Introduction to the Bible

Study 1: The Book of Books

1. WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
• A library of books (66 books, 39 in the Old, 27 in the New)
• Variety of literary styles (narrative, laws, ceremonial instruction, poetry, songs, sermons, prophecy, proverbs, parables, letters)
• Written from 15th C BC to 100 AD - span of 1600 years.
• The Books of the Bible don’t appear in chronological order, rather they have been arranged in a logical order.
• Despite being written over such a vast period of time by so many different authors, the Bible contains a remarkable unity with an
amazing development of common themes.

2. WHAT IS THE BIBLE’S MESSAGE?

• Can be summarized as “God’s gracious actions to reverse the effects of human sin and establish a new creation” OR “The estab-
lishment of the Kingdom of God”
• Climax of this plan is in Jesus Christ.
• Creation -> Fall -> Salvation -> New Creation

3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIVISIONS IN THE BIBLE?

Two basic divisions, Old and New Testaments:

The Old Testament

• Our English bibles follow the break up of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT made in 3rd C BC)
• Historical Books (Genesis through Esther), Mixed Poetry (Job through Song of Songs), Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi)
• The original Hebrew Bible has slightly different divisions:
The Law (Genesis -> Deuteronomy)
Creation, Rebellion, Calling of Abraham to a special relationship with God, Salvation from Egypt, Giving of the law, leading to the
promised land.
The Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings)
History from God’s point of view and demonstrate the importance of prophets (those who speak God’s word).
• These describe the conquest of the land of Canaan in fulfillment of God’s promises.
• The movement to a monarchy and that God’s rule will always be through King’s descended from David (2 Sam 7).
• The split of the kingdom into north (Israel) and south (Judah) due to the people’s rebelliousness.
• The judgement of God comes on the northern tribes through the Assyrian conquest in 722BC.
• The judgement of God comes on the southern Kingdom through the Babylonian conquest and exile from 597 BC. This section
ends wondering whether God’s purposes have been thwarted by human evil.
The Later Prophets (Isaiah -> Malachi)
From just before the exile to the end. They make clear the reason for God’s terrible judgement (Israel’s sin) and that God’s plans
haven’t failed but that He will restore Israel in exodus-like fashion. This restoration is linked to the sending of a King from David’s
line who will rule with perfect righteousness (the messiah). This King will fulfill all of God’s promises - a new creation, a new people,
with new hearts and blessings to all the nations of the earth. God does bring his people back from exile, and the very last prophets
have the task of encouraging the people to trust that God’s plan are being fulfilled although the climax is yet to come.
The Writings (everything else)
A real mixture - mostly either wisdom/poetry or exilic writings (e.g. Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)

Author: Ben Hudson Copyright © 2009 Moore Theological College

The New Testament
“The New Testament claims that the purposes of God revealed in the OT have come to fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus
Christ”.
Gospels
• Show us that Jesus is the Son of God, Son of David and that his life fulfills the OT. With Jesus Christ the time has come, the King-
dom of God is near.
• Focus on his death and resurrection (Luke 24:45-47)
Other Apostolic Writings
Acts is a companion to Luke, shows us how the gospel goes out to the nations, and shows us how the message of Jesus was under-
stood and proclaimed from the beginning.
Paul’s, John’s and Peter’s letters address practical and doctrinal problems facing early churches. They stress that there is still more
to come. Having been raised, Jesus will return.
Revelation gives us a picture of the glorified Jesus. It encourages Christians to keep living for Jesus as they await His return.

4. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE CLAIM ABOUT ITSELF?

OT writers claim to be God’s spokesmen, mighty acts of God confirm this. Jesus held the OT to be inspired by God and used it with
authority. NT is quickly recognized to have the same status. Amazing unity of the whole bible testifies to its claim as revelation from
God. it has a unique authority, it is the living and active word of God. God’s chosen means for revealing his character and will to
people in every age. It must be our final authority and take a central place in our ministry (2 Tim 3:16).

Copyright © 2009 Moore Theological College