What is the Bible?

From the BibleN3rd Podcast

What Is the Bible? An Overview from a Bible Nerd

Hello, everyone! Ryan here and I am a Bible N3rd! I am excited to kick off this blog post by addressing a fundamental question: “What is the Bible?”

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who remarked on the Bible’s daunting size and its use of archaic language, depending on the translation. It became clear that many people view the Bible as a single, insurmountable book rather than a compilation of diverse writings. In actuality, the Bible consists of a collection of 66 books in most Protestant versions—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. If you’re looking at a Catholic Bible, it includes additional texts known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanon, which bridge the Old and New Testaments. For example, books like Maccabees encompass significant events in Israeli history, including the Maccabean revolt against foreign empires like the Babylonians.

The Structure of the Bible

To break it down further, let’s explore the two primary sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

1. The Old Testament: Often referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures, it can be divided into several key parts:

   • The Torah: The first five books, also known as the Law or the Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). These contain creation narratives, patriarchal stories, the Exodus from Egypt, and laws for the Israelite community. Surprisingly, as I’ve delved deeper into Leviticus, I’ve found it to be rich in cultural nuances that highlight its role in differentiating the Israelites from surrounding nations. I also really like Deuteronomy as a recap and even a eulogy of Moses. Outside of the Psalms, Deuteronomy is the most quoted book in both the Old and New Testaments within the books themselves. I like calling it the most hyperlinked!

   • The Prophets: This section includes the historical narratives and messages from various prophets, often detailing Israel’s struggles and failures in maintaining their covenant with God. Major figures include Isaiah and Jeremiah, whose writings address profound themes and prophecies connected to Israel's fate.

   • The Writings: This is a diverse collection including poetry (Psalms, Proverbs), histories (Ruth, Esther), and philosophical writings (Ecclesiastes, Job). Each brings a unique perspective on life, suffering, and the human experience.

2. The New Testament: This part brings the narrative forward into the era of Christ and the early church, primarily focusing on four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel author presents a distinct perspective and emphasis, aimed at different audiences. Following the Gospels, the Book of Acts narrates the early church’s mission and the pivotal transformation of Saul of Tarsus into Paul the Apostle, a powerful figure in Christianity who authored numerous Epistles addressing early believers and the challenges they faced.

The Bible Beyond Its Books

The Bible is not merely a collection of unrelated texts; it is an interwoven story of faith, redemption, and humanity’s quest for understanding a divine purpose. The Old Testament sets the stage with the story of creation, Israel's journey, and God’s covenants, while the New Testament fulfills these promises through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, extending grace to all.

Throughout my journey studying the Bible, I’m continually amazed at how different books reference and build upon one another, creating a tapestry of faith that can be both challenging and uplifting.

Looking Ahead

I hope this overview of the Bible provides a clearer understanding of the structure and significance of this monumental text. In future posts, I look forward to discussing what the Bible is not, addressing common misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration. May you find inspiration and insight in your own journey with Scripture. If you enjoyed this blog, please like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and discussions. God bless, and have a wonderful day!