Key Scripture (Commit this verse to Memory):
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2Timothy 2:15)
Why should we study the Bible?
(see accompanying Handout A)
- Study to show thyself approved unto God.
- Search the Scriptures. They will lead you to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- The Scriptures are a source of hope.
- God’s Word is a light in the midst of darkness.
- The Scriptures lead to truth and an understanding of God.
- The Word is part of the saints’ protective armor of God.
The purpose of Scripture is best expressed in 2 Timothy 3:16,17:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Divisions of the Bible
The Bible is divided into two primary sections – 1) The Old Testament and 2) The New Testament.
The Bible is made up of 39 Books. Written over a 1500 year span of time by at least 32 different authors.
The Bible is collection of authoritative books. It is not an authoritative collection of
books. (What does this mean?)
Division of the Old Testament
The Old Testament is divided into genres (or types of literature), namely four, and these being:
1) The Law (also called the Pentateuch or Torah): Genesis – Deuteronomy
2) History: Joshua – Esther
3) Poetry (also called Wisdom): Job – Song of Solomon
4) The Major and Minor Prophets: Isaiah – Malachi
These books serve different purposes:
¨ The Law was a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). “By the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). By revealing our sin, the law makes apparent the need for a Savior.
¨ The History of the people of Israel was given that they might serve as examples to us. Their history shows the hand of God at work in His people’s lives. The people also show us what pleases God as well as what displeases him and incurs his wrath.
¨ The books of Poetry and Wisdom teach us how to praise and adore the Creator, and give wisdom as how to live lives that glorify God. (Read Psalm 150)
¨ The Prophets warned the people of their sin and preached repentance; Most importantly they foretold the coming Messiah – the Savior from all sin.
The ultimate purpose of the entire Old Testament is to point to and foretell the coming of Jesus Christ. The Lord says in Luke 24:44:
“…These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”
Division of the New Testament
Divided into 27 books, written over a 60 year period of time by at least 8 different authors.
The New Testament is divided into 5 genres of literature.
1) The Gospels: Matthew – John
2) History: The Acts
3) Epistles: Romans – Hebrews (Pauline Epistles – written by the Apostle Paul; Hebrews authorship is questionable but is generally credited to Paul). James – Jude are known as the “General Epistle,” being written by different authors.
4) Prophecy: Revelation (also an epistle to the seven churches of Asia Minor)
¨ The Gospels teach us about the life of Christ, and are written to give a definite account of his ministry (Luke 1:1-4). They are also written to encourage to believe in Jesus and make him Lord of our lives (John 20:30,31).
¨ Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1,2) and relates to us how the church was born, and is an example to us of how to enter into the great and mighty body of Christ.
¨ The Epistles instruct in Christian living as well as essential doctrine.
¨ Revelation warns of the end of all things, and reveals Christ as king.
Reading the Bible in Context
(see Handout C)
Four important questions to ask when reading Scripture:
1) Who is writing?
2) To whom is it being written?
3) When was it written?
4) What type of literature is it? (an epistle, gospel, history, law, prophecy, or poetry?)
After answering these four questions it’s also helpful to have basic Bible study skills.
(See Handout D)
Know that:
¨ Any words in italics were not included in the original manuscripts but are added for clarity in English.
¨ Words in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in the New Testament indicate that the words are a quotation from the Old Testament.
¨ Words in red letters are the words of Jesus Christ.
¨ Reference Bibles include notes in a center or side margin that reference other verses related to the one in the given text. Read the other related verses! Scripture interprets Scripture!
