Summary of the Bible

The Inspired Word of God

This information is provided freely to ALL in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With or Without Jesus Eternity is Forever.

Introduction

Only an all powerful Supreme Being could have accomplished the feat of assembling this book over 1500 years using numerous writers, who spoke different languages, during different time frames and in different geographic locations.  Further, our Lord watched over a large number of translators, scribes, copyists and others in involved in transmitting the Word to future generations.  God preserved the ancient writing.  And finally, God inspired men to invent the printing press and at about the same time to undertake the massive task of translating the entire Bible from the ancient languages into the English language.

This is a summary or overview of God's inspired Word, commonly known as the Bible.  We firmly believe that this Divine book has been delivered to us, exactly as God intended without error or contradiction, through the His Supreme Power.    

Those who have studied the entire Bible easily see a unity of thought, which indicated that One Mind that is unique and distinctive inspired it.  It was written by human authors, some known and others unknown, who expressed in different ways, lived in different locations and under varying conditions, over several centuries, in ancient languages and yet this Holy Book contains precisely what God wishes mankind to understand and exactly the form He wanted it presented. 

If one considers how it was develop, then they would undoubtedly agree that it represents a Miracle of the Ages.  All men and women should hold their Bibles as one of their most precious possessions.  To give it a central place in their lives and to read it every day.  It is the one and only two links to Lord God Almighty, the other being prayer.  It contains the all information required for any man or woman to have hope of receiving Eternal life, the Greatest Gift of all.

The Bible, which is actually 66 separate Books, bounded into one large Book, which is divided into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the history of the world and of the Israelites in detail during the period from the creation of the world until about 400 years before the birth of Christ

Some people like to look for or point out what appears to be contradictions within the Book.  In the event, you find or have such pointed out to you, it is up to you to determine why the passage or passages are being interpreted incorrectly and if necessary to change your beliefs to match His Word.  It may be helpful to make use of a parallel Bible, which compares the four most popular in parallel columns.  If you are still confused, seek the assistance of your Minister or an Elder.                                          

Hopefully, the overview will assist those who are not already familiar with the Greatest Story Ever Told by outlining where certain Bible stories and verses may be found and by making comments regarding the contents of each book and testament.

Important Note:  These materials have been prepared in a modified outline form; in order to, quickly convey the concepts, ideas and suggestions in a minimum number of words.  For example, whenever possible, short phases are used in lieu of complete sentences.  It is intended as a guide and is not a replacement for reading the Book.

The Old Testament

The History of a Nation and the Old Covenant

1.  The Old Testament contains a total of 39 Books, which have been classified, into three groups, as;

A.  Historical, the Rise and Fall of the Hebrew Nation, a total of 17 Books.  The first book, Genesis covers approximately one half of all human history.  The first five Books contain the Law of Moses.

B.  Poetical, stories of the of the Rise or Golden Age of the Hebrew Nation, a total of 5 Books, including the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs or Song of Solomon.
 

C.  Prophetic, stories of the Fall or the Dark Age of the Hebrew Nation, total of 17   Books, written by a total of 16 Prophets (Jeremiah wrote two, Jeremiah and Lamentations).  Bible scholars have divided the Prophets in major and minor.  Those considered Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, the balance are considered Minor Prophets.
 

The Old Testament contains Three Major Topics

1.  The Promise of God to Abraham.

That through Abraham's seed or family line, that all Nations would be blessed.  God founded the Hebrew Nation, as the Messianic Nation to the World.  The Nation through which the Gift of Jesus or the Messiah and the New Covenant, would come from God, for the benefit of all peoples until the end of time on earth or the second coming. 

Many Bible scholars suggest that God's ultimate objective in founding the Hebrew Nation was to bring Jesus Christ into the world.

2.  God's Covenant with the Hebrew Nation.

Simply stated God promised the Hebrew Nation, if they would faithfully Serve Him and only Him that they would enjoy great prosperity as a Nation.  If they did not faithfully Serve Him and worshipped Idols, they would be destroyed. 

At that time in history, most Nations worshipped Idols; their Idols included gods of sun, gods of the sky, gods of the moon etc. 

The story of the Old Testament includes God's efforts to discount the existence of these so-called gods and to introduce the concept of the One and only True Living God.

3.  God's Promise to David.

That his seed would Reign over God's People for all Eternity!  That out of his family would come, in the far future, one Great King, the King of kings, who would live and rule over God's People forever.

As a result of the these Promises and Covenant;

1.  The population of the world was blessed through the formation of the Hebrew Nation, which was the Messianic Nation.

2.  The through Hebrew Nation, would come the lineage of Jesus through the Family of David, which was Messianic Family

3.  The Family of David bought blessings on the whole world through the birth of One Great King, the King of kings, The MESSIAH.

Before the Beginning of the World

The Bible contains little information regarding Eternity Past, before the formation of the world.  As in several other areas, the Bible is silent on this topic.  Won't it be wonderful in the Eternity Future, when we may be able to get some of the answers?  In the meantime, we must be content with what is offered.  Verses, which refer to the time before creation, include:        

Psalms 90:2                                                                                              
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

1 Corinthians 2:7
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 

1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

The Historical Books of the Old Testament

Genesis

The first Book of the Law of Moses  

Meaning of Genesis is birth or Beginning.  Written by Moses, probably during the 40 years of wanderings in the wilderness, this single book covers approximately fifty percent of all human history.

Genesis 1               
Bible scholars have estimated the world was created between 6000 and 7300 years ago.  These may or may not be accurate. 

Genesis 2-3           
Story of Adam and Eve - First Sin, cast out of the Garden of Eden         

Genesis 3              
Satan mentioned, it is not stated if Lucifer had fallen at this time or if it had occur at some earlier time in Eternity Past.

Genesis 6              
Story of Noah, the Ark and the Great Flood  

Genesis 9              
God’s Covenant with Noah 
God put a bow (many Bible scholars suggest that the bow is actually a rainbow) in the sky and said that it was a sign of His promise to Noah and all living creatures for all time that He would never again destroy all life with a flood. (Genesis 9:13)

Genesis 11             
Tower of Babel 

Genesis 12             
God’s call to Abram, who was a faithful and obedience servant   God made promises to Abram.  A key factor in God's plan was the promise to make Abram the beginning of a great nation.

Estimated Timeline about 2000 BC

Genesis 17             
God changed Abram name to Abraham and promised that all nations on the earth would be blessed through him 
The second important promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus (Galatians 3:16). He blessed all nations by offering salvation and remission of sins to all who come to Him.

Genesis 19             
Story of Lot  
Two Angels visited Sodom, Lot met them at the gate, they went to Lot's house, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house, demanded that Lot bring out the Angels "that we man know them", Lot went out ask that the men leave his guests alone and offered them his two virgin daughters instead, the men attempted to break in, Lot was pulled into the house by the Angels, who blinded the men who were attempting to enter.  This is the first reference to homosexuality in the Bible. 

Genesis 22            
Story of Abraham and Isaac

Genesis 24            
Isaac and Rebekah

Genesis 28            
Jacob’s Vision of the Ladder

Estimated Timeline about 1900 BC

Genesis 32            
Jacob wrestles with Angel.

Genesis 37            
Joseph, his brothers and the coat of many colors

Genesis 41             
Joseph Interprets Pharaohs Dream

Estimated Timeline about 1700 BC

Exodus

The second Book of the Law of Moses  

Exodus means "going out" or the exodus of the children of Israel leaving bondage in Egypt and their pilgrimage to the Promised Land.  The Ten Commandments, found in the first 17 verses of Chapter 20, became the basis of the moral codes and laws of the civilized world.    

Exodus 2               
Story of Baby Moses

Estimated Timeline about 1525 BC

Exodus 3               

Burning Bush, God Commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage

in Egypt and guide them to the land of Canaan. 

Exodus 7               
Aaron's rod becomes snake and swallows magicians snakes  
Plague of blood

Estimated Timeline about 1440 BC

Exodus 8               
Plague of frogs, gnats, flies

Exodus 9               
Plague on livestock, Plague of boils, fire and hail

Exodus 10             
Plague of locusts, darkness

Exodus 11              
Plague on the firstborn 

Exodus 12             
First Passover, exodus begins

Exodus 14             
Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 16             
Manna and Quail

Exodus 20             
Ten Commandments

Exodus 25             
The Ark

Leviticus

The third Book of the Law of Moses  

Leviticus is derived from Levi, who was one of Jacob's 12 sons.  This Book, written by Moses, provides the rituals and ceremonies of the tabernacle services and the duties of the priests, including making sacrifices and teaching the Law of Moses.  In chapter nineteen the Lord commanded the people to love their neighbors for the first time. 

Leviticus 19:18                                                                                        Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

Numbers

The fourth Book of the Law of Moses  

This Book takes it name from the two numbering of the children of Israel.  Continues the story of the journey of the people to the Promised Land, which was dropped in Exodus 19

Numbers 20          
God provided water from the rock, for people who numbered over 600,000 at that time.  Moses disobeyed God when struck the rock with his rod twice.  God punished Moses by not allowing him to enter the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy

The fifth and final Book of the Law of Moses  

Deuteronomy is defined as the second law or second giving of the law, which was given for the benefit of the generation born in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 31    
Joshua succeed Moses

Deuteronomy 34    
Death and burial of Moses

Estimated Timeline about 1400 BC

Joshua

Story of Joshua leading the Israelites, across the river Jordan, into Promised Land and the conquering of Canaan.  The first five Books of the Bible or the Law of Moses were carried with the people.  The last part is Joshua's instructions to honor God and live to high personal standards.

Joshua 6               
Battle of Jericho

Joshua 10             
The sun stands still

Judges

Beginning of Theocracy in which God ruled directly through Judges.

Estimated Timeline about 1380 BC

Judges 7               
The sword of the Lord and Gideon

Judges 15             
Exploits of Samson

Judges 16             
Samson & Delilah

Ruth

A love story from the time of the Judges

The passage 1:16-17 "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PASSAGES IN ALL OF LITERATURE.  Ruth was the great-grandmother of David, therefore in the human lineage of Jesus.

Estimated Timeline about 1150 BC 

Ruth 1                   
Ruth & Naomi    

Ruth 2                            
Ruth gleans in the field.

First and Second Samuel

Ending days of the Theocracy, with the Israelites rejecting Jehovah and calling for the rule of an earthly king, the first of which was Saul.  Saul was a mighty warrior, but was not after God's own heart.  After Saul's death, God's choice, David became the King.  These Books cover the lives of Saul, David and Samuel, the last of the Judges.

Estimated Timeline about 1043 BC

1 Samuel 11           
Saul became King 

1 Samuel 17           
David's Victory over Goliath

1 Samuel 19           

David and Jonathan
1 Samuel 28          
Saul Consults with Witch of Endor

1 Samuel 31           
Death of Saul                                                        

Estimated Timeline about 1011 BC

2 Samuel 2            
David Anointed King of Judah 

2 Samuel 7            
God promises David an Eternal Throne.  The promise was that one day the House of David would bless the world through the birth of the King of kings, who would himself live forever and reign over a Kingdom of endless duration. 

2 Samuel 11           
David and Bathsheba

2 David's song of Praise and Psalm of Thanksgiving

First and Second Kings

First Kings opens with the Hebrew Nation in its golden age.  Second Kings ends with the nation in ruins.  Covers the reign of King Solomon, the Temple, the splendor of Solomon Court, the division and decline of the Kingdom, as well as the saga of Elijah.

Estimated Timeline about 971 BC

1 Kings 1               
Solomon becomes King

1 Kings 3               
Solomon's choice of Wisdom

1 Kings 5               
Solomon builds the Temple

1 Kings 9               
Splendor of the Kingdom

1 Kings 10             
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon

1 Kings 11              
Solomon Wives, heathen altars and the beginning of the end of a glorious reign and nation 

1 Kings 18             
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

2 Kings 2              

Elijah Translation, God sent a deputation of Angelic chariots to bear Elijah to Heaven in triumph.

First and Second Chronicles

In the main, duplicate the writings of the Books of Samuel and Kings.  Emphasize genealogies, the history of Judah and temple worship.

Ezra

An account of the beginning of the return from captivity in Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple

Ezra 3                           
Foundation of the Temple 

Ezra 5                  
Temple completed

Ezra 7                           
Ezra journey to Jerusalem

Ezra 9                           
Mixed marriages with idolatrous neighbors, which God had forbidden and the cure

Nehemiah

The Wall of Jerusalem rebuilt.  Many parts of the Book written in the first person or as a personal history

Nehemiah 6           
The completion of the Wall

Nehemiah 8           
Ezra reads the Law

Esther

The Jew's deliverance from Extermination This Book is a beautiful example of the Providence of God and how He cares for His true followers.  The last of the Historical Books

Estimated Timeline about 525 BC

Esther 1                
Queen Vashi rebels and is deposed

Esther 2               
The search for a Queen
Esther made Queen of Persia.

Esther 9               
Triumph of the Jews

Deliverance!  Feast of Purism instituted.

The Poetical Books of the Old Testament        

Stories of the Golden Age of the Hebrew Nation

Job

The story of a righteous man who suddenly has his children and possession destroyed.  Job was then plunged into great personal suffering.  A philosophical Book, which is thought, by many Bible scholars, to be one of the oldest pieces of literature in existence

Job 42                           

Job's prosperity restored

Psalms

This Book is composed of 150 Psalms, of which approximately fifty percent have been ascribed to King David, some of which are quite lyrical with beautiful imagery and expression, including 1, 19, 22, 23, 90, 100 and 103.  It served as the national hymnbook of the Jews and as the basis of many modern Christian songs.  Called in Hebrew "Book of Praises".  Considered to be the most Glorious Accomplishment of Israel's Golden Age.  Most quoted Book in the New Testament.

Proverbs

Written by King Solomon with contributions by Agur (Chapter 30) and by Bathsheba, his mother (Chapter 31).  Please note that "King Lemuel" may have been another name for Solomon.  A proverb is a brief statement regarding a single moral truth in a pointed, pithy, direct fashion.  An ancient oriental method of instructions that was understood by the masses   The basic underlying concept of the Book is that all wisdom is a gift of God   A Book for all ages, as practical today as the time in which it was written   Should be required reading for all young people as well as their elders.  Contains so many gems of useful knowledge that it should be carefully studied.  The following is a few samples of what the reader will find:

Proverbs 1            
Objective of the Book; to promote Wisdom, Instruction, Understanding, Righteousness, Justice, Equity, Prudence, Knowledge, Discretion, Learning and Sound Counsels  
That the beginning point is the Fear of God   Instructions to follow parental directives and a strong warning against bad companions

Proverb 2             
Wisdom must be sought after.  God's Word is the primacy source.  Warnings about "strange women", which is repeated numerous times in the Book   Interesting in light of the fact that Solomon was involved with no less that 1000 women

Proverb 8             
Wisdom, personified as a female and its rewards.

 Proverbs 9           
Warns that "Stolen waters are sweet" and the reward for partaker is Hell.

Proverbs 12          
A worthy woman is the glory of her husband.

Proverbs 13          
He that guards his mouth guards his life.

Proverbs 15          
A soft answer turns away wrath.

Proverbs 22                   
A good name is to be chosen over great riches.

Proverbs 27          
Boast not yourself of tomorrow.

Proverbs 28          
He that hides his eyes from the poor shall have many a curse.

Ecclesiastes

Written by Solomon in his old age.  After having everything the world could offer he came to the conclusion that all is "vanity" or regardless of what it is, its beauty or its value that it will pass away and all that is important is the Hope of Immortality.  This expressed clearly in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil."

Song of Solomon or Song of Songs

A glorification of wedded love written by Solomon in the form of a love song with springtime in full blossom, which exhibits Solomon attraction to nature, orchards, gardens, meadows, vineyards and animals.  May have been written to celebrate his marriage to his favorite wife or to symbolize the great love of God for His followers.  Can be difficult to understand in the King James Version.  Is somewhat less difficult in modern translations.

The Prophetic Books of the Old Testament

Stories of the Dark Age of the Hebrew Nation

The mission of the Prophets was to attempt to save the nation from its sins and idolatry.   Failing in this, to warn that the nation would be destroyed, but not completely.  A small portion would be saved.  Out of this portion would come an influence that would spread over the world and bring all nations to God   That influence would be a Great Man, who would arise from the House of David   The once mighty House of David in the later days had all but disappeared, but would continue and make a comeback when out of family stock would come a sprout so great that it was call "The Branch", referring, of course, to Jesus Christ.  The Prophets made dozens of accurate predictions in the Old Testament.  This guide is limited to those predictions regarding the birth, work, life, death and resurrection of our Lord.  Examples of these will be found at the end of this section.  

Major Prophets

Isaiah

This Book was written during the Fall of the Hebrew Nation.  The masses had generally turned away from God.  Isaiah prophesied the captivity of both Israel and Judah, as well as, the return of the exiles and the coming of the Messiah.  Isaiah was widely quoted in the New Testament.

Isaiah 1                
Appalled by Wickedness of Judah. 

Isaiah 2                
Vision of the Christian Age 

Isaiah 9, 11, 53     
The Prince of Peace
Description of Christ and His kingdom

Jeremiah

This Prophet lived in Jerusalem, during the time prior to and during the period the people of the southern kingdom or Judah were held in captivity in Babylon.  Through him God made His final attempt to save the City, which failed.  The people refused to obey and were forced to pay the price as foretold.  Written with great authority on the Love of God and the certainty of the final judgment on sinful people.

Jeremiah 6           
Predicts destruction by northern invaders.

 Jeremiah 25                  
Predicts captivity of seventy years.

Jeremiah 39         
Jerusalem Burned.              

Estimated Timeline about 586 BC

Lamentations

This Book is basically a Funeral Dirge over the destruction of Jerusalem.  Jeremiah writes of his personal grief over the ruins of Jerusalem and the Temple that he had predicted.  The same theme run throughout the Book, different wording, but the same general ideas   The horrors of the attack, the ruins and that it was all due to the sins of the people.

Ezekiel

The major theme of the Book is "They Shall Know that I am God".  The mission of Ezekiel to explain the reason for God's causing Israel's captivity.  They were Idolaters and the captivity was the cure.  Ezekiel was unusual in that he dated most of his writing.  He experienced several visions and wrote detailed descriptions.  This is a complex, but very interesting Book.

Ezekiel 1               
Vision of God, Cherubim

Ezekiel 9              
Vision of the Destruction of Jerusalem idolaters, saving of faithful, who bore the mark of the angel-scribe

Ezekiel 10             

Vision of Cherubim and Wheels

Ezekiel 11             
Vision of future Restoration of Exiles

Ezekiel 15             
Parable of the Vine-Tree

Ezekiel 17             
Parable of the Two Eagles

Ezekiel 37            
Vision of Dry Bones

Daniel

The writer of exciting stories and visions.  Carried to captivity while in his youth, become a Hebrew Statesman and Prophet in Babylon.  Had direct contract with Nebuchadnezzar, who built the famous Hanging Gardens.  Very readable history

Estimated Timeline about 538 BC

Daniel 3                
The Fiery Furnace 

Daniel 5                
Writing on the Wall

Daniel 6                
Daniel in the Lions Den

Daniel 12              
Prediction of events at the end of earthly time

Minor Prophets

The Minor Prophets include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Last Prophetic Book Malachi completed

Estimated Timeline about 400 BC        

Hosea 8                
Have Sown the Wind; Shall Reap the Whirlwind

Joel 1                   
Plague of Locusts

Amos 8                 
The Basket of Summer Fruit

Jonah 1                 
Jonah and the Large Fish (referred to by Christ, Matthew 12:38-41)

Estimated Timeline of the Bible

(Loreen Rudd, excerpt from an article entitled “The Bible Timeline of History”)

The New Testament

Christ is the Heart of the Bible

The entire New Testament is centered on Jesus and his Teachings.

The Old Testament was an account of the Hebrew Nation.  In founding the Hebrew Nation, the apparent ultimate objective of God was to prepare the world to receive the Messiah.  The apparent immediate objective of God was to establish firmly, in a world of false Idols, the concept of One Living God.  The Hebrew Nation was created, protected, cared for and forgiven for sins that might have resulted in total destruction for other Nations, by God, to bring One Man, God Himself in human form, into the world.

This may have been done so that all men might have a pattern to follow, a tangible concept of the type of person to think of when we try to visualize God.  It not within the capabilities of humans to visualize a spirit that they cannot see   Jesus was in the likeness of God, as He wished man to see him.

Christ was God’s greatest gift to man here on earth.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) Jesus provided the way to God’s greatest gift in Heaven, which is eternal life.  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

His arrival was the single most important event in the history of the world, past, current or future.

Christ lived a perfect life, completely free of sin.  He was the most patient, sympathetic, kindest, gentlest, forgiving and loving man who ever lived on earth.  He is the same today.  He knows YOUR name, understands your situation and stands ready to help you just as he helps the countless numbers in the first century.  He longs for everyone to understand His teachings, so he taught using parables, so that even the common man could understand.   Christ performed numerous miracles and relieved the suffering of many, of which a few are detailed in the New Testament.  These were a were performed as additional confirmation to the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the long awaited Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

The Teaching of Christ provided everyone with a specific purpose for living. The purpose is not seek those things and pleasures of the world.  The following defines the one and only true purpose of your life.

To live a full Christian life and earn your place in Heaven, by expressing your Love for the Lord by praising Him and following His Commandments.

Old Testament Prophecies regarding the Messiah, Jesus Christ, which were all fulfilled.

God, through numerous Holy Men provided prophecies and signs to the Jews regarding the arrival of the Messiah, so that they would know by their fulfillment's, that He had arrived and that they might accept Him.  It is one of the great mysteries of life, why, with all the proofs provided, and in addition, the miracles, healing and knowledge of Christ, that this did not happen immediately on a much, much larger scale.  

Biblical prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ

(Partial Listing)

The coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was prophesied in amazing detail over hundreds of years.  

(Loreen Rudd, excerpt from an article entitled “The Bible Timeline of History”)

God laid the Groundwork for the Spreading of the Word

Not only did God maintain the Jewish Nation through its trials and tribulations, but at the same time was preparing the world prior to the arrival of Jesus, by inspiring men to develop roads, governmental services, use common languages and to live in peace. 

During the century prior to the birth of Christ several strong leaders emerged including Pompey, Julius Caesar, Antony, and Octavian.   Approximately 37 years before the birth of Christ, the armies of Octavian and Antony defeated those lead by the murderers of Caesar, leaving the western part under the control of Octavian, and Antony holding the eastern part as far as the Euphrates. 

Nine years later, Octavian's defeated of Antony's in the battle of Actium, after which Antony and Cleopatra took flight to Egypt, where they either were murdered or committed suicide, leaving Octavian in the position holding vast power.  Upon Octavian return to Rome, the Senate promoted him, to supreme commander of the army   The Senate conferred additional titles and honors on him.

The Roman Empire was born, approximately 27 years before the birth of Jesus, when Octavian, now called Caesar Augustus, was crowned its first emperor.

Augustus was a superior leader, securing the borders of the empire and building thousands of miles of high-grade roads.  These thoroughfares, some of which were used by Jesus and his Apostles, were paved.  The first hard surface roads in history   In addition, these roads were crowned as they are today or in other words were higher in the middle than on the sides to allow water to run off.  

God bought about a time of peace and stability.  During which time, Octavian reorganized the provinces to achieve a just administration, instituted tax reform, developed a civil service, and started many public works projects.  It was during his reign that Jesus Christ was born. 

Augustus' successor was not as capable. Tiberius, though experienced, was not as gifted or as interested in the farewell of his people.  However, the period of peace and stability continued.  Tiberius spent his last years in a life of debauchery on the island of Capri. Tiberius died in 37 AD.  One of Tiberius’s appointees was the infamous Pontius Pilate. 

Three languages used in the land of Israel during the days of Jesus.  Hebrew was the primary language spoken by the Jewish residents at that time.  Israel had been under the influence of Greek culture from the time of its conquest by Alexander the Great four hundred years earlier.  Latin was also used during the time of Christ.   For example, the sign above the cross was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek.  The Romans for matters of military administration generally used Latin.  Civil administration was usually conducted in Greek.  The vast majority of inscriptions written by non-Jews, which have been found in Israel, are in the Greek language.

The order and organization that prevailed in the empire, the road system, and the use of common languages throughout the area were among the factors, which allowed the rapid spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The New Testament

The Account of Jesus and the New Covenant

1.  The New Testament contain a total of 27 Books , which have been classified, into four groups, as;

A.  A total of 4 Books, the Gospels or the story of Jesus, whom the Hebrew Nation produced      

B.  One Book covering the Acts of the Apostles.  The everlasting Reign of Jesus Christ over all peoples and Nations begins.        

C.  21 Epistles teaching His principles and commandments to the early Churches.

D.  And the Grand Finale, one Book of Revelation, which reveals the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. 

The New Testament begins just before the birth of Jesus.  It is basically the story of His life, His death, His resurrection, and His church. The Old Testament contains many timeless truths and laws, however the vast majority of it was written about and for the Israelites. The New Testament is the story of Christ and recounts His teachings and the Acts of Christ and His Apostles, as well as, details and explanations found in the Epistles.   These are the teachings that everyone from the day that Christ died until the end of earthly time is responsible to learn and to obey.  To be perfectly clear, upon the Death of Jesus on the cross, the Old Law or Covenant contained in the Old Testament passed away and was replaced with the New Covenant or New Testament. 

The purpose of this guide is to assist you in understanding and unlocking the TRUTH contained in this part of the Holy Bible.  It is not difficult, if an individual studies each of its Books.

The Four Gospels

Collectively, the first four books of the New Testament are called the gospels, which means good news. They tell the good news of our savior, Jesus Christ.   They recount His birth, life, death, and resurrection. They provide details of what He taught and his actions, while He was on the earth. Each gospel was written by a different individual and therefore is from a slightly different perspective. Therefore, some of the events in the life of Jesus are recounted in two or more gospels, while other events are only covered in one of the gospels.

Matthew

Written by Matthew, one of the twelve Disciples, directly to the Jews presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah from the Old Testament.  Probably written prior to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Mark

Written by Mark, a close companion of Peter during his ministry, to the Romans, prior to 70 AD.  Mark emphasized the Deeds, Authority and Power of Jesus Christ.  

Luke

Luke, who wrote this Gospel and the Book of Acts, was a educated Greek physician.  He traveled with Paul during his second missionary journey.  Written to the Greeks, presents Jesus as a perfect man, who far surpassed the highest ideals of the Greeks. 

John

Written by John, the youngest of the Apostles, after the first three Gospels were written, in order to complete the Message.  While Matthew, Mark and Luke present general views of the life and teachings of Jesus, John deals with the deeper questions of living the Christian Life, in a simple, direct style.

The Book of Acts

Written by Luke, the Book of Acts covers the Acts of the Apostles and the early history of the Church.   Includes the beginning and rapid grown during the first years of the Church. In this book we are shown how people were added to the Church and the healing power of the Apostles.   Explanations include, how the first congregations were started and that all Nations were offered God's grace through Jesus Christ.                                     

Acts 1:8              

The Last Words of Jesus, while Ascending to Heaven                            

Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of the Holy Spirit                        

Acts 2:14-38, 42-47
Peter's Pentecostal Sermon                                                                           

Acts 3:6-10
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

Acts 5:1-10                                        
Ananias and Sapphira                                                                                     

Acts 6:1-7
The Appointment of the Seven                                                                      

Acts 8:26-39
Phillip and the Ethiopian                                                                                 

Acts 9:1-19
Conversion of Saul                                                                                         

Acts 9:36-41
Tabitha Raised from the Dead                                                                        

Acts 10:44-48
Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit                                                                     

Acts 12:1-3
Herod, Peter Imprisoned, kills James, brother of John                                   

Acts 12:4-11
Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison                                       
(With assistance of a Angel)                                                                           

Acts 12:23
King Herod smote (killed) by an Angel                                                           

Acts 13:46-48
Jews Oppose, Gentiles accept the Word                                                                 

Acts 16:1-5 
Selection of Timothy                                                                                    

Acts 16:6-10
Macedonian Call                                                                                           

Acts 16:31-33
Conversion of the Philippian Jailer                                                                         

Acts 19:1-5 
Paul rebaptized some Baptized by John                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Epistles

The Epistles, which make up the majority of the New Testament, written primarily by Paul.  They are actually letters that were written to individual Christians, local congregations, or to several local congregations in an area. These letters were written to answer questions, give a more detailed guide as to how Christians should live, what the Church should and should not be, as well as, warnings regarding sin and false teachers.

Romans

Written by Paul, while he was in Corinth, in approximately 58 AD, to the Christians in Rome.  Book covers two major topics, justification by faith and addresses a controversy between the Jews and the Gentiles.  Some of the Jews felt they should be have a higher status than the Gentiles, since they had been the chosen nation under the Old Covenant.  Paul points out that God is just and since all have sinned, that there are no preferences in the Eyes of God.

 First Corinthians

Written to Corinthians from Ephesus, by Paul, shortly after the establishment of the Church at Corinth.  Corinth was a major city at a time when moral restraints were lacking.  Naturally, it was difficult to organize a Church and keep it pure during this period.  The purpose of the letter was to direct the Church away from error and disorder and to answer specific questions.

 Second Corinthians

Written a few months after the first letter to the Corinthians.  Paul had learned from Titus that his first letter had resulted in causing a large number of the members to repent.  Paul also was advised of certain false teachers, who were denouncing his authority.  He wrote expressing pleasure regarding the reported repentance, to warn against false teachings and to defend his spiritual position.

Galatians

The Church at Galatia was established during Paul's first missionary journey.  Some years later, he received word that many members were being led away into Jewish traditions.  His letter warns against false teachings and focuses on justification by faith.

Ephesians

Paul's restatement of the basic message: Christ is the Center and that the Church is united in Him.

Philippians

The first Church established in what is now Europe.  Paul's discourse on personal conduct and the joys of Christian life

Colossians

Written to the Church at Colossae, a city of Phrygia, a province of Asia Minor.  False doctrines were being taught.  Paul writes that Christ is everything and real joy can only be obtained by living a Christian life.

First Thessalonians

One of Paul's first epistles, written to the Church at Thessalonica, which had been organized during his second missionary journey

Primarily covers the Second Coming of Christ.

 Second Thessalonians

Written a few months after the first to correct some misunderstanding regarding the tribulation prior to the Second Coming of Christ.

 First Timothy & Second Timothy

Written to Timothy, an individual of Greek and Jewish heritage, who had been a missionary companion of Paul.  During this period Timothy served as minister of the Church at Ephesus.  Paul wrote to instruct him in spiritual matters and proper behavior.

 Titus

Also written by Paul to an individual.  At this time Titus, who was a Gentile, was serving as the minister at the Church at Crete.  The Church at Crete was in a state of general disorder and Paul wrote to words of encouragement and guidance to Titus.

 Philemon

Philemon was a wealthy member of the Church at Colossae.  Onesimus, one of his slaves, had stolen from Philemon, his master and fled to Rome.  Onesimus had been converted by Paul   He wrote to Philemon requesting that he forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ

 Hebrews

Written to a group of Jewish Christians, who were being persecuted, were in a state of despair and were tempted to return to the practice of Judaism.  The Writer points out that Christ is greater than Moses, Joshua, and all the Prophets.  That is times past, God had spoken through all of these men, but that now He speaks only through His Son, Jesus Christ.  The belivers were encouraged to maintain the Faith.

 James

This Book and Peter, John and Jude are considered general epistles, because they were not addressed to particular Church or individual, but to Churches in a general area or to all Churches.  James focuses on morals, ethics and that works and faith are equally important. 

 First Peter

A general epistle to Christians in Asia Minor  Encourages them to hold fast to their faith, even under persecution.

 Second Peter

Another general epistle in which Peter warns of false teachers and a description of the Second Coming of Christ

 First John, Second John & Third John

The first two are general epistles.  The first is a discourse on doctrine, written to correct errors and to glory in the qualities of the Christian life.  The Second was written for Christian women emphasizes the truth of the Gospel and contains warnings of false teachers.  The third were addressed to Gaius, which commends him for treatment of other Christians.

Jude

A short, but very powerful general epistle   Pleads that Christians earnestly contend for the faith.  Points out the reward for the sinful.  Confirms that Christ is the only way a Believer can only avoid the temptations of life.

The Revelation to John

(The Apocalypse)

The Revelation of Jesus Church, which God gave unto John.  This Book depicts symbolically the ultimate destruction of evil and the triumph of Christ.  A more extensive explanation of things to come that Jesus covered briefly in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.

Why it is important to Read and Study the entire Bible

It is important, because it is the inspired Word of God and contains his message for each of us. 

Before we discuss the details, take a look at your personal copy of the Bible.  Does it fit you?  Is it easily read?  Read a few new passages.  Do you generally understand what you have read?  Is the typeface easy to read?  Is your Bible easily carried?  If you answered no to any of these questions it may be time to shop for one that is more user friendly.  Bible dictionaries and concordances can also be very helpful in your studies.

Think of the Bible as not just a large book, but also a library of smaller great books, which have been bounded together for convenience.  

As you may have noted from reading this guide and its references, it contains stories of great loves, victories, defeats and renewals, examples of God’s all mighty power, love, wrath, mercy, and greatness, as well as, history, prophecy, song, poetry, proverbs, instructions for healthy living, solutions to problems, a view of the end of worldly time and much more.  

Suggestion for Reading the Entire Bible

There are many plans and guides to reading through the entire Bible.  One that is easy to remember is to bookmark the bible in three places, Genesis, Psalms and Matthew.  If you read one chapter from each you will have read through in less that one year or read one chapter a day and you have completely read the Bible in approximately three years.

Sources of further immediate Assistance

Telephone the Minister of your local Church of Christ and tell him you have visited this website and as a result, that you realize that you need to make some changes.  That you have decided to take personal control of your Spiritual Life and wish to meet with him as soon as possible.  

The telephone number(s) are listed in the white pages under Church of Christ.

The Minister and the Elders of that Church of Christ stand ready to assist you in learning the TRUTH, in any way possible.  You are invited to make a complete investigation of the doctrine of Christ or any part thereof and they would be delighted to personally discuss any point or answer any question.

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JOHN 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth
This web site is sponsored by
Diplomats for Christ
James W. Goddard, Ph.D.
A Diplomat at large for Christ and an active Member of the Eufaula Church of Christ
220 West Grand, Eufaula, Oklahoma 74432
e-mail jwgoddard@seekingthelost.org
Author’s Home Congregation, please visit Eufaula Church of Christ http://www.histruechurch.org/eufaulaokcfc.html
Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

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This web site was written and designed by James W. Goddard, Ph.D., an active member of the

Eufaula Church of Christ