IntroductiontotheBible

Study 1: The Book of Books

1. WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
A library of books (66 books, 39 in the Old, 27 in the New) Variety of literary styles (narrative, laws, ceremonial instruction, poetry, songs, sermons, prophecy, proverbs, parables, letters) Written from 15th C BC to 100 AD - span of 1600 years. The Books of the Bible dont appear in chronological order, rather they have been arranged in a logical order. Despite being written over such a vast period of time by so many different authors, the Bible contains a remarkable unity with an amazing development of common themes.

2. WHAT IS THE BIBLES MESSAGE?

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

3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIVISIONS IN THE BIBLE?

Two basic divisions, Old and New Testaments:

The Old Testament

Our English bibles follow the break up of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT made in 3rd C BC) Historical Books (Genesis through Esther), Mixed Poetry (Job through Song of Songs), Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi) The original Hebrew Bible has slightly different divisions: The Law (Genesis -> Deuteronomy) Creation, Rebellion, Calling of Abraham to a special relationship with God, Salvation from Egypt, Giving of the law, leading to the promised land. The Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings) History from Gods point of view and demonstrate the importance of prophets (those who speak Gods word). These describe the conquest of the land of Canaan in fulfillment of Gods promises. The movement to a monarchy and that Gods rule will always be through Kings descended from David (2 Sam 7). The split of the kingdom into north (Israel) and south (Judah) due to the peoples rebelliousness. The judgement of God comes on the northern tribes through the Assyrian conquest in 722BC. The judgement of God comes on the southern Kingdom through the Babylonian conquest and exile from 597 BC. This section ends wondering whether Gods purposes have been thwarted by human evil. The Later Prophets (Isaiah -> Malachi) From just before the exile to the end. They make clear the reason for Gods terrible judgement (Israels sin) and that Gods plans havent failed but that He will restore Israel in exodus-like fashion. This restoration is linked to the sending of a King from Davids line who will rule with perfect righteousness (the messiah). This King will fulfill all of Gods promises - a new creation, a new people, with new hearts and blessings to all the nations of the earth. God does bring his people back from exile, and the very last prophets have the task of encouraging the people to trust that Gods plan are being fulfilled although the climax is yet to come. The Writings (everything else) A real mixture - mostly either wisdom/poetry or exilic writings (e.g. Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)

Author: Ben Hudson

Copyright 2009 Moore Theological College

The New Testament

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

4. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE CLAIM ABOUT ITSELF?

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

Copyright 2009 Moore Theological College