Book Summaries

1. Genesis: The book of beginnings. Events recorded occur during the time in which God spoke with the heads of households. This period is known as the Patriarchal dispensation or age. The book provides a historical chronology of the world from creation to the death of Joseph.

2. Exodus: Begins with the life of the Hebrews in Egypt after the death of Joseph and the call of Moses, the deliverer. The book presents the Law and a narrative of events including instructions for  the construction of  the Tabernacle and items associated with worship. Exodus ends with the Tabernacle’s setup.

3. Leviticus: A handbook for the priests. Deeper discussion of sacrificial and ceremonial elements of the Law. The content deals with almost every aspect of the Hebrews’ daily life including worship, citizenship, real estate, health, commerce and trade. Serves as an instructional manual for the priests and Levites serving in the Tabernacle. 

4. Numbers: A  chronology of the Hebrews as they traveled in the wilderness after Mount Sinai. The book details the positive rewards for faithfulness to God and the negative consequences of sin.

5. Deuteronomy: Sometimes referred to as the farewell address of Moses. Reviews the events leading up to the Hebrews entrance into Canaan and a restatement of the Law. Latter part of the book is prophetic as Moses  admonishes  the people to be faithful  and remember what the Lord had done for them

6. Joshua: Continues the story of the Hebrews following the death of Moses. Joshua is characterized as a faithful servant of God. The book tells of the conquest of the land of Canaan and the subsequent division of the inheritance amongst the tribes. Joshua reminds the people to remember God's blessings and  challenges them  to decide whether they will observe the Law and respect God or sin.

7. Judges:  gives a reckoning of the trials and triumphs of the Hebrews as they settle into the heritage given to them by God. We see the high and lows of the  Israelites spiritual relationship to Jehovah. When they remained faithful to God they prospered. During periods of digression they were  afflicted by a number of enemies and problems. When the people cried to God for assistance, He answered by calling forth a leader to deliver them. These individuals were known as Judges, the last of which was Samuel.

8. Ruth: The events recorded in the book occur during the period of the Judges. Naomi, a Hebrew widow whose family had gone to Moab during a time of famine, returns with her Daughter-in-law who refuses to leave her. Naomi guides  Ruth and taking advantage of provisions regarding  inheritance and kinship found in the Law of Moses, is married to a kind and wealthy relative. Ruth is the great grandmother of king David.

9. I Samuel -  II Kings  marks the transition from the Judges to the selection of the first king as recorded in I Samuel chapter eight. The last two Judges of Israel, Eli and Samuel, are covered in  I Samuel. The kingdom of Israel remains united during the reign of Saul, David and Solomon. During the reign of Rehoboam, the kingdom is divided. Ten tribes form the Northern kingdom of Israel while two tribes become known as Judah.

10. I & II Chronicles: Written after the return from Babylonian exile, the twin volumes begin with a genealogy of those who returned. The narrative begins with the death of  Saul and the assumption of the throne by David. From this point on the books restate much of the history of the kings of  Israel up to the Babylonian captivity and deliverance by the Medes and Persians.

11. Ezra & Nehemiah: Record  events surrounding the return of the remnant to Judah. Included  are  accounts of the rebuilding of the Temple and  reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem torn down by Nebuchadnezzar. God delivers  warnings and  admonitions through Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeshua the priest, the governor Zerubbabel and the prophets Haggai and Zecheriah.

12. Esther:  The final book of history  chronicles the attempt of the corrupt Haman to exterminate God's people. Esther, one of the prominent women of the Bible, averts the disaster and wins favor for her people.

13. Job: Explores the problem of suffering by those who are faithful to God. An important point emphasized by the book is that the enemy of God and His people is Satan, who has stood in opposition to God from the beginning. The eventual deliverance of the righteous through perseverance in the face of hardship is dramatically portrayed.  Job reveals that bad things happen even when one is trying to please God and remain faithful. Mankind's true enemy, Satan, is presented as a liar and murderer who shows no restraint in challenging God and working ill toward the righteous.

14. Psalms: A collection of songs by a variety of writers including David and Moses. The Psalms can be categorized as didactic, historical, liturgical, and prophetic. Didactic Psalms are teaching instruments that speak of God's actions, judgments, power and glory in his provisions for His people. Liturgical Psalms are songs of praise to God. Historical psalms render a poetic account of a number of events with God as the central force. Prophetic psalms deal with a number of subjects which overlap the other categories. Many of these deal with Messianic references. Whether didactic, historical, liturgical or prophetic, all of the Psalms give reverence to God  as the true creator and ruler of all things.

15. Proverbs & Ecclesiastes: Solomon  expresses spiritual truths  through a collection of truisms and anecdotal statements.  These are intended to assist the people of God in their daily lives by teaching that the "....whole of man is to fear God and keep His commandments...." (Ecclesiastes 12.13).

16. Song Of Solomon: Historically interpreted as an allegorical  reference to Christ. Analysis of the book demonstrates an exploration of the difference between  simple physical attraction and the loving embrace of marriage. The text highlights the depth of trust  found in true love and emphasizes the beauty of  erotic and sensual love experienced by a husband and wife. Chastity and integrity as expressions of reverence for God prior to marriage are underlying themes of the book. True love and devotion between a man and a woman are contrasted with sinful attitudes toward sexuality.

17. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel &  Daniel: Referred to as the major prophets due to the length of their writings. Isaiah rebukes the nations of Israel and Judah for their sins against God and foretells the destruction of the nation at the hands of the Assyrians (Israel) and Babylonians (Judah). Isaiah prophesies about the coming and death of Christ in great detail. Jeremiah prophesies before, during and after the destruction of the Southern kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah writes the book of Lamentations as a statement of mourning for the nation. Ezekiel and Daniel are both captives in the land of Babylon where they remain faithful to God. Ezekiel continues to send warnings to those left in Jerusalem until the final destruction. Daniel records prophecies while serving in the royal court in Babylon. Daniel sees the destruction of the Babylonian kingdom and then gains favor in the court of the Persian successors and realizes that the seventy years of exile are complete.

18. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,  Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zecheriah &  Malachi: Referred to as the minor prophets because they are  are shorter in length.  The majority of the prophets' writings are directed to God’s people and include statements of a returning remnant that will continue God’s work to save mankind through the Messiah. Exceptions to this are: Jonah  sent to warn the city of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital,  to repent or suffer destruction from God. Nahum later writes of God's judgment against the Assyrians. Obadiah is addressed to the Edomites, descendants of  Esau.

19. Malachi: Written after the reconstruction of Jerusalem is well under way, the prophet warns the people about their digression into sinful attitudes. Malachi is the last of the Old Testament prophets both chronologically and physically in order of the books. His final prediction was later fulfilled in the appearance of John the baptizer who prepared the way for Christ. God is silent for four hundred years between the prophet’s writing and the appearance of John.

1. Matthew, Mark Luke & John: Referred to as the Gospels, they provide an account  of the life and ministry of Christ. The address of these books is directed toward a general readership with the exception of  Luke. Luke addresses his gospel account to Theophilus, a compound transliteration (a substitution of English letters for Greek characters) of two Greek words which mean "lover of God".

2. Acts: Gives an account of the establishment of the Lord's church. It begins with Christ’s ascension in chapter one and  ends with  Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. The book is addressed to Theophilus and therefore  attributed to Luke as the author. The narrative provides an introduction to the basics of the faith touching on all aspects of Christian  life from conversion  onward. Acts provides a historical background for the epistles.

3. Romans: Paul addresses Christians in Rome concerning true faith, the digression of the ancient world and service to God. Contrasting the Law of Moses with the Gospel Paul appeals to his own countrymen and everyone to believe and serve God faithfully by doing the Lord’s will as Abraham had.

4. 1 & 2 Corinthians: Paul writes this letter to the church at Corinth, an affluent group, that has developed almost every problem a congregation can have. Items addressed include adultery, proper observation of the Lord’s supper, questions about the resurrection and spiritual gifts.

5. Galatians: Christians in the region of Galatia had been influenced by false teachers who were binding elements of the Mosaic Law on them. Paul informs  them that the Law of Moses has been put away and reminds them of their salvation through Christ. A contrast between the Law, which prepared the way for Christ, and the Gospel, the fulfillment of the Law, is presented.

6. Ephesians: Paul spent a lot of time in the city of  Ephesus teaching and preaching the Gospel. Site of the riot over the images of the goddess Diana, Paul addresses them and reminds them of how God saved them and what they need to do to remain faithful in the pagan world.

7. Philippians: A letter of encouragement from Paul to Christians at Philippi acknowledging their faithfulness, the apostle warns the Philippians to avoid false teachers and to strive for unity. Paul addresses their concern for his welfare as well as that of his companions.

8. Colossians: Paul writes to Christians at Colossi regarding a heresy, thought to be gnostic in nature. The sacrifice of Christ, the role of the mind and body in salvation as well as proper behavior as Christians are discussed. Christ is glorified as the head of the church.  The need for spiritual understanding is emphasized in light of their attitudes and interactions.  

9. 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Christians in Thessalonica had apparently been told some things concerning the second coming of Christ that were not true. Paul writes to correct these errors and encourages them to be faithful and remain active. Paul indicates that there would be a falling away before the end comes and characterizes the nature of the apostasy.

10. 1 & 2 Timothy: Paul writes to Timothy, a young preacher converted by Paul during his travels, and instructs him on how a preacher of the Gospel needs to conduct himself. Very practical statements on teaching and the need to adhere to God’s word.

11. Titus: Paul writes to another young preacher and instructs him in doctrine and conduct. Paul addresses the need to confront error and neglect in teaching.

12. Philemon: A letter written to a householder whose runaway slave has come to Paul. Onesimus, Philemons servant, is now a Christian and brother in Christ and Paul asks Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus into his service once more.

13. Hebrews: The author is not identified in the book but the writing style appears to be consistent with the writing of the apostle Paul. Possibly the best book to read in order to understand the relationship of the Law and Gospel of Christ. Detailed comparisons show how the Law was a shadow of the better covenant to come and how Christ is now our high priest at the right hand of the Father.

14. James: James addresses our inner attitudes in a discussion of faith and service to God. James touches on the need to treat others equally and resist pride. The book demonstrates that faith and true trust in God is necessary to be pleasing to the Lord. Worldly wisdom is contrasted with spiritual in a very practical sense.

15. 1 & 2 Peter: Both books combined encourage growth in the word, development of the character that a Christian needs to have and the need to teach. Peter emphasizes the basic fundamentals of doctrine and ends his writings with a warning about the end of the world.

16. 1, 2 & 3 John: The apostle addresses purely spiritual concerns in his writing and may be dealing with similar issues that Paul wrote about in Colossians. Life in the world while physical demands that we love God more than the material realm and care for each other in the process. John address attitudes toward sin and error in the second and third writings that are addressed to a specific group of Christians. Some who are in need of correction are identified by name.

17. Jude: Jude calls upon Christians to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered” in the face of false teachers. Jude reveals some things that are not found anywhere else in the Bible which makes the very short letter one of the most interesting in the New Testament.

18. Revelation: John writes to the seven churches of Asia conveying a message from Christ that the apostle received in a vision. The book is written in highly figurative language similar to the writings of  Ezekiel and Daniel. A key to the book is that the things revealed were to shortly come to pass. The message of the book is that God is aware of the suffering of his people and will avenge them in his own time. John clearly demonstrates that one may pass through death for their faith but will reap the reward of an eternal home with God. The book closes with a warning to not add or take anything away from the writing, a principle found throughout the scriptures.