Learn the basic structure of God’s word from this brief Bible overview. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. The first 39 books form the Old Testament, which was written before Jesus came to earth. The last 27 books form the New Testament, written during the lifespan of Christ’s followers in the 1st century A.D.
All of scripture is inspired by God, and His Spirit guided forty writers who wrote at various times, over a period of 2000 years.
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Bible was originally written in three languages. The majority of the Old Testament was in Hebrew, with a small portion written in Aramaic. All of the New Testament was in Greek.
References to the Bible are usually in the format of “Book Chapter: Verses”. For example, Psalm 23:1-3 refers to the book of Psalm, Chapter 23, verses 1 to 3.
Brief Bible Overview: Old Testament
1. Genesis to Deuteronomy: Law of Moses (Torah)
The first five books, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, describe the beginning of humanity and how God gave a set of laws to the Jewish people, the Israelites.
Genesis – God created the heavens and the earth. He created the first man and woman, and placed them in a garden called Eden. God’s creation was good until the couple rebelled against God, so sin came into humanity. Sin separated people from God. All creation became corrupted due to sin, which led to sickness and death. God selected a faithful man named Abraham to be the father of His chosen people. Abraham had a son named Isaac. Isaac had a son named Jacob. Jacob had 12 sons who became the fathers of twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob’s family moved to Egypt to escape a famine.
Exodus – Jacob’s family grew numerous in Egypt. Jacob’s descendants became known as the Israelites, the Jewish people. But Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, and forced them to do hard labor. God raised a servant named Moses to deliver the Israelites from their bondage. God performed many miracles before the Egyptians, but Pharoah would not let the people go free until 10 plagues came upon Egypt. Finally, he let the people go. So the Israelites went out of Egypt, and were led by God in the wilderness to go to a place promised to them by God. God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments and other laws.
Leviticus – God gave the Israelites His statutes and ordinances for them to observe. These included laws on how to offer sacrifices to God and how to consecrate Levitical priests (priests from the tribe of Levi). God instructed the Jewish people to distinguish between what was clean and unclean, and to stay away from idolatry and immorality.
Numbers – God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a cloud that covered them from the heat of the sun by day, and a pillar of fire that illumined them at night. Israel camped in various places in the wilderness and wandered about for forty years, because they rebelled against God in the wilderness. They worshipped idols, and for fear of men, refused to fight and possess the Promised Land when God instructed them to do so. The people grumbled against God and His servants (Moses and Aaron) many times. The Lord swore He would only take the children of that generation into the Promised Land, with a couple of adults who remained faithful to Him. The rest of the people died in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy – This is a recap of Israel’s history after their Exodus from Egypt. Israel was urged to obey God’s law. God promised to bless them if they obey. And God warned them what would happen if they disobey. Some of the laws given earlier are repeated in this book. These include God’s commandments to avoid idolatry, Jewish laws on clean and unclean animals, instructions on how to celebrate holy festivals, and instructions on how to administer justice. Moses blessed the people, and commissioned a man named Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. God took Moses onto a mountain and showed him the land from afar. Moses himself died on the mountain and God personally buried him.
2. Joshua to Esther: History of Judges and Kings
The next set of books, from Joshua to Esther, chronicle a history of Israel’s judges and kings, and Israel’s captivity and release.
Joshua – Joshua, whose name means “God is salvation”, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Israelites fought many battles against the peoples already living there. These peoples were disobedient to God and lived in numerous sins (Genesis 15:13-16, Deuteronomy 20:17-18). So God judged them by warring against them. He brought His own chosen people to live in the land in their stead. The Israelites conquered the land and divided it among their twelve tribes so that each tribe had an inheritance. The nation of Israel was established.
Judges – Israel did not drive out all the foreigners from the land, but let some of them stay among them. These peoples became a snare to the Israelites and enticed them to worship other gods. So Israel became disobedient to God after Joshua died. Due to their disobedience, God punished Israel by raising up other nations to fight against them. However, when Israelites repented of their sins and cried out to God for help, God raised up judges to deliver them from their enemies. This book contains a history of all the judges, including those of Deborah (a wise woman), Gideon (who asked God for a sign of a fleece of wool), Jephthah (who made a tragic vow), and Samson (the strongest man on earth). During this time, everyone did what seemed right in his own eyes. Most people fell back to their sins.
Ruth – During the time the judges governed, there was a famine. A man from Israel went to live in the land of Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons. In Moab, the sons took wives for themselves, Orpah and Ruth. During the ten years they lived there, however, the man and his two sons died. Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to go back to their families. Orpah went back to her family, but Ruth stayed with Naomi. Ruth and Naomi travelled back to Israel. Ruth was extraordinary faithful to Naomi, and she embraced Naomi’s God and people as her own. God blessed Ruth, and she married a man named Boaz. They had a son called Obed, who became the father of Jesse. Jesse became the father of King David.
1 Samuel – Samuel was the last judge of Israel before the Israelites demanded a king. They wanted a king to rule over them in order to be like other nations. So God gave them the first king, a man named Saul. But Saul became disobedient to God, so God raised up another man, David, to replace him. David was a shepherd when God called him. And He taught him to fight. David battled Goliath, a giant, and won. As David’s fame grew, Saul became jealous of him. Saul tried to kill David. So David fled from Saul and lived in the wilderness for many years. Saul and his sons died in battle while fighting against the Philistines.
2 Samuel – David became king over Israel. He was a good king, a man after God’s own heart. However, he also had weaknesses. He committed adultery with a woman named Bathsheba. One of David’s own sons, Absalom, rebelled against David. But the rebellion was unsuccessful and Absalom died. Later in life, David took a census of the people of Israel out of pride. God sent a plague as punishment. With God’s help, David defended Israel against its enemies. He collected raw materials for his son Solomon to build a temple of God in Jerusalem.
1 & 2 Kings – David’s son Solomon became king in his father’s place. Solomon was a very wise man. He made Israel rich, and he built the temple in Jerusalem. After the temple was dedicated, the Spirit of God dwelled in it. Like his father David, Solomon also had weaknesses. He had many wives who enticed him into committing idolatry. During the reign of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, the kingdom of Israel divided into northern and southern parts. The north consisted of ten Israelite tribes, and became later known as Samaria. The south became known as Judah, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Each region had its own kings. The acts of Israel’s kings and the acts of some of the prophets (like Elijah and Elisha) are recorded in these books. The Lord allowed Israel’s enemies to invade them, because of Israel’s continued disobedience against God. After many warnings to a people who refused to listen, the Spirit of God left the temple in Jerusalem. Assyrians captured Samaria and took people captive. Babylonians took Judah captive, and exiled the rest of the people to Babylon.
1 & 2 Chronicles – These books begin with genealogies (including those of Abraham, tribes of Israel, family of David, and the priestly line). The construction of the temple of God is described. Israel’s history during the time of the kings is also chronicled. Due to sins of idolatry and immorality, Israel was led away into captivity. The temple was destroyed. After about 70 years, a king of Persia allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland.
Ezra – Cyrus, king of Persia, issued an edict allowing the captives to return to their homeland. The temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt. Ezra the priest taught the surviving Israelites the word of God. Mixed marriages were condemned, because foreigners tempted the Israelites to commit idolatry again.
Nehemiah – Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, went back to Israel to help rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in perilous times. He became a governor in Judah. A census was taken of the exiles who came back. The people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, confessed their sins to God, and renewed a covenant with God.
Esther – A young Jewish woman named Esther became queen during the reign of King Ahasuerus of Persia and Media. She foiled a plot by Haman who wanted to kill the Jewish people living in exile. Queen Esther boldly stood before King Ahasuerus to plead for her people. The tables were turned on Haman. Instead of getting killed, the Jewish people got a chance to destroy their enemies.
3. Job to Song of Solomon: Songs and Prayers
The books Job to Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) contain poetry, proverbs, prayers, and songs of praise to God.
Job – Job was an upright, God-fearing man who lived in ancient times in the land of the east. He had ten children and great wealth. But the evil one was allowed to test Job by taking away all he had. So Job was bereft of children and possessions, and he himself became ill. While his friends insisted that Job had done something wrong to deserve this turn of fortune, Job believed he did not do anything wrong. He held this position and did not curse God all the days of his suffering. But Job wanted to ask God why He would allow bad things to happen to him. God explained to Job that He is the Creator who is infinite in wisdom. Since Job did not understand the way many things in creation worked, how could he fully understand God’s purpose in allowing suffering? God restored Job’s health, and blessed him more than before. Job had more children, seven sons and three beautiful daughters. Through the sufferings of Job, God shows countless people how we should trust Him no matter what. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Psalms – These are songs of praise to God. King David wrote many of these psalms, and he taught the Israelites to sing them. Many psalms were also prayers set to music. One of the most well-known psalms is Psalm 23, which begins with: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not [be in] want” (Psalm 23:1).
Proverbs – These are proverbs of King Solomon. Proverbs teach people to obey God and stay away from evil. Wise people listen to words of wisdom while foolish ones scoff. Some examples of well-known proverbs are: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Ecclesiastes – Solomon contemplated the purpose of life in this book. He wrote that there is nothing new under the sun. Everything that is being done has already been done before. Life is full of vanities and futilities. It is futile to chase after pleasures, because this accomplishes nothing. It is futile to work excessively hard for the next generation, because you do not know whether your child will become wise or foolish. It is folly to love riches, because you will never be satisfied. There is a timing for everything, and God has set eternity in people’s hearts. “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) – This very romantic love song contains poetic words sung by a bride and her bridegroom (Solomon). The bride and bridegroom compliment one another, admire each other. There is a literal/physical aspect to the romantic descriptions, and a symbolic and spiritual aspect as well. The bridegroom represents the Messiah, who will marry His people in the future. Compare the last words of the Song of Songs to the last words in the book of Revelation:
“Hurry, my beloved,
And be like a gazelle or a young stag
On the mountains of spices.” (Song of Songs 8:14)
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost… He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:17, 20)
4. Isaiah to Malachi: Writings of Prophets
The Old Testament ends with writings of the prophets of the Lord.
Isaiah – Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (kings of Judah). He prophesied against Israel, warning the people that their corruption and idolatry was inciting God’s wrath. In order to warn Israel to not rely on Egyptians for help against their enemies, Isaiah preached naked and barefoot for three years (Isaiah 20). He showed that just as he was made bare, the Egyptians would be led away captive with their buttocks uncovered to the shame of Egypt. So Israel should not rely on the Egyptians, but trust God and do His will. Isaiah also prophesied about the coming Messiah, regarding His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), His ministry (Isaiah 42:1-9), and His suffering and glory (Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53). Isaiah prophesied about a new heaven and new earth, and the future glory of Israel.
Jeremiah – Jeremiah was a priest and prophet during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (kings of Judah) until the beginning of Israel’s exile to Babylon. Jeremiah warned Israel about God’s punishment for forsaking Him. God gave the people a last chance to return to Him, but they did not listen. Jeremiah was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and thrown into a cistern. Jeremiah was later released, and he did not go into captivity to Babylon when Israel was taken captive. He was allowed to stay in Judah among the poorest of the people, whom the Babylonians left there. Jeremiah advised the remnant of the people to serve the Babylonians. But the people rebelled and went to Egypt. Jeremiah prophesied against the people who decided to go to Egypt, and he prophesied against all the nations that oppressed Israel.
Lamentations – These are expressions of sorrow of Jeremiah the prophet when he saw the Israelites under siege, defeated, slaughtered, and taken into captivity. Even in the midst of great sorrow and pain, there is hope in God, because “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Ezekiel – Ezekiel was a priest and prophet of the Lord in exile. He saw the glory and appearance of God (Ezekiel 1:22-28). Ezekiel and other Jewish people were taken captive before the Babylonians captured Jerusalem. Ezekiel foretold Jerusalem’s capture by building a model of a siege. He also laid on the ground on his side, and was bound by God with ropes so that he could not move. This was to demonstrate how God also bore with the Israelites for many days, waiting for them to repent. God recounted Israel’s sins and told parables of their captivity. Ezekiel prophesied against the nations of Ammon, Tyre, Babylon, Egypt, Assyria, and Edom, and foretold of their ruin. Even though many Jewish people died from wars and captivity, Ezekiel prophesied over a valley of dry bones to show that Israel will come back to life.
Daniel – Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon while they were youths. They were educated in the Chaldean language and served in king Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Daniel and his friends refused to eat the king’s food, which was unclean to them according to God’s law. They requested for only vegetables and water. Daniel and his friends went through difficult trials, because they worshipped God. But God rescued Daniel from the jaws of lions, and his friends from the heat of a furnace. Daniel interpreted dreams and prophesied. He foretold of great kingdoms on earth. Babylon was the first great kingdom, followed by Media-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the roots of the Roman empire intermixed with other nations (Daniel 2:31-43). Daniel spoke of the timing of the first coming of Messiah (Daniel 9:24-26), the end times (Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:36-45, Daniel 12), and how God will set up His own kingdom that endures forever (Daniel 2:44-45).
Hosea – The prophet Hosea prophesied during the same time period as Isaiah. God instructed Hosea to take a wife who was a prostitute. So Hosea married Gomer and they had several children. God named their daughter Lo-ruhamah (“she has not obtained compassion”). God named one of their sons Lo-ammi (“not my people”). God did this as an analogy of His relationship with the Israelites — to show them that they played the harlot and had children of harlotry. Gomer left Hosea because she was an adulteress. But Hosea brought her back just as how God would bring Israel back to Himself. God also compared Israel to a son who had gone astray.
Joel – This short book describes the devastation of locusts and drought on the land of Israel, because its people had forsaken God. Joel gives us a glimpse into the future, a day of God’s judgment on all nations during the end times. People need to repent before it is too late. In the end, God will deliver His people, the Israelites. God pours out His Holy Spirit on all believers, so that young and old will see visions, and men and women prophesy.
Amos – Amos was a shepherd and farmer, who prophesied during the time of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel. God recounts how He sent plagues on Israel, but they did not return to Him. So Israel would be decimated, because: “they hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks with integrity” (Amos 5:10). God says: “Seek the Lord that you may live” and “Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you, just as you have said!” (Amos 5: 6,14). God showed Amos two plagues He wanted to bring upon Israel, but Amos asked God for mercy. God decided against those plagues, but He was unwilling to spare Israel any longer. So Amos prophesied how the Israelites’ would be exiled from their land. Amaziah the priest told Amos to go away. Amos prophesied against him also. In the end, God will judge all nations. Israel will be reestablished on the land God gave them forever.
Obadiah – The prophet Obadiah prophesied against the nation of Edom, whose people were the descendants of Esau (Jacob’s brother). The Edomites would suffer complete ruin, because they gloated over Israel when the people were taken captive during the Babylonian captivity. In fact, Edomites joined in the slaughter and killed Israelite fugitives. So God cursed the descendants of Esau just as He promised Jacob, “Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you” (Genesis 27:29). The house of Jacob (Israel) will possess their enemies’ territories. Mount Zion will be holy, “and the kingdom will be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:21).
Jonah – God instructed a man named Jonah to prophesy against the city of Nineveh in Assyria. Jonah was reluctant to go, so he boarded a ship to flee from God. God caused a great storm to occur so that the ship was in danger. At Jonah’s request, the ship’s crew threw him overboard. God commanded a great fish to swallow Jonah, and carry him to the shores of Nineveh. Jonah began to prophesy against that city. The people of the city repented as a result. But Jonah was displeased. Because the Assyrians were enemies of Israel, he would rather see them fall. However, God explained to Jonah He relented concerning the calamity He had planned, because the people repented.
Micah – Micah prophesied against the house of Israel, because its rulers hated justice and twisted everything that was right. The people also practiced evil deeds. “Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe, her priests instruct for a price and her prophets divine for money. Yet they lean on the Lord saying, ‘Is not the Lord in our midst? Calamity will not come upon us'” (Micah 3:11). But in the future, Israel will become the chief of the nations, because God will dwell there. “For from Zion will go forth the law, even the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war” (Micah 4:2-3). Micah also prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem to shepherd God’s people: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). This prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus who was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12). God does not take pleasure in burnt offerings or sacrifices: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Nahum – Nahum was a prophet of the Lord who prophesied against Nineveh. Apparently, the Assyrians went back to their wicked and violent ways after the days of Jonah. So God promised to destroy Nineveh. “The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Nahum 1:2-3).
Habakkuk – The prophet Habakkuk foresaw the rise of the Chaldeans (Babylonians), who invaded nations and dragged away peoples as if they were collecting fish from the sea. Habakkuk cried out to God to see what He would say about the enemy. The Lord showed him a vision of what happens to oppressors — God will repay them for their violence. The prophet also saw a vision of the Lord, whose radiance is like sunlight. God ultimately defeats the evil one: “You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for the salvation of Your anointed. You struck the head of the house of the evil to lay him open from thigh to neck” (Habakkuk 3:13). The prophet knew that he must wait quietly for the rise of a people that would invade his nation. Nevertheless, “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food … Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Zephaniah – Zephaniah prophesied during the days of King Josiah of Judah. He foresaw many people of all nations punished on the Day of Judgment. The Lord will stretch out His hand against “those who have turned back from following the Lord, and those who have not sought the Lord or inquired of Him” (Zephaniah 1:6). God says: “I will punish the men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good or evil!'” (Zephaniah 1:12). God judges Israel. God will also judge the nations to pour out on them His indignation and burning anger; all the earth will be devoured by the fire of His zeal (Zephaniah 3:8). After that, the Lord says: “I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 3:9). And God will leave a remnant in Israel, a humble people who will call on His name. “The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; for they will feed and lie down with no one to make them tremble” (Zephaniah 3:13).
Haggai – Haggai prophesied to the Israelites who came back from exile. As everyone was busy building their own houses and looking after their own land, they neglected to rebuild the temple of the Lord. So God withheld blessings from the people. God instructed the Israelites to rebuild His house. The Israelites listened to God, and began working on the house of the Lord. So God blessed them. In the future, God’s house will be more glorious than the first temple ever was.
Zechariah – Zechariah prophesied after Israel went into exile, during the days of Darius king of Persia. God says, “Many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. The Lord will possess Judah as His portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem” (Zechariah 2:11-12). The second temple of God would be rebuilt with men setting the stones in place being very careful about it, shouting: “Grace, grace to it!” (meaning “Gently, gently!”) (Zechariah 4:6-8). So God cares for small things and small details too, because He says, “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel — these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.” (Zechariah 4:10). God warns us that if He calls us and we do not listen, then when we call on Him, He will not listen (Zechariah 7:13). God warns against pastors who do not care for their sheep: “Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! A sword will be on his arm and on his right eye! His arm will be totally withered and his right eye will be blind” (Zechariah 11:17).
Malachi – Malachi was Israel’s last prophet during Old Testament times. God did not speak through another prophet until the time of Jesus, several hundred years later. In this book, God mentions many grievances He had against His people, including how they sacrificed to Him lame and sick animals, how they grew tired of serving God, how they committed adultery and provoked Him to anger by divorcing their wives, how they oppressed wage earners, widows and orphans, and how they did not bring in the whole tithe. Malachi prophesied the Messiah would come to purify the sons of Israel. Before the coming of the Messiah, God would send Elijah the prophet. (Elijah was taken up to heaven by God in 2 Kings 2:1-12, and he came again to earth as John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 17:10-13)).
God declares that His promise to Israel never changes. He urges the Israelites to return to Him: “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:6-7).
Brief Bible Overview: New Testament
1. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John: the Gospels
The New Testament begins with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four gospels, or books of good news, are named after the people who wrote them down. The gospels portray the life of Jesus on earth (His miracles, teachings, birth, death and resurrection) from four different perspectives.
Matthew – Matthew (one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and former tax collector) begins this gospel with the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David. An angel visited a woman named Mary, and told her she would be with child by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel instructed her to name the child, Immanuel, which means “God with us”. This gospel focuses on how prophecies in the Old Testament were fulfilled by Jesus the Messiah. Jesus declared that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus healed many people according to what Isaiah prophesied, “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases” (Matthew 8:17). Jesus spoke many parables about the kingdom of God, but the hearts of many people were dull, and they did not understand. Out of jealousy, religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus. Judas (one of the twelve closest disciples) betrayed Him to them. Jesus was mocked, scourged, and crucified for our sins. After three days, He resurrected.
Mark – The gospel of Mark was written by one of Jesus’ disciples (not part of the twelve). This disciple followed Jesus for a time, but he had a moment of weakness and deserted a missionary journey (Acts 15:37-38). Mark (also called John Mark) was with Jesus when He was betrayed: “A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked” (Mark 14:51-52). Mark matured through the years, and became a reliable fellow worker and helper in the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). The gospel of Mark is easy to read and to the point. Jesus summarized God’s commandments when He said: “The foremost [commandment] is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).
Luke – Luke was a physician and disciple of Jesus (not part of the twelve). The gospel of Luke is chronological and very detailed. It was written as a letter to Theophilus. Luke recounts the birth of Jesus in a manger, angelic praises to God when He was born, and a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood. Luke includes details not given in other gospels, for example, the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-66), the story of a rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the story of a rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), the parable of a good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), and the parable of a prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Luke lists many of the women who ministered to Jesus (Luke 8:2-3). This gospel account describes further details regarding Jesus’ crucifixion, appearances to His disciples after His resurrection, and Jesus’ ascension to heaven.
John – John was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, and also called “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. This was because John was especially close to Jesus and would habitually lean on His chest (John 13:23). The gospel of John begins by emphasizing that Jesus is the Word of God incarnate. John includes details not given in other gospels. For example, John records Jesus’ turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-12), His raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46), and His conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:1-42). John also details Jesus’ long dialogues with Nicodemus and other religious leaders. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6) and “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He also said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him” (John 14:21). When Jesus was crucified, John stayed with Jesus at the foot of the cross. Jesus gave His mother Mary into John’s care.
2. Acts: Accomplishments of Jesus’s Disciples
The book of Acts records the history of the early Christian church, and the accomplishments of Jesus’ devoted disciples during the first century A.D.
Acts – This is an account written to Theophilus about what happened after Jesus ascended to heaven. The disciples gathered together in Jerusalem (about 120 people), and devoted themselves to prayer. God chose a man named Matthias to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. The twelve chosen disciples who were with Jesus from the day of His baptism to the day of His ascension were: Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James, and Matthias.
On the day of Pentecost, all the disciples in Jerusalem were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). They began to perform many miracles and to heal people of their sicknesses. God added to their number daily. So the word of God spread and many people were being saved.
The religious leaders grew jealous of the apostles and had them arrested and beaten. Stephen became the first martyr who was stoned to death on account of his testimony of Jesus. A man named Saul was there, who approved of the stoning and watched over the robes of those who were stoning Stephen (Acts 7:58). Saul began persecuting the church and arresting believers. The gospel began to spread to other regions beyond Jerusalem. An Ethiopian eunuch heard the gospel (Acts 8:26-40), and Peter preached to a Roman centurion and the Gentiles gathered in his house (Acts 10).
Saul planned to chase down the church to destroy it. On his way to Damascus, however, Saul encountered Jesus and was converted (Acts 9:1-19). He and an apostle named Barnabas went on their first missionary journey. Saul was renamed as Paul (which means “little one”). Because many of the Jews refused to believe, Paul and Barnabas began to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
The Gentile believers wondered whether they needed to keep all the Jewish laws (of which there are hundreds in the Law of Moses, regarding for example, circumcision, ceremonial washings, religious festivals, sabbaths, clean and unclean foods, etc.). The apostles wrote to them: “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well” (Acts 15:28-29).
Paul and Silas went on a second missionary journey to strengthen the churches that were being planted. They encountered many persecutions. Paul went on a third missionary journey. He spoke to both Jews and Gentiles. Eventually, Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. Paul gave testimonies before the Jewish council and before Roman governors and kings (Acts 23-26). In obedience to the Holy Spirit, he requested to see the Roman emperor. So he was sent to Rome. Paul was allowed to stay by himself in his own rented quarters for two years as he preached the gospel and awaited his appearance before Caesar (Acts 28:30-31).
3. Pauline Epistles: Paul’s Letters to the Churches
The Apostle Paul wrote letters of instructions to early churches and followers of Christ. The New Testament contains thirteen of Paul’s letters, starting with Romans and ending with Philemon.
Romans – This is a letter written to the believers in Rome. Paul emphasizes salvation by faith in Jesus, who paid for people’s sins by dying on a cross. We cannot be saved by our own good works, because in order to be saved this way, we must obey every single law. Transgressing one of the laws makes us sinners, and therefore unfit for the kingdom of God. Since no one is able to go to heaven on the basis of his own good works, we must trust in Jesus who became our Substitute and took the penalty of sin for us. “The righteous man shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Believers are dead to sin and alive to God by the power of the Holy Spirit, who helps us live for God.
1 Corinthians – Paul wrote two letters to the church at Corinth. The Christians there spanned a wide range, with some people behaving badly. In the first letter, Paul wrote they should be unified under Christ, rely on the Holy Spirit, and stay away from strife, jealousies, and sexual immoralities. “Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). In 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Paul reminds us how to take Communion in the right manner. He talks about the gifts of God, which the Holy Spirit gives to each believer according to His desire. God’s greatest gift we should pursue is love (1 Corinthians 13).
2 Corinthians – By the time of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, the church had matured more. Paul focuses on teaching the Corinthians to endure hardship and strive for holiness in everything they do: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Paul describes his own thorn in the flesh and the many persecutions he endured. He urges us to give generously, because God gives the most. “For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; as it is written, ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack'” (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). We are taught to examine ourselves in our conduct and thoughts, and to submit our thoughts to obey Christ.
Galatians – Paul and his companions wrote a letter to the churches of Galatia. The Galatian church had become legalistic. The Gentile Christians believed they needed to obey the Jewish Law and be circumcised in order to be saved. So Paul reiterates that we are saved by faith in Christ, not by our own good works. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). And Paul teaches us to walk by the Spirit so that we do not carry out the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). There is no partiality with God. Everyone is equal before Him: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:28-29).
Ephesians – Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus, and encouraged the church: “God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love … made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7). He warns the church to not grieve the Holy Spirit, but lay aside the old self with its lusts and pursue holiness. “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). Children should obey their parents, wives should submit to their husbands, and husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church.
Philippians – Paul and Timothy wrote to the saints at Philippi, saying: “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) and “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). He taught the church to always rejoice, to not to be anxious for anything, and to dwell on good thoughts (Philippians 4:4-9). This is the confidence we have in Christ: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Colossians – Paul and Timothy wrote a letter to the saints at Colossae. They remind the church that all creation has been created through Christ and for Christ, because: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form…” (Colossians 2:9). The church is reminded to hold fast to the original teaching and to not deviate from it. We are to put away anger, malice, slander, and evil desires, and to not lie to one another. We are to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24).
1 Thessalonians – Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy wrote two letters to the Thessalonian church. In the first letter, they describe what the day of the Lord’s second coming will be like (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). The will of God is for us to pursue holiness because God is holy: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Furthermore, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22). Practice these things so that we will be made complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus.
2 Thessalonians – Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy wrote a second letter to the Thessalonians. They describe the man of lawlessness who will come at the End Time. He will declare himself to be God and take his seat in the temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). And the evil one will perform many false signs and miracles, but he will be judged and destroyed. Paul warns us to stay away from Christians who lead an unruly life: “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). We are to persevere in the faith in the midst of persecutions and afflictions so that we will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). For God will deal out “retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
1 Timothy – Paul wrote a couple of letters to Timothy, his child in the faith who served him as if Paul were his own father. Paul urged Timothy to not pay attention to endless debates but “to love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). He gives instructions on how men, women, elders, deacons, overseers, and widows ought to behave. Men should lift up holy hands in prayer and not be quarrelsome, women should learn to be submissive, overseers and leaders in the church should be beyond reproach and know how to control their own families before taking care of God’s family. “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2). And Paul warns: “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
2 Timothy – Paul urged Timothy in a second letter to be courageous and to join him in suffering for the gospel. “For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13). He instructed Timothy to teach with gentleness and patience, and to be wary of false teachings. In the end times, many people will be opposed to the truth in favor of hearing what they want to hear.
Titus – Paul wrote to Titus, a Gentile Christian leader in the church at Crete (Titus was a Greek). He instructed Titus on how the old and young and church elders should behave. Those who are servants should serve with diligence and faithfulness. Because the people of Crete were known to be lazy and rebellious (Titus 1:12), Paul urged Titus to “reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13).
Philemon – Paul and Timothy wrote a letter to a disciple named Philemon. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who ran away. Paul appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus back kindly. Onesimus, in obedience, carried this letter to his master. “For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Philemon 1:15-16).
4. Hebrews to Jude: Letters to the Churches
Other disciples also wrote letters to Jesus’ followers in the books of Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude.
Hebrews – This letter emphasizes the deity of Christ, who was made for a little while lower than the angels, because He became fully human and suffered death on earth. “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). Hebrews warns us that not everyone led by God is automatically saved. The Israelites were led out of Egypt, but God was angry with them for forty years, because they did not trust God and they kept sinning. So they were not able to enter God’s rest. We are warned: “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7). Hebrews 11 recounts many Old Testament saints, who by faith believed God and performed acts of righteousness. As Christians, we should do likewise, and resist sin to the point of shedding blood (Hebrews 12:4). We should also accept the Father’s discipline: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6).
James – The Apostle James wrote this letter to the churches and Jewish believers in Christ. Some people take advantage of salvation by faith, and use it as an excuse to sin. James condemns this kind of behavior: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). Some people say they have faith and it is enough, but even demons believe in God and tremble (James 2:19). So if people only have faith and perform lip service, then they are behaving like demons. “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Jesus spoke of the same thing when He said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). So we should obey God’s word by doing it. In this way, we show our faith by our works.
1 Peter – The Apostle Peter wrote to the church dispersed abroad, which was undergoing persecution. This letter urges everyone to submit to authority and to honor all people. In our suffering, Christ is our example who suffered for us. “If when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God” (1 Peter 2:20). Women are to have “a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4), and husbands are to live with their wives in an understanding way. We should always be ready to give a reason for our hope, in gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15). The Bible also says: “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Finally, we should pursue holiness because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
2 Peter – In his second letter to the churches, Peter warns of false prophets who had already arisen among the people. “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:20-21). So people should not carelessly accept any teaching, but search the scriptures to see whether what they are being taught is in line with the Bible.
1 John – Apostle John, who wrote the gospel of John, also wrote letters to the churches. He tells us the purpose of his letters: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins…” (1 John 2:1-2). He warns us that “the one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6). John reminds us to love one another, and to not love the world or the things in the world. We should not practice sin, but practice righteousness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 1 John echoes what James teaches: “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). 1 John also teaches us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1-3), because not every spirit is from God. God is love, so we should also love God and one another.
2 John – In this second letter, Apostle John wrote to a lady and her children (which most likely means he was writing to a church, but used these coded words during a time of heavy persecution). John again reminds us to love one another. This letter reminds us that we should be wary of deceivers. We should not invite false teachers into our homes, and we should not even give them a greeting, “for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds” (2 John 1:11).
3 John – In this letter, the Apostle John wrote to a disciple named Gaius. He commends him for walking in the truth and for his hospitality. He tells Gaius that a man named Demetrius is trustworthy, but warns him about a leader in a church (Diotrephes) who was behaving wickedly.
Jude – Jude writes a short letter to all the followers of Christ, reminding us to defend our faith against false teachings. Jude condemns those who turn the gospel into an excuse for lust and corruption. Those who are sexually immoral, such as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-29) and angels who went after daughters of men (Genesis 6:1-4), will be punished with eternal fire (Jude 1:6-7). “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts… But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life… [He] is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (Jude 1:18,20,24).
5. Revelation: the End Times
Revelation is the last book of the Bible. Revelation has prophecies of things to come and what will happen during the end times.
Revelation – Apostle John (who also wrote Gospel of John and letters to the churches) wrote this book while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. Revelation begins with Jesus’ message to seven churches that were in Asia (Revelation 2-3). He warns them that they should not lose their first love (which is to grow in intimate relationship with God), to not hold false teachings, to not commit acts of immorality, to not eat things sacrificed to idols, and to not be lazy or self-indulgent (but to be diligent and work hard for God). Jesus describes the rewards He will give to those who overcome and the judgment they would face if they don’t listen.
John relates what God shows him in heaven. The heavenly host worship God before His throne. The Lamb of God opens a book with seven seals, and God begins to send plagues to earth (Revelation 5-6). There will be earthquakes and signs in the sky as God displays His wrath. There will be wars, famines, pestilence, fires, and locusts. A third of the seas will turn into blood, and a third of rivers and springs will become bitter.
During the great tribulation, the gospel will be preached by angels and men and God’s two special witnesses. The two witnesses will be martyred, but they will rise from the dead and be received into heaven (Revelation 11:1-14).
During the tribulation, when the evil one reigns on earth for about seven years, many people will die for believing in Jesus (Revelation 7:9-17). No one will be able to buy or sell anything without the mark of the beast. Whoever takes the mark on their hand or forehead will come under the wrath of God forever (Revelation 14:9-13).
The nation of Israel will be able to escape to the wilderness, where they will be taught by God and believe in Him (Revelation 12). Jesus will stand on Mount Zion with 144,000 chosen men from Israel (Revelation 7:4-8, Revelation 14:1-5).
Babylon falls (Revelation 17-18). The marriage of Christ and His bride is completed (Revelation 19:7-10).
Christ comes to earth with the armies of heaven to strike the nations (Revelation 19:11-19). The beast and false prophet, who perform signs and deceive nations, are thrown into the lake of fire. The rest of the rebels are killed with the sword. Satan is bound with chains and imprisoned (Revelation 20:1-3). Christ’s reign on earth begins.
Jesus reigns on earth for a thousand years, and the world will experience what it is like for God to reign on earth. When the thousand-year reign is over, the evil one is released for a short time to tempt the nations (Revelation 20:7-10). Rebels will gather themselves to surround saints, but fire from heaven will devour the rebellious. The evil one will be thrown into the lake of fire. God will judge unbelievers according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15).
There will be a new heaven and new earth. There will be no more pain or death or mourning. Old things pass away and new things have come. In the ages to come, Christ and His people will reign forever.
“Then He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'” (Revelation 21:6-8)
“Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” (Revelation 22:11)
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