What is the Bible?

There's a good chance you've heard the word "Bible" before.  Maybe you think it's just a book that your Grandma reads sometimes.  Maybe you've heard someone reading it, but wasn't really sure what he was talking about.  Well, the Bible is an important book, and the most important thing is that it is the Word of God.  It is the Creator of the universe talking to us, His creation.  Here are some other facts about the Bible:

• It has 66 books, divided into two testaments
• It was written over a span of about 1500 years
• Over 40 authors wrote the Bible
• All kinds of different people wrote the Bible: from peasants to kings, fishermen to scholars.
• It was written in both war and peace, and during both happy and desperate times
• It was written in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic) and on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe)
• The last book (Revelation) was written over 1900 years ago

The Bible seems to be at first glance an old book that doesn't actually have any relevance today.  And yet, millions of people today from almost every culture, every economic standing, and every age read it, and it relates to them.  It holds meaning no matter who is reading it. 

Why are the books organized the way they are?

The books of the Bible are organized in a way that doesn't seem to make sense at first.  However, because so many people wrote the Bible, there are different styles, and these styles are how the Bible is organized.  Here is how the scriptures are organized:

• Old testament:

• • Moses' Law (also called the Torah): Genesis to Deuteronomy
  • Early History of Israel: Joshua to Esther
  • Wisdom literature and Poetry: Job to Song of Songs
  • Major Prophets: Isaiah to Daniel
  • Minor Prophets: Hosea to Malachi
• New Testament
  • The four gospels (about the life of Jesus): Matthew through John
  • The Acts of the Apostles: Acts
  • Specific Letters or Epistles: Romans to Philemon
  • General letters: Hebrews to Jude
  • Prophecy: Revelation

We've got a bunch of different things on this website to help you understand what the Bible is.  If you're struggling with some major sin, or a major issue in your life, click here to see what answers the Bible has to your struggle.  If you just want to read some passages of the Bible, take a look at our verse of the day page.  If you want to dig a bit deeper, check out the E100 challenge.