The Home Bible Study Library

The Bible Reader’s

Guide

Edited By Dr Terry W. Preslar

Copyright (C) 2007. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

“...when thou comest, bring with thee...the books,

but especially the parchments. (2 Tim. 4:13)
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108
1(704)843-3858
E-Mail: preslar12@windstream.net
 The Christian Bible Study Library
The Bible Reader’s Guide
The Introduction

The Bible is, generally speaking, the sacred scriptures of Judaism and Christianity. The word “Bible”
is derived from the Greek word bibloV (Strong’s #G976 – the books). The word “Testament” means
covenant or agreement. The Bible is divided into two major sections – the Old and the New Testaments. The
Hebrew scriptures (OT) contain 39 books, which are grouped in three sections: the Law, Prophets, and
Writings. The O.T. describes man’s creation and fall and contains the record of God’s preparations for and
prophecies of the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The N.T. contains the accounts of Christ’s birth, life,
death, resurrection, return to Heaven, and the teachings of Christ’s followers, as well as prophecies of the
future. The Christian scriptures contains a total of 66 books; 39 books in the Old Testament (which is the
Hebrew Bible) and 27 in the New Testament. However, the Roman Catholic church recognizes several
additional Hebrew writings as part of their Old Testament. It is regarded as the source of divine revelation
and of prescriptions and prohibitions for moral living. The Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, excluding the
Apocrypha, is accepted as sacred by both Jews and Christians. The Roman Catholic Church and Eastern
Orthodox Church each accept parts of the Apocrypha as sacred, while Jews and Protestants do not. The New
Testament is accepted as sacred only by Christians. But to those who are faithful, the Bible is bread to the
hungry, water to the thirsty, life to the dying and hope to the hopeless. Its pages are filled with the answer
to all questions imagined, all problems encountered, all battles fought and every gainsayer’s doubts.

The Bible Believing Position

We believe that the King James Bible is the inerrant (infallible), verbally inspired (word perfect) and
preserved (providentially kept) Word of GOD. The KJB has stood now for over 390 years to say: “GOD IS
ABLE TO DO WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO.” We believe that God has preserved HIS Word in the King
James Bible, according to HIS promise. (Psa. 12:6-7). Further; this Preserved Bible is fruitful according to
HIS promise. (Isa.55:10-11). And; this powerful Bible is the primary text book behind every course and the
soul and final authority for all other doctrinal statements. (Heb. 4:12). We believe that the KJB can be
proven to be the “Word of GOD” without error by many proofs; but three seem to be outstanding: I- Its
outstanding source (Psa. 119:140 “PURE”); II- Its outstanding students (Psa. 68:11 “GREAT”); III- Its
outstanding service (1 Peter 1:23 “SAVING”)

Is The Bible A Valid Document In Our Day?

There would be an army of believers to come forth to defend the Bible, if it were to be in contention
today. The fact is that there would be far more to defend the Bible than could be found able to answer the
charges lodged against its pages. Many are blindly but faithfully behind the Bible. It is sad that so much of
Christendom does not know what they believe about this or many other vital subjects. It is said that if the
Bible could just be made to answer to science, it would be more believable in this day of science.
Archeology has left us a rich treasure of Biblical evidence of the matters of Bible truth. No richer could
be found than that of the text of the Bible itself. It seems that the Bible in the Old and New Testaments are
corroborated by over 5000 pieces of manuscript evidence and a wealth of well preserved “lectionaries”
(Preached Messages from as early as the first century) that are used to confirm that these texts were in use

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in the pulpits of the Christian churches of that early date. Also, there are thousands of inscriptions on ruins
of buildings, city walls and in public places that have been used to prove the claims of the Bible. These are
all of great worth but the truth remains that a mightier proof than this is required if the Bible is to do the
work of regeneration in the souls of the lost. It can be seen that the perennial freshness of the Bible bears
witness to its Divine Inspirer (Just as the manna came fresh every day, so the Bible never acquires a
sameness that might repel but retains a freshness that attracts). The remarkable honesty of the writers attest
its Heavenly origin (The Word always speaks to the total depravity of man and never glazes over the matter).
The character of its teachings evidences its Divine authorship (Its impeccability in the matter of Truth is
renown). The typical significance of the Scriptures declare Holy authorship (Not in the way that the cultic
world hides its deep meanings under a cryptic system; the Bible is clear in its teachings). The wonderful
unity of the Bible attests its Divine authorship (The Bible becomes an absolute proof of itself). The
marvelous influence of the Bible states its superhuman character (Never any book has reached the hearts
of the race of man as the Bible). The miraculous power of the Bible shows forth that its inspirer is the
Almighty (With life giving force, the Word moves through the heart of stone and brings redemption and
blessing). The Completeness of the Bible demonstrates its Divine perfection (The fact that the Bible fills the
need of the hungry heart is made clear every time a faithful preacher stands with its text to preach). The
Indestructibility of the Bible is a proof that its author is Divine (So small but yet standing above the volumes
of time). The Bible exerts an inward confirmation in the heat of every believer of the veracity of the Bible
(See John 17:17 SIf the Bible is proven it will be because GOD gives you the gift of faith in your heart of
hearts). Through this GOD given faith it is possible to believe the Bible at face value and approach the study
of the Scripture with a bold and unashamed faith. There is freedom in the fact that I do not come to the
Bible’s pages expecting to find some problem SMy only problem is to apply its contents to my life.
The freedom afforded me by my “Bible-Believing” position is a joy in the light of modern scholarship.
Those under the power of “Doubters-Syndrom” are in a poor state of affairs. The absence of a believable
Bible brings confusion and a loss of the Joy of confidence in GOD’S word. (Gen.3:1 SHere they doubted.)
The fact is that GOD has honored HIS WORD is a well documented truth. No other religious leader has
supported his documents of faith in the way that the GODHEAD has embodied HIMSELF in the paper of
Scripture, that it needs no other defense.
You could say, about my firm interjection on this matter, that I am, ABSOLUTELY, trying to cram this
down your throat. If you don’t like this attitude about this matter you surely would not like Nehemiah. In
the thirteenth chapter of his book in the Old Testament we read that he “commanded” some of them (He
yelled at them), “contended” with the people several times (He demanded that they obey the Word of GOD),
“testified against” those who were disobedient (He talked about them to others to mark them as enemies of
the cause of GOD), “cursed” them (Used abrasive language toward them), “plucked off their hair” (He took
up arms of opposition against their ways), and made them “swear by GOD” (He called for them to respond
to his message and repent). He was just a preacher with a “CAUSE.”
In this last paragraph, I must become a little personal. Most of us need a cause to direct our path and
mine is this BOOK. I can not name any other cause that will direct your enter life, your public profession,
and your desire for the souls of men, in the way the BOOK of GOD does. This cause is an unpopular issue
but we must have the courage to take the proper position even if no other Christian stands with you.

“The Old Black Backed Book”

The Bible is, indeed, an exceptional volume. Some have been very condescending to the origin of this
volume. Yet, it remains the all time best seller in the market place. Personally, I grow a little weary of the
critic’s attack on this HOLY library. There is more to teach the details of the Bible’s history than there is
to teach the history of Shakespear or Homer. These secular writings enjoy total acceptance in their field of
study while the Bible is expected to prove its place with every generation of new doubters. The Bible is to

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be believed not debated on the field of intellectual combat. The blessing is in it being trusted.

ITS HISTORY — The Bible was written by about 40 men over a period of about 1500-1600 years dating
from 1500 BC to about 100 years after Christ. These men wrote this Scripture as they were given
inspiration by God. (2 Tim. 3:16).
God’s hand is on the English Bible (the KJV 1611). The reason to use English is clear by
comparison. English is the richest vocabulary of the more than 6,000 languages and dialects of the world.
English has over 500,000 words compared to German with about 185,000 or French with about 100,000.
English has a powerful etymology. Historians have classified the English language into three main
periods: 1) Old English Period (from 450 to 1150 A.D.), 2) Middle English Period (from 1150 to 1500
A.D.), 3) Modern English Period (from a.d. 1500 to date A.D.). Keeping this outline in mind we shall
now consider some major attempts to publish the Bible in English. Publications in English from the
Seventh Century to the Present.
A. Old English Period (450 to 1150 AD) – There were at least ten known translators of the Bible during
this period. The list would include a servant, two bishops, two monks, a king, two priests, an
archbishop, and a hermit. Of these ten, we will examine the following three:
1. Caedmon (died in 680). This stable worker at a monastery in North England did not translate the
Bible on paper but rather memorized great portions of it and sang it with his harp in short lines
of beautiful Celtic-Saxon verse wherever he traveled. He sang the story of Genesis, Exodus, a
part of Daniel, the doctrines of the resurrection, ascension, and the Second Coming of Christ, and
of heaven and hell.
2. Bede (674-735). This godly monk, scholar, historian, and theologian is often called today by the
title of “the Father of English History.” In his textbook, General Biblical Introduction, author H.
S. Miller writes the following about Bede: “His important work is the translation of the Gospel
of John, which he finished just as he was breathing his last. All the day before Ascension Day,
735, the good old monk…had been dictating his translations, for he said, ‘I do not want my boys
to read a lie, or to work to no purpose after I am gone.’
The next day he was very weak, and suffered much. His scribe said, ‘Dear master, there is
yet one chapter to do, but it seems very hard for you to speak.’ Bede replied, ‘Nay, it is easy, take
up thy pen and write quickly.’ In blinding tears the scribe wrote on. ‘And now father, there is just
one sentence more.’ Bede dictated it and said, ‘Write quickly.’ The scribe said, ‘It is finished,
master.’ ‘Ay, it is finished!’ echoed the dying saint, and with the Gloria chant upon his lips he
passed to the great Master whom he had loved and served so long.” (p. 320)
3. Alfred (king of England, 871-901). Here Miller writes: “Alfred loved…the Bible. He was King,
lawgiver, teacher, writer, translator. His wish was ‘that all the freeborn youth of his kingdom
should employ themselves on nothing till they could first read well the English scriptures.’ He
translated the ten commandments and other Old Testament laws, placing them at the head of his
laws for England. He also translated the Psalms and the Gospels.…”
B. Middle English Period (1150 to 1500AD) – Here we will examine but one name – that of John
Wycliffe (1320-1384). He has often been called “The Morning Star of Reformation.” Wycliffe was
a great Oxford University teacher, preacher, reformer, and translator. Wycliffe was the first man to
completely translate the entire Bible into the English language. By placing God’s Word in the
common language he thus did for England what Martin Luther would later do for Germany. His was
the only English Bible for 145 years. As a sample of his English, note the following translation of
the Lord’s prayer: “Our Fadir that art in hevenes, halewid be thi name; Thi kingdom comme to, Be
thi wille done in heven so in erthe; Gyve to us this dai oure breed over other substance, and forgive
to us oure dettis as we forgyven to oure detouris; and leede us not into tempacioun, but delyvere us
fro yvel.”

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C. Modern English Period (1500 AD to date) – By this time in the history of the English Language,
Grammar had developed to the point that is can now be called “Modern English” and the language
offer a wealth of Bible translation:
1. Tyndale’s Version (1525). Perhaps no other single man in history did as much in translating the
Word of God for the people of God as did William Tyndale. Tyndale worked in constant danger,
for under Catholic Emperor Charles V, it was a crime punishable by horrible torture, burning at
the stake, or actual burial alive, for anyone to read, purchase, or possess any New Testament
book. But prior to his martyrdom, it is estimated that some 50,000 copies of the New Testament
were circulated by this fearless and faithful servant of God. Early in 1526, Tyndale’s New
Testaments began pouring into England concealed in cases of merchandise, barrels, bales of
cloths, sacks of flour and corn, and every other secret way which could be found. For every
Testament the devil burned, God would allow Tyndale to publish three more to take its place!
It is thought that Tyndale’s New Testament was based on the printed Greek New Testament
text of the great scholar Erasmus (first printed on March 1, 1516), and that his Old Testament
text was taken in part from the 1488 Hebrew publication. He also consuited the Latin Vulgate
and Martin Luther’s translation.
2. The Coverdale Version (a.d. 1535) – Miles Coverdale was born in 1488. He was converted to
Christ and developed a strong love for Scripture. He was a friend of Tyndale and later finished
his Old Testament translation and revised his New Testament. It was a secondary translation; that
is, it was based on previous translations of the Bible into Latin, German, and English. The reason
for this is that Coverdale was not familiar with the Greek or Hebrew. The first edition came off
the press on October 4, 1535. This was indeed a milestone for God’s Word, as it marked the first
whole Bible printed in English.
3. Matthew’s Version (1537) – This version was prepared by John Rogers, who used the pseudonym
Thomas Matthew. The reason for this was that Rogers, known friend of Tyndale, felt his work
would be more acceptable to various authorities if this relationship was not known. Rogers
would later be burned to death during the reign of Mary Tudor in 1555. Matthew’s Version was
the first revision of the Tyndale Bible. It was approved by King Henry VIII, who had hated
Tyndale and his work. A divine irony is seen here.
4. The Great Bible Version (1539) – The notes and prefaces of Tyndale’s and Coverdale’s
translations aroused so much argument that Henry VIII authorized a new version which would
include no controversial footnote material. It was called the Great Bible because of its size. Due
to its extreme value it was usually chained to a “reading post” within a church. In 1538 the King
issued an injunction to all churches to purchase a copy of the Great Bible. This was to be paid
for by the parson and parishioners. The importance of the Great Bible is that it became the first
official English Bible “appointed to be read in all the churches.” The King James Bible is
basically a revision of the Great Bible.
5. The Geneva Version (1557) – During the vicious Protestant persecution under Mary Tudor, many
reformers fled to Geneva, Switzerland, and enjoyed the protection of Geneva’s great leader, John
Calvin. It was here that Calvin’s brother-in-law, William Whittingham, translated the Scriptures
into the Geneva Version. This Bible became important for the following reasons:
a. It was the first version to divide the text into verses.
b. It was the first to omit the Apocrypha.
c. It was kissed by Queen Elizabeth (daughter of Henry VIII) at her coronation, a policy which
is still followed by English kings and queens.
d. It was the most-loved Bible of the common people up to that time and went through more than
160 editions.
e. It was the Bible of Shakespeare and John Bunyan.
f. It was the Bible the pilgrims brought with them on the Mayflower in 1620 to America.

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 g. The text of the Geneva Bible was based on that of the Great Bible.
6. The Bishop’s Bible (1568) – This version was translated because of the following reasons:
a. The Church of England did not like the notes in the Geneva Version.
b. The Geneva Version was undermining the authority of the Great Bible and that of the bishops.
c. It was translated by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, aided by nine other bishops;
thus its name, the Bishop’s Bible.
d. The Bishop’s Bible was the second “Authorized Version” of the church, but was never
accepted by the common people. In fact, Queen Elizabeth simply ignored it.
e. The Bishop’s Bible has gone down in history as the most unsatisfactory and useless of all the
old translations.
7. The Rheims-Douai Bible (1582) – This version was an attempt by the Pope to win England back
to the Roman fold, but he utterly failed. It was headed by William Allen and Gregory Martin, two
Protestant turncoats from Oxford University. The name comes from the two places where the
Old Testament and New Testament were produced. The Douai Version was therefore the first
Catholic English Bible and was taken almost literally from the Latin Vulgate. The footnotes in
this version strongly attacked all Protestant “heresies,” and defended all Roman Catholic
doctrine and practices.
8. The King James Version (1611) – One of the first tasks which King James I faced upon mounting
his throne at the beginning of the seventeenth century was the reconciliation of various religious
parties within his kingdom. The King James Version began with a request by Puritan spokesman
Dr. Reynolds of Oxford concerning the feasibility of a new Bible translation. James agreed
almost at once. He had disliked the popular Geneva Bible because of its footnotes. He also
realized that neither the Geneva, nor the Great, nor the Bishop’s version could be held up by him
as a rallying point for Christians.
The following quote is from H. S. Miller: “On July 22, 1604, the King announced that he had
appointed 54 men as translators. The only indispensable qualification was that they should have
proven efficiency as Biblical scholars.…A list of 47 revisers has been preserved; the other seven
may have died or resigned before the work had really begun.
The revisers were organized into six groups, two meeting at Westminster, two at Cambridge,
two at Oxford. One group at Westminster had Genesis to 2 Kings, the other had Romans to Jude:
one group at Cambridge had 1 Chronicles to Ecclesiastes, the other had the Apocrypha; one
group at Oxford had Isaiah to Malachi, the other had Matthew to Acts and Revelation. These
men were the great Hebrew and Greek scholars of this day.
Each reviser first made his own translation, then passed it on to be reviewed by each member
of his group; then when each group had completed a book, a copy of it was sent to each of the
other five groups for their independent criticism. Thus each book went through the hands of the
entire body of revisers. Then the entire version, thus amended, came before a select committee
of six, two from each of the three companies, and they ironed out ultimate differences of opinion,
put the finishing touches…and prepared it for the printer.
The revisers were governed by 15 rules, the gist of a few of them being: (1) The Bishop’s
Bible shall be followed and as little altered as the truth of the original will permit; (2) The old
ecclesiastical words shall be retained; (3) The chapter divisions shall not be changed, unless very
necessary; (4) No marginal notes at all, except explanation of Hebrew and Greek words which
cannot be briefly and fitly expressed in the text; (5) Whenever the Tyndale, Matthew, Coverdale,
the Great Bible, or the Geneva agrees better with the text than the Bishop’s Bible, they are to be
used.” (General Biblical Introduction, pp. 363, 364)
The King James Version also doubtless made use of the four available printed Hebrew Old
Testament Bibles at that time, and Erasmus’ fifth edition of the Greek New Testament.
The King James Version is remarkable for many reasons. It was, first of all, undoubtedly the

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 most beautiful, beloved, and popular translation of all time. It was also probably the only
translation in which no parties involved had an axe to grind. In other words, it was a national
undertaking in which no one had any interest at heart save that of producing the best possible
version of the Scriptures.
It must be said, however, that the King James Version was not immediately accepted by the
general public. The Roman Catholics claimed it favored Protestantism. The Arminians said it
leaned toward Calvinism. The Puritans disliked certain words like “bishop,” “ordain,” and
“Easter.” But after some forty years it overtook the popular Geneva Bible and has retained its
tremendous lead ever since.
In ancient times, the books of the Bible were written without any breaks, or divisions into
chapters and verses. For convenience, the Jews divided the Old Testament into greater and
smaller sections very early. These sections in the law and prophets were read in the worship of
the synagogues. The New Testament was also divided in a similar manner quite early.
The division into chapters is of recent origin. It was first adopted in the 13th century by
Cardinal Hugo, who wrote a celebrated commentary on the Scriptures. He divided the Latin
Vulgate (the version used in the Church of Rome) into chapters-nearly the same as those which
now exist in our English translation. He divided these chapters into smaller sections by placing
the letters A, B, C, etc., at equal distances from each other in the margin.
The division into verses was not made until a still later period. The division of Cardinal Hugo
into chapters became known to Rabbi Nathan, a distinguished Jew, who adopted it for the
Hebrew Bible, and placed the Hebrew letters, used also as numerals, in the margin. This was
used by Rabbi Nathan in publishing a concordance, and adopted by Athias in a printed edition
of the Hebrew Bible in 1661.
The verses into which the New Testament is divided are still more modern, and are an
imitation of those used by Rabbi Nathan in the 15th century. This division was invented and first
used by Stephens in an edition of the New Testament printed in 1551. The division was made
as an amusement while he was on a journey from Lyons to Paris, during the intervals in which
he rested in traveling. It has been adopted in all the subsequent editions of the Bible.
In regard to this division into chapters and verses, it is clear that they have no authority
whatever. It has been doubted whether the sacred writers used any points or divisions of any
kind. It is certain that they were wholly unacquainted with those now in use. It is further evident
that these divisions have not been judiciously made in all cases. The sense is often interrupted
by the close of a chapter, and still more often by the break in the verses. In "reading" the
Scriptures, little regard should be paid to this division. It is of use now only for reference; and,
inaccurate as it is. Evidently, it must be substantially retained. All the books that have been
printed for 300 years, which refer to the Bible, have made their references to these chapters and
verses; and to attempt any change now would be to render almost useless a great part of the
religious books in our language, and to introduce inextricable confusion in all attempts to quote
the Bible. The entire Bible divided into chapters and verses first appeared in the Geneva Bible
of 1560. Today the Bible is the largest seller of all books published.
The Bible’s History has only begun – chapters are being added to the chronicles of the Bible
daily. We know not how long this history will run but we are sure the Bible will last until God
is through with it and us. “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth
to all generations.” (Psa. 100:5)

THE BOOKS (The Canon) – This is the collection of books that make up this “Book of books”. The word
“cannon” means a measuring rod or rule. (John 16:7-15). The whole BIBLE was described as THE
DIVINE LIBRARY by St. Jerome. Any in-depth study of this subject would be outside the scope of this

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 work and would need to have the attention of many hours of study. We only have time for an overlay
treatment here.
The word “cannon” comes from the Greek KAVWV=kanoon, which means “rule,” “standard,” or
“principle.” When used of the BIBLE the cannon refers to those books which are accepted as having
satisfactorily met the standard requirements expected of such books.
The O.T. contains 39 books and the N.T. contains 27 books (in the Bible accepted by Protestants)
which have met the requirements of 1) INSPIRATION, 2) INERRANCY and 3) PRESERVATION.
Without going into a very deep subject let it be said only that there were many writings in the N.T. times
that could not stand the test of these three stipulations. The Canon is closed which means there is no
more revelation to become Scripture.
I- The Old Testament – By the year 300 BC (at the latest) all Old Testament books had been written,
collected, revered, and recognized as official, canonical books. Many believe Ezra the prophet
led the first recognition council.
II- The New Testament – During the Third Council of Carthage, held in AD 397, the twenty-seven
New Testament books were declared to be canonical. However, it absolutely must be understood
that the Bible is not an authorized collection of books, but rather a collection of authorized
books. In other words, the twenty-seven New Testament books were not inspired because the
Carthage Council proclaimed them to be, but rather the Council proclaimed them to be such
because they were inspired.
Books of the Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Middle Book of Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs
Middle Book of New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Thes.
Longest Book of Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalms
Longest Book of New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke

THE CHAPTERS
Facts and Figures
Entire Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1189 chapters
Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 929 chapters
New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 chapters
Middle chapter of Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job 29
Middle chapter of New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rom. 13
Middle & shortest chapter of The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 117
Longest chapter in The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 119
Chapters that are alike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 19 & Isa. 37
Between chapters 6 & 7 of Ezra, both Confucius and Buddha died . . . . . . . . . . . (516-458 B.C.)
Great Golden Chapters
Ascension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 1
Backsliders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hosea 14
Beatitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 5, 6 & 7
Bread of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 6
Brotherhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rom. 14
Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neh. 4
Burden-Bearers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gal. 6
Call, Universal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 55
Chastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cor. 4

-7-
Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 23
Confession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 51
Consecration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil. 3
Constancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth 1
Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. 28
Converts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 32
Deliverance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 12
Divinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 1
Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rom. 12
Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heb. 11
Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. 7
Friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sam. 20
Fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 15
Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 12
Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cor. 9
Gideon’s Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 7
Good Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 10
Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 14, Rev. 7:22
Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 14, 15
Humility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 13
Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prov. 1
Intercession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 17
Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 12
Jubilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lev. 25
Judgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 25
Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ex. 20
Life, Frailty of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 90
Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 13
Messiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 53
Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 4
Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 72, Rom. 10
New Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heb. 8
Old Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eccl. 12
Omniscience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 139
Overcomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. 2, 3
Passover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ex. 12
Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 103 & 145
Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan. 6, Luke 11; 18
Prosperity of the Wicked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 73
Prosperity of the Righteous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. 8; 28
Providence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 121
Refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Num. 35
Regeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 3
Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heb. 4
Resurrection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 15
Revival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chron. 30, Luke 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 91
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 10
Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 10

-8-
 Soldier’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eph. 6
Teacher’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 2
Temperance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prov. 23
Tithing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mal. 3
Tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 3
Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 17
Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eph. 4
Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eccl. 4
Watchman’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezek. 33
Water of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 4
Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prov. 3
Woman’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prov. 31
Word of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. 6
Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 84

THE VERSES
Entire Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,173 verses
Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,214 verses
New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,959 verses
Middle verse of The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 118:8
Middle verse of Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chron. 20:17
Middle verse of New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 17:17
Shortest verse in The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 11:35
Longest verse in The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esther 8:9
Verses that are alike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 107:8, 15, 21 & 31
Verse containing all the letters of the alphabet except ‘J’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezra 7:21
Verse containing all the letters of the alphabet except ‘Q’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan. 4:37

THE WORDS
In the whole Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 773,692 words
In the Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 592,439 words
In the New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 181,253 words
The longest word in the Bible is “Mahershalalhashbaz” (18 letters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 8:1
Several of the words occurring only once in the Bible:
Eternity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 57:15
Reverend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psa. 111:9
Grandmother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tim. 1:5
Gnat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 23:24

SOME UNUSUAL THINGS IN THE BIBLE

Man who lived to be 969 years old . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. 5:27
Sons of God married the daughters of men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. 6:2
Man who used a stone for a pillow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. 28:11
Baby had a scarlet thread tied around its hand before birth to mark it as the first born Gen. 38:28-29
The Battle that was won because a man (Moses) stretched out his hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ex. 17:11
Man who was spoken to by an ass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Num. 22:28-29
The Evil Giant who had a bedstead that was 13 ft. 6 in. long by 6 ft. wide . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. 3:11
The women who had to shave their heads and cut off her nails before marriage . . . . Deut. 21:11-13

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 Women forbidden to wear men’s clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deut. 22:5
Sun and moon stood still for a whole day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh. 10:13
A woman killed a man by driving a nail through his head while h slept . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 4:17-21
Men lapped water like dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 7:5
An army with seven hundred chosen, left-handed men who could not miss with the sling at the distance
of 200 yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 20:16
Man whose hair weighed about 6.5 lbs. when he had his annual haircut . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sam. 14:26
Where a ferry boat was used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sam. 19:18
Man who had twelve fingers and twelve toes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sam. 21:20
Man who had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kings 11:1-3
The soaking wet sacrifice that was burnt and consumed supernaturally . . . . . . . . . 1 Kings 18:17-40
Man who outran a chariot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kings 18:41-46
The axe head that floated in the river . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 6:1-6
Woman who boiled and ate her son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 6:29
Man killed in his chariot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 9:24
Woman whose body was eaten by dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 9:30-36
Father who had eighty-eight children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chron. 11:21
The sun traveled backwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 38:8
Man who walked naked for three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 20:2-3
Army of 185,000 destroyed in one night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 37:36
Man whose life was increased by fifteen years because he prayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 38:1-5
The Bible that was cut with a penknife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jer. 36:20-23
The Valley that was full of dry bones – prophesied to be resurrected . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezek. 37:1-14
A Harlot an ancestor of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 1:5
Man ate locusts for food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt. 3:4

What Famous Men Have Said about the Bible

George Washington said: “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without the BIBLE.”
Thomas Jefferson said: “A studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers,
and better husbands.”
John Quincy Adams said: “The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention.”
Andrew Jackson said: “It is the rock on which our Republic rests.”
Woodrow Wilson said: “A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived
himself of this (a knowledge of the BIBLE).”
Herbert Hoover said: “There is no other book so various as the BIBLE, nor so full of concentrated
wisdom.”
Ulysses S. Grant said: “To the influence of this book we are indebted for the progress made in civilization,
and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”
Alexander Cruden said: “All other books are of little importance in comparison with the HOLY
SCRIPTURES.”

The Life’s Texts of Famous Men

The text most preached by John Bunyan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (John 6:37)
The text that saved William Cowper from suicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Rom. 3:24-25)
The text that made Martin Luther the hero of the Reformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Rom. 1:17)
The text that comforted the troubled soul of John Wesley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Mark 12:34)
The text that made David Livingstone a Missionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Matt. 28:19-20)
The text to which John Knox anchored his soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (John 17:3)

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The text that led to the conversion of B. H. Corroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (John 7:17)
The text upon which Jonathan Edwards gave his heart to CHRIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1 Tim. 1:17)
The text that was John R. Rice’s life verse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 126:5-6)

Famous Songs Inspired by Scripture

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 18:2)
Abide With Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 23:4; Luke 24:29)
All Hail the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Rev. 4:11; 19:12,16)
All the Way My Savior Leads Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 37:23)
Amazing Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Eph. 2:8-9)
Battle Hymn of the Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 20:7)
Blessed Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Heb. 10:22)
Count Your Blessings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Eph.1:3)
Faith of Our Fathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 22:4)
How Great Thou Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 145:3)
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 89:1)
In the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (John 20:18)
Just as I Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (John 6:35-37)
My Country ‘Tis of Thee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Psa. 33:12)
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Jer. 31:3)

Bible Reader’s Guide

For centuries, millions of people have looked for answers to life’s most difficult questions in an ancient
sacred text: the Bible. It has become the best-selling book in the world. Although most people own a copy
of the Bible, many find it hard to read. They know that somewhere within its pages are words from God that
could help them understand themselves, make important decisions, gain peace, renew hope, and experience
God’s love. But finding the right words when they need them is often a daunting task. The Reader’s Guide
contains information on the work or mechanics of Bible study and interpretation.

The right Bible translation helps – The books that make up the Bible were written over a period of about
1600 years. The last book was completed over 1900 years ago. The different parts of the Bible were
originally written in one of three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. Since then, it’s been translated
into many different languages.
Even though there are many English translations; there remains a clear version in the list of
translations. The KJV has been found to be the most accurate (no verses are left out), the most usable
(has been used in every revival effort of the church since 1611), the most reliable (does not place doubts
on the text with footnotes like “the best Mss omit...”) and the most powerfully used of God (it is the soul
winner’s Bible). For over three hundred ninety years the AV 1611 (KJV) has been used as the standard
of fundamental truth and evangelical teaching.

Knowing the basics helps – As you read the Bible, you’ll notice that it is divided into chapters and verses.
These divisions were added to help readers locate a specific passage more easily. You’ll also notice that
the Bible is divided into two major parts - the Old Testament and the New Testament. The New
Testament records the story of the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the history
and teachings of the early Christian church. The Bible is a compilation of books written by a number of
different people for different reasons with the underlying motive of mankind’s redemption.

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 While not necessary, you may want to obtain a Bible commentary to refer to as you read. This is a
book in which scholars explain the meaning of each verse. Since the Bible was written in a different
culture, you may find it puzzling at times. A Bible dictionary may also be helpful in understanding
unfamiliar terms (more on these helps later).

Don’t read the Bible like a typical book – Read it Systematically, Deliberately and Prayerfully. If you are
new to the Bible, you may find that reading from the first page to the last is difficult. There are five
books that contain the essential teaching of the Bible. If this is your first time, we recommend that you
start by reading Genesis, the first book of the Bible. It gives the origin of the earth and stories of early
men and women of faith. Then turn to Deuteronomy, the fifth book in the Bible. It expresses God’s love
and summarizes God’s laws for his people, Israel. Next, turn to the fourth book in the New Testament,
the Gospel of John. It introduces Jesus as God’s Son and shows the meaning behind his life, death and
resurrection. The next book, Acts, follows the Gospel of John and gives a history of the early church.
The sixth book, Romans, follows the book of Acts and is a letter from the Apostle Paul to people in the
early church. It explains the needs of the human race and how God has met those needs through Jesus.
These five Bible books will give you the history and basic principles you’ll need to understand the rest
of the Bible.

Take it personally – To fully appreciate the Bible, what you read must become relevant in your life. After
you read a passage, pause for a moment and ask three simple questions (Prayer is you talking to God and
reading the Bible is God talking to you):
1. Observation: What is this passage about?
2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
3. Application: How does it apply to my life?
If you find it difficult to see the relevance to your life, there are editions of reference Bibles designed
to help you. Research was done to find the most common questions people have at different stages of
life. Bible scholars took these questions and linked them to passages in the Bible that give relevant
answers.

Other people can help you understand the Bible – After reading the Bible you may find certain passages
that seem to have several layers of meaning. This is one reason the Bible can be read over and over again
with new insights at each reading. If you have not already done so, you will benefit by finding a church
and Sunday School or Bible Study Class to help answer your questions and discuss how the Bible applies
to life today. Look for a church with a pastor and teachers that use the Bible as the basis for instruction.

Other reference books can help you understand the Bible – There are hundreds of Bible reference books
to choose from. Please read the volume called “Basic Bible Student’s Library” by this author in the series
called the “Christian Bible Study Library” for more information on books for the study of Bible subjects.
There are many helpful books in this area.

The Conclusion
There are 66 books in the Bible. Each one has a specific purpose which relates to the revelation of Jesus
Christ. Leviticus has an entirely different purpose from Romans. When you read something in Leviticus, you
would not apply it in the same way as you would Romans. Understanding the purpose of the Thessalonian
letters greatly helps in trying to understand some of Paul’s comments there. Each of the four gospels has a
different purpose, which explains why they are not identical biographical sketches. To aid us in
understanding the purpose of a book, we use a Bible Handbook, or a Survey of the Bible. Commentaries will

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also contain information on the purpose of the book. Some Study Bibles also contain this information.

The Word of GOD

The Mainstay of The Saints
“When thou goest, it shall lead thee, when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest it
shall talk with thee.” (Prov. 6:22)

The Bible is a companion book for:

I- the journey of the day
II- for the rest of the night
III- the blessing of the morning.
A) The believer of the word will doubt no more.
B) The believer will stray no more.
C) The believer of the word will always have a word from it to offer to the sinner along the way.
Dear Saint, the Word of GOD is wonderful in the hands of the believer. Hold the word close and love
its truths 'til the MASTER comes.
1- The Doctrine of the BIBLE (Isa. 55:11) (“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psa.
119:89)
2- The WORD of GOD (“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Luke
21:33; Mark 12:33) [Isa. 40:7-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25]
3- The Need of the Fallen Race (“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed
thereto according to thy word.” Psa. 119:9)
A) Despised by the Foolish – Rejected (Psa. 50:17; Isa. 5:24; 30:12; Jer. 6:10; 8:9; 20:8; 36:23; Zec.
7:12; Mark 7:13)
B) The Book of the Ages – Enduring (Psa. 119:89,152; Isa. 40:8; Mt 5:18; 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25)
C) Food for the Soul – A Spiritual Feasts (Deut. 8:3; Job 23:12; Psa. 119:103; Jer. 15:16; Ezek. 2:8;
3:1; Matt. 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2)
D) Divinely Inspired – (Jer. 36:2; Ezek. 1:3; Acts 1:16; 28:25; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; Rev. 1:1;
14:3)
E) Precepts Written in the Heart – (Deut. 6:6; 11:18; 30:14; Psa. 119:11; Luke 2:51; Rom. 10:8; Col.
3:16)
F) Furnishes a Light in Darkness – (Psa. 19:8; 119:105, 130; Prov. 6:23; 2 Peter 1:19)
G) Loved by the Saints – (Psa. 119:47, 72, 82, 97, 140, 163; Jer. 15:16)

A brief, but mighty tribute to the Bible has been given through the pen of an unknown author: “This
BOOK reveals the mind of GOD, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the
happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its brief are
immutable.”
“Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, and
comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the solder’s sword, and
the Christian’s charter.”
“Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. CHRIST is its grand subject,
our good its design, and the glory of GOD its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the
feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.”
“It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened
at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest
labor, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”
“The BOOK, The One BOOK, The BOOK of BOOKS, The BOOK of GOD, The BIBLE, The

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Revelation of GOD to fallen man!!” (Author Unknown)
The writer of Psalms has said in 119:140: “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” We
have a condition in the land today that is not that way at all! Most only read the BIBLE in those days of
trouble and distress. This ought not to be true. Will you sign your name below and say by this token that you
are going to fall in love with the SCRIPTURES.

Signed ___________________________________________

Date ________/_________/__________

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“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thes. 5:17-18)
 About the Electronic Text of this
Christian Bible Study Document
This electronic version of this portion of “The Christian Bible Study
Library” has been prepared and published to you in this format to allow all
readers to have access to the knowledge of the Bible within practical means.
A Copyright for this material is claimed (©2007) to protect the work and
arrangement of this data from some who might squander it and discourage
more from being produced. All rights are reserved for the reproduction of
this document by: Terry W. Preslar through The Fresh Waters Digital
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write: P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108 1(704)843-3858
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
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