The Bible is one of the most reprinted books ever, with hundreds of English-language versions being published regularly. This post on the 66 books of the Bible and their authors’ pdf will come in handy as a reference.
The Bible is made up of 66 books, but it’s a lot more than just a collection of stories. The Bible is a history book, a guidebook for life, and even a textbook for our faith! This is why it’s important to know how to use the Bible effectively. In this our summary of each book of the bible Pdf post, you learn more about the details of all the 66 books in the bible.
This summary of the bible from genesis to revelation pdf guide will help you understand how to summarize each book of the Bible in a few sentences. It will give you an overview of each book so that you can get the most out of your study time.
You may access a wealth of useful information about the Bible’s books, a chapter-by-chapter summary, an ancient testament summary in pdf, and much more right here on Churchgists. Visit our website for further details on related subjects if you have the time.
The New Testament is part of the summary of each book of the bible Pdf and contains four gospels; Acts of the Apostles; epistles attributed to Paul; general epistles by James, Peter, John, Jude and others; Revelation; plus some other writings. Some people believe that there are many books not included in either part of the Bible that are important for understanding God’s relationship with people. This idea is known as apocrypha or deuterocanonical texts. The Bible is a collection of books written by people who lived in the past. It tells us about their lives and the events that took place around them. The Bible has 66 books and is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The 66 books of the bible and their meaning is a collection of books written by many different authors over thousands of years. It tells the history of God’s interaction with humanity and His plan for us to become one with Him, as well as how He expects us to live our lives.
The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch and were written by Moses. These books tell how God created the world and how He led the Israelites out of Egypt. They also contain laws given by God for governing human behavior.
The next 31 books are historical narratives that tell about God’s dealings with men and women in ancient times. These books include stories about: Adam and Eve; Noah and his family; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses; Rahab; Joshua; Gideon; Samuel; David; Solomon; Elijah; Elisha (Elijah’s successor); Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah (chapters 1-2); Jonah (chapters 1-4); Micah (chapters 1-5); Nahum (chapters 1-3); Habakkuk (chapters 1-3); Zephaniah .
Also, if you want an easy graphic to share that makes it visually obvious which books are included in the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha, then this is what you are looking for! The Bible is a collection of books and letters written over thousands of years by dozens of authors who lived in different places, spoke different languages, and had different experiences. The Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and includes the Torah (five books of Moses), the Nevi’im (prophets), and the Ketuvim (writings). The Old Testament is also sometimes called the Hebrew Bible.
Churchgists has provided a well detailed information on the aforementioned and so much more. You will find these details very useful in whatever course you intend to use them for.
Summary of Each Book of the Bible PDF
The Bible is quite a big book. It has 66 books, and they’re all pretty long. That’s why we’ve summarized the main points of each one so you can learn what they’re about without spending hours reading the whole thing.
If you want to know what each book is about and what it says, this PDF is for you! You can download it right now by clicking here (or on the link below).
The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It has inspired countless people to live their lives for God and to do good.
It can be divided into three sections: the Old Testament, which is mostly about God’s dealings with the children of Israel; the New Testament, which tells of Jesus’ life and teachings; and finally Revelation, which describes what will happen at the end of time.
Here are quick summaries of the 66 books of the Bible:
The Bible is the world’s most influential book.
It has been translated into more than 1,500 languages and dialects and has sold more than 5 billion copies. It has been called the best-selling book of all time.
The Bible is a compilation of 66 books that were written over a period of about 1400 years. It is the most widely read book in the world and contains stories about God, Jesus Christ, and the life of Christians. It also contains instructions on how to live a moral life. The Bible has been translated into more than 2200 languages so that people can read it anywhere in the world.
Summary of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation pdf
1. Genesis
Moses
1450-1410 B.C.
Narrative
Meaning “the beginning or origin of something”, Genesis is the first book of the Bible, recording Creation, the fall of man and the early years of the nation of Israel.
2. Exodus
Moses
1450-1410 B.C.
Narrative
God appoints Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan, establishing a special relationship with them on the way to Mount Sinai.
3. Leviticus
Moses
1445-1444 B.C.
Law
God gives Israel rules to live by and instructions to present themselves holy before Him.
4. Numbers
Moses
1450-1410 B.C.
Narrative
A sequel to Exodus, Numbers takes its name from two censuses (or “numberings”) of the people of Israel, following their journey through the wilderness for forty years.
5. Deuteronomy
Moses
1407-1406 B.C.
Narrative
A farewell speech from Moses to the people of Israel shortly before his death, Deuteronomy recaps the promises of God and provides instructions to obey Him in the Promised Land.
6. Joshua
Joshua & possibly Phinehas
1405-1383 B.C.
Narrative
A book of conquest, Joshua details the Israelites’ invasion and eventual occupation of the Promised Land through faith and action.
7. Judges
Probably Samuel
1086-1004 B.C.
Narrative
Israel enters a cycle of sin, suffering defeat and oppression, only to cry out to God for deliverance, who sends leaders (called “judges”) to help them.
8. Ruth
Unknown
1375-1050 B.C.
Narrative
Occurring during some of the darkest days in Israel’s history, Ruth follows the journey of two widows who lose everything, but find hope through God.
9. 1 Samuel
Samuel, Nathan & Gad
930 B.C.
Narrative
Israel rejects God’s chosen leader, Samuel (a judge), and demands a king despite God’s warnings.
10. 2 Samuel
Unknown
930 B.C.
Narrative
The life and career of King David, who subdues Israel’s enemies and doubles the size of the kingdom, but is not without failings.
11. 1 Kings
Unknown
560-538 B.C.
Narrative
Israel enjoys a period of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but later splits in two after Rehoboam (his son) takes the throne.
12. 2 Kings
Unknown
560-538 B.C.
Narrative
The kings of Israel and Judah ignore God and His prophets, eventually falling captive to invading nations and are exiled to foreign lands.
13. 1 Chronicles
Ezra
430 B.C.
Narrative
Written to encourage the people returning from Babylonian exile, 1 Chronicles recaps the history and genealogy of Israel, emphasising the spiritual significance of David and future Messianic King.
14. 2 Chronicles
Ezra
430 B.C.
Narrative
A continuation of the previous book, 2 Chronicles focuses on the kings of Israel, from King Solomon and the building of the temple, to subsequent division, exile and return from captivity.
15. Ezra
Ezra
450 B.C.
Narrative
Fulfilling the promises of God, the Israelites return from exile after seventy years and rebuild the temple.
16. Nehemiah
Nehemiah
445-432 B.C.
Narrative
Despite local opposition, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from exile, rallying the people to rebuild the city walls and gates in just fifty-two days.
17. Esther
Unknown
483-471 B.C.
Narrative
Occurring during the exile of Israel, Esther is a Jewish queen to a Persian king, who intercedes on behalf of her people to save them from a genocidal plot.
18. Job
Possibly Job
2100-1800 B.C.
Poetry
A righteous man named Job loses everything and suffers greatly, but remains faithful to God and is blessed abundantly.
19. Psalms
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan & Moses
1440-586 B.C.
Poetry
A collection of 150 songs of worship and praise to God that includes prophecies of the coming Messiah.
20. Proverbs
Solomon, Agur & Lemuel
970-930 B.C.
Wisdom Literature
The book of Proverbs contains God’s divine wisdom, covering a variety of topics for every area of life.
21. Ecclesiastes
Solomon
935 B.C.
Wisdom Literature
Solomon’s analysis of life, which is meaningless and empty without God.
22. Song of Songs
Solomon
970-930 B.C.
Poetry
A passionate yet gentle song of love between a husband and wife, symbolising God’s relationship with us.
23. Isaiah
Isaiah
700-681 B.C.
Prophecy
The first book of the Major Prophets, Isaiah contains warnings of God’s coming judgement and detailed prophecies about the Messiah.
24. Jeremiah
Jeremiah
627-586 B.C.
Prophecy
Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah passionately pleads with the people to repent before the coming Babylonian captivity, but is ignored.
25. Lamentations
Jeremiah
586 B.C.
Poetry & Prophecy
Lamentations is a book of sadness that reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and captivity of Israel.
26. Ezekiel
Ezekiel
571 B.C.
Prophecy
Ezekiel is called by God to preach a message of judgement and deliverance for the captives living in Babylon.
27. Daniel
Daniel
535 B.C.
Narrative & Prophecy
Like Ezekiel, Daniel has been taken to Babylon in captivity and receives prophetic visions while serving in the courts of the king.
28. Hosea
Hosea
715 B.C.
Prophecy
The first book of the Minor Prophets, Hosea is a tragic love story that demonstrates God’s unending love for His people despite their unfaithfulness.
29. Joel
Joel
835-796 B.C.
Prophecy
Joel warns the people to repent and turn back to God before judgement falls upon them.
30. Amos
Amos
760-750 B.C.
Prophecy
A shepherd named Amos prophesies to the northern kingdom which has become self-sufficient and indifferent towards God during a time of great prosperity.
31. Obadiah
Obadiah
627-586 B.C.
Prophecy
Only one chapter, Obadiah demonstrates God’s ongoing protection of His people and coming judgement on the nation of Edom, which was indifferent during the Babylonian plunder of Jerusalem.
32. Jonah
Jonah
785-760 B.C.
Narrative
A reluctant prophet, Jonah is sent by God to Nineveh, but refuses and learns the futility of it in the belly of a giant fish.
33. Micah
Micah
742-687 B.C.
Prophecy
Micah warns of the coming judgement that will eventually exile the nation, and includes some of the clearest predictions of the Messiah.
34. Nahum
Nahum
663-654 B.C.
Prophecy
Nahum is the second prophet sent to Nineveh (Jonah being the first) to preach God’s judgement on the Assyrian city and empire.
35. Habakkuk
Habakkuk
612-589 B.C.
Prophecy
God answers Habakkuk’s complaints of wickedness and injustice in the land.
36. Zephaniah
Zephaniah
640-621 B.C.
Prophecy
Written shortly before the fall of Judah (Southern Kingdom of Israel) to Babylonian conquest, Zephaniah warns the people and the surrounding nations that the day of the Lord is near.
37. Haggai
Haggai
520 B.C.
Prophecy
Written after the Babylonian exile, work to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had halted due to opposition and spiritual apathy, so Haggai motivates the people to finish.
38. Zechariah
Zechariah
520-480 B.C.
Prophecy
Zechariah ministered with Haggai after the 70-year exile, encouraging the remnant to return to God.
39. Malachi
Malachi
430 B.C.
Prophecy
The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi is a beautiful expression of God’s love for a nation that continues to disobey Him.
New Testament
The New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven sacred books that centre on the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus Christ.
40. Matthew
Matthew (Levi)
A.D. 60-65
Gospel
The first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew was primarily written for the Jews and references many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus.
41. Mark
John Mark
A.D. 55-65
Gospel
Mark is the shortest Gospel, which emphasises Jesus’ servanthood and miracles.
42. Luke
Luke
A.D. 60
Gospel
Unlike the other Gospel writers, Luke was a Gentile who wrote an account of Jesus’ life for those outside the Jewish faith.
43. John
John
A.D. 85-90
Gospel
The last of the four Gospels, John is an eyewitness account of Jesus’ ministry that focuses on the deeper meaning of events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
44. Acts
Luke
A.D. 63-70
History
A historical narrative of the early church which was empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News.
45. Romans
Paul
A.D. 70
Epistle
An epistle to the believers in Rome (hence the name) where Paul planned to visit. Romans sets a theological foundation for faith through Jesus.
46. 1 Corinthians
Paul
A.D. 55
Epistle
The first of two letters from Paul to the believers in Corinth, 1 Corinthians was written in response to divisions and problems facing the local church.
47. 2 Corinthians
Paul
A.D. 55-57
Epistle
The second and final letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, 2 Corinthians deals with persisting problems facing the believers there and warns against false teachers.
48. Galatians
Paul
A.D. 49
Epistle
A letter from Paul to the church in Galatia, the book is a foundational study that addresses the problem of Jewish legalism and the fullness of salvation found in Jesus.
49. Ephesians
Paul
A.D. 60
Epistle
Written to the church in Ephesus during Paul’s first imprisonment, Ephesians covers a variety of subjects including the gift of grace, love and how to walk as fruitful followers of Jesus.
50. Philippians
Paul
A.D. 61
Epistle
An encouraging letter from Paul to the church in Philippi explaining the attitude and outlook believers must have to experience the joy of the Lord.
51. Colossians
Paul
A.D. 60
Epistle
In this letter, Paul refutes certain false teachings that are impeding the church in Colossae, reaffirming the deity and superiority of Jesus Christ.
52. 1 Thessalonians
Paul
A.D. 51
Epistle
The first of two letters to the believers in Thessalonica, Paul writes to encourage and strengthen the church, emphasising the principles of holy living through faith, hope and love.
53. 2 Thessalonians
Paul
A.D. 51
Epistle
A follow-up letter of encouragement to the persecuted church of Thessalonica, Paul reaffirms Jesus’ second coming and matters preceding that event.
54. 1 Timothy
Paul
A.D. 54
Epistle
A letter from Paul to a young pastor named Timothy, offering guidance and important principles for church leadership that still apply today.
55. 2 Timothy
Paul
A.D. 67
Epistle
The second of two letters to Timothy, the book is probably Paul’s final chronological epistle, urging his protégé to remain strong and faithful to Jesus.
56. Titus
Paul
A.D. 65
Epistle
A letter of guidance from Paul to Titus to address challenges facing his leadership of the churches on the island of Crete.
57. Philemon
Paul
A.D. 60
Epistle
Consisting of only one chapter, the book is a short but profound letter from Paul to Philemon requesting forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus.
58. Hebrews
Unknown
A.D. 68
Epistle
A letter urging Jewish believers not to return to their former traditions, summarising key Biblical characters and events to emphasise the hope of salvation through Jesus.
59. James
James (Jesus’ half-brother)
A.D. 49
Epistle
A hard-hitting letter from James, encouraging believers to have a genuine faith with an emphasis on results.
60. 1 Peter
Peter
A.D. 65
Epistle
The focus of Peter’s first letter is persecution, sharing inspiring words of comfort for Christians living as an oppressed minority in the Roman Empire.
61. 2 Peter
Peter
A.D. 66
Epistle
Peter’s second letter warns against false teachers and reaffirms important spiritual truths.
62. 1 John
John
A.D. 90-95
Epistle
Written to oppose heretical doctrine, the first letter from John echoes the Gospel, encouraging Christians to love one another and keep Jesus’ commands.
63. 2 John
John
A.D. 90-95
Epistle
A brief letter from John to “the chosen lady”, urging believers to love one another and to be on guard against false teachings.
64. 3 John
John
A.D. 90-95
Epistle
The shortest book in the Bible, 3 John commends Gaius and Demetruis for their faithful service.
65. Jude
Jude (Jesus’ half-brother)
A.D. 65
Epistle
A letter from Jude to address false teachings and urge Christians to defend the truth of the Good News.
66. Revelation
John
A.D. 95
Apocalyptic
Written during John’s imprisonment on the island of Patmos, Revelation is an apocalyptic book that contains prophetic visions of the Spiritual Realms and Jesus’ return to Earth.
Download Summary of Each Book of the Bible PDF
Books of the bible categorized
MAJOR DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is divided into two main sections i.e.
- The Old Testament.
- The New Testament.
Apocrypha/Deutro-canonical Books
These include:
- Tobit.
- Judith.
- Ecclesiastics.
- Baruch.
- 1 Maccabees.
- 2 Maccabees.
- Book of Wisdom.
- 1 Esdras.
- 2 Esdras
THE MAJOR DIVISIONS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT
The books of the Bible can be grouped into different disciplines, these are;
- Law books / Torah / pentateuch
- Historical books
- Poetic books
- Prophetic books
- The Gospels / Biographical books
- Epistles / letters
Note;
- Canonical books are books accepted by all Christians as Holy Scriptures.
- They make up the canon of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
- The word ‘Canon’ in Greek means;
Rule, Standard, Guidance
DIVISIONS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
The books of the Old Testament are divided into four main categories and these are:
(i) Law books
These are the first 5 books of the Bible that are believed to have been written by Moses. These are:
- Genesis.
- Exodus.
- Leviticus.
- Numbers.
- Deuteronomy.
They are also referred to as the Torah or Pentateuch or Mosaic Law.
(ii) Historical Books
They are 12 Historical books and they record the history of the Israelites from the time they entered Canaan and settled until after the Babylonian exile. These are:-
- Joshua.
- Judges.
- Ruth.
- 1st and 2nd Samuel.
- 1st and 2nd Kings.
- 1st and 2nd Chronicles.
- Ezra.
- Nehemiah.
- Esther.
(iii) Poetic books
They are 5 and contain words of wisdom.
They are poetic in nature and these are:-
- Job.
- Psalms.
- Proverbs.
- Ecclesiastes.
- Songs of Songs.
- Prophetic books
They contain the prophecies of the people of Israel. They are further sub-divided into two i.e.
(a)Major Prophets
They are referred to as Major Prophets because their messages cover a longer historical period and are 5 in number i.e.
- Isaiah.
- Jeremiah.
- Lamentations.
- Ezekiel.
- Daniel.
- Minor Prophets
The messages of this prophets cover a shorter historical period
They are twelve i.e.
- Hosea
- Nahum
- Joel
- Habakkuk
- Amos
- Zephaniah
- Obadiah
- Haggai
- Jonah
- Zechariah
- Micah
- Malachi
Note: The following are the books of the Bible referred to as the writings;
- Job
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiaste
- The Song of Solomon/ Song of Songs
DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
It is divided into 5 major categories. These are:-
(i) Biographical Books
They are referred to as Gospels.
These Gospels were written by the disciples of Jesus Christ.
They tell the life story and ministry of Jesus Christ.
They are 4 in number i.e.
a) Mathew.
b) Mark.
c) Luke.
d) John.
The first three books in the New Testament are also referred to as the synoptic Gospels.
(ii) Historical Books
It outlines the history and development of the church after Jesus’ ascension.
It is one book namely:
- Acts
The author is Luke.
It deals with the history of the early church after the ascension of Christ.
(iii)Pauline Epistles
These are 13 letters written by Paul to the congregation and individuals to address certain problems that arose among them.
They are:
- a) Romans
- b) Colossians
- c) 1st and 2nd Corinthians
- d) 1st and 2nd Thessalonians
- e) Galatians
- f) 1st and 2nd Timothy
- g) Ephesians
- h) Titus
- i) Philippians
- j) Philemon.
(iv) General Epistles
These letters are not addressed to specific churches or individuals but to all Christians to encourage them.
Are eight namely:-
a) Hebrews.
b) James.
c) 1st and 2nd Peter.
d) 1st, 2nd and 3rd John.
e) Jude.
(v) Prophetic books
There is only one book i.e. Revelation.
It presents God’s will for the future.
Summary of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation pdf
The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by over 40 authors over a span of about 1500 years. It is the most widely read book in the world and has inspired countless works of art and music.
The Bible is divided into two sections: The Old Testament (the first 40 books) and the New Testament (the last 26 books).
The Old Testament tells the story of God’s relationship with his people through history. It begins with creation and ends with a look into the future for those who serve him.
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ, who came to earth to live among us as one of us so that we could see what true love looks like. He came to die for our sins so that we could be forgiven and live forever with him in heaven after death if we choose to believe in him!
It is a summary of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a pdf.
The book of Genesis provides an account of the creation of the world, the fall of man, and other important events in the history of the universe. The book of Exodus tells about how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and gave them his laws on Mount Sinai. The book of Leviticus gives laws concerning sacrifices, cleanliness, and holiness. The book of Numbers relates how Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering Canaan (modern Palestine). The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ last words to his people before they entered Canaan.
The books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel through 2 Kings tell about the history of Israel from its conquest by Joshua until its fall under Babylonian rule around 586 B.C.E.. The books of 1 Chronicles through 2 Chronicles cover similar ground but are organized differently than those listed above (1 Chronicles covers more time than 2 Chronicles).
The books of Ezra through Esther describe events that took place during Persian rule over Israel (539-332 B.C.). These books include descriptions of religious reform movements among Jews in Jerusalem.
Old Testament:
Genesis — God creates the universe and fashions humans in His own image and places them in a perfect environment. The humans rebel against God and lose their paradise. The rebellion gets so bad that God wipes out humanity with a flood, but He graciously preserves Noah and his family. Later, God chooses and blesses the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (or Israel) and promises them a land for their many descendants. Through this family God plans to bring a Savior to reconcile the sinful world to Himself.
Exodus — The children of Israel, now living in Egypt, are forced into slavery. God prepares an Israelite named Moses to lead the people to freedom. The king is loath to let the slaves go, so God sends a series of plagues upon the Egyptians. Moses leads the Israelites through the Red Sea, which God miraculously parts for them, and to Mt. Sinai. Camped at Sinai, the Israelites receive the Law of God, including the Ten Commandments. The Law is the basis of a covenant between God and people He has rescued, with promised blessings for obedience. The people promise to uphold the covenant.
Leviticus — In the Law, God establishes a sacrificial system to atone for sins and a series of festivals for Israel to observe as days of worship. God gives Moses plans for a tabernacle, a tent where the sacrifices can be offered and God will meet with His people. God specifies that the rituals and ceremonies of the tabernacle are to be overseen by the family of Aaron, Moses’ brother.
Numbers — The Israelites arrive at the border of Canaan, the land God had earlier promised to Abraham. But the people following Moses refuse to enter the land, due to their lack of faith and their fear of Canaan’s inhabitants. As a judgment, God consigns the Israelites to wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until the unbelieving generation passes away and a new generation takes their place. God sustains His rebellious people with miraculous provisions throughout their time in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy — The new generation of Israelites is now ready to take possession of the Promised Land. Moses gives a series of final speeches, in which he reiterates the Law of God and promises that one day God will send another Prophet reminiscent of the power and mission of Moses. Moses dies in Moab.
Joshua — Moses’ successor, Joshua, leads the children of Israel across the Jordan River (parted miraculously by God) and into Canaan. God overthrows the city of Jericho by knocking its walls down. Joshua leads the people in a successful campaign to conquer the whole of Canaan. With a few exceptions, the Israelites remain faithful to their promise to keep their covenant with God, and God blesses them with military victories. After the land is subdued, the Israelites divide Canaan into separate territories, giving each of the tribes of Israel a lasting inheritance.
Judges — Joshua dies, and, almost immediately, the people begin to turn away from the God who had blessed them. Rather than driving out all the land’s inhabitants, they allow some of the Canaanites to survive, and the Israelites begin to worship the gods of the Canaanites. True to the terms of the covenant, God sends enemies to oppress His people. The suffering they endure causes them to repent, and God responds by sending leaders to rally the people and defeat the enemies, bringing peace to the land again. This cycle is repeated several times over a span of about 300 years.
Ruth — During the time of the judges, a famine strikes the land, and a man of Bethlehem takes his family out of Israel to live in Moab. There, he and his two sons die. His widow, Naomi, returns to Israel along with one of her daughters-in-law, a Moabitess named Ruth. Back in Bethlehem, the two women face hardship, and Ruth gathers what food she can by gleaning in a barley field owned by a man named Boaz. Ruth is noticed by Boaz, and he gives her extra help. Since Boaz is related to Naomi’s late husband, he has the legal opportunity to redeem the family property and raise up an heir in the name of the deceased. Ruth asks Boaz to do just that, and Boaz agrees. He marries Ruth and purchases the property that had belonged to Naomi. Boaz and Ruth become the great-grandparents of Israel’s greatest king, David.
1 Samuel — In answer to prayer, Samuel is born to a barren woman, who then dedicates her young son to the tabernacle. Samuel is raised by the judge and high priest, Eli. Early on, Samuel begins to receive messages from God and becomes known as a prophet. After Eli’s death, Samuel becomes Israel’s final judge. The people demand a king to make them more like other nations. Samuel advises against it, but the Lord directs Samuel to grant their request. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king. Saul starts out well, but he soon begins to act in pride and ignore God’s commands. God rejects Saul as king and instructs Samuel to anoint another person to take Saul’s place: that person is David, chosen while still a youth. David becomes famous in Israel for slaying the Philistine warrior Goliath, and Saul grows jealous to the point of madness. The king begins to pursue David, whose life is in constant danger as he takes refuge in the wilderness. Men loyal to David gather to him. Samuel dies, and, later, Saul and his sons are killed in a battle with the Philistines.
2 Samuel — David is crowned king by his tribesmen in Judah, and they make the city of Hebron the capital of Judah. After a brief civil war, all the tribes of Israel unite under the leadership of David, God’s choice. The capital is moved to Jerusalem. God makes a promise to David that a son of his will rule on the throne forever. David seeks to follow God’s will, and God blesses David with victories over foreign enemies. Sadly, David falls into the sin of adultery and tries to cover his sin by having the woman’s husband killed. God pronounces judgment on David’s house, and trouble begins. David’s daughter is raped by her half-brother, who is then killed by Absalom, another of David’s sons, in revenge. Absalom then plots to overthrow David and take the throne. He gains a following, and David and those loyal to him are forced to flee Jerusalem. Absalom is eventually killed in battle, and David returns home in sorrow. Near the end of his life, David disobeys God and takes a census of the people, a sin for which God sends judgment on the nation.
1 Kings — King David dies. His son Solomon takes the throne, but his brother Adonijah challenges him for it. After repeated attempts to usurp authority from his brother, Adonijah is executed. King Solomon is blessed by God with great wisdom, riches, and honor. He oversees the building of the temple in Jerusalem and dedicates it to the Lord in a grand ceremony. Later in life, Solomon forsakes the path of righteousness and serves other gods. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam takes the throne, but his foolish choices lead to a civil war, and the nation is fractured in two. Rehoboam remains king of the southern kingdom, and a man named Jeroboam is crowned king of the ten tribes to the north. Both kings practice idolatry. Through the years, David’s dynasty in the southern kingdom occasionally produces a godly king; most of the kings are wicked, however. The northern kingdom is led by an unbroken series of wicked rulers, including the idolatrous Ahab and his wife Jezebel, during whose reign God sends a drought to punish Israel, along with a mighty prophet, Elijah, to point the people back to God.
2 Kings — Elijah is translated to heaven, and Elisha takes his place as God’s prophet in Israel. Jehu becomes Israel’s king and wipes out the wicked family line of Ahab. In Judah, Ahab’s daughter becomes queen and attempts to kill all of David’s heirs, but she fails. Wicked kings rule in both nations, with the exception, in Judah, of a few reformers such as Hezekiah and Josiah. Israel’s persistent idolatry finally exhausts God’s patience, and He brings the Assyrians against them to conquer the people of Israel. Later, God brings the Babylonians against Judah as a judgment, and Jerusalem is destroyed.
1 Chronicles — A genealogy traces God’s people from Adam to the kingdom years, with a focus on David’s family. The rest of the book covers much of the same material as 1 and 2 Samuel, with an emphasis on the life of David.
2 Chronicles — This book covers much the same material as 1 and 2 Kings, with an emphasis on David’s dynasty in Judah. The book begins with the construction of the temple under Solomon, and it ends with the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, with a proclamation, in the last few verses, that the temple would be rebuilt.
Ezra — After 70 years of captivity in a foreign land, the people of Judah are allowed to return to their homeland to rebuild. A descendant of David named Zerubbabel, together with some priests, begins to rebuild the temple. Political opposition to the rebuilding forces a halt in construction for about 15 years. But then the work continues, encouraged by two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. About 57 years after the temple is completed, Ezra the scribe arrives in Jerusalem, bringing with him about 2,000 people, including priests and Levites to serve in the temple. Ezra finds that the people living in Judah have lapsed into sin, and he calls the people to repentance and a return to the law of God.
Nehemiah — About 14 years after Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer in Persia, learns that the walls of Jerusalem are in a state of disrepair. Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem and oversees the construction of the city walls. He is opposed by enemies of the Jews, who try to thwart the work with various tactics, but the wall is finished with God’s blessings in time to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. Ezra reads the book of the law publicly, and the people of Judah rededicate themselves to following it. The book of Nehemiah begins with sadness and ends with singing and celebration.
Esther — Some exiled Jews have opted not to return to Jerusalem and have stayed in Persia instead. Xerxes, the king of Persia, chooses as his new queen a young woman named Esther. Esther is a Jewess, but she keeps her ethnicity secret at the behest of her cousin Mordecai, who has raised her. A high-ranking official in the kingdom, a man named Haman, plots a genocide against all the Jews in the kingdom, and he receives the king’s permission to carry out his plan—neither he nor the king knowing that the queen is Jewish. Through a series of divinely directed, perfectly timed events, Haman is killed, Mordecai is honored, and the Jews are spared, with Queen Esther being instrumental in it all.
Job — A righteous man named Job suffers a series of terrible tragedies that take away his wealth, his family, and his health. Even after losing everything, Job does not curse God. Three friends come to commiserate with Job, but they eventually speak their minds about the situation, advancing the notion that God is punishing Job for some secret sin. Job denies any sinfulness on his part, yet in his pain he cries out to God for answers—he trusts God, but he also wants God to explain Himself. In the end, God shows up and overwhelms Job with His majesty, wisdom, and power. God restores Job’s fortune, health, and family, but the answer to why Job had suffered God never answers.
Psalms — This collection of songs includes praise to the Lord, cries of the needy, worshipful adoration, laments, thanksgiving, prophecy, and the full spectrum of human emotion. Some of the songs were written for specific occasions, such as traveling to the temple or crowning a new king.
Proverbs — A collection of moral teachings and general observances about life, this book is directed to those in search of wisdom. Subjects include love, sex, marriage, money, work, children, anger, strife, thoughts, and words.
Ecclesiastes — A wise older man who calls himself the Preacher philosophizes about life, looking back over what he has learned from his experiences. The Preacher, having lived apart from God, recounts the futility of various dead-end paths. Nothing in this world satisfies: riches, pleasure, knowledge, or work. Without God in the equation, all is vanity.
Song of Solomon — A king and a humble maiden express love and devotion to each other through their courtship, leading to a joyous and affirming consummation of the marriage on the wedding night. The song continues to depict some of the difficulties faced by the bridegroom and his bride in their married life, always coming back to the yearning the lovers have for each other and the undying strength of love.
Isaiah — Isaiah is called as a prophet in Judah and brings God’s messages to several kings. God proclaims judgment against Judah for their religious hypocrisy. The prophet then delivers messages of warning to other nations, including Assyria, Babylon, Moab, Syria, and Ethiopia. For all of God’s anger against His people in Judah, He miraculously saves Jerusalem from an attack by the Assyrians. Isaiah predicts the fall of Judah at the hands of Babylon, but he also promises a restoration to their land. Isaiah looks even farther ahead to the promised Messiah, who will be born of a virgin, be rejected by His people, and be killed in the process of bearing their iniquities—yet the Messiah, God’s righteous Servant, will also rule the world from Jerusalem in a kingdom of peace and prosperity.
Jeremiah — Jeremiah, living during the time of the Babylonian invasion of Judah, prophesies Babylon’s victory over Judah, a message that brings him much grief from the proud kings and false prophets in Jerusalem. Continually calling God’s people to repent, Jeremiah is regularly ignored and even persecuted. Through Jeremiah, God promises that He will one day establish a new covenant with Israel. The prophet lives to see the fall of Jerusalem and predicts that the people’s captivity in Babylon will last 70 years.
Lamentations — In a long acrostic poem, Jeremiah weeps over the destruction of the land of Judah. The reproach and shame of God’s people is overwhelming, and all seems lost. Yet God is just in His discipline, and He is merciful in not destroying the rebellious nation completely; God’s people will yet see God’s compassion.
Ezekiel — This is a book of prophecies written in Babylon by Ezekiel, a priest-turned-prophet. Ezekiel deals with the cause of God’s judgment against Judah, which is idolatry and the dishonor Judah had brought upon God’s name. Ezekiel also writes of judgment against other nations, such as Edom, Ammon, Egypt, and Philistia, and against the city of Tyre. Ezekiel then promises a miraculous restoration of God’s people to their land, the reconstruction of the temple, and God’s rule over all the nations of the earth.
Daniel — As a young man, Daniel is taken captive to Babylon, but he and three friends remain steadfast to the Lord’s commands, and God blesses them with honor and high rank in the Babylonian Empire. They have enemies, though: Daniel’s three friends are thrown into a fiery furnace, and Daniel into a den of lions, but God preserves their lives in each case and bestows even more honor upon them. Daniel survives the overthrow of Babylon and continues prophesying into the time of the Persian Empire. Daniel’s prophecies are far-reaching, accurately predicting the rise and fall of many nations and the coming rule of God’s chosen king, the Messiah.
Hosea — Hosea’s mission is to call Israel to repentance, as God is poised to judge them for their corruption and idolatry. At God’s command, Hosea marries a wife who is unfaithful to him, and then he must redeem her from prostitution. This sordid experience is an illustration of Israel’s spiritual adultery and the fact that a loving God is still pursuing them to redeem them and restore them to their proper place.
Joel — Joel ministers in Judah during a time of drought and a locust plague, events that are signs of God’s judgment on the nation. Joel uses the current judgment to point the people to the future, worldwide judgment of the Day of the Lord, and he calls on everyone to repent. Joel’s final promise is that the Lord will dwell with His people in Zion and bring great blessing to the restored land.
Amos — Amos begins with pronouncing judgment against Damascus, Tyre, Edom, and Gaza, among other places. The prophet travels north from Judah to Israel to warn that nation of God’s judgment. He lists their sins and extends God’s invitation to repent and be forgiven. After the destruction of Israel, God promises, there will be a time of restoration.
Obadiah — From their seemingly secure, rock-bound homes, the Edomites had rejoiced at Judah’s fall, but Obadiah brings God’s sobering message: Edom, too, will be conquered, and that without remedy. God’s people will be the ultimate victors.
Jonah — Jonah, a prophet in Israel, is instructed by God to go to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh to prophesy against it. Jonah disobeys, attempting to travel away from Nineveh, but God intercepts him at sea. Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repents, and the fish spits him back on dry ground. When Jonah prophesies in Nineveh, the Assyrians humble themselves before God and repent, and God does not bring judgment upon them. Jonah is angry that God has forgiven the people he hates, and God reasons with his obstinate prophet.
Micah — In a series of three messages, Micah calls on both Judah and Israel to hear the word of God. He prophesies of coming judgment on both kingdoms and foresees the blessed kingdom of God, ruled by a king who would be born in Bethlehem. Micah ends his book with a promise that God’s anger will turn and that God’s people will be restored.
Nahum — Nahum’s prophecy concerns the destruction of Nineveh. Nahum gives the reasons for it and promises God’s judgment on this nation that had once terrorized the rest of the world. Unlike God’s judgment against Israel, the judgment against Nineveh will have no respite, and the destruction will not be followed by restoration.
Habakkuk — The prophet questions God about something he cannot understand: namely, how God can use the wicked Babylonians to punish God’s own people, Judah. The Lord answers by reminding Habakkuk of His sovereignty and faithfulness and that, in this world, the just will live by faith.
Zephaniah — Zephaniah warns of the coming Day of the Lord, a prophecy fulfilled, in part, by the invasion of Babylon and, more remotely, at the end of time. Other nations besides Judah are also warned of coming judgment, including Philistia, Moab, Cush, and Assyria. Jerusalem is called to repent, and the book ends with a promise from God to restore His people to favor and glory.
Haggai — Haggai lives and preaches during the time of Zerubbabel and Zechariah. The reconstruction of the temple had begun, but opposition from the Jews’ enemies has halted the work for about 15 years. Haggai preaches a series of four sermons to spur the people back to work so that the temple can be completed.
Zechariah — A contemporary of Haggai and Zerubbabel, Zechariah encourages the people of Jerusalem to finish the reconstruction of the temple, a work that has languished for about 15 years. Eight visions relate God’s continuing plan for His people. Judgment on Israel’s enemies is promised, along with God’s blessings on His chosen people. Several messianic prophecies are included, predicting the Messiah’s coming, His suffering, and His eventual conquering glory.
Malachi — Ministering to post-exilic Israel, Malachi calls God’s people to repentance. The prophet condemns the sins of divorce, bringing impure sacrifices, withholding tithes, and profaning God’s name. The book, and the Old Testament, ends with a description of the Day of the Lord and the promise that Elijah will come before that dreadful day.
New Testament:
Matthew — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of David and thus the rightful king to rule from Israel’s throne. Jesus offers the kingdom to His people, but Israel rejects Him as their king and crucifies Him. Jesus rises again and sends His disciples into all the world to proclaim His teaching.
Mark — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Righteous Servant of God. Jesus obeys the Father’s will and accomplishes all He had been sent to do, including dying for sinners and rising again from the dead.
Luke — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of Man who came to save the whole world. Jesus shows the love of God to all classes of people, regardless of race or gender. He is unjustly betrayed, arrested, and murdered, but He rises again.
John — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus speaks at length of His nature and work and the necessity of faith, and He proves that He is the Son of God through a series of public miracles. He is crucified and rises again.
Acts — This sequel to the life of Christ follows the ministry of the apostles following Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit arrives to fill and empower Jesus’ followers, who begin to preach the gospel in the midst of mounting persecution. Paul, a former enemy of the Christians, is converted and called by Christ as an apostle. The church begins in Jerusalem, expands to Samaria, and spreads to the Roman world.
Romans — This theological treatise, written by Paul on one of his missionary journeys, examines the righteousness of God and how God can declare guilty sinners to be righteous based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Having been justified by faith, believers live in holiness before the world.
1 Corinthians — The church in Corinth is riddled with problems, and the apostle Paul writes to give them God’s instructions on how to deal with various issues, including sin and division in the church, marriage, idolatry, spiritual gifts, the future resurrection, and the conduct of public worship.
2 Corinthians — The problems in the church in Corinth have for the most part been worked through, and Paul writes this letter to encourage them, to explain the love gift he is collecting for Judean Christians, and to defend his apostleship against critics who are speaking out against him.
Galatians — False teachers have infiltrated the churches in Galatia, falsely suggesting that works of the law (specifically circumcision) must be added to faith in Christ in order for salvation to be real. In no uncertain terms, Paul condemns the mixture of law and grace, showing that salvation and sanctification are all of grace. Christ’s salvation has set us free. We rely on the Spirit’s work, not our own.
Ephesians — Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ, and not by our own works. The life Jesus gives, to Jew and Gentile alike, results in a new heart and a new walk in this world. The church is the Body of Christ, and marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. God has provided spiritual armor to wage spiritual battle.
Philippians — Writing this letter from a Roman prison, Paul thanks the church in Philippi for the love gift they had sent him. The gospel of Christ is advancing in the world, despite hardship, and Christians can rejoice in that. We are urged to humble ourselves as Christ did, be unified, and press toward the goal of pleasing the Lord in all things.
Colossians — Despite what false teachers might claim, Jesus Christ is the Savior, Lord, and Creator of all things. In Him, all believers are made alive and complete; they need not submit themselves to manmade regulations or the mandates of the Old Testament law. The new life we have in Christ will affect our relationships with spouses, parents, children, masters, and servants.
1 Thessalonians — Paul reviews the start of the church in Thessalonica, and he commends them for their steadfast faith. Believers are encouraged to live pure lives and to maintain the hope that Jesus will return. When Christ comes again, He will resurrect believers who have died and will rapture those still living to be with Him forever. The Day of the Lord is coming, which will result in the judgment of this world.
2 Thessalonians — The church of Thessalonica is enduring persecution, and some believers wonder if the Day of the Lord had already arrived. Paul assures them that what they are experiencing is not God’s judgment. Before that terrible day comes, there must be a worldwide rebellion, a removal of the Restrainer, and the rise to power of the man of lawlessness. But God will protect His children. Until the time that Christ returns, keep doing what is right.
1 Timothy — Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus, is the recipient of this letter from Paul. A pastor must be qualified spiritually, be on guard against false doctrine, pray, care for those in the church, train other leaders, and above all faithfully preach the truth.
2 Timothy — In this very personal letter at the end of his life, Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to the faith, focus on what is truly important, persevere in dangerous times, and preach the Word of God.
Titus — Titus, an overseer of churches on the island of Crete, has the job of appointing elders in the churches there, making sure the men are qualified spiritually. He must beware of false teachers, avoid distractions, model the Christian life, and enjoin all believers to practice good works.
Philemon — In this short letter to Philemon, a believer in Colossae, the apostle Paul urges him to show the love of Christ and be reconciled to a runaway, thieving slave. Under Roman law, the slave could face severe punishment, but Paul urges grace for the sake of Christ. Philemon should welcome his slave back into the household, not as a slave now but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Hebrews — There are Jewish members of the church who are tempted to return to the Jewish law. The author of this epistle urges them not to look back but to move on to full spiritual maturity, by faith. Jesus Christ is better than angels and better than Moses, and He has provided a better sacrifice, a better priesthood, and a better covenant than anything in the Old Testament. Having left Egypt, we must enter the Promised Land, not continue to wander aimlessly in the wilderness.
James — In this very practical book, James shows what faith lived out looks like. True, saving faith will affect our prayer life, our words, our response to trials, and our treatment of others.
1 Peter — The apostle Peter writes to believers under persecution in Asia Minor, addressing them as “God’s elect, exiles scattered” (1 Peter 1:1). He reminds them of the grace of God, assures them of their heavenly home, teaches them to exhibit holiness, instructs them on marital relations, and encourages them as they face suffering.
2 Peter — With his death impending, Peter writes the churches, exhorting them to follow the Word of God, identify and avoid false teachers, and live in holiness as they await the second coming of Christ.
1 John — God is light, love, and truth. Those who truly belong to Christ will seek fellowship with His redeemed; walk in the light, not in darkness; confess sin; obey God’s Word; love God; experience a decreasing pattern of sin in their lives; demonstrate love for other Christians; and experience victory in their Christian walk.
2 John — The Christian life is a balance of truth and love. We cannot forsake truth in the name of love; neither can we cease loving because of a misdirected notion of upholding the truth.
3 John — Two men are contrasted: Gaius, who shows his commitment to truth and love through hospitality; and Diotrephes, who shows his malice and pride through a lack of hospitality.
Jude — The message of the gospel will not change. But there are men who attempt to pervert the message and teach false doctrines to benefit themselves and lead people astray. These men must be resisted in the truth.
Revelation — Jesus is the Lord of the church, and He knows the condition of each local body of believers. The end times will be marked by an increase in wickedness, the rise of the Antichrist’s one-world government, and the fury of Satan against God’s people on earth. God pours out His wrath on a rebellious and unrepentant world in a series of judgments that steadily increase in severity. Finally, the Lamb of God returns to earth with the armies of heaven, defeating the forces of evil arrayed against Him and setting up His kingdom of peace. Satan, the Antichrist, and the wicked of every age are thrown into the lake of fire, while the followers of Christ inherit a new heaven and new earth.