What Are the Basics?
Q: I know very little about the Bible; what are the basics?
A: The Bible is actually a collection of books, written by various authors over a period of several hundred years. Think of the Bible as a diverse anthology of godly communication to us.
It contains historic accounts, poetry, letters of instruction and encouragement, messages from God sent through his emissaries (prophets), and future prophecies.
Altogether, the Bible contains 66 books*. They are grouped into two sections. The Old Testament contains 39 books that precede and anticipate Jesus. The New Testament contains 27 books and cover Jesus’ life and the work of his followers.
Some Bibles, as well as the original King James Bible, include additional books that cover a gap in time between the Old and New Testaments.*
The Hebrew Bible includes the same writings of the 39 Old Testament books, but combines some books together, resulting in 24 books.
* see Apocrypha for more information
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
