So you want to read the Bible ...

Below are some excerpts from a letter that my brother wrote to a friend of his who had expressed interest in reading the Bible. I thought it might be useful to post it for you all. I hope you find it helpful.

Sincerely,

Dave Gregg

Where to Start

My most emphatic suggestion is that you not read the Bible in order from beginning to end.  Many unsuspecting and ambitious individuals have employed this intuitive, but ultimately frustrating method.  I compare it to my college room mate who one day decided that he wanted to expand his vocabulary for the upcoming LSAT.  He then attempted to read Webster’s Dictionary from cover to cover.  Needless to say he never made it past the “C’s.”

The Bible is not written in chronological order and many of its passages will have greater significance once they are put into a broader context.  Although worthy of study, I’m sure at this point you are not interested in reading countless pages of Jewish genealogies, or instructions on how to build a temple and perform animal sacrifices.  I would therefore suggest that you first read certain books and highlighted passages that have a clearer and more direct impact on Christian history and theology.

What is the Bible?

The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written by different human authors in different parts of the world over thousands of years in different languages.  Of course the Bible itself states (and Christians believe) that it is ultimately the word of God written by men who were “carried along” by the Holy Spirit and that every word is theologically and historically infallible. 

All Old Testament writings pre-date the advent of Jesus Christ, and all New Testament writings post-date the advent of Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament

The main focus of the Old Testament is the expectation of the coming Messiah that will save God’s people.  The first few chapters deal with the creation of the world and man.  When man (Adam and Eve) disobey God, they bring upon themselves a curse of sin and death.  God promises that one day He will send a Messiah (savior) to abolish the curse.  Later on God chooses for himself a people to call His own: the descendants of Abraham, who ultimately become the nation of Israel (or the Old Testament Church).  Over the course of Israel’s history, God reveals more information about the coming Messiah that they might have faith and recognize Him when he appears.

The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew.  It is divided into four basic sections:

Pentateuch:  also known as “Law.” Genesis and Exodus primarily cover creation, early civilization, and Israel’s history up to their escape form Egypt.  Leviticus has many instructions on Jewish Ceremonial worship.  Deuteronomy is the revelation of God’s Moral Law (i.e. The Ten Commandments and all other laws of interpersonal relations and jurisprudence.) All five books were written by Moses.

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy

History:  Chronicles the further history of Israel from their initial nomadic life to their establishment as a powerful nation. A central figure is David, Israel’s most famous and influential king who in many ways foreshadows Jesus Christ.  After his death, Israel splits into two kingdoms and is ultimately invaded by the Babylonians and Persians, causing Israel to be scattered and sent into exile.  Ezra-Nehemiah record the events leading up to Israel’s release from exile and the rebuilding of their nation.

1. Joshua
2. Judges
3. Ruth
4. 1 Samuel
5. 2 Samuel
6. 1 Kings
7. 2 Kings
8. 1 Chronicles
9. 2 Chronicles
10. Ezra
11. Nehemiah
12. Esther

Poetry: A collection of songs, poetry and proverbs written by many different people over many years.  Job is a philosophical discussion between a group of friends regarding God’s will and human suffering.  The Psalms are a collection of songs written mostly by David.  Some of them were used in Jewish worship, others are musical prayers glorifying God, asking for forgiveness/help, and still others point toward the future coming of Christ.  The Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are wise sayings written mostly by Solomon, David’s son.  Song of Songs is love poetry exploring the erotic love between a man and wife.

1. Job
2. Psalms
3. Proverbs
4. Ecclesiastes
5. Song of Songs

Prophesy:  at various times in Israel’s history, God appointed people with the task of relaying a particular message.  These people are called prophets.  Isaiah-Daniel are usually called the “major prophets” (because of the quantity of their writing, not the quality). Hosea-Zephaniah are called the “minor prophets.”  Most of the prophets’ messages involved God calling Israel away from their sin and idolatry.  Isaiah is saturated with vivid imagery concerning the coming Messiah.  Jeremiah declares that the Israelites deserved their invasion and exile because of their sin and foresaw that they would one day be restored.  Whereas the message of Jonah (think “Jonah and the Whale”) was to the non-Jewish city of Nineveh that God was going to soon judge them for their sin.

1. Isaiah
2. Jeremiah
3. Lamentations
4. Ezekiel
5. Daniel
6. Hosea
7. Joel
8. Amos
9. Obadiah
10. Jonah
11. Micah
12. Nahum
13. Habakkuk
14. Zephaniah
15. Haggai
16. Zechariah
17. Malachi

The New Testament

The main focus of the New Testament is that the long expected Messiah has finally come.  It gives an account of Jesus’ life and ministry in the four Gospels.  The great tragedy of the New Testament is that those who had been expecting Him, failed to recognize Him and eventually put Him to death. 

This, however, was the predetermined plan of God that Christ might purchase salvation (abolish the curse) by undergoing the wrath of God in place of those that he came to save.  The New Testament was written by Apostles or close associates of the Apostles.  An Apostle was an associate of Christ who had seen and been taught by Him and was given authority to speak for Him.  As officers tasked with laying the foundation of the early church, they recounted the life of Christ and spoke authoritatively in matters of Christian life and theology.  The New Testament is written primarily in Greek.

Gospels:  The four Gospels give the account of Christ’s life and ministry from different perspectives.  Matthew, written by a Jew, contains a more Jewish perspective, with more references to Jewish history and literature.  Luke, written by a Gentile, is the most comprehensive gospel, written with very sophisticated and polished Greek.  John is the most unique among the Gospels, having a very different structure, relaying events not told in the other three Gospels, and emphasizing Christ’s Deity.

1. Matthew
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John

Acts:  also known as “the Acts of the Apostles,” written by Luke, is an account of the growth of the early Christian Church after the ascension of Jesus Christ.

1. Acts

Epistles: or letters written by Apostles or close associates of the Apostles.  Most of them are directed to particular churches to address particular issues.  1 Corinthians, for example, was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Corinth to address certain theological errors and sins that were plaguing the congregation.  Romans, written to the various churches in Rome, contains the most systematic, comprehensive and complex exposition of Christian theology.  1-2 Timothy are letters written to a church leader and friend of Paul giving instructions on how to govern a church.

1. Romans
2. 1 Corinthians
3. 2 Corinthians
4. Galatians
5. Ephesians
6. Philippians
7. Colossians
8. 1 Thessalonians
9. 2 Thessalonians
10. 1 Timothy
11. 2 Timothy
12. Titus
13. Philemon
14. Hebrews
15. James
16. 1 Peter
17. 2 Peter
18. 1 John
19. 2 John
20. 3 John
21. Jude
22. Revelation

A Few ADDITIONAL Notes

Translation

The abundance of manuscript witness for both the Old and New Testaments is unsurpassed by any other ancient literature.  The existing manuscripts are consulted by Bible scholars and experts in the Biblical languages.  Yet translation, especially from ancient languages is no easy task.  Knowledge of literary devices, cultural idioms and traditions must all be taken into account in the translation process.  Greek, for example, is structured according to syntax very unlike English (the order of words is much less significant in subject/verb identification than in English, relying instead on specific word endings and conjugations).  Therefore, many different translations of the Bible are available, each employing its own criteria for the translation process.  Some versions emphasize a more literal word-for-word translation.  This is helpful for the Bible Scholar, but often makes the text flow in a less intuitive way for the English speaker.  Other translations emphasize a more fluid, accessible narrative.   

Miscellaneous Notes on Bible Helps

Many Bibles have an excellent introduction to each book, providing an overview of the author, his audience and the main themes, as well as an outline of the book. 

In the margins you will also often see that most verses will have cross references to related verses.  For example, an incident recounted in John’s gospel might also be told in Luke or be referencing an Old Testament passage.  In such case, the corresponding verse will be listed in the margin.  I highly recommend that you explore these cross references.   In so doing you will gain a deeper understanding of the passage in light of its broader relation to scripture.  You will also witness the amazing unity and interdependence of the various books of the Bible.

So Where do I Start First?

My strong suggestion is that you start with the Gospel of John.  The advent and ministry of Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of Scripture.  All other scriptural events are understood in light of this one.  Having a background on the ministry of Christ will provide a good foundation for understanding the rest of Scripture.  John’s language is simple and accessible, describing complex ideas in a beautiful and concise way.  The Gospel of John in some way addresses every major theological issue.