Maria and Tom Donnelly- Chaplains to the Forgotten

This book, the Bible, is both the best selling and most translated book of all time.

 It was written over a period of 1500 years!

The word “Bible” is translated from the Greek meaning “little books. “

 The Bible is divided into TWO PARTS: The OLD Testament and the NEW Testament

 The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, while the Catholic Bible contains 73 books. The Catholic Bible has more Old Testament books.

There are 39 Old Testament Books (the Catholic Bible has 43.)

There are 27 New Testament Books (The New Testament is exactly the same in both the Protestant and Catholic Bibles.)

The OLD Testament has a wide variety of books:

Five main historical books called “the Pentateuch” or the “Books of Moses.” These are about the Creation of the universe and humanity, the origins of civilizations, the law of God, and the history of the people of Israel beginning with Abraham. The first book, Genesis, is a crucial and foundational book and makes for fascinating reading.

History books about the kings and people of Israel and the surrounding nations. Lots of strife and war yet God’s hand reaching out to them.

Poetry – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Beautiful books about life, faith, joy and suffering, wisdom, philosophy, and romance.

Prophetical books– Written by those believed to speak for God to give messages to people who were not listening. There are large prophetical books (major prophets) and smaller prophetical books (minor prophets.) These books require patience and diligence to read yet you will find golden nuggets.

The NEW Testament is entirely about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The four GOSPELS tell about Jesus’ teachings, life and death from the perspective of four different authors: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

The book of ACTS tells about the history of the HOLY SPIRIT of God and the first Christ followers (Christians.)

Most of the remaining books of the Bible are actually letters (also called epistles) that teach Christian beliefs, history, and theology. The books (epistles) are written by the Apostles Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude, and one author is debated (of the book of Hebrews.)

The overarching theme of ALL the Bible is God’s LOVE for People- from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is all about humanity, and God’s efforts to reach them, which God does by becoming human and giving His life -Jesus- so that we would know Him and live a life of faith with Him. Jesus is the Son of God- God in the flesh- and He loves you and gave His life for all people. Do you accept Jesus? If you do, and make Him king of your heart and life, then you can truly know God.