The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by over 40 different human authors over a period of 1500 years. Yet, it tells one unified story about God’s plan to redeem humanity from sin and death. The Bible is divided into two main sections – the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament
The Old Testament contains 39 books written before the time of Jesus Christ. It was written originally in Hebrew and Aramaic. The Old Testament begins by describing God’s creation of the universe and humanity’s fall into sin. It then traces God’s dealings with the nation of Israel as He prepared them for the coming of the Messiah. Some key themes in the Old Testament include God’s sovereignty, justice, holiness, faithfulness, mercy, and provision.
Here is a list of the 39 books of the Old Testament grouped into categories:
The Pentateuch (5 books)
– Genesis – God’s creation of the universe, humanity, and the nation of Israel. Key figures include Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
– Exodus – Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt and journey to Mount Sinai under the leader Moses. God gives the 10 Commandments and other laws.
– Leviticus – Laws and rituals for Israel to be holy and live in God’s presence. Sacrificial system established.
– Numbers – Israel’s wilderness wanderings after Mount Sinai. Taking of military census.
– Deuteronomy – Speeches by Moses to Israel before entering the Promised Land. Review of key laws.
Historical Books (12 books)
– Joshua – Conquest and division of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.
– Judges – Temporary leaders God raised up to deliver Israel during time of sin and oppression.
– Ruth – Story of loyalty and redemption in the family line of David.
– 1 & 2 Samuel – Reigns of King Saul and King David. David’s triumphs and sins.
– 1 & 2 Kings – History of Israel’s kings from Solomon to the Babylonian exile. The divided kingdom. Elijah and Elisha’s prophetic ministries.
– 1 & 2 Chronicles – Retelling of Israel’s history from a priestly perspective. Focus on David.
– Ezra – Return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra’s leadership. Rebuilding of the temple.
– Nehemiah – Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah’s leadership. Spiritual revival.
– Esther – Bravery of Esther saves the Jewish people living in exile in Persia from destruction.
Poetic Books (5 books)
– Job – Dialogue over the problem of human suffering. God’s wisdom and sovereignty.
– Psalms – Collection of Israel’s worship songs and prayers. Different genres and themes.
– Proverbs – Short sayings about wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord.
– Ecclesiastes – Reflections on the meaninglessness of life under the sun without God.
– Song of Songs – Love song depicting intimacy between a husband and wife.
Major Prophets (5 books)
– Isaiah – Messages calling Judah to repentance amid foreign invasion. Includes prophecies about the Messiah’s coming reign, suffering, and death for sin.
– Jeremiah – Warnings and prophecies to Judah regarding the Babylonian exile due to their unfaithfulness.
– Lamentations – Mournful poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon.
– Ezekiel – Visions and prophecies to the exiles in Babylon about God’s glory and future restoration of Israel.
– Daniel – Faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in the courts of foreign kings. Apocalyptic visions of future world empires and the end times.
Minor Prophets (12 books)
– Hosea – God’s love and faithfulness contrasted with Israel’s spiritual adultery.
– Joel – Locust plague judgement on Judah and the promise of future restoration and blessing.
– Amos – Messages of judgement on neighbors of Israel and Israel itself for injustice and idolatry.
– Obadiah – God’s judgement against Edom for its pride and cruelty to Judah.
– Jonah – Story of reluctant prophet Jonah who preaches to Nineveh and God shows mercy when they repent.
– Micah – Oracles against injustice and idolatry in Israel and Judah. Promise of a future Ruler from Bethlehem.
– Nahum – Judgement coming against Assyria, the oppressor of God’s people.
– Habakkuk – Prophet’s dialogue with God over problem of suffering and God’s use of the wicked Babylonians.
– Zephaniah – Coming “Day of the Lord” judgement on Judah and the nations but also future hope.
– Haggai – Exhortations to rebuild the temple after return from exile in Babylon.
– Zechariah – Visions motivating returnees in Jerusalem to finish rebuilding the temple amid opposition.
– Malachi – God rebukes priests and people for religious apathy, cynicism, and corruption.
The New Testament
The New Testament contains 27 books written after the time of Jesus Christ. It was written originally in Greek. The New Testament centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ and the beginnings of the Christian church. Some key themes include the kingdom of God, sin and salvation, discipleship, love, reconciliation, and hope.
Here is a list of the 27 books of the New Testament grouped into categories:
Gospels (4 books)
– Matthew – Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes, the promised Messiah-King of Israel.
– Mark – Fast-paced account stressing Jesus’ authority and Sonship.
– Luke – Jesus as the Savior of all people – rich and poor, men and women, Jews and Gentiles.
– John – Focus on Jesus’ divine identity as the incarnate Son of God.
History (1 book)
– Acts – The church’s beginnings and spread after Jesus’ ascension. The missionary journeys of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
Paul’s Letters (13 books)
– Romans – Righteousness from God received by faith in Christ. Relationships between Jews and Gentiles.
– 1 Corinthians – Correction of immorality and church issues including divisions, lawsuits, marriage, food sacrificed to idols.
– 2 Corinthians – Paul’s defense of his apostleship and sufferings for the gospel. Instructions on giving.
– Galatians – Correction of the false teaching that Gentiles must obey the Mosaic Law for salvation. Freedom in Christ.
– Ephesians – Oneness in Christ dismantles human divisions. The church as Christ’s body.
– Philippians – Call for unity and joy in the face of persecution and false teaching.
– Colossians – All-sufficient supremacy of Christ over false philosophies and angel worship.
– 1 Thessalonians – Paul’s example for the Thessalonians to live holy lives and love one another. The return of Jesus.
– 2 Thessalonians – Standing firm in faith in light of persecutions and Jesus’ return. Warning against laziness.
– 1 Timothy – Instructions on leading the Ephesian church with sound doctrine and godly leadership.
– 2 Timothy – Paul’s final instructions to Timothy, his “true son in the faith.” Endurance in suffering.
– Titus – Qualities and roles of godly elders. Guidance for different groups in the church.
– Philemon – Paul’s appeal to Philemon to accept back his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
General Letters (8 books)
– Hebrews – Superiority of Jesus over the Old Testament ceremonial laws. Call to persevere in faith. Warning passages against falling away.
– James – Practical instructions on living out authentic faith through good works empowered by the Word.
– 1 Peter – Persevering as Christians in the face of suffering and hostility.
– 2 Peter – Warning against false teachers and exhortation to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus.
– 1 John – Assurance of salvation. Love for God and one another. Warning against false teachers who deny Christ.
– 2 John – Warning against showing hospitality to deceivers who do not acknowledge Christ.
– 3 John – Commendation of Gaius for supporting traveling teachers. Diotrephes who refuses to welcome them.
– Jude – Call to contend for the faith against ungodly persons who have crept in with licentious and heretical doctrines.
Apocalyptic Literature (1 book)
– Revelation – Visions revealing the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over Satan, evil, suffering and death. Culminates human history and ushers in the new creation.
This concise overview provides a summary of each of the 66 books of the Bible – 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. While written over 1500 years by many authors, the entire Bible progressively unfolds God’s unified redemptive plan centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It provides authoritative instruction for faith and life applicable for people of all times and cultures. The Bible as a whole testifies to Jesus Christ, who invites all into a saving relationship with God when we repent and believe in Him.