Books of the Bible
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Written under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit by laymen and scholars, commoners and nobility, the Bible is as unique as it is profound, containing 66 ancient books that have shaped laws, influenced culture and inspired billions to faith over three millennia.
Divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible is an essential historical and moral study for all, that is as relevant today as it ever was.
Old Testament
A collection of 39 divinely inspired books written between 1450 B.C. and 430 B.C., the Old Testament is a historical record of God’s people, laws, sayings and promises that function as a model for moral living and conduct.
New Testament
The New Testament is a collection of 27 sacred books that centre on the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus Christ.
| Old Testament Books | New Testament Books |
|---|---|
| 01 Genesis 02 Exodus 03 Leviticus 04 Numbers 05 Deuteronomy 06 Joshua 07 Judges 08 Ruth 09 1 Samuel 10 2 Samuel 11 1 Kings 12 2 Kings 13 1 Chronicles 14 2 Chronicles 15 Ezra 16 Nehemiah 17 Esther 18 Job 19 Psalms 20 Proverbs 21 Ecclesiastes 22 Song of Solomon 23 Isaiah 24 Jeremiah 25 Lamentations 26 Ezekiel 27 Daniel 28 Hosea 29 Joel 30 Amos 31 Obadiah 32 Jonah 33 Micah 34 Nahum 35 Habakkuk 36 Zephaniah 37 Haggai 38 Zechariah 39 Malachi |
40 Matthew 41 Mark 42 Luke 43 John 44 Acts 45 Romans 46 1 Corinthians 47 2 Corinthians 48 Galatians 49 Ephesians 50 Philippians 51 Colossians 52 1 Thessalonians 53 2 Thessalonians 54 1 Timothy 55 2 Timothy 56 Titus 57 Philemon 58 Hebrews 59 James 60 1 Peter 61 2 Peter 62 1 John 63 2 John 64 3 John 65 Jude 66 Revelation |
#. Book
Author
Year written
Genre
| Old Testament Books | New Testament Books |
|---|---|
| 1. Genesis Moses 1450-1410 B.C. NarrativeMeaning “the beginning or origin of something”, Genesis is the first book of the Bible, recording Creation, the fall of man and the early years of the nation of Israel. 2. Exodus God appoints Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan, establishing a special relationship with them on the way to Mount Sinai. 3. Leviticus God gives Israel rules to live by and instructions to present themselves holy before Him. 4. Numbers A sequel to Exodus, Numbers takes its name from two censuses (or “numberings”) of the people of Israel, following their journey through the wilderness for forty years. 5. Deuteronomy A farewell speech from Moses to the people of Israel shortly before his death, Deuteronomy recaps the promises of God and provides instructions to obey Him in the Promised Land. 6. Joshua A book of conquest, Joshua details the Israelites’ invasion and eventual occupation of the Promised Land through faith and action. 7. Judges Israel enters a cycle of sin, suffering defeat and oppression, only to cry out to God for deliverance, who sends leaders (called “judges”) to help them. 8. Ruth Occurring during some of the darkest days in Israel’s history, Ruth follows the journey of two widows who lose everything, but find hope through God. 9. 1 Samuel Israel rejects God’s chosen leader, Samuel (a judge), and demands a king despite God’s warnings. 10. 2 Samuel The life and career of King David, who subdues Israel’s enemies and doubles the size of the kingdom, but is not without failings. 11. 1 Kings Israel enjoys a period of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but later splits in two after Rehoboam (his son) takes the throne. 12. 2 Kings The kings of Israel and Judah ignore God and His prophets, eventually falling captive to invading nations and are exiled to foreign lands. 13. 1 Chronicles Written to encourage the people returning from Babylonian exile, 1 Chronicles recaps the history and genealogy of Israel, emphasising the spiritual significance of David and future Messianic King. 14. 2 Chronicles A continuation of the previous book, 2 Chronicles focuses on the kings of Israel, from King Solomon and the building of the temple, to subsequent division, exile and return from captivity. 15. Ezra Fulfilling the promises of God, the Israelites return from exile after seventy years and rebuild the temple. 16. Nehemiah Despite local opposition, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem from exile, rallying the people to rebuild the city walls and gates in just fifty-two days. 17. Esther Occurring during the exile of Israel, Esther is a Jewish queen to a Persian king, who intercedes on behalf of her people to save them from a genocidal plot. 18. Job A righteous man named Job loses everything and suffers greatly, but remains faithful to God and is blessed abundantly. 19. Psalms A collection of 150 songs of worship and praise to God that includes prophecies of the coming Messiah. 20. Proverbs The book of Proverbs contains God’s divine wisdom, covering a variety of topics for every area of life. 21. Ecclesiastes Solomon’s analysis of life, which is meaningless and empty without God. 22. Song of Songs A passionate yet gentle song of love between a husband and wife, symbolising God’s relationship with us. 23. Isaiah The first book of the Major Prophets, Isaiah contains warnings of God’s coming judgement and detailed prophecies about the Messiah. 24. Jeremiah Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah passionately pleads with the people to repent before the coming Babylonian captivity, but is ignored. 25. Lamentations Lamentations is a book of sadness that reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and captivity of Israel. 26. Ezekiel Ezekiel is called by God to preach a message of judgement and deliverance for the captives living in Babylon. 27. Daniel Like Ezekiel, Daniel has been taken to Babylon in captivity and receives prophetic visions while serving in the courts of the king. 28. Hosea The first book of the Minor Prophets, Hosea is a tragic love story that demonstrates God’s unending love for His people despite their unfaithfulness. 29. Joel Joel warns the people to repent and turn back to God before judgement falls upon them. 30. Amos A shepherd named Amos prophesies to the northern kingdom which has become self-sufficient and indifferent towards God during a time of great prosperity. 31. Obadiah Only one chapter, Obadiah demonstrates God’s ongoing protection of His people and coming judgement on the nation of Edom, which was indifferent during the Babylonian plunder of Jerusalem. 32. Jonah A reluctant prophet, Jonah is sent by God to Nineveh, but refuses and learns the futility of it in the belly of a giant fish. 33. Micah Micah warns of the coming judgement that will eventually exile the nation, and includes some of the clearest predictions of the Messiah. 34. Nahum Nahum is the second prophet sent to Nineveh (Jonah being the first) to preach God’s judgement on the Assyrian city and empire. 35. Habakkuk God answers Habakkuk’s complaints of wickedness and injustice in the land. 36. Zephaniah Written shortly before the fall of Judah (Southern Kingdom of Israel) to Babylonian conquest, Zephaniah warns the people and the surrounding nations that the day of the Lord is near. 37. Haggai Written after the Babylonian exile, work to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had halted due to opposition and spiritual apathy, so Haggai motivates the people to finish. 38. Zechariah Zechariah ministered with Haggai after the 70-year exile, encouraging the remnant to return to God. 39. Malachi The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi is a beautiful expression of God’s love for a nation that continues to disobey Him. |
40. Matthew Matthew (Levi) A.D. 60-65 GospelThe first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew was primarily written for the Jews and references many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus. 41. Mark Mark is the shortest Gospel, which emphasises Jesus’ servanthood and miracles. 42. Luke Unlike the other Gospel writers, Luke was a Gentile who wrote an account of Jesus’ life for those outside the Jewish faith. 43. John The last of the four Gospels, John is an eyewitness account of Jesus’ ministry that focuses on the deeper meaning of events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection. 44. Acts A historical narrative of the early church which was empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News. 45. Romans An epistle to the believers in Rome (hence the name) where Paul planned to visit. Romans sets a theological foundation for faith through Jesus. 46. 1 Corinthians The first of two letters from Paul to the believers in Corinth, 1 Corinthians was written in response to divisions and problems facing the local church. 47. 2 Corinthians The second and final letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, 2 Corinthians deals with persisting problems facing the believers there and warns against false teachers. 48. Galatians A letter from Paul to the church in Galatia, the book is a foundational study that addresses the problem of Jewish legalism and the fullness of salvation found in Jesus. 49. Ephesians Written to the church in Ephesus during Paul’s first imprisonment, Ephesians covers a variety of subjects including the gift of grace, love and how to walk as fruitful followers of Jesus. 50. Philippians An encouraging letter from Paul to the church in Philippi explaining the attitude and outlook believers must have to experience the joy of the Lord. 51. Colossians In this letter, Paul refutes certain false teachings that are impeding the church in Colossae, reaffirming the deity and superiority of Jesus Christ. 52. 1 Thessalonians The first of two letters to the believers in Thessalonica, Paul writes to encourage and strengthen the church, emphasising the principles of holy living through faith, hope and love. 53. 2 Thessalonians A follow-up letter of encouragement to the persecuted church of Thessalonica, Paul reaffirms Jesus’ second coming and matters preceding that event. 54. 1 Timothy A letter from Paul to a young pastor named Timothy, offering guidance and important principles for church leadership that still apply today. 55. 2 Timothy The second of two letters to Timothy, the book is probably Paul’s final chronological epistle, urging his protégé to remain strong and faithful to Jesus. 56 Titus A letter of guidance from Paul to Titus to address challenges facing his leadership of the churches on the island of Crete. 57. Philemon Consisting of only one chapter, the book is a short but profound letter from Paul to Philemon requesting forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus. 58. Hebrews A letter urging Jewish believers not to return to their former traditions, summarising key Biblical characters and events to emphasise the hope of salvation through Jesus. 59. James A hard-hitting letter from James, encouraging believers to have a genuine faith with an emphasis on results. 60. 1 Peter The focus of Peter’s first letter is persecution, sharing inspiring words of comfort for Christians living as an oppressed minority in the Roman Empire. 61. 2 Peter Peter’s second letter warns against false teachers and reaffirms important spiritual truths. 62. 1 John Written to oppose heretical doctrine, the first letter from John echoes the Gospel, encouraging Christians to love one another and keep Jesus’ commands. 63. 2 John A brief letter from John to “the chosen lady”, urging believers to love one another and to be on guard against false teachings. 64. 3 John The shortest book in the Bible, 3 John commends Gaius and Demetruis for their faithful service. 65. Jude A letter from Jude to address false teachings and urge Christians to defend the truth of the Good News. 66. Revelation Written during John’s imprisonment on the island of Patmos, Revelation is an apocalyptic book that contains prophetic visions of the Spiritual Realms and Jesus’ return to Earth. |
Number of Chapters in each Book of the Bible
- Genesis – 50 chapters
- Exodus – 40 chapters
- Leviticus – 27 chapters
- Numbers – 36 chapters
- Deuteronomy – 34 chapters
- Joshua – 24 chapters
- Judges – 21 chapters
- Ruth – 4 chapters
- 1 Samuel – 31 chapters
- 2 Samuel – 24 chapters
- 1 Kings – 22 chapters
- 2 Kings – 25 chapters
- 1 Chronicles – 29 chapters
- 2 Chronicles – 36 chapters
- Ezra – 10 chapters
- Nehemiah – 13 chapters
- Esther – 10 chapters
- Job – 42 chapters
- Psalms – 150 chapters
- Proverbs – 31 chapters
- Ecclesiastes – 12 chapters
- Song of Solomon – 8 chapters
- Isaiah – 66 chapters
- Jeremiah – 52 chapters
- Lamentations – 5 chapters
- Ezekiel – 48 chapters
- Daniel – 12 chapters
- Hosea – 14 chapters
- Joel – 3 chapters
- Amos – 9 chapters
- Obadiah – 1 chapter
- Jonah – 4 chapters
- Micah – 7 chapters
- Nahum – 3 chapters
- Habakkuk – 3 chapters
- Zephaniah – 3 chapters
- Haggai – 2 chapters
- Zechariah – 14 chapters
- Malachi – 4 chapters
- Matthew – 28 chapters
- Mark – 16 chapters
- Luke – 24 chapters
- John – 21 chapters
- Acts – 28 chapters
- Romans – 16 chapters
- 1 Corinthians – 16 chapters
- 2 Corinthians – 13 chapters
- Galatians – 6 chapters
- Ephesians – 6 chapters
- Philippians – 4 chapters
- Colossians – 4 chapters
- 1 Thessalonians – 5 chapters
- 2 Thessalonians – 3 chapters
- 1 Timothy – 6 chapters
- 2 Timothy – 4 chapters
- Titus – 3 chapters
- Philemon – 1 chapter
- Hebrews – 13 chapters
- James – 5 chapters
- 1 Peter – 5 chapters
- 2 Peter – 3 chapters
- 1 John – 5 chapters
- 2 John – 1 chapter
- 3 John – 1 chapter
- Jude – 1 chapter
- Revelation – 22 chapters