the
Holy Spirit.

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 Romans The Epistles: Letters written by Paul the
1 Corinthians Paul’s Epistles Apostle to specified
2 Corinthians Churches.
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews The Epistles: Letters written to Christians
James General Epistles generally.
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude

Revelation Prophecy This book refers to an unveiling

or a disclosure of something as
yet unknown. This title is
certainly appropriate for the
book, a work so interested in
making known the events of the
future.

SAQ # 3: Enumerate the different sub-divisions of the Bible in the NEW TESTAMENT. (5 pts)

Summary:

OLD TESTAMENT Pentateuch

(39 Books) Historical Books
Poetry Books
Major Prophets
BIBLE Minor Prophets
(66 books) NEW TESTAMENT The Gospel
(27 Books) Historical Book
Paul’s Epistles
General Epistles
Prophecy

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Reference:
https://biblewithann.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/divisions-classifications-of-bible-books/
Books & Divisons of the Bible.doc - http://www.cavecitycoc.org/filerequest/1461

Evaluation:

Direction: How well do you know the divisions of the bible? Knowing these divisions help in bible studies
as it makes you aware of the overall focus of the writer. Read the questions below and choose the book
or division that completes the statement then write the corresponding letter before the statement.

STATEMENTS: ANSWERS:
1. The book of Revelation is the only book that can be A. ACTS
found under this New Testament division.
2. The second division of the Old Testament is? B. ECCLESIATES
3. The book of James can be found in this division. C. LUKE
4. The Gospel contains these 4 books: Matthew, Mark, D. PAUL’S EPISTLES
___________ and John.
5. Leviticus can be found in this Old Testament division. E. PENTATEUCH
6. The New Testament division of Church History F. HISTORICAL BOOKS
contains this book.
7. Ephesians is found under this division. G. POETRY BOOKS
8. It belongs to the division of poetry in the Old H. MAJOR PROPHETS
Testament.
9. The story of Job can be found in this Old Testament I. PROPHECY
division.
10. The Old Testament contains Major and Minor J. GENERAL EPISTLES
Prophet divisions. Ezekiel can be found in one of these.