“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Tm.3:16-17). This verse reminds us of the Divine origin of the Bible. The phrase, “inspiration of God,” literally means “God-breathed.” The idea behind this phrase is, “God-uttered,” because as we speak, we pass air over our vocal cords – i.e. we “breathe.” Sometimes, we even incorporate that idea into our own speech. When we say, “Don’t you breathe a word of this,” we are using the same figure of speech as is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Notice also Acts 9:1, where Saul was “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.”

But despite the fact that the Bible is the very word of God, there is a great deal of ignorance about its contents. Sadly, this is even true among professed Christians! Many people simply find the Bible to be “intimidating.” After all, it’s a rather large book, and deals with a time far removed from our own. It mentions some very strange customs, and is even misappropriated by those who would mishandle its contents to justify all kinds of aberrant behavior. Therefore, I think it is a good idea to give an overview of its contents, and perhaps some background information, which can make this book less intimidating. So, let’s try to do that right now…

The Bible contains 66 books, and was written by about 40 men, over a period of 1600 years. And yet, there are no contradictions in it – what an amazing feat! By contrast, I have read religious tracts written by one person, who contradicts himself from one page to the next! Yet with the Bible, we have one continuous story, starting with creation, and ending at the Judgment Day. Where Genesis stops, Exodus begins, each book gradually unfolding the story of man’s redemption from sin.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, the apostle Paul spoke of “rightly dividing the word of truth.” And while I realize that there is much more to this than knowing the difference between the Old and New Testaments, the fact remains that the Bible does divide itself into these two primary sections. Then, within these two major divisions, each “Testament” has three subdivisions.

The Old Testament contains the first 39 books of the Bible. It also has a decidedly Jewish focus. The reason for this is that God’s plan for our redemption included the setting apart of a special people from whom our Savior would come. This “core promise” is first mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3. In those verses, God promised to give Abraham “a land” (v.1); and to make him into “a great nation” (v.2); which would ultimately lead to ONE descendant from whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (v.3; cf. 22:18). This latter promise is sometimes called “the seed promise,” and is a reference to Christ, who indeed has blessed all nations with the “good news” of salvation (cf. Ga.3:16, 19).

Some have said that “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” This means that God had one overall plan, which culminated in the revelation of the New Testament. However, there were elements of that plan which were prophetically disclosed along the way – in the Old Testament.

As noted, the Old Testament can be sub-divided into three sections. First, there is a “historical” section, consisting of the first 17 books (Genesis – Esther). The first five of those focus on law, and the remaining twelve on history. Second, there is a “prophetical” section, which is the last 17 books (Isaiah – Malachi). The first five are “major prophets,” and the last 12 are “minor prophets” (so described because of the size of their writings). Sandwiched between these two sections is the “devotional” section, consisting of five “books of wisdom” (Job – Song of Solomon). Job deals with suffering. Psalms is primarily a book of prayer. Proverbs is a book of wise, pithy sayings. Ecclesiastes deals with the meaning of life. And the Song of Solomon deals with the love between a man and woman.

The New Testament contains the last 27 books of the Bible. The focus now expands from being decidedly Jewish to a worldwide focus. Indeed, the gospel plan of salvation is to be preached to “all nations,” and “every creature” (Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:15-16). This was in accord with God’s plan to bless “all the families of the earth” (cf. Gn.12:3). The promised “seed” has come (Ga.3:16, 19), and the “good news” of redemption is now available to all men (Ac.2:38-39).

Like the Old Testament, the New Testament also divides itself into three subdivisions. First, there is a “historical” section, consisting of the first five books (Matthew – Acts). These books describe the personal history of the long-awaited Messiah: Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and the history of the early church (Acts). Second, there is a “prophetical” section, which is the last book (Revelation). While this book certainly concludes with the final judgment (Rv.20:11ff), it is primarily concerned with “things which must shortly take place” – that is, within the lifetimes of those to whom it was written (1:1). It is a verification of the ultimate fulfillment of all OT prophecies concerning Christ and the Jewish people (10:7). Sandwiched between these two sections is the “devotional” section, consisting of 21 books (Romans – Jude) which deal with doctrinal issues, and practical day by day living for the people of God.

While the Old Testament is the word of God (2Pt.1:20-21), and a very valuable document (Rm.15:4), the New Testament is the complete and final revelation of the will of God (Jude 3). As such, it is our authoritative guide today (Col.3:17; 2Jn.9). Therefore, one should be very familiar with its contents and major themes. There are at least five major themes in the New Testament:

First, there is the Christ (or Messiah). Christ was the hope of every Jewish person from the time of Abraham (Gn.12:1-3; 22:18; Jn.1:41, 45; 4:25-26; Ac.2:38-39; 3:18-26). We see His story told to a Jewish audience (Matthew), a Greek audience (Mark), a Gentile audience (Luke), and then from a decidedly spiritual focus (John).

Second, there is salvation in Christ. The blessing intended for all nations, which was foretold to Abraham, was salvation from sin (cf. Ac.3:26). The book of Acts shows the unfolding of that purpose, as the gospel is preached “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Ac.1:8).

Third, there is the church, which is the result of God’s redemptive work in Christ. God had always intended there to be a people on this earth, who had chosen of their own free will to serve and glorify Him (Ep.3:8-11, 20-21). In the Scriptures, the church of Christ is manifested in both a “universal” (family of God) and a “local” (organized) sense. We see how the universal church comes into being through the preaching of the gospel (Ac.2:36-47). We also see how local churches come into being through mutual agreement (Ac.9:26-28), and how they are to be organized (Ph.1:1; 4:15; cf. 1Tm.3:1-13). And we learn something of their work and worship (Ac.11:27-30; 13:1-5; 20:7).

Fourth, there is service to God. We learn our personal obligations, spiritually (Jn.4:24), morally (Ga.5:19-21), civilly (Rm.13:1-7), domestically (Ep.5:22-6:4), economically (Ep.4:28), and socially (Jm.1:27).

A fifth theme of the New Testament, which is often overlooked, is the all-important distinction between the Old and New Testaments. I am constantly amazed at how little people seem to be aware of this, especially since it is such a MAJOR New Testament theme! It is taught in Acts 15; Romans 7; 2 Corinthians 3; Ephesians 2; Colossians 2; and the entire books of Galatians and Hebrews! Despite such widespread teaching, many religious people continue to appeal to Old Testament for their practices. This is grievous error (cf. Ga.5:1-4)!

Finally, here are some things to remember when studying the Bible. I forget where I first heard this, but it is such good advice: “Remember that when you study the Bible, you are actually ‘reading someone else’s mail.’” Especially in studying the New Testament, we are reading “epistles” (letters) which were actually written to others! This means that we must take into account certain things such as context and background.

For instance, when Paul said, “If you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing” (Ga.5:2), understand that he is not condemning circumcision per se. Rather, this was said in a context where circumcision was being forced upon people as a prerequisite to salvation. Another example is the ancient custom of foot washing, which was nothing more than an act of hospitality (cf. 1Tm.5:9-10). It is NOT a religious ritual for us to observe today! Still another example is noticing certain idioms of speech. When Peter said that women must NOT adorn themselves by “putting on apparel” (1Pt.3:3-4), he was not forbidding clothing! He was showing a contrast between those who emphasize outward appearance over the “hidden person of the heart” (note: “not…but”).

In conclusion, let us recognize that the Bible is the greatest book ever written! It gives us the answers to age-old questions like: “Who am I?” (God’s image, Gn.1:26-27); and “Why am I here?” (God’s servant, Eccl.12:13-14); and “Where am I going?” (God’s home, Jn.14:1-3). Let us become diligent students of this sacred volume, so we can have all the blessings prepared for us from the foundation of the world (Mt.25:34).