The Holy Bible The Pentateuch History Poetry & Wisdom The Prophets History The Letters The Apocalypse Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1&2 Samuel 1&2 Kings 1&2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1&2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1&2 Thessalonians 1&2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1&2 Peter 1,2&3 John Jude Revelation     Overview of the Books of the Bible OLD TESTAMENT     NEW TESTAMENT

Summary – Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch. It is a historical book, whose name refers to the two censuses which were taken to number the people. However, it was known to the Jewish people as "In the Wilderness", because it primarily tells of the rebellion of the Israelites in the desert where they wandered after the Exodus from their slavery in Egypt. Because of this rebellion, only 2 men of the adults leaving Egypt were to enter into the land of Canaan promised to Abraham in Genesis. The rest died in the desert. The book covers a 38 year period.

Summary – The book of Ruth is dated to the period of the Judges. It shows that in a time of national decline and immorality, God preserved a remnant who could serve as the core for a future revival. This would be accomplished in Ruth’s descendant, David, from whom the Messiah would come. It is thought that the book was written after the period of the Judges and describes customs of that time period.

Summary – 1 Samuel is the first of two historical books which describe Israel’s transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a strong and united nation. It portrays the anointing of the first king of Israel, Saul, by a great prophet, Samuel. It recounts the degenerating reign of Saul and the succession to his throne of David, a man "after God’s own heart". In the original Hebrew text, the books of Samuel were considered one book by the Hebrew scribes. The second book begins with the ascension of David to the throne. The rest of the book records the eventful reign of David. It concludes with the blessing of Solomon by David.

Summary – In the original Jewish texts, these books were regarded as one book. The two books contain the history of the Jewish monarchy from the death of David (around 970 B.C.) to the Babylonian exile (586 B.C.). They trace the division of the Jewish nation into the Kingdom of Judah in the south and the Kingdom of Israel in the north. 1 & 2 Kings record Israel’s history from a religious, rather than a civil, viewpoint. As such, they record the religious progress of the nation and show the various steps in the moral growth and decay of the kingdom. 1 Kings opens with Israel in its glory, and 2 Kings closes with Israel in ruins. The purpose of the Book of Kings is to record the lives and characters of the nation’s leaders as a warning and exhortation to all subsequent generations of believers.

Summary – Like the Books of Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles were originally one book, according to Jewish tradition. However, the Chronicles are not simply a repeat of the history already recorded in the books of Samuel and Kings. The book of Chronicles was written to remind the nation of their entire history, and of their position among other nations, emphasizing the history of priestly worship from the death of Saul to the end of the Babylonian captivity. The Chronicles contain more detail on the organization of public worship, of religious ceremonies, of Levites and singers, and of the relationship of kings to the worship of God, than does the book of Kings. The history of the northern kingdom is omitted from the Chronicles because the northern kingdom had no bearing on the development of the true worship of God in Jerusalem.

Summary – In general, Ezra covers the events of the Jews returning from the Babylonian captivity. The decline of Babylon and its eventual overthrow by the Persians enable the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The Jews are numbered and are allowed to return to Judah to rebuild the Temple. Samaritan assistance is rejected and their opposition is a contributing factor to the slow progress of the Temple construction. Despite the delays, the Temple is completed and dedicated to God during this period.

Summary – The book of Nehemiah begins with Nehemiah returning from Babylon as Governor of Jerusalem appointed by Artaxerxes king of Persia. He plans and oversees the rebuilding of the city walls despite the discouraging opposition and disunity within the Jewish population. The wall is completed and more exiles are returned and registered as Jewish citizens. Nehemiah’s dedication to God drives him to make several religious reforms. A public reading of the Law and arrangements for worship are among these reformations.

Summary – Esther is an historical book, written during the period of the captivity. It records the plot of Haman, the prime minister to the Persian king, to exterminate the Jewish race. This plot is foiled by Esther, the queen of Persia, who was a Jewess. This book gives us the origin of the Feast of Purim, which celebrates God’s goodness in delivering the Jews from Haman.

Summary – Job is the first poetic book of the Old Testament. The book reads like a play. It relates the anguish of the righteous man Job as he and his friends struggle to explain the affliction which has befallen him and has stripped him of his wealth, his family, and his health. The dialogue continues between Job and his friends as each presents his opinion on the reasons behind such troubles. God eventually intervenes and Job is restored to health and prosperity after he submits to God’s supremacy.

Summary – The Psalms are divided into five sections, each according to a specific classification. The Psalms are a form of Hebrew poetry, many of which were accompanied by music. The content of the Psalms includes prophecy of Christ, praise to God, and visions of the future Kingdom of God and its glory. David is named as author of approximately half of the Psalms. A handful of other men are responsible for about fifteen, while the remainders are unnamed.

Summary – In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is the attitude which puts God first as man’s rightful guide and master. The book does not hesitate to link good and bad with reward and penalty. Much can be learned by testing personal conduct against the positive and negative standards and warnings as recorded in the Proverbs. Throughout the book, the view is presented that all men fall into two basic classes. Both are known by their habits, their deeds, their "fruits", their chosen "ways" in life, and their fitting ends. They are either with God or without Him, good or evil, or wise or foolish. There is even a mutual tension between the two classes, the two ways of life, which shows up in every aspect of life.

Summary – The name Ecclesiastes comes from the root meaning "to assemble together". As such, the book forms a collection of many wise sayings and proverbs of Solomon. The book is mainly composed of observations of life. Solomon, having lived a full life with all its pleasures, concludes that life is "vanity". "Vanity" in Ecclesiastes, and elsewhere in Scripture, does not mean foolish pride, but the emptiness of life apart from God. It means "that which soon vanishes away". What better man to speak about life than a man who was given all it had to offer. Without God, life would be meaningless, and all his worldly possessions would amount to nothing. Therefore, the conclusion of his studies states that man should love and fear God and obey His commandments.

Summary – It consists of speeches in Hebrew poetry. It depicts the beauty and pure love between a man and a woman which develops into a mature undying relationship. Some believe that it shows the relationship between Christ and his bride, the body of believers, which will be consummated at his return. The basic message is the purity and sacredness of love. There are various interpretations, we will give just one.

Summary – Obadiah’s name means "servant of Yahweh" ("Yahweh" is the Hebrew name of God). Obadiah was a prophet who pronounced judgment upon the nation of Edom for its antagonism against Israel. Edom is the nation that descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, who had his name changed to Israel. Edom was to be punished for the violence against Israel they committed when invading the land.

Summary – The book is concerned with the commission of Jonah to warn the city of Nineveh (capital of Assyria) to repent and obey God’s commandments so that they might avoid destruction. Jonah is reluctant to preach this message and is therefore swallowed by a great fish. He remains in the belly of the fish for three days. Upon his release, he preaches the message to the people of Nineveh, who believe his message, repent of their sins and are spared by God.

Summary – Micah, who was contemporary with Isaiah, was to the southern kingdom of Judah what Amos was previously to the northern kingdom of Israel. Both were fierce critics of the rich and powerful who exploited the poor. Though Micah’s prophecies refer especially to Judah, they concern all of Israel. Micah’s leading ideas are the regeneration of Israel’s remnant through judgment, the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the line of David, and the conversion of the nations through that Kingdom. The conclusion of his prophecy is a triumphant expression of faith, which is seen in its true quality against the background of the materialism and the corruption of the reign of Ahaz.

Summary – The book of Nahum was written approximately 140 years after the recorded events in the book of Jonah. During that period of time, Nineveh had turned from its repentant attitude and had taken the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity. Whereas Jonah gives a message of mercy and repentance, Nahum gives an indictment of doom upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. They, who were once used as God’s tool against the people of Israel and Jerusalem, will now be destroyed because of their great wickedness.

Summary – The book begins with Habakkuk complaining of injustice in Judah and with his inability to understand God’s failure to judge the wicked and morally deprived nation of Babylon. Habakkuk is shown that God’s people must continue to trust in His mercy regardless of the circumstances about them. The wicked appear to prosper while the righteous are chastened. However, this prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. God will not abandon those who obey and follow His commandments – "the just shall live by faith" (Cp. Psalm 73).

Summary – Zephaniah was contemporary with Jeremiah. He prophesied during King Josiah’s reign, which was responsible for a great religious reformation. This followed the wicked reigns of Kings Manasseh and Amon, who led the nation into various forms of idolatry. Zephaniah pronounces inescapable judgments against Jerusalem for their sins, and exhorts national repentance. He further speaks of the "day of the LORD", when God will intervene to judge sin.

Summary – Haggai speaks to the few Jews who have returned to Judah from the captivity in Babylon. He exhorts them to "consider their ways" and to complete the Temple as its foundation had been laid eighteen years before. The people responded, and the Temple was completed in 516 B.C. Haggai further pronounces that pagan empires will be overthrown by God, and Judah will be elevated during the time of the Messiah.

Summary – Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai. He also encouraged the people to rebuild the Temple. Like Daniel and Revelation, this book contains visions symbolizing future events. It contains detailed references to the coming Messiah. The book concludes with descriptions of the enemies of Jerusalem being judged and of the future glory of God’s Kingdom.

Summary – Matthew’s Gospel is aimed at a Jewish audience. Its purpose is to witness that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Matthew emphasizes the words of the Lord regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This was done to counterbalance the popular Jewish belief of the day that the Messiah would be a militant leader who would overthrow the current Roman occupation and re–establish the throne of David.

Summary – The book of Mark describes in detail Jewish customs and is therefore thought to be aimed at a non–Jewish audience (in particular, Romans). Mark describes in very life–like terms the miracles of Jesus, and great detail is given of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is thought that Mark was the first of the four Gospels, probably written between 65 and 70 A.D. It is thought that the book was taken by dictation from the Apostle Peter, because some events contained in the book are unique to Peter.

Summary – The book of Luke gives us the most complete look at the life of Jesus. Luke uses eyewitnesses as sources for his writings. He stresses Jesus’ humanity (since Luke was a doctor himself) and compassion as well as the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer.

Summary – The book of John was written in order that men may believe that Jesus is the Son of God and consequently the Redeemer of all who believe in him and the things concerning the Kingdom of God. John cites eight signs to establish and prove this point, culminating in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. John is the only one of the four Gospels that does not cite any parables; instead John emphasizes Jesus as the manifestation of God.

Summary – Acts records the foundation and activities of the first–century church. It illustrates the struggles and problems that they faced as well as the solutions to overcome the problems. It describes the power that was given to a select number of men by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to promote the Gospel. The book also traces the missionary journeys of Paul as he helped form churches throughout Asia Minor, southeastern Europe and Rome.

Summary – Paul was instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ to be a minister to the Gentile people. He begins the letter by showing how all men are sinners in the eyes of God and therefore worthy of death. However, Paul explains that Jesus Christ was the "last Adam" in whom no sin was found, and is able to provide an acceptable covering for men’s sin if they agree that God is always right, accepting all that Jesus said and follow after him in their own lives. With this in mind, Paul explains the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles and the final outcome of all things when the Lord Jesus returns to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God.

Summary – Written to the church at Corinth by the Apostle Paul. He deals with a series of problems and false teachings that were present in the newly formed church. Most members were from an immoral pagan background and were encouraged to change their way of life. There were also problems with those who tried to "blend" the teachings of Christ with the Law of Moses.

Summary – The letter to the churches in Galatia focuses on the divisions that Jewish Christians were causing among new Gentile converts. These Judaisers were trying to convince the Gentiles that first, Paul’s authority was given by men and not by God, and secondly, that they needed to be circumcised and to keep the ritual law in order to be saved. Paul argues that both Jew and Gentile alike enjoy in Christ complete salvation. Through Christ they can be justified, that is, reckoned right with God, by association with the Promises made to Abraham. Reliance on the Law would only lead to death, and could not produce life–giving freedom, as only Christ could grant that freedom. Paul was showing that all legalistic variations of the Gospel are perversions of it and should be shown as such.

Summary – The letter is divided into two sections. The first outlines the blessings and spiritual riches in Christ. The second the walk in imitation of Christ. The letter illustrates the abundance of spiritual riches that Christ himself received, namely grace, glory, mercy, immortality, and was written to foster the development of Christ–like behavior. By doing so, the believer would learn to walk worthy of his vocation; not as Gentiles which know not God, but as children of light who show forth love and walk correctly in all aspects of life and action until the return of the Lord Jesus. It is thought that this letter was one of several letters which were circulated to the different churches in Asia and that it was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28 v 30).

Summary – The tone of this letter is more personal in nature than any other letter. Paul outlines his own beliefs and states that all believers must not be self–centered in their lives, but must look to Christ for an example of self–sacrifice and unity in purpose. He further contrasts enemies of the cross with those who are friends of the Lord Jesus and the cross. It is thought that Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison.

Paul states that these are ideas based on human tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority, and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.

Summary – The main focus in these letters is the state of the dead in Christ. It deals with their resurrection and the future Kingdom of God. Paul appears to have written these letters because of the large number of newly baptized believers in Thessalonica. He was forced out of the city by jealous Jews. The occurrence of "you know" in the letters indicates that Paul had begun to teach them but was interrupted and therefore wishes to solidify the subject matter. Further encouragement is given in the second letter regarding the punishment of those wicked men who were persecuting them.

Key Verses – "And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ... when he comes, in that day, to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who believe"
2Thessalonians 1 v 7 to 10

Summary – Paul gives Timothy encouragement and reminds him of the work at hand. He reveals his fears to Timothy of the dangers within the church and gives advice for the godly conduct of all individuals. The two letters to Timothy, along with that to Titus are often called the Pastoral letters, because they were addressed to pastors, or leaders, of churches and not to the churches themselves.

Summary – This letter was written by Paul from Nicopolis to Titus who was teaching the churches on the island of Crete. The letter provides Titus with instruction and advice for his conduct as well as guidance for dealing with the believers in Crete.

Summary – Paul writes to Philemon whose slave, Onesimus, had run away to Rome, where he met Paul and became a Christian. Paul sends him back to his rightful owner with his personal letter of recommendation to accept him back with love and charity.

Summary – This letter persuasively presents the distinctiveness of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The letter is primarily written to Jewish Christians who were wavering between Judaism and Christianity. Its primary message was to prove that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy and symbol. With Christ as the fulfillment, there was no longer a need to offer the animal sacrifices, etc., required under the Mosaic Law. Christ is the High Priest and mediator of all believers in all ages who look for the salvation of God.

Summary – This letter was written to Christians in Asia Minor to help establish a joyful hope in the face of coming persecution. Peter sternly warns that persecution would come and that each individual must stand fast against it.